Program Reviews

I had been planning on getting into teaching abroad for last few years but wasn't sure where to start.
I came across the fewer things programme through my girlfriend who knew of people already doing it. We started the process quite late (February 2023) but jaemi from the fewer things made life a lot easier for us. The 120 hour tefl course was very beneficial and well worth the time in getting it completed. I was in touch with jaemi about twice a week from when I started to discuss any doubts or queries I had and he took time to answer all whether through message or voice note. further more the fewer things set up interviews after completion of the course so you don't have to worry about blindly looking for a job in Vietnam. About a week before flying out to Hanoi we had a zooms chat with 2 experience teachers about life in Hanoi and what the teaching is like which settled any pre nerves. Myself and my girlfriend are both in Hanoi and enjoying life but when we have any questions jaemi is still responding to our messages.
Overall I think the fewer things is an excellent programme to go into as the constant support from Jaemi is second to none.

Coming to Vietnam with The Fewer Things, in my opinion, has felt like the best way to do it!

The Fewer Things team have been so helpful from the offset. They are always on the end of the phone to help with any queries. They created helpful budgeting guidelines and a 'survival guide' on Vietnam before we came out here which was really helpful to go through and made me feel set up to come out here from the off. They also hosted a webinar just before our departure so we could ask any questions which also really helped and made me feel a lot calmer in the week running up to travelling :)

I have been nicely surprised at how supportive The Fewer Things have been once we got out to Vietnam too. We are regularly checked on, which is nice to know we have that support system still. We have also had socials organised for us in the first couple of weeks which was good to meet the rest of the group who had come out to Vietnam, or who have already been out here.

The Fewer Things is a great way to start teaching abroad, especially in Vietnam, as some of the culture can be difficult to navigate on your own and so it feels good to have The Fewer Things support behind us :)

I was a bit nervous about moving to China and starting my career teaching. However, after doing lots of research, I decided on The Fewer Things. From my first interview with Jaemi, I knew this was the program I wanted to go with. The support I received before I left was great! The staff in China replied quickly to my questions and concerns. All the paperwork on the China side of things was done rapidly and efficiently. I cannot thank the staff enough. I also had the option to do monthly/weekly phone call check ups just to ease some stress and see how the progress was going. Before I knew it, I was boarding the plane!

Once I got here, the friendliness of the staff never stopped. Diane, Nancy, Lucia, and everyone has gone ABOVE AND BEYOND once I got here. It really soothed my heart and mind. As you might know, moving abroad is a big step that can pose many challenges. They have done so much for me and my other colleagues who came abroad. They also found me the best school as well. I feel welcomed by the staff and I am excited to teach!

China is a great place to travel solo or with friends. If you know a good bit of the language, or none at all, it is an amazing country that will provide you with a fun and exciting experience! Traveling around the city is extremely efficient, and before you know it, you will no longer need maps to help you get around!! Also... YUMMY FOOD! :)

From the start Jaemi and his team were really down to Earth and helped you get over the mental hump of moving abroad to teach English. They also give a step-by-step guide for you to follow and constant support via WhatsApp and online webinars so that you can make sure you're absolutely ready for your trip.

Upon arrival in your new home country, the support remains and in Hanoi we had the benefit of Hannah and Aled's social events which help you to have fun and mingle with new friends. We arrived in a large group, and everybody gets along really well so we have a lot of fun. This wouldn't have been possible without the help of The Fewer Things.

The fewer things China program is absolutely worth it. From the moment you apply through to arrival in China and beyond the support is fantastic, I wouldn't have been able to navigate the process without them. Having decided to choose China I completed my application. I received an initial phone call to discuss the ins and outs of everything which made me feel at ease with it all. From there, I received unparalleled support through the process of document legalization, visa application and in being set up with a school to teach in. In the weeks prior to going out to China, the fewer things director, Jaemi, is on hand via weekly call slots to help settle any nerves or apprehensions you may have, after all, moving abroad to teach is a big thing to do. Following moving to China, the fewer things are still there to help should I need any support, but I must say, living and teaching in Shanghai is amazing. So far, so good! A big thanks to the fewer things for helping to make a dream of mine a reality.

I’ve have definitely come to realise that only amazing things happen outside of your comfort zone. I cannot emphasise enough how happy I am that I made the decision to teach in Thailand and now Vietnam. The people you meet are now friends for life and it honestly changes how you view life and work. The balance is amazing, currently in Hanoi I am living in a stunning apartment just a couple minutes walk from my friends so can go for dinner and chill after school. After week of teaching (yes it can be tiring but sooo rewarding) you can go explore Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha long Bay or even pop to Thailand! Basically the experience is what you make of it and one you won’t forget in years to come!

Jaemi and The Fewer Things team were super helpful with all the documents and advice needed for moving out to Thailand. I did one semester teaching from October 2021 in Chaiyaphum which is a lovely central Thailand town with lots to do!

The teaching experience is invaluable and you really get to form friendships with students and fellow teachers. In my placement, I had around 10 other teacher from the UK based in Chaiyaphum, and we all bonded and planned travels together during long weekends and at the end of the semester. The Fewer Things programme is really great because you get put in contact with teachers who are in different areas of Thailand to you, so you can arrange to meet up and travel to different towns.

I definitely recommend this supportive programme if you're looking to gain career experience, travel and meet lots of new people!

The support provided Jaemi was superb and the coordinators Will & Molly they literally helped a I and many others dream come true, whilst living and teaching in Vietnam who could imagine. From the first interview with Jaemi from TFT, he was extremely informative by providing all the relevant information I need about teaching and working in Hanoi or HCMC.

The timeline or deadline for having things done by 5-8 months prior to departure to Vietnam really helped put us the applicants in good steadfast before coming to Vietnam as it relieved a lot of the stressors of social mobility. Including the steps and help provided for doing a video and pre-selection of documents (e.g. TEFL, CV, Legal documents, Degree certification)

The information given during the webinar was very good as it gave you an insight on what to expect when coming to Vietnam. The accommodation and orientation week was very well organized as it as it provided justice and sufficient time to get the ground running in terms of meeting new friends, getting accommodation sorted out and becoming familiar with the new surroundings.

The program offers great support from the TFT team and my fellow program teachers!! TFT promptly answers all questions and lays out the immigration and document process before departure. They also offer call check ins, a group Q&A zoom and set up a group chat so you don't feel alone as you arrive. Once you arrive they still check in with everyone, can introduce you to alumni and help organize small social events to help you feel at home. EXCELLENT SUPPORT for anyone experiencing such a big change. More than one TFT person is assigned to a region so there's always someone to help you out when needed, whether its just to talk or to address concerns.

Japan is a wonderful place for people new to the field of education and teaching! Typical working hours are roughly 40 hours per week. The pay could be better, but it is enough to live on. The benefits/ insurance are wonderful! Japan has a large expat community, so it's easy to find like minded friends! The country is extremely safe and welcoming. Public transportation is amazing here, the country is so accessible even if you are in a non-driving position. Be prepared to try new foods, see new sights, and have an adventure of a lifetime!