TravelBud

I had always wanted to try teaching abroad ever since college. After spending 10 years working in the states, my wife and I decided that we wanted to try something new. Travelbuds was with us every single step of the way. They helped me with documentation, logistics, school-matching, and most importantly, they assured me everything was going to be okay. I’m so very thankful.

I had a disappointing experience with the placement process. I completed significant preparation, maintained a strong academic record, and obtained medical clearance from my doctor regarding concerns in my medical history. Despite that, I ultimately felt that older documentation and medical-history concerns were weighed more heavily than my actual qualifications, communication skills, and ability to succeed abroad. Communication throughout the process was generally professional, but I left feeling discouraged after investing substantial time and effort into preparing for teaching abroad. From my perspective, the process felt more focused on avoiding potential complications than evaluating applicants holistically as individuals. I understand organizations have policies and screening standards, but I would encourage future applicants to also explore direct-hire opportunities with Japanese schools and companies rather than relying only on placement/recruitment programs.

My experience with TravelBud was far different from what the marketing suggested. Costs increased beyond what was advertised, communication became inconsistent, and the support I was promised wasn’t there when the placement became unstable. I was even routed through the special economic zone in Laos with little to no guidance, and the school they placed me with did not follow through on payments and I waited more than 8 months for a placement guarantee which made it impossible to stay in Thailand legally to wait any longer before my tourist visas expired. They would not issue a refund nor a partial refund for not getting me a guaranteed placement. What concerned me most was how quickly things fell apart after asking them basic questions. I encourage future teachers to check the Reddit reviews that cannot be astroturfed or mass flagged by their marketing team on Google to only show the good reviews and hide all the bad ones.

TravelBud, as the entity that marketed and sold this program package, is fully accountable for the operational failures and the discriminatory rejection carried out by its partner, XploreAsia. They sold a defective service and are hiding behind vague slogans like "Lifetime Placement Guarantee" and "Guaranteed Job Placement." 1. Complicity in Discriminatory Practices TravelBud is culpable for the unethical nature of the product it sold: Admitting to Discrimination: TravelBud's communication, through Support Manager Charlotte Del Grande, explicitly detailed the discriminatory nature of the rejection, citing my private, mild neurodivergence (Autism spectrum) as a factor for denying the "Future Placement Support." Unprofessional Blacklisting: TravelBud sanctioned the rejection based on vague, subjective complaints about "short-term memory" and discussing "personal matters." I demand that TravelBud provide the specific, written job requirement that states my personal conversations violate the terms of their guarantee. 2. Policy Failure and the "Flute Rule" TravelBud sold a program that operates under the flawed logic of the "Flute Rule," and is therefore accountable for the resulting injustice. The "Flute Rule" Explained: This refers to the arbitrary job requirement in international teaching that demands a Bachelor's Degree in any subject, regardless of its relevance. My degree is in Music Performance. It’s exactly like telling a brilliant metal band guitarist that they must first learn to play the flute just to get the job! The Policy Injustice: TravelBud is liable for selling a program based on a requirement that rejects skill (120-hour TEFL) and valid credentials (Associate's degree). The program relies on a prejudicial, secret feedback mechanism to reject applicants, demonstrating a complete disregard for professional fairness and making a mockery of their "Lifetime Guarantee." 3. Accountability and Strategic Action This is being addressed as a failure in Strategic Legal Action and Policy Reform, not a minor customer service issue. As a strategic thinker specializing in Consumer Law and Policy Reform (with a Law Background), I am challenging this injustice through formal channels. I have filed formal complaints with the OCPB, UTEP, and BBB, asserting that TravelBud is liable for selling a program based on deception and discriminatory practices. I am currently pursuing all available regulatory avenues to force accountability and expose the misleading nature of their guarantees.

This company is not worth your time or money because if you have any type of ADHD or Autism diagnoises they will rightfully deny you. They will also not refund your money back once you start paying for the program. Waste of time for people who are diagnosed with mental disorders

I am coming up on 6 months into my placement as an English teacher in Japan and could not be happier that I chose to work with TravelBud! TravelBud makes it extremely easy to begin the process of moving your life abroad, from facilitating a TESOL certification course, setting up interviews with prospective schools, and even connecting you with incredible people making up an in-country support team. Every staff member I have spoken with from this company has been incredibly kind, patient, and more than willing to answer any and all questions I had about teaching, living abroad, and the entire process of doing so. If you are thinking about teaching abroad, I cannot recommend TravelBud enough - they are a perfect resource to make the process of moving your entire life to another country as seamless as possible, whether it's your first or tenth time doing so!

Living and teaching in Costa Rica was a very unique and fulfilling experience. It gives you a chance to learn a lot about the culture in a different way than just traveling, because you are part of the work force and after a while just start to feel like a regular person. I was placed with a host family in San Ramon who took really good care of me, and was able to easily make friends with the other teachers and even some students so I had a little community. I think overall, the cost of the program is too high for what they actually can do, and they need to improve some organizational aspects. Here’s some stuff I wish someone had told me! Advice: - have at least 1.5 years on your passport. Travelbud recommended me 1, but with border runs it’s much better to have 1.5 if you plan to stay for a full year because you often need at least 6 months to enter some countries. - use Natives Way for border runs - it’s very affordable and organized! - ask lots of questions about your placement. What did previous participants say? Or are you the first one? What does it mean for your taxes? - be proactive about making friends and ask them for advice! I found I learned a lot more from my local friends and host family than I did from TravelBud, which honestly makes complete sense. - learn Spanish before you come, it’ll help you make friends and honestly without Spanish I would’ve felt pretty lost and unsafe. Some people can get by, but I always felt thankful to have it! - practice logical safety. I think some people create this image in their minds that Costa Rica is 100% pura vida 24/7, but you need to be mindful of your surroundings. - take a photo of your passport and the stamp you got. - use YouTube to help you understand how to teach (I like the channel PapaTeachMe) - try different foods, travel lots, learn as much as you can, and just take it all in! Pros -orientation the first month is fun and helpful - you are guaranteed to get a job - offers you an added level of safety, and some helpful connections to get started - lots of opportunities for traveling Cons - they don’t always vet the placements like they promise (one of my friends had quite a negative experience with his) and they focus on jobs that are easy to get, not necessarily helping you find the best one for you. For me personally, I had one amazing school, one school that I had various issues with including weird hesitance to send me my paystubs, strange comments from my boss about the personal appearance of employees, lack of basic materials like markers, and one online job where I had a different student every class and felt like a robot reading off slides. I found a different online job on my own, which I absolutely love and I’m still working with them. All to say - Ask questions!! Push to find the job that’s right for you, or at least to know what you’re signing up for. You don’t have to stick with the first/easiest option. You can also find jobs yourself just on google, Facebook, etc, I was able to get 3 interviews on my own and took the online offer. - don’t offer consistent advice about taxes, so you kind of have to figure it out on your own. - expensive cost that doesn’t align with qualify/level of support - some inaccurate information (usually better to ask on-site team) - jobs have low pay I think if you choose to sign up for this program, you will learn a lot no matter what. Be proactive in creating a positive experience for yourself, and enjoy this unique time in your life!

Approaching this new job at first felt very nerve racking and overwhelming, however I do not regret a single thing! The whole process before moving to Korea was a very smooth transition. I had a lot of help and support from Aubrey, who was very sweet and was always able to help straight away when I had a worry, question or concern! Teaching here now has allowed for me to change my lifestyle for the better. I’ve experienced so many new foods, sites and made loads of life long friends! I used to have a voice in the back of my head that told me to not do it, but I’m glad I decided to not listen to it because moving to Korea to teach is probably one of the best things I’ll have ever done in my entire life!

