Thailand Experience | Teach English In Thailand

"I don't have anything but positive feedback for my experience with the TAT course and my work done at King's [Job Placement]. I thought the TEFL Training was excellent. And I think the way King's has taken us in, trained us, and provided superb life support has been brilliant. Thank you very much"
Thomas Brownlow, USA

"My experiences in Thailand have inspired me to apply to become a qualified teacher in the UK, and the overall experience has expanded my horizons and given me numerous happy memories, and I made some enduring friendships as well. In fact, I am already planning my next trip to Thailand - it has been said to me on many occasions that people rarely come to Thailand just once, and I would definitely agree with that. Making the decision to go away is a big one, but it is one you will never, ever regret."
Becky Rice, UK

RE: Tsunami - December 2004

"Hi Jimmy!
 This is Meghann! I have been meaning to write to you FOREVER so I must first apologize for this belated email! I wanted to thank you for everything you did for Jenna and her mother, for Emily and for everyone involved in [TAT} I am sure they have both already thanked you, but I wanted to make sure you knew how much everything you did was appreciated by so many people, including myself! In a time of complete chaos and panic you really came through for us and made everything so much easier to handle and understand. A simple email could not explain how grateful all of us were for your research, countless phone calls and understanding…but you've got to start somewhere! So, thank you! I know that you were dealing with so many of your own friends and other people from [TAT} so know that they were in my thoughts and prayers and I hope everything worked out for the best! Thanks again Jimmy! Talk to you soon. Meghann
"
Meghann Stepan, USA

"It was such a fantastic experience and one that i will cherish for many years to come. Our trainer was very helpful and he created a relaxed and friendly atmosphere throughout. The course was hard work at times but thoroughly enjoyable. Lunchtime at the hilltop restaurant overlooking Lamai was just amazing and having such a fantastic pool to take dip at lunch time made it all seem more like a holiday. I've made some really good friends from all around the world and some Thai friends too. The Thai people on Samui were just wonderful and so friendly. I've now been to some of the worlds most beautiful beaches, been scuba diving, bungy jumping, survived the full moon party and i've lived and worked in an amazing new country. I'll be backl"
Simone Friedman , UK

"As I began my search for an English program in Asia, I stumbled across a variety of courses. You struck me as the most compelling program for several reasons. First, the program's flexibility is attractive. You offer a variety of certification locations to obtain the TEFL/TESOL, along with various teaching locations upon completion of the program. Secondly, a [job guarantee] provides me with a sense of security. I can feel comfortable traveling to a new country and not worry about searching for work. Lastly, everyone I contacted who completed the program had nothing but great things to say about it. I was assured to hear that everything from the program organizers, down to the accommodations throughout the certification process and the actual TESOL training was as advertised."
Andrew Berger, USA

"We have been searching the internet reading up on all the TEFL courses available in Thailand, with every other company as well, and this course seems to be the best value money wise for what you get. We have chosen  [TAT] as it is a reputable company and recognised throughout the world, so if we plan to travel elsewhere in the world we have the credentials to teach English there as well."
Kelly & Troy Kelliher, Australia

“I truly had a blast during the [TEFL] course! There was a good, solid mix of in-class instruction, preparing for lessons, actual teaching, discussion, and of course FUN! I met wonderful people. Although the course was intense, the laid-back atmosphere provided a relaxed, enjoyable environment in which to learn. I don't really want to leave!”
Jen Hand, USA

"You have consistently responded to my many email queries and requests in good time. As an accounting practitioner running my own business for the past 14 years, I fundamentally understand the value of good service, and especially good response time. I have been impressed with Lisa's commitment, professionalism and non-pushy assistance."
Susan Rumsey, South Africa

"Hi Lisa. Just thought I would drop you a quick email to tell you how much I am enjoying the TEFL course on Phuket Island. The people are really welcoming, friendly and so helpful. Ian is amazing, and the hotel that he owns is a luxury to return to each evening after a long day at the language school. I am also meeting great people and the others on the course are wonderful. After the course is complete would you be able to help me in finding a school to then teach English in as this would be great. I am now in the second week and loving everyday out here in Thailand. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Sarah Bullock, England

"I'm glad I have chosen you' as the avenue for this as the course package is obviously thorough, well structured and professional. There is a welcome depth of experience evident and considerable support for course attendees. I was particularly drawn to the chance to take part in some formal Thai language lessons and to take part in hands- on teaching practice- so much more relevant than a course conducted in cyberspace!"
Timothy Malecki, AUS

"This is one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was a very enjoyable course, well organized and our trainer was brilliant. I can't say a bad thing about this course."
Brian Donnelly, England

"This is just a quick belated email to thank all of the staff in Phuket for making the TEFL course interesting and enjoyable. The course is first class and far exceeded my expectations; I cannot fault the content, teachers or teaching methods used, and will certainly recommend the course to others. Most importantly for me, the course gave me the confidence I need to teach - I'm writing from Taipei, Taiwan where I start teaching and putting what I learnt into practice next week. Thanks and best wishes,"
Steve Lambert, UK

