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Journey to Teach Abroad

Why choose Journey to Teach Abroad?

"Explore the Unfamiliar" with Journey to Teach Abroad.

J2 Teach Abroad is a 3-week in-person teacher training TEFL certification course in Los Angeles that prepares trainees for Day 1 in Thailand and Day 1 in the classroom. J2 trains and certifies recent University graduates who want a 5 month traching and traveling experience abroad in Thailand, giving them the knowledge, confidence, and real-life experience to do so. Through an immersive curriculum, J2 develops trainees personally and professionally. They gain ESL teaching style skills that promote a positive and engaging learning environment for children worldwide.

Upon course completion, newly certified teachers are guaranteed employment. They journey to Thailand together and create life-long memories teaching and traveling.

"Once you teach abroad, your life will change forever."​

Reviews

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Nokhanyo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Working in Thailand as an English Teacher

I got a teaching job in Thailand , thanks to Adam. I am enjoying it so much, I am treated with so much respect. Thai students know exactly what is expected of them, I am teaching level 3 and 4 which makes it less challenging for me. Respect for elders is a mainstay of Thai culture. That means you will not spend much time on discipline, instead you can get down to the fun stuff, like exciting activities , new lessons and games. Working in Thailand is a great option for those looking to make a great living. The culture is so giving , the food is amazing and affordable. Thailand is in the Central hub of Southern east Asia, this means once in Thailand its easy to travel to other fantastic destinations. My only challenge is the language, as most people dont speak English.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
My first day at work, I was very nervous. Thanks to my Thai Co teachers who made it easy for me. They always give amazing support.
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Katrina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Smooth Transition

Journey to teach Abroad helped so much in finding work in Thailand for my boyfriend and I. We reached out to Adam and he helped with every step of the way. He did not put pressure on us to accept a job and gave us lots of information and advice. Having never taught before Adam was on-hand to answer any questions we had and to help when we needed it. The service provided is great and I know that Adam will continue to support us during our journey.

We have enjoyed the challenges that teaching brings and we love seeing the smiles on the students faces everyday. Teaching in front of 50 students is still one of the hardest things we have ever done but it is very rewarding. Teaching in Thailand has been a life-changing and has provided us with essential skills and memories.

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Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Dream come true

I grew up wanting to be a teacher. There's nothing quite like teaching. Being able to now be a teacher and teach English to incredible kids while being able to live and travel around Thailand is one of the best things to happen to me yet. I was already on this side of the world and was looking at returning to Los Angeles to get the TEFL then come back, but Adam was helpful and put me in contact with the school I am at now. Teach Abroad helped me find a school here and place me there with ease. The school is incredible by helping with classroom material and even with visa issues. The advisors and other Thai and foreign teachers are incredible company and are so knowledgable. It is a great community to become a part of and I am so grateful to Adam and Teach Abroad in connecting me with this community.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Embrace the little things. Don't come in with expectations. Enjoy every moment.

Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Adam Gootnick

Job Title
Founder
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Adam is a Los Angeles native and international explorer. After living and teaching in Thailand for over a year, he grew so passionate about helping others discover what he experienced, that he started Journey to Teach Abroad. His motto is to ‘explore the unfamiliar.’

What is your favorite travel memory?

So, so many, but I think my favorite travel memory has to be this car ride on Koh Chang, the Jurassic Park-esque island on the Southeast Coast of Thailand. After a smooth ferry ride, my co-teachers and I jumped into a Song-Tao, which is a blue pickup truck with benches lined up against the two sides. It was raining and we spent 45 minutes winding around corners, going up and down steep roads. And the entire time we were singing classic songs like In the End by Linkin Park. It was a special moment and something I will remember forever.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I’ve definitely learned a lot since the start of J2. One thing that stands out is that I’ve learned to be more patient with my career, because in time things will fall into its right place. I was a business and international relations major at the University of Southern California. Upon graduation, I didn’t know what to do, and––as you know––ended up teaching abroad in Thailand and absolutely loving it. Since returning, it has been incredible to combine the skills I developed as a business student with my passion for teaching abroad. It took time to find this, but I am sure this is where I’m supposed to be.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

We pride ourselves on being unique! J2 is an interactive 3-week in-person course in Los Angeles geared towards post-graduates. We guarantee employment teaching at a school in Thailand. No other course is like ours, and the entire curriculum is based on simulating what it is truly like to teach a classroom in Thailand, the Land of Smiles. We integrate its culture in each lesson––there’s a section dedicated to adjusting to life in Thailand––and trainees will develop valuable skills throughout our class activities. And when it comes to job placement, you are able to request specific teaching preferences (age, level, and location). If this course was available to me when I was getting certified, there’s no doubt that I would have chosen this one.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

There really isn’t a program like ours. Teaching abroad is about enjoyment, having fun and embracing life. And we simplify the entire process at J2––from TEFL certification to job placement––and turn your stress into excitement. We give you the preparation and confidence you need for your experience abroad.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I characterize myself as a teacher, leader and now an entrepreneur. Throughout these experiences, I have learned genuineness drives success. This means being present for the trainees, treating them with empathy, and doing whatever it takes to make them feel comfortable and excited for their journey ahead. I’m devoted to this job and look forward to the future.