A few months ago, I decided to leave Canada to go teach abroad. I contacted Travelbud who helped me choose Thailand as my destination. They helped me with all the preparation stuff (documents, visa, info about the country, etc). They were always there if I had a question or needed an information to explain what were the next steps. Then, I started to work with their partner agency in-country partner (first, I didn't know I was about to work with another agency). Even if I was now preparing with in-country partner, people at Travelbud were still there to make sure everything was fine. So, after all the documents and visa preparation, packing and everything, I left home and came to Thailand. I did my TESOL course with the in-country partner in Hua Hin, and met a lot of nice people from all around the world. After a month, I left for my placement in Mahachai. I am now an English teacher living in Thailand. It's a completly crazy new experience, but I like it! I'm glad I chose that program to have the chance to live all the experiences I am living right now.

Moving to another country can be daunting regardless of how adventurous you may consider yourself. I have travelled before, however, moving to South Korea to teach felt particularly scary! I am so glad that I chose to use TravelBud to support my move, and I can honestly say I’m not sure I would’ve been able to get here without them! From the first email I sent to enquire about the opportunity the support has been endless. I first contacted Kim regarding my thoughts and feelings about teaching abroad as I hadn’t yet graduated university and it was a tumultuous time given Covid. Kim was a fantastic mentor and guide as she discussed her own experiences with me and helped me to make a decision on where I might want to go. After this she helped me to prepare my documents, and was so understanding of my (often) late responses given that I was completing my degree. I have a tendency to be rather unorganised, however, Kim and Enzo were both incredibly patient and sent me helpful reminders to gather my documents to send off to Korea. One aspect of TravelBud that I found incredibly beneficial for me was that I didn’t have to search for a school that fit my criteria, they did it all for me. They were both so helpful in preparing me for my interviews, and they sent me many examples of questions that I might be asked. I felt so prepared for my interviews and never felt as though I was having to go in blind. It can be incredibly difficult to manoeuvre all of the documents, and interviews, and time-zones, so having somebody that could guide me definitely helped a lot. The most difficult aspect of preparation for my move was the anticipation! I have truly enjoyed my time out here, and I can’t advise the move to go and teach abroad enough. During the week I work with the most amazing children, who have taught me as much as I have taught them. They have such big hearts, and I adore being their teacher. Then I get the wonderful opportunity to travel and experience South Korea on the weekends (which I have taken full advantage of!). From spending days on the beautiful beaches down south in Busan and Yeosu, to traversing the beautiful and dystopian city streets of Seoul, every weekend has been packed with something to do. Perhaps the highlight of my time here so far has been this ability to travel around the country so easily and so comfortably. One of my favourite places has been a small city named Jinju that I stumbled upon whilst finding new places to visit on my weekends. Most recently I attended the lantern festival in Jinju which lined the palace gardens and river with the most beautiful painted lanterns. Despite trying to see somewhere new every weekend, I still feel like I have so much more to discover, and I look forward to each new adventure! With more and more adventures to go on every weekend, and a Christmas trip to Tokyo in the works, I truly cannot stress what an amazing opportunity and experience this has been. I also have to give thanks to TravelBud, Kim, and Enzo for the support that guided and helped me be able to take this massive step and have the best year experiencing all of these amazing things! If you’re even considering the prospects of teaching in South Korea, my advice would absolutely be to do it, and make your life easier, do it with the help of a company like TravelBud!

"Put me on a sandy beach in the south, please", I so naively requested all those months ago. When I first expressed to the ever so helpful TravelBud team my desire to be placed near water and warmth, I had no concept of where or how good it would be. Through the tireless efforts of members at TravelBud, most notably Aubrey, my big post-grad tropical living dreams came to fruition- and more. While of course, the beach and blue water is delightful here in Songkhla, there is a uniqueness and warmth to the community that draws me even more than the sand and sun. Although I've only been in Songkhla a little over a week, I am already dreading the day I depart. If that day comes, that is... People here have welcomed me with open arms. From the security guard who protects my apartment at night to my most wonderful Thai teacher I share a classroom with. There is something to be said about Thai culture's infamous "friendly" nature. It is genuinely, true. I feel honored to share the English language with my students, and thankful to TravelBud for exceeding my greatest expectations. At the end of our lives, we are not going to recall all the "instagramable" landscapes we ventured to as much as we will recall becoming part of a community greater than ourselves. To me, Songkhla is somehow both of those things. Thank you TravelBud for the peculiarly perfect placement.

I grew up and went to college in the same small town. I love my home, but when I graduate from university I knew I needed to do something out of the ordinary. I needed to step outside of my comfort zone and get uncomfortable. A friend reached out to me with the same thoughts/situation and asked, "want to go teach English in Thailand?" Immediately I said yes. She sent me the link to TravelBud and the rest is history. TravelBud has been nothing but great with constant support and help. My friend and I joked with our representative from TravelBud that we asked her a thousand questions a day because quite frankly we did. Bless her soul, she responded quickly and thoroughly. It was definitely nerve-racking leaving the place I have called home for the past 22 years, but TravelBud eased these nerves. Because of this program, I was able to travel the world and parts of myself that I didn't even know existed. TravelBud has changed my life, and I would recommend this program to everyone. This is a community I want to be a part of for life! 47/10 if you are questioning doing this program, don't think, just do! Watch how good your life gets. Peace, Madeline

I have had the best time doing my TEFL and have just began teaching abroad! I have made so many friends and created a really strong support system out here, whilst being able to immerse myself in a completely new culture! I felt really supported and guided the entire process, and really feel I made a good decision for myself!

I was placed just outside of Bankgok, Thailand in a small primary school. My apartment was a 10 minute walk to school, and I had very easy access to public transportation during the weekends. There were plenty of markets and a mall very close by. So, anything I needed I could easily access. The teachers and parents were the most kind and welcoming people. They were so happy to have me and my coworkers, and were very accommodating to us. I felt right at home within the first few weeks. The TravelBud program connected me to a program in Thailand who helped me with my TESOL as well as a cultural orientation so I knew a bit of what to expect in Thai culture. I always felt very safe and taken care of with these two programs. They really do want you to have the best possible time, and are often reaching out to check in and see if you need anything. I met the most amazing people from all over the world, and still keep in contact with many of them. I miss my students dearly and wish that I could have stayed much longer. I have never been to another country that I fell in love with as much as I have with Thailand. I could not recommend this country, or program more. The memories I made, the experiences I had, and the people I met were truly life changing.

TravelBud was the saving grace to my travels abroad. After getting in contact with them in 2016 after I had completed my degree - they helped me with every little thing that I needed from the very beginning of initial questions right until I was actually in Korea and at my school. They were professional, prompt with responses, and incredibly friendly with every conversation that we shared. I would recommend TravelBud as the company that you choose to help you to get abroad. They made the whole experience stress-free and easy. Truly the best 4 years of my life!

Honestly, amidst the entire COVID craze and when the japan borders were closed, the on-the-ground team did great with being as supportive as possible with its limitations. And I mean many limitations such as most of the schools not interviewing until the end of the year, or when borders opened. The support team was especially great, as they check in with you very thoughtfully. The program does listen to your specific preferences (such as age group, location, etc) but as I said, it was limited due to borders closed. I think if it weren’t COVID, if I had applied in another time, my experience would’ve been even more great due to more school options and an in-person cultural immersion. People think it’s sketchy at first, which is fair paying so much money, but when you think about it’s worth it as they do the hard work for you with their connections to schools and prioritized getting into the country.