"I can’t imagine how I would have coped teaching without this experience under my belt…I learned so much."
Lyndsey Fitzgerald, England

"I have been researching lots of TEFL web sites and I was pulling my hair out. Finding your site site was big relief. Your site just seems well laid out and really easy to use. Unlike the other so called TEFL websites, yours doesn't contain numerous spelling and grammar mistakes. Thanks to Lisa for the quick responses to my emails."
Jennifer Carlton, USA

"The school has been soooooo welcoming, all the teachers are lovely and have gone out of their way to attempt conversation and make me feel comfortable. Any questions can always be answered by Jimmy who is only a phone call away! The school has no preconceptions about the TEFL teaching style, they appreciate whatever you do and do not judge in any way. You are respected and fully catered for whilst at the school and join their social network of teachers! The teachers are so happy here and never seem too stressed despite their large classes, it's very refreshing. There is a constant stream of TEFL students doing courses so having a social life is not a problem."
Andrea Lamont, UK

"This has got to be the best places (Koh Samui) I have ever been to and one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was only supposed to be here for 2 months. That was 8 months ago."
Matt Smith, USA

"This was a great experience for me. Samui is beautiful and the children were a pleasure to teach. If there was a next time, I would make sure it was longer."
Andrew Terris, UK

"I have learn't a lot from Thailand, and I hope to visit again some day. I really wish I didn't have to leave, I miss it so much. All my fears of being away from home were erased and my time here made me realize I was ready to go off on my own, and visit different cultures and learn something new. Everyone was so kind, and the travelers I met just going through were so interesting and wanted to know about what I was doing. I just wish I could have been here longer. It will be a memory I will hold close to my heart, and an experience I will never forget."
Anna Spencer, USA

"I couldn't have asked for any more from you. Bangkok is vibrant and It did take me a few weeks to settle in. I have to say now though, I love Bangkok"
Sarah Eaglesfield, UK

"You arranged everything which made it so much easier for me to settle into a new culture. Jimmy (the local coordinator) was always available for advice and always first to buy a round at the bar!"
Gerry Carr, Ireland

"Brilliant experience, I will be recommending this program to all my friends. This is something that everyone should do at least once in their life"
Emma Witort, UK

"My brother took your Ko Samui course last year and he said it was excellent. He's now teaching in Bangkok with a top language school and he asked me to come over. I would just love to do this. Thank you so much for accepting me, i can't wait. "
Meghan Hughes, USA

"I discovered that teaching is a skill you have to learn. I now feel much more confident about going abroad to teach."
Joan Stewart, USA

"Ho Jimmy. About to leave Thailand and go back to the Promise Land and I wanted to let you know what excellent experience I've had out here in the last 2-3 months. Straight from the first day you guys (yourself, Damian) have been very friendly and welcoming, organising a truly memorable Thailand Experience. Its been pretty much idyllic in many ways.

Damian has been great support in Samui from the teaching advice right through to travel and Thai tips....sound bloke as well who totally makes you feel at ease. I wish him and his wee family all the best for the future in Samui.

My school was extremely friendly and welcoming. I was only teaching a few hours a week but that suited me right down to the ground, i was looking for a teaching experience and a good break and thats exactly what i got. I hope my pupils will be pronouncing their English with a Scottish burr or twang in the future, although right to the end i couldn't get them to say favourite. Anyway...thanks for everything you guys have done for me over here, i'll definitely recommend your experience to others I meet.

Also, my fellow teachers were all cool as well and ended up like a wee family! The Thais in Samui and indeed all around the country were all very chilled and friendly too.

So thanks again for a truly memorable experience and i wish you guys all the best in the future, although if you treat your clients in the same way you treated me, you'll have no worries. Cheers"
- Alistair McLauchlan, Scotland

"The  [TAT] is a great way to simplify the process of moving to the other side of the world. Each and every claim they made on the website/over the phone has been completely fulfilled. Honestly, the only complaint I can think of is that the umbrella provided as part of the welcome pack breaks easily and considering all the other perks of the program the shoddy umbrella becomes rather superfluous.

As stated in the program details, upon arrival you are greeted at the airport, taken to a hotel and within hours will have a fully operational cell phone. The hotel is clean and comfortable, the staff is lovely and while the pool is comically small there is a great place to get pad thai/have your laundry done a mere two minutes away.

Also, the weekend outings scheduled by the Thailand program  provide welcomed and exciting escapes to some of Thailand's most beautiful islands.