WOW. Where do I even begin? I came to Thailand in the middle of COVID, in May of 2021. We had to postpone my trip three times, which at first I thought was an inconvenience, but as hindsight is always 2020, I see how the timing of my Thailand experience was near perfect for me. Travelbud helped me every step of the way, from answering my daunting visa questions to explaining the neverending, always-changing COVID situation to me. They helped me jump through all the hoops, no matter how high or small. They made me feel comfortable moving across the world, even though we were in the most uncertain of times. Saskia in particular helped ease my mind on several different occasions. Travelbud sets you up with a two-week orientation when you get to Thailand, where you meet other teachers from all over the world. I made one of my best friends through my orientation group. I will forever be grateful to Travelbud. My school has a lot of foreign teachers, so I had a big group of friends to travel with as well. I finished my two-week quarantine in June of 2021, and Thailand went into lockdown the first week of July. During that time, I traveled almost the entire country from top to bottom; it was the coolest thing to experience. We felt as if we had the entire country to ourselves, constantly being the only people on beaches and on islands, or in restaurants or on the streets of Bangkok. I saw Thailand in a way that only a lucky few did in 2021. This was my fourth time coming to Thailand, so it's safe to say my love for this country runs deep. The culture is unlike anything you've seen before. Thai people care about others, they are full of joy, and everything is centered around food. The FOOD... is so amazing. I hardly eat western food, and it doesn't bother me. Granted, the only western options I have in my town are Mcdonald's and Burger King... But I live so close to Bangkok, that I can go get my fix whenever I want. I was placed in a suburb of Bangkok, which I loved because I really immersed myself in Thai culture. I have so many Thai friends, and feel like I am officially Thai (Chan Khon Thai!!)! The people are the best part of this experience. Thai people and the international people I've met on my journey are relationships that will last forever. I now have places to stay all over the world. I have learned to speak a lot of Thai, even though most Thai people speak some level of English. You won't feel alone here, you won't feel helpless (at least all the time lol). The Thai people are welcoming, they make sure you are doing okay. Traveling around is incredibly easy, as Thailand has awesome transportation systems. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I have learned so much about the world and about the person I want to be through living here. I have been shaped and molded into a better Courtney since moving here. I have learned how to love harder, how to listen better, and how to have joy despite any circumstance I may find myself in. I could write for hours about the impact Thailand has had on my life. The last thing I will talk about is my teaching experience. I was SO lucky with getting placed at a private school. I only had 15 students in my first year and got to move up with them in my second year. I know my students so well, and teaching them has been the most challenging, rewarding, and joyful experience of my life. These kids are precious, and they have taught me just as much, or possibly more than I have taught them. If you are even considering moving to Thailand to teach, let this be the final push you need to go. DO IT. Face the fear of leaving your comfort zone and charting new waters in a new country. The culture shock wears off, you learn how to navigate the BTS in no time, and the heat becomes normal (just kidding, that you don't get used to). You can overcome any problem or challenge thrown your way. You have endless support from Travelbud, from your school, and from the amazing people you will meet along the way. I promise this isn't a decision you will regret. I will look back on this time in my life and be filled with such joy and love. Thailand has changed me from the inside out, and I can earnestly thank Travelbud for getting me here. If you've made it this far, thank you, and this might be your sign to move across the world. Thank you Travelbud, from the bottom of my heart. XOXO, Teacher Courtney.

I've had a terrible experience with TravelBud. Please Stay Away from them!!! -I've been waiting almost a year to get a job in Japan after paying my fee -They promised me a job within a few months and made it seem as if it will be easy to get the job and that they would get it for me, there is still an interview to pass and those schools take the best of the best, they do nothing to actually get you in to the school -They are way too costly to make me wait so long and give me this horrible service. I also hardly get feedback from them on my job placement and when they do give me feedback it's to say I will soon get a placement -Other recruiters do this for free, I suggest to rather go with those recruiters. I thought by paying such a high fee, I would get amazing service and get a job quickly -I've wasted R5000 and will not be moving forward with this program, what was promised was not delivered -I feel as if I've been scammed and my money taken away with nothing gained

"I love life in Vietnam. I love teaching, the low cost of living and the lively social setting of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). I earn £1000 a month (after tax) for 80 hours work per month, and can save £200+ every month. There are tons of expats, so you can make lots of Western friends quickly - but you also can make Vietnamese friends too. The people (especially in Saigon) are very friendly and it's easy to find people who will help you practice your Vietnamese! I have lots of free time to explore new hobbies such as photography and playing guitar, as well as spending time with friends. I would definitely recommend the program and living in Vietnam"

I found the program to be very beneficial. Originally I was going to do everything myself, but decided to go through the program to have extra support and guidance. I found that it was a very worthy investment, as the support team was well-organized and helpful in getting me acclimated and prepared for my experience. The support with logistics, paperwork, bank accounts etc. is facilitated and also the cultural orientation was valuable. Meeting so many other people was a great way to start my time abroad, as I made friends and developed a network from the start. While there is room for improvement, I found overall the experience to be smooth and helpful. My teaching placement worked out for me and I am happy where I was placed. It was a pretty seamless process and I have been enjoying and learning much in my time here. Originally I wanted to be in a bigger city with a lot of ex-pats, but my placement turned out to be in a small area. I decided to just trust in the process and it turned out that I had a great experience. I still made friends and had a life-changing experience. I think that you might grow and learn more being outside your comfort zone. If you're new to teaching abroad and you want a strong support network to help with all the logistics and also as a way to meet others, I think this program is a strong option.

Thailand has been a dream. When people ask when I’m coming home, I joke that I may never come home. There are so many incredible things about teaching abroad. The people you meet, the places you go, the food! Thai people are always shocking me with their kindness even in small interactions. The kids you teach are by far one of the best parts. It’s so exciting to see them learn and improve and also have fun at the same time. TravelBud was extremely supportive both before I left and now that I’m here. I know that they’re available for any sort of issue I have. When I first got to my placement school, I was experiencing a bit of culture shock and they replied quickly to me and spoke to me. They’re so kind and only make the experience better.

The most amazing this about coming to Vietnam so far is the people. Every day from the first moment I step out into the street - I feel cared for by the people of Vietnam. A local will go out of their way to come over and help you order street food, bring you a napkin, offer a gift or simply smile and say hello. They are always happy to have a conversation , sit with you, share their food. It happens over and over. I never feel alone here because the sense of community is so great and I always feel included in that. Travel Bud did an exceptional job at setting the tone for this welcoming , caring , warm experience before I even touched the ground. I feel like I was seamlessly passed from the helpful hands of TravelBud over to the people of Vietnam and I couldn’t feel more at home.

TravelBud has poor customer support once the full payment has been made; they are misleading and their policies are not transparent. I thought I’d be dealing with them directly, but they passed me along to two partnering agencies. I went with TravelBud for South Korea after speaking with Grace, the enrollments manager.  Soon after I paid the full cost to TravelBud and expected everything to go smoothly, they handed me over to their placement partner.  My interaction with TravelBud became very minimal and the rest of my interaction was with the placement partner. It became as if I enrolled with the placement partner instead of TravelBud.  The placement partner assisted with providing checklists of what I need for documentation for the program and visa purposes — from that experience, the placement partner lacked a lot of organization and made the process far more difficult than it had to be. Now we are in an international Coronavirus epidemic and I asked about my options for the program including postponing my program date to a later date, the placement partner responded about a different question and did not answer my question about postponing my course. I then decided I will not continue with the program due to the Coronavirus, and asked TravelBud for my refund.  Saskia, TravelBud’s supporting manager, said “I’ve been in touch with Enzo and the team with regards to your request…This isn't cause for panic and our team…I believe the media is hyping this up at the moment…For my own health, I have been washing my hands…If any applicants develop symptoms they can go to the hospital and be taken care of, as the health care system in South Korea is excellent.” They also said there aren’t any travel advisories on South Korea about the Coronavirus, and they will continue with their program, so I won’t be getting any refund.   After telling them twice that I need my refund, Saskia then mention I can be moved to a later course date (which I asked about this option 10 days ago), except I would need to pay their switch fee as arrangements and deposits has been made. To reiterate how the placement partner lacks organization, they haven’t confirmed my accommodation arrangement with me like they said they would even though we’re one and a half weeks away from the course start date.  On top of that, the placement partner has introduced me with another partnering agency, HandSKorea who helps with placement.  I mailed my visa documents to them as instructed.  Since I’m not going through their program anymore, I asked for my documents (which has SENSITIVE INFORMATION such as passport photocopy, official citizenship documents, etc) to be mailed back to me. I haven’t  gotten a response from them ever since I told HandSKorea I will not proceed with the program. Another point to make, going on a visa run also seems like a difficult task as South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has put up travel advisories for their citizens on traveling to the following countries: Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore.  None of these countries have travel advisories on the coronavirus according to the CDC website, yet both the placement partner and TravelBud says they are going by the CDC and WHO website advisories so they will continue their course.   At this point, I will not proceed with TravelBud’s or the placement partner’s program now or in the future.  Saskia refuses to let me speak to her supervisor as she claims she is “at the top level at TravelBud,” yet the website shows the staffs include Director, CEO, and Founder. The way they have been handling this matter has been very disappointing, especially with their responses about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The experiences with TravelBud and the placement partner as well as HandSKorea unresponsiveness regarding my documents containing sensitive information has made me and others question if they are legit organizations.

TravelBud is very helpful throughout the application process as well as through any problems you have in-country during the course. I actually had 3 phone calls (as opposed to 1) to ask them a million and a half questions about where I should teach and why and TravelBud was always so patient with me. They guided me with spreadsheets, easy to follow websites, pros and cons lists and everything in between. It was so nice to have them by my side while prepping for a big move! Overall, if you are worried about placement and visas or anything else, TravelBud is there to help you transition smoothly :) I am so happy I chose to have a program to help me through this because, trust me, there are so many fine details that go into moving and working abroad! I am absolutely loving my time here in Korea and my location is amazing and school is even better. :)

My husband and I made the huge decision to pack up our comfortable lives in England to teach English in Vietnam in 2018. Neither of us had experience travelling alone, moving abroad or of South East Asia even. Naturally nervous by the move, we searched online for our best options for completing our in class TESOL and job placement in Vietnam. After much deliberation, we opted for TravelBud's program in Hanoi. From the moment we contacted TravelBud, we received ongoing support from experienced ESL teachers. All of whom had made the same decision to teach abroad at some point themselves. As a result, the advice and support provided was genuine and given with our best intentions at heart. Knowing what to prepare can be extremely confusing. However, with the help of the TravelBud team, we didn't feel lost once. We had support with visas, flights, accommodation and packing, amongst other things. All of our questions were answered promptly and thoroughly. When we arrived in Hanoi, we were greeted by a member of the TravelBud team and introduced to our course mates. Over the following month, we completed an orientation and in class training. All of which prepared us for our new positions as teachers in Vietnam. I would suggest this program to anyone wanting to make the move to the stunning and incredible country of Vietnam. The support provided will enable you to start your new life as a teacher with confidence!

I am currently living in a small city called Dongtan. Dongtan is classified as a 'smart city'. It is relatively new - in the sense that when you google it, there is nothing here. However, I think living here has not hindered my Korean experience, as I have been able to see first hand how rapidly a community can develop. Living in an area that is highly connected to the main cities in Korea has made traveling really easy. I think I have been lucky enough to be placed in a Hagwon that has really good working hours (Monday - Friday, 10am-6pm). I don't have to take work home which allows me to spend my free time how I want. I teach students ranging from 6 years old to 9 years old, and my class size is roughly 12 students in each class. Being a fan of K-pop and K-dramas I always have something to do. In my spare time, it is easy to visit sites where dramas have been filmed or attend K-pop themed attractions. From my experience in Korea, I have always felt welcomed by Koreans and I have been able to make a lot of Korean friends. The Korean language is not a necessity before you arrive in Korea, but having an idea of the culture will definitely enhance your Korean experience.new Throughout your time in Korea, you will definitely learn as you go, as long as you stay open to accepting the language and the culture.

This was my first time going abroad and I wouldn't have had it any better than doing this journey through Travelbud! Travelbud guided me through the whole process from organizing my documents to arriving and settling in Vietnam. They attended to all my needs and questions. When I got to Vietnam, Travelbud had set up a really good program where I got to make friends with other teachers who were also taking the program and we got to experience the Vietnamese culture together through activities such as sightseeing, martial arts, trying Vietnamese food and going to the markets. Within two weeks I felt really settled in Vietnam all because of Travelbud's guidance and constant assistance. Travelbud does not disappoint. They were quick to set up interviews with really good schools and guided you through the process too. There is a whole world out there and Travelbud gives you the opportunity to see it. I would highly recommend Travelbud as they do their best to meet your needs.

I cannot recommend teaching abroad with TravelBud enough! I only had 3 months available to teach abroad, so TravelBud provided me the option to take my TEFOL course online instead of abroad to maximize my experience in such a short timeframe. This allowed me to take part in a cultural orientation, then get placed at a wonderful school that took me in and made me feel at home in no time! TravelBud gave me the chance to make lifelong friends, teach a wonderful group of students, travel around to neighboring countries/cities, and to even join a local soccer team! If you are considering teaching abroad, TravelBud is the best way to feel safe while expanding your boundaries every single day! They ensured I was placed at a safe and wonderful school, checked in on me several times, and ensured my experience abroad was no less than extraordinary!

Teaching abroad with TravelBud has been one of the best things that I have done! After graduation I really wanted to dedicate at least a year to living and working abroad, however, while the options were endless, not many programs were as reassuring as TravelBud's. From the initial application, right towards the end of my placement, I was constantly supported by TravelBud's staff. The preparation process, document legalization and packing for the program was simplified as I had 24/7 contact with one of TravelBud's members of staff via WhatsApp. Once I arrived in Thailand, I started my in-class TEFL, which laid foundations for my teaching placement. I learned how to manage classroom behavior, explain difficult concepts only using English and I took classes about Thai culture and history. I felt that the program really prepared me for my placement and helped me understand the Thai culture and how organizations operate in Thailand. Other than that, the experience allowed me to be immersed in a culture that is so different from mine and experience working in one of the most valued professions in Thailand.

I am currently living and teaching in Thailand after completing my TravelBud TESOL course and placement, and I am having an absolutely amazing time. The cultural orientation and course fully prepared me for life in Thailand, and I felt very ready to being life as a teacher here. I was able to gain experience in the classroom through my TESOL, which made me feel more prepared for teaching than those I have met that went with online certifications. I also made amazing, life long friendships through TravelBud that I have maintained throughout my time here. We have been able to travel together, both during and after the course, and have experienced many of the amazing things that Thailand has to offer. Teaching in Thailand is an amazing, life changing experience and working with TravelBud makes the process very easy and even more rewarding.