All in all, it is a great program. The teachers are qualified and the coordinator is reliable. If given the chance I would do it again"
- Blaire Davis, USA

"It's been an absolutely wonderful experience in Chiang Mai and in Thailand altogether. [my co-ordinator] has been outstandingly helpful. She's very prompt with responses regarding questions that I might have regarding certain things. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, she spent several days with me searching for work and trying to figure out the best possible options. It would have been a very difficult and difference experience had I not gone with your organization and I am definately glad that I did. It's like having a sidekick when the uncertainties of travel can feel so overwhelming, Jessica and your organization were always there to assist and guide" Thank you for your help.
John Crowley, USA

".....I really enjoyed the Thailand program , sooo glad i did it. The programme made the experience so much easier and so much more fun. Thailand is amazing and the teaching was a wicked experience. My school in Bangkok was really supportive, the kids are so funny and you get plenty of free time to explore Thailand. I met some really cool people...
wish i was still there :("
- Sian Caulton, UK 

"Hi Jimmy, So, Im back home and finally getting settled in and over my jetlag. Melissa fowarded me what she wrote to you, but i just wanted to also thank you and the program for everything. Teaching in samui was such a great experience and I am so so so happy that we did it. The rest of our traveling was also amazing....the whole thing was probably the best thing i've ever done. I wish I could rewind and do it again. So now that im home, the job search is officially on. Thank you for making yourself available as a reference. I really appreciate it. Take care and stay in touch. Thanks again, Jimmy!"
- Rachel Brown, USA

"The accommodation is great and right by the beach. Thanks for sorting us out such good places, i'll be perfectly comfortable here for the coming months"
- Christian Beal, UK

"Hi Sonali, Let me start out by saying that the teaching experience that I had in Thailand was amazing - I did it after working in "corporate America" for 3 years, so it was a great change of pace.  I'll try and answer your questions best as possible:

Was it well organized?

It was very well organized...Jimmy or his assistants meet you upon arrival and have a week long orientation planned for you to begin getting acclimated to the culture (and just to get over the jetlag).

Was there always someone to help you in case you needed it?

You are provided with [your co-ordinators] contact info.  [They] can be reached at just about any time, and there will be other teachers there just like you so you will have all of their contact info as well.

Is the pay well enough to live comfortably in Thailand?

You are paid well enough to live comfortably in Bangkok, for sure.  If you enjoy Thai food, you will be even better off.

Was there anything that frustrated you about the program?

I am a pretty easy going guy, so I wouldn't say that anything frustrated me. Thailand is a very laid-back country, so be sure to try to have a similar attitude while you are there and you will be fine.

In the end, was it worthwhile, and why?

It was definitely worthwhile.  For me, it was an opportunity to get out of the "corporate America" route and try something totally different.  Thailand is a beautiful country, and its totally different from Western countries so you learn to appreciate a completely different culture.  It's also a great experience to tack on the resume since it shows not only responsibility (in handling a class) but the fact that you are adventurous enough to try something like this and take the chance.

Were you able to make friends readily, and was it with the people you worked with?

I made tons of friends from the UK, Australia and Thais that I still keep in touch via email.

If you look at the bottom of my email, you will see a web address This is a company that I began when I got back to the states - I combined my prior business/sales experience with some things that I picked up while in Thailand to create this business.  I go back every year around November to get my Spring orders ready, so if you decide to do the program let me know and I'll look you up when I get over there in November.

I hope that his helps.  Jimmy is a great guy and will do all he can to take the best care of you that he can while you are in Thailand. Good luck,"
- Matt Smith, USA www.atlantateak.com

"I would just like to say that i'm really enjoying your program and have absolutely no regrets! i think you guys are great and the support extremely impressive:)"
- Dorrette Botha, South Africa

"All going really great hear here, have only 5 days left and the month has went by so quickly, have really enjoyed the program and must say Mr Sambo and the team here have made me feel very welcome and part of a family here. I must credit the organisation and support given to techers at all times, will miss the team when I leave here. I would definitely recommend any volunteer to come to this school and teach. Living in the volunteers house was also a blast, was great to have the other teachers support and advice whenever needed and the house is really nice. Overall I have really enjoyed my whole TEFL experience, from my week in Koh Samui to my placement here in Cambodia and I reckon I could be doing more teaching in S.E Asia in the future."
- Natalie Phelan, Ireland 

"Dear Jimmy, How is everything going over in Thailand? Rachel and I returned home this past Friday and are already back to the old grind of things. I would much rather be back in Thailand. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for everything, my time in Thailand was truly incredible and something that will always stand out as one of the most amazing experiences in my life. Once again, thank you so much for all your help. I hope to be in touch with you again soon. Happy and Healthy New Year!"
- Melissa Frank, USA

"I was really impressed when I got there and the accommodation had been organised etc. (I was really impressed with the little beach huts!!) Getting the phones was really useful and something that most other companies don't seem to provide. The same goes for the guidebook. The personal service was really good too and something that we wouldn't have got from one of the other larger organisations.

"I've now got over the shock of the energy you use up doing this job. I Hardly get time to stop and think but... i love it"
- James Cane, UK