I have always had the passion for travel and culture and working my 9-5 job back in the U.S. did not allow me to travel as much as I wanted to and it seemed like all I did was work, work, work! I finally made the decision to go abroad and get my TESOL certification to experience a totally different lifestyle and culture and I am BEYOND thankful that I made this decision. It was scary at first and challenges still arise while I am abroad but overcoming those challenges really strengthens you as a person! I work with age 6-11 and they have taught me so much in the 6 months that I have been in Thailand and I cannot wait to see what the next 6 months brings! I would 100% recommend teaching in Thailand and I wish I would have done it sooner myself!

I found my experience with TravelBud to be unique, and exhilarating. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity I was given here in Thailand. I have been teaching for approximately 4 months at this point in time. I have hiked to temples in caves, I have gone swimming in the ocean, I have attended multiple football games (Go Buriram!), and had the fortunate opportunity to share meals, coffee, and stories with people in this wonderful country. Everything began with a fantastic support team that helped with getting visas, and ensuring we were fully prepared for this experience. We were in constant contact with a representative from Travelbud the entire time while we prepared for this immersive opportunity. The process of applying for a visa and getting degrees notarized is EXTREMELY tedious and I am so grateful to have had TravelBud to help with each step of the process. So much mailing, and waiting, without the assistance I would have been lost, and quite frustrated by the process. From there the experience went by so fast, beginning with a 1 month TESOL program in Thailand. They picked us up from the airport, and we were able to make acquaintances with several like-minded personalities that have the same desire, and motivation to leave their homes and come to teach English in Thailand. From Bangkok we traveled to the location we would spend the next month, Hua Hin Thailand. Home to the King's Summer Palace, where you will meet countless new, and amazing people, including some incredible local people. This was a fantastic place to begin the journey simply because it is used to foreign tourists, but not to the point of being over-saturated. The English proficiency is high enough that you aren't completely and utterly lost you will use this time to make some friends with local Thai people, and truly break out of your shell an incredibly useful skill in your endeavor. The TESOL course provides you with the framework to be a successful teacher, and the instructors are all ex-teachers, or sometimes even current teachers themselves within Thailand. During the course you will gain a new mom, known as แม่ "Mother" in Thai. As well as make many new and beneficial additions to your circle. With a full month of immersive instructions, and a great opportunity to begin your immersion into Thai culture you are given the chance of a lifetime to show your worth, and to show yourself just how life changing this experience can be. Use this month as an opportunity to delve into places far outside your comfort zone, this is your chance. You will get hands on experience teaching in a school, as well as have the opportunity to be surrounded by wonderful dogs to help relieve stress while finishing up the course. With guaranteed placement you can rest easy about where you will end up being placed. While you don't find out where you are placed until the last few weeks of the one month course, it really shouldn't matter. They do their best to place you where you wish to be placed, but you are here to experience a new culture, to see a new part of the world, and to change the lives of hundreds of children. I assure you, wherever you end up being placed, it will be the experience you want as long as you are willing to jump in. I requested the North originally, preferably close to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, I am now located in one of the less tourist traveled areas known as Isan. I am grateful that I am here, I feel fortunate that my request wasn't carried out. Being here has afforded me countless opportunities and things I never expected, and would not have been able to get in the North. So wherever you end up, don't fret. Just ride with the experience, take it easy, relax, and "Mai Bpen Rai"(It's okay… everything is okay… don't worry). Cheers, and enjoy your new life as a world-citizen.

After graduating university, I knew I wanted to deviate from the traditional path of finding a 9 to 5 and settling down. Nowadays, there is an abundance of online teaching abroad sources to help you get started. I did extensive research trying to find reputable company to go through. TravelBud really calmed my nerves about all the logistics of moving abroad. I currently teach first grade math, English, and health and am loving it. There is something really special about the culture, language, and people of Thailand. I would definitely recommend teaching abroad to anyone who is interested in stepping out of their comfort zone and experiencing culture.

I am wrapping up my year of teaching in Northern Thailand with TravelBud's Teach in Thailand Program. This experience has made me more independent, expanded my thought processes, and made me more culturally sensitive. Their in-class TESOL was one of the best parts of the experience. Having the TESOL geared toward the country I'd be teaching in was incredibly valuable. Being taught by instructors who had actually taught in Thailand was nice. The practical application camp days at the end of the course were super insightful as to what we could expect as teachers. I also really liked the cultural orientation. It was nice to have so much explained to us before we went off on our own to our various placements. I was also pleased that TravelBud was able to place my friend together. If you're looking for someone to take the major stressors off of your shoulders for an already nerve-racking move, TravelBud is the people to do it. They walked me through all the admin stuff (visas, documents, etc) and all I had to worry about was focusing on my new job and home!

I've had so many interesting and awesome experiences since coming to Vietnam. Taking the TESOL course prepared me so much for teaching and I've met a lot of great people, and the students are so excited to learn. This program has definitely been worth it!

I was skeptical at first but I must say that this was one of the best decisions that I have ever made! I have met so many great people and only after a month have made so many memories. Would totally recommend to anyone who is thinking of making a positive life decision.

My experience went beyond expectations. I enjoyed the people I met and will look forward to meeting them again. The instructor was super fun and the were super helpful. The hostel was clean for the most part but living there for a month grew tiresome. Overall, I enjoyed my time and would recommend this experience to any adventurer.

TravelBud were extremely helpful when giving me information about teaching aboard in Vietnam. They were very quick to response to issues that I had and the knowledge and insight that there gave me was second to none in terms of the steps I need to take to come over here. One issue that I have is with the costs, there are a lot of costs which aren't documented such as legalisation fees from the embassies , i spent an extra $200 because of these unhidden costs not documented by TravelBud and I believe that these costs should be documented. As soon as we paid the upfront costs this is when TravelBud came forward about the other costs, I feel it would be more important if all the costs are up straightaway

Helpful and lots of guidance. Made the adjustment easier and met new people and got to know a certain neighborhood in a big city. Loved Saigon and the help I got along to getting here. Looking forward to me future in Hanoi. Glad I had the course because teaching has a lot more to it than I expected and now I feel well-prepared.

Vietnam is without a doubt, a country of beginnings. While many tragedies fell on Vietnam, the country continue to strive. I feel the same way when I am here. Even with all the hardships and baggage I brought with me, Vietnam somehow feels fresh. Every step I take, I shred another load. This opportunity has opened doors I did not know even existed. I will be here for awhile.

TravelBud was a great agency throughout! From the beginning we were supported by Grace. Grace helped us with anything we needed to know and was very approachable and cared about us. After the interview process we were in contact with Saskia. Saskia is an amazing person, she is always there to help and keep us up to date with latest updates for our process. Even while we were already doing our course, Saskia kept in contact! TravelBud is great and they are amazing at what they do, making it easy for everyone to live their dreams.

From the get go TravelBud assisted and showed us genuine support. From Understanding about the different placements, to what we should pack and preparing me for my experience abroad. I have felt safe and knew I was with a reputable company. A big thank you to TravelBud and their placement partner.

Deciding to come to Vietnam to teach English has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences that I have ever made. I have made many incredible friends and it has been an opportunity of a lifetime. I highly suggest anyone that is thinking of moving abroad to consider the endless possibilities that you can make!

When I reflect on the choices I have made the past year (2017) I can honestly and truly say that I would not be where I am right now if it wasn't for the help and kind services of travelbud. I had one simple goal - to teach English and Vietnam. I had never traveled abroad , much less to an Asian country and had no idea even where to begin with getting documents that would qualify my to do so or information about daily life in Vietnam. Travelbud assisted me with the whole process and helped me get a job at one of the leading English centers in Vietnam. In the short 5 months I have been in Vietnam I have experienced so much of the culture , food and especially the people. Vietnam is truly a beautiful country with so many opportunity for professional and personal growth. with travelbud you can be sure that the people who are helping you truly care as I am often contacted and checked on. Working through Travelbud and their placement partner means that I always have friendly face to turn to when I am in need of support or have inquiries. 12/10 :) From one very happy , working traveller!

My year in Vietnam was overall good. I made a lot of friends here I will never forget it. My school was overall nice and generous toward their employees and provided great hours and good training. My only suggestion would be to sign a 6 month contract and give the country a shot first because it might not be for everybody, especially if you come alone. However, do it now while you can!

TravelBud has been the most supportive, warm and family like agency I have ever worked with. They gave such a personal touch to getting me ready with my Thailand experience and always gave attention to personal details when checking up by phone call or email, which made me feel like I wasn't just a number. Both the staff and founders have gone out of their way to make sure we were looked after, supported, happy and if not happy a plan was always made. I have to say a HUGE thank you to Saskia and Liam, you have been incredible. However, my experience as a teacher and with my school was one of the books of "where not to go". This was not TravelBuds fault AT ALL and even though it was a terrible situation I pushed through and in the end I learnt more about myself and my strength, so for that I am grateful. "What makes you cry now, will make you laugh later"

There have been many steps and sometimes overwhelming moments from the time that I began my journey until the moment I am in now. With that said, there isn't a doubt that I am where I want to be. Travel Bud has made that happen. I have experienced the challenges of moving across the world, the constant process of relocation, the foreign members of society, the living environment, the students I teach, the people I meet, and the joy it has all brought me along the way. I am humbled everyday and constantly learning about myself and thankful that I am able to help others. Sometimes that might be on a very small scale, but it is something. Ultimately, life is simple here, stress is free, and joy is constant.

Writing a review about the best decision you have ever made while trying to not get overly excited and sound completely biased is a tough ask, but here is my attempt. The first step in making the decision was when I met with Peter from TravelBud in a coffee shop in Stellenbosch on a Saturday morning. He was off the clock, it was weekend, but he took time out of his own personal life to meet up with me and chat about moving abroad. This was even when he knew I was not completely convinced about moving abroad and that I was in contact with other agencies on top of this uncertainty. He wanted to make sure I had all the information to be informed before leaving, even if I didn’t choose his agency TravelBud. An incredible gesture considering we live in a world where profit is the bottom-line. His stories amazed me, they were exhilarating, frightening and hilarious all at once and from this point on all I could imagine was sitting down with my future kids and grandkids and telling them my own tales. I wanted similar experiences; I was completely sold on that day. His raw honesty and enthusiasm was enough to change this eternal skeptic. To clear up any confusion you may have, TravelBud are essentially your agents before you get to the country of your choice. They help you with the paperwork and hassle of visas, booking flights and provide you with priceless information you need before you jet off. Once you get to your destination, you’re handed over to your agency in that country. That is the norm with every agency, but TravelBud continued to provide support and information, even going as far as to place an employee within our city for the duration of an entire month while we completed our TESOL. No other agent did that, not one, but TravelBud went the extra mile and ensured that we were eased into a new culture and had some form of a support structure as we adjusted to life in our new homelands. They checked in and kept an eye out during the nervy placement process. Furthermore, they organised a fantastic group dinner, study groups, TESOL support and a number of other awesome excursions for us during our free time, which helped with meeting more likeminded people and in the end, form friendships with people from all over the globe. These come in handy when you travel around and need a place to crash in either your own new home country or further abroad! If you are in two minds, you need only speak to one of the amazing team members and hear about their priceless memories and experiences. I recommend TravelBud as your choice to lead you into your new life, they have the perfect balance of professionalism and fun/friendly/warm that you need, a mould you can use for your own approach as a teacher. Take the plunge, you really won't regret it.

I was very unhappy at hime , hating my job, my life, etc. Travelbud were the first point of contact to my new life and have been a reassuring presence throughout. Would highly recommend them. They have checked in with me regularly since I have been here, spoke to me on Skype when I was wortied I wouldn't be able to make the move work and have provided a solid foundation for my new life here. Very approachable and understanding staff.

From day one of contacting the team, to present day, where I am happily teaching in Thailand, TravelBud has been with me every step of the way. I have nothing but positive feedback about the program and would highly recommend anyone who is seeking to work or teach overseas in Thailand to go through TravelBud and here is why: Contact and communication: The TravelBud team was always available to answer any questions or concerns I had and responded to e-mails within 24 hours without fail. They were willing to have phone conversations and even Skype sessions in order to make sure I felt fully comfortable with my decision to teach abroad in Thailand. Knowledge: From questions about salary to culture to food, TravelBud had the answers. Therefore, instead of arriving in Thailand completely unaware of what to expect, I felt much more at ease with all the information TravelBud had equipped me with. Continual and ongoing support: Throughout my preparation time, before my actual move to Thailand, a member of the TravelBud team would check in frequently to make sure I wasn't having any doubts and to remind me of deadlines coming up. The support did not stop there! After being in Thailand for almost a month now, the program still checks in with me to make sure I am settling in okay and I feel very confident and comfortable reaching out to them with any questions I may have, With all that being said, I would definitely encourage others seeking to teach or work overseas to go through TravelBud! You will not be let down!

If you are reading this review, chances are you have been mulling over the idea of travelling to Thailand to become a teacher. I did the exact same thing two and a half months ago, from my desk at my job. That I hated. I wanted an opportunity to see the world and give back, starting with Thailand. I type this from my new home in Sukhothai, Thailand. I came home from work today after spending the most fulfilling day with kids that melt my heart. It hasn't been completely smooth sailing, a few challenges have been thrown my way but there has never been a single moment of regret. Ever. I went through TravelBud, after doing extensive research to validate that it isn't a scam (it isn't - I can vouch for it now). I am excited to wake up each day in a beautiful country, eat amazing food, communicate (or try to) with great people and teach little souls some English. The transition to this country and finding my Thai-ness has been pretty easy, with the help of Travelbud and their partners. Your first month of training will be amazing, jam-packed with activities with new friends from around the world. All I can tell you is - Just do it. You will regret the things in life that you didn't do. Take a leap of faith and venture into the unknown. It will be amazing!

My experience in Thailand has been wonderful so far. It started in Hua Hin where we did the TEFL course. It was hard work but also so much fun. I loved so many like minded people from all over the world and making lifetime friendships. I will never forget my time in Hua Hin My friends and I were placed in a Trang. A small "city" in the south of Thailand. I've only been here for a short while but I love it already. There are so many beautiful mountains all round and awesome secluded beaches not too far away. Trang has all the awesome sights other tourist places have minus the tourists, ensuring a proper Thai experience. I love what I am doing and I love being in Thailand

Myself, my boyfriend and both our best friends embark on this amazing Journey. We left South-Africa the end of March and spent the month in Hua Hin for our TESOL course. It really was a action packed filled 4 weeks, first week was cultural orientation and the other 3 weeks was in class training, 120 hours, where they prepared us to be the best teachers and where we also got practical experience presenting our lessons to other class mates and got critical feedback and where we had to improve upon. We also got to teach two days at english camp for Thai kids and it was an awesome experience. I couldn't have ever been more prepared to be a good teacher. Before coming on this journey we didn't quite know what to expect but after the month, the people in our group where from right across the world, people in our group from all over the world who was strangers in the beginning and felt like family in the end was sad saying goodbye. This is an incredible experience and would recommend this coarse for anyone. Travelbud was amazing from start to finish helping and assisting us with this journey.

All in all this has to be the best experience in my life. I have met some of the most awesome people here and experienced the most amazing things from islands, to caves, to a country wide water fight! teaching is also a great experience and everyone is super friendly and helpful. there are minor challenges I have faced but here there is ALWAYS some to assist somehow just smile and ask!

Travelbud has been helpful from the moment I first contacted them. This is obviously a big move and many questions brew up in a person's mind but Travelbud answered all of them as quickly as they could. No matter how stupid the questions. They were very patient and reassuring through out this whole process. They helped make this journey easier and comfortable by always offering their help and giving advice. I am now in Thailand, about to start teaching and enrich my life. Travelbud helped to get me here, I would like to thank them for all that they have done.

I really like this place. This is the best decision ever. Thai people are friendly. Ive never felt this at home away from home. For as long as you smile and you are willing they will always let you in.

Where do I even start? This experience has only brought me happiness and smiles so far. Ive been here in Thailand for a month going on my second month, and I can honestly say that my soul is happy :) The experiences Ive experienced is breath taking. Words cannot describe what Thailand is about, the people you meet the stories you hear and the Pad Thai you eat! My best experience so far was the day at the beach. It was a lovely day we were 7 scooters on the road. When we got to the beach I was speechless! It was so beautiful, we all swam to the islands and had a picnic with some random thai friends. It was the best day!

My experience here so far in Thailand has been some what absolutely incredible, I was definitely out of my comfort zone at first but that was broken within the first week. The laid back, chilled out vibe that Thai people give across is just amazing! It's been amazing working with Thai teachers and staff and the social life is amazing when wanting to make new friends and experience a thrilling new culture other than the normal culture we go by at home.

When I first contacted Travelbud to go to Korea the response was friendly and immediate. At the time I knew from hearing of friends experiences that I wanted to teach in South Korea but I had little to no idea what that entailed. I had no teaching experience and had yet to do a tefl. Travelbud immediately answered a lot of my questions. It must be noted that the recruitment agent charges a pretty extreme "admin fee" which is not the norm. Since most agents do it for free it was the only downfall about the excellent service and support I received. Admin fee aside the agents constantly checked up on me and were patient and supportive while waiting for my documents. We have had Korean orientation weekends to help us acclimatize which I enjoyed.

I can honestly say that this has been the scariest experience of my life. Moving abroad alone to teach when you have never taught before is not an easy thing. But never once did I not feel like I was completely looked after. TravelBud had my back every step of the way and every time I felt like I was getting lost, Travelbud was there to guide me. It has been the most incredible experience so far. Every day is a challenge but the best type of challenge. I cannot wait for the next 6 months (maybe more, probably more) months of my life here in Thailand.

The question that I haven't quite found the answer to yet. Travelbud gave me the ability to catapult myself out of my cozy Jo'burg lifestyle into the unknown that is South East Asia. I was looking for a challenge, something fun but most importantly something that would make me grow in terms of my self awareness and understanding. So far Thailand has done exactly that. Thanks again to Travelbud for making the first step an easy one!

When I decided to teach abroad and found Travelbud, it was one of the best decisions I made in my life. For myself and a lot of my fellow group members it was a chance for a new beginning. I chose the teach in Vietnam program. I did my TESOL course in Thailand and made a lot of amazing people and very good friends. Even though I was the only one from my group who went to Vietnam, I never felt alone. The Travelbud staff made sure I knew what will happen and supported me with every step of the journey. When I arrived in Vietnam they checked in and made sure I am settled in and OK. Peter even met me in Ho Chi Minh City for a chat. I will recommend Travelbud to anyone who wants to teach abroad. They are very professional but still care about each of their participants. We always knew what was going on and was thoroughly prepared before the journey started. You can't go wrong with Travelbud!

From the outset Travelbud have been very helpful with helping me make the move to come teach in Thailand. From the very first day I sent an inquiry, up to the day I started working (which was today) the staff at Travelbud have been very accommodating and available for questions and queries. Peter has made a huge effort to get to know us on a personal level and has been there to answer questions ranging from the best places to see in Thailand to how to go about your visa renewal. Coming to a foreign country is scary, but Travelbud has made it so much easier.

It has been very difficult to adjust to Thai lifestyle, Thai timing and communication. But nonetheless I am very excited to to be here. I have been to my school and the other teachers are helpful and really caring. We have been placed in Phuket, exactly where we wanted!

The heat in Thailand is out of this world, what a hectic adjustment. The people though in Thailand are so loving and welcoming, well that's if you smile.

Getting on that flight to Asia, and not knowing what was ahead of me was extremely nerve wracking, however, looking back, I can quite easily say it was one of the better decisions I could have made, to come and teach abroad. I have pretty much settled in to my permanent placement in Trang, South Thailand, and cannot wait to make this place home, I already love it ! There are many obstacles and good times ahead, which will happen as they are meant to, but for now, I will just embrace the present, and let Thailand sloooowly consume me !!

I came across the website for TravelBud by accident. And am so thankful I did! I know people who came to teach in Thailand through other companies and it was not near as smooth for them as it was with me and going with TravelBud. Peter responded to emails promptly and answering all the seemingly silly questions I had! He had also taught in Thailand and was able to answer questions with first hand experience. it was also nice that he was in Hua Hin whip we were too. TravelBud cares about us and it showed!

So far my experience preparing me to teach abroad in Thailand has been intimidating and challenging. However, it has also been the best experience I could have possibly imagined. It has helped me grow and already has been a rewarding experience. While it is difficult to identify one specific occasion, the best part of my time here has been meeting a variety of new, yet like-minded people from all over the world. After spending a month together with my new friends they felt like family!

Travelbud helped me to find a job in Korea and put me in touch with all the right people. I would highly recommend someone going to teach in Korea for the first time using their services. When I first decided to go to Korea I had no idea of what I would have to do to get there. Travelbud assisted me in finding a job and were always helpful when I had queries or issues about working in Korea.

Travelbud Co has been absolutely amazing in assisting me with my move abroad, doing my TEFL/TESOL as well as helping me get placed at school. The staff have been incredibly helpful and friendly, and they've truly gone out of their way to make sure that I understood and felt comfortable with the entire process of moving to and teaching in Thailand. It was one of the best decisions to go through this process with them!

Travel bud was very helpful in organizing the adventure for us and answering all of our questions promptly. Everything went smoothly and we were placed in a great school for teaching. The certification course in Thailand was a lot of fun and also really helpful in feeling prepared for teaching.

My partner and I decided to head out to Thailand to teach English internationally. I had worked in the corporate world for some time and my partner was studying correspondence and was looking for something to do along side that. Teaching in Thailand was the perfect option, TravelBud and their awesome placement team found us a job teaching in a small village in the South of Thailand where we stayed for sometime, met wonderful people and even helped build a small river bungalow in the middle of the jungle. For anyone deciding to travel to see Thailand and South east Asia, teaching is a wonderful way to do that in a sustainable and affordable way.

A great experience filled with the comforts of a well-planned trip, but also the challenges which bring about positive change from within. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to broaden their ideas of what they think they are capable of.

I arrived in Thailand on the 23rd of September 2015 nervous, excited and beside myself. No amount of research and conversations with past travelers can prepare you for the gem that is Thailand. This country has taken my breath away and to now have the opportunity to teach here is an absolute thrill. The people, places, culture and language are all so enlightening to be around and witness. In months before my departure my agency TravelBud has been offered amazing assistance in getting me prepared and keeping me informed. All things from funding, what to pack, how to address the locals was explained to me thoroughly. My visa application had minimal problems and so did my travel details. The level of support from you guys has been so pivotal in getting me excited to come to Thailand to teach simply because I was kept in the loop for all things concerning my trip. I also do appreciate the team keeping in touch and checking in to see how I'm doing. Overall I've had a great service experience from TravelBud and more so I've received a great support system that I know will continue well within my time here in Thailand.

A friend of mine recommended me TravelBud. I contacted TravelBud and they were super friendly and efficient. With their advice, help and some paperwork I am now having the most awesome time here teaching in Thailand. Thank you TravelBud :)

As a newbie, I was petrified of scams that would cost me financially or jeopardize my personal safety. Luckily TravelBud assured me that they only work with reputable schools. They had understanding of my work schedule in my home country when organizing interviews etc. Also, they are very good with leading you through every step of the process so you seldom wonder what to do next. To make your experience hassle-free I would advise you to be PREPARED AND PATIENT. The wait seems to take forever and then you might be in a position that you are expected to ship out in a week.

Travelbud and their partners firstly offered great advice in the initial stages but once I had decided my location and timing they were quick to get me set up with interviews. They offer you detailed assistance at every step of the way and are always quick to respond to queries. The school which they set me up with is awesome and I have been enjoying every minute of the experience so far. I would certainly recommend using Travelbud's services.

Travelbud has made a nerve-racking decision to move from a tiny town in South Africa to the other side of the world, the easiest thing to do. The team has been there every step of the way and assisted me with everything including my visa application, resume and flights, amongst many other things. The team is extremely efficient and every query and question (even the silly ones) are always answered within seconds, literally. I am so excited for my upcoming travels and I feel safe and confident because I know that if I need a little help or guidance that Travelbud will only be a phone call, text message or email away. If you are considering going abroad on an adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend that you get in touch with the Travelbud team in order to maximize your experience. Thanks guys, you are the best !

I'm a 24 year old suburban girl from Cape Town South Africa. I moved to Thailand in April 2015 to teach English with the help and support of Travelbud. This was the biggest decision I've ever made, and naturally I had loads of questions and concerns. I put my trust in Travelbud and shortly my concerns became less and less and my excitement and confidence became more and more. During my 1 month training I not only formed friendships with people all over the world but I also learnt about Thai culture, which helped me to truly understand the Thai way. From the start Travelbud is open and honest with what we can all expect from this experience and they not only were our coaches but become a family to us teachers in Thailand. Coming from a busy city I didn't want to be placed in Bangkok but preferred to be somewhere more rural. I was placed in a Christian School 2 hours from Bangkok in a small Thai village. I won't lie, it took some time getting used to the village life where the people stared, fascinated by the new westerns but in time this village of no more then 2000 people became my home. Just a 5min walk to my school, I wave to my regular ice coffee lady (who can't speak a word of English and nearly cries with excitement every time she see's me), a local shopkeeper who specifically learnt "hello" after meeting us (and now says it every chance he gets) and of course the fruit lady who laughs every time i say hello in Thai. I am welcomed every morning with overly excited students eager to start class (in the hope I will not teach but rather play games) and I've only been awake for less then an hour and I have already smiled, waved, high fived, laughed been greeted and greeted a handful of people. Teaching English is a challenge but just when you think the students will forget what you've taught, the minute you leave the class, a few will run up to you and repeat the English words and try ever so hard to ask you something in English but that right there is the most rewarding feeling ever. Some words of advice: Make friends with Thai people in your community and importantly make friends with the Thai teachers in your school. Remember you are in a culture that is most probably very different to yours so be open minded and try new things. Thai people love to feed you and invite you places, go with them, eat their food, and they will love you forever. You may experience some culture shock and homesickness so talk to people around you, reach out to your loved ones and support systems because getting through the hard bits will be well worth it (trust me). So I'll leave you with one of my favourite quotes I learnt during this experience "You might not always get what you want, but if you try you might find you get what you need"- Mick Jagger

From the very first moment I decided to teach abroad Travelbud has been there supporting me and guiding me every step of the way! I didn't feel like I was another number on a long list of clients that gets forgotten about once you leave home. Travelbud has remained in touch with me long after I left South Africa, making sure I'm still happy and have no concerns or worries. I found that working through Travelbud was one of the best decisions I could have made. They provided me with all the information I needed to know, and through personal experience teaching in Thailand were able to share with me some authentic stories about what I was diving into. They truely are a wonderful company, that caters to their clients needs, and never lets any detail go unmentioned. I felt very confident having them at my side while I continue on this journey, and reccommned them to anyone interested to teaching aboard.

So after much thought and consideration I finally decided to take the plunge and commit to teaching in Thailand. To do this I went through a company called Travelbud, they were really awesome and helpful. They assisted me with all travel documents and provided a lot of information as to what I should expect when going over. Once I arrived in Thailand I knew this experience was going to be amazing, I compleated the TEFL course here in Thailand and during the course I met many like minded people. They were all fantastic individuals and we have all managed to stay really close friends even though we got placed throughout the country. So far I have been teaching Pathom 3, 4 and 5 for the last 5month's. This journey has just gotten better and better throughout my stay, the assistance from the friends I've made here as well as from Travelbud have been amazing and they all make the life here much easier. I would highly recommend this experience to any thinking of doing it. It will really stick with you for life. Finally in would like to say thank you to Travelbud for their continued support and assistance.

I had a couple of friends teach English in Thailand and try all had amazing experiences. When I decided to do it myself after having studied. I went through Travelbud. I thought they were great as they have experienced teaching in Thailand themselves and I felt that their opinions where honest. Thy were also very efficient with answering any questions I had. Doing the actual course in Thailand was definitely a great option. I met lots of people which has created a great support system. I very happy with my placement at a private Christian school. I stay on the outskirts of Bangkok which is great because it is easy to get into central Bangkok on weekends, but you are not stuck in the middle of the city. Accommodation is great and there are western food options nearby which is nice if you miss home food. I love teaching kindergarten. It can be very tiring, but everyday I experience something special. The children are really loving and enthusiastic.

TravelBud have been an immense help in my teach abroad venture, allowing me to explore all possible options from the comfort of my own home. A thoroughly reliant agency with quick and friendly service, especially for amateur travellers.

I'm now more then a year and a half in to this "teaching stint" and loving it. I was concerned when i began about my not so great recollections of .... well everything from verbs to parallelisms.... I was nervous and thought I would find myself unprepared. This was not the case. The great blokes at TravelBud have TO THIS DAY kept contact, always quick to reply and with a vested interest in your well being. It really is just fantastic to know that your family, as much as they care and as busy in there own lives as they are, don't have to be there 24/7 because travel bud always is. I have been fortunate enough to travel much of this world and doing a myriad of jobs to keep myself going, from the second i made contact with travelbud, it was just like all the stress and strain was off my shoulders and i simply floated downstream to a comfy well paid job in paradise, sheer bliss. Credit must of course get spread around to the partner companies TravelBud is associated with but all in all, to any who read this, signing up with these guys is a good idea, because they don't half arse it and really put themselves right in your shoes with you. A company you can trust in a market riddled with many you cant. Thanks guys