YOUR NO-FUSS ROUTE TO TEACHING IN THAILAND
Get a taste of life in Thailand and kick-start your post-uni career in the most exciting way possible with our 5-month Thailand TEFL Taster.
Lush green rice paddies, mystical mountains and laid-back, endlessly positive vibes — Thailand is an adventurous graduate’s dream. It might be best known for its insane nightlife and beautiful beaches, but venture a little further, and you’ll discover there’s so much more to the Land of Smiles.
On this 5-month teaching adventure, you’ll experience it all. You’ll get a taste of true Thai culture, gain the skills and confidence to launch your TEFL journey and turn your desire to see the world into a well-paid reality. And you’ll do it all with people just like you.
This is the opportunity for you if…
->You’re in (or have just graduated from) your final year of uni and have no idea what comes next — you’re ready for a new challenge, just not the grad job kind.
->You dream of exploring the world and earning money but have no idea how to make it happen.
->You’re bang up for travelling solo… but would love to have the support of people who know their stuff and fellow grads to share the experience with.
->You’d love to teach abroad and experience the ‘real’ Thailand, but you’re not ready to commit to an entire year.
Is that you? Sweet. We’ve got you.
Since 2014, we’ve been connecting globally-minded grads with exciting alternatives to the traditional ‘grad job’ we’re all bored of hearing about. After starting our own careers abroad, we discovered the world has so much more to offer than life at home — and we’re all about helping you see and experience it.
We’ve designed our services to create a safe, supported way to catapult yourself into the unknown. It’s not as scary as it sounds with us in your pocket: we’re here to guide, support and advise you every step of the way, so you can be sure you’re making a great decision.
WHEN WILL YOU GO?
You can start your adventure at one of two points during the year, if you apply in time. Note that places are limited on each intake, and it’s first come, first served.
Major Intake [Every Year]:
Start Date: 21 October
Application Deadline: July 31 or Whenever all 40 places are taken.
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Minor Intake [Every Year]:
Start Date: 1 May
Application Deadline: January 31 or Whenever all 15 places are taken
Each placement is 1 semester (5 months) in duration, but can be extended to 2 semesters (10 months) either before departure or from abroad. About 70% of our applicants opt to extend to 2 semesters!
Let’s Get Your Journey off the Ground
Make Payment or Apply/Enquire
Depending how decided you are on it all, you are good either to make a payment or Apply/Enquire, via the site. Those who have been following us online for a while, or have had a friend go through the process already, often opt for the former, whilst those completely new to the whole thing tend to opt for the latter. We don't mind either way however - You are good to choose whichever option feels right for you!
Those opting to Apply/Enquire can expect to hear back from us within about 48 hours, and are invited to communicate with our friendly team by phone or WhatsApp, 24/7, without appointment!
Payment of the first half of your support fee guarantees a placement on whichever option you've applied for. Within about 24 hours you'll receive your online TEFL course login & Members Area access, and we’ll hit go on the rest! Don’t stress — we’ll walk you through every step and answer all of your questions along the way - it's what we're known for.
Lasting one semester (5 months), the Thailand TEFL Taster is the no-fuss route to starting your teaching career or overseas adventure. Get your journey off the ground quickly and easily with thorough 1:1 guidance and support from a team that knows its stuff.
Find a school you can trust
We’ve done the ‘is this really legit’ checks on all our partners, so you can rest assured you’ll work in a reliable school that’ll look after, pay and support you from start to finish. Rock up to work each day with a smile and enjoy your free time without being weighed down by work drama.
Earn a decent salary
You’ll work Monday to Friday from 7:30 am - 4:30 pm in a kindergarten, primary or high school and earn £650-750 per month. It might not sound like a whole lot, but trust us when we say it's enough to indulge in all the pad Thai and weekend trips you need. Plus, you might even save some Baht. Life in Thailand is MEGA cheap!
Skip the confusion, fast-forward to the fun
The Travel Grad team is here to guide you through all the confusing stuff — from gathering legal docs to applying for your visa. We’ll tell you when, where and how you need to submit what, giving you peace of mind you’ll get it right the first time.
First-time teacher? Great!
A 120-hour online TEFL course will get you up to speed with the need-to-know best practices and classroom management hacks before you leave. You’ll arrive in Thailand with the confidence and energy to go all in and make a positive impact on your students from day one.
Make friends for life from day one
Around 80% of Travel Grads are solo travellers. If that’s you too, know that you’re not alone. You’ll meet the rest of the gang in a WhatsApp group before heading off, so you can chat, link up and arrive in Thailand with a ready-made group of friends to share your journey with.
Experience real Thai culture
Working in a small town in the north of Thailand, you’ll embark on a true Thai adventure — gaining unrivalled cultural knowledge and experiences. Before that, you’ll overcome any last-minute nerves with an immersive induction into local culture, taboos and school life alongside your fellow Travel Grads.
Your New Home: The Isaan Region
Tucked between Laos and Cambodia, Isaan is Thailand’s biggest yet least visited region. Teaching here will give you a rare glimpse into the ‘real’ Thailand. You’ll live alongside indigenous and minority populations who are known for their warmth and positivity, as well as many other like-minded graduates/soon-to-be friends.
Soak up the laid-back lifestyle, explore the magnificent scenery and enjoy the low cost of living the region is known for. Oh, and get this. Isaan is just a short drive or a cheap flight away from Bangkok, giving you a true best-of-both-worlds experience.
Travel Grad - Rose Hand
[Thailand TEFL Taster Applicant]
“I can’t really describe how much Travel Grad helped me to get here because there are so many documents to fill out to come out here and work. I was overwhelmed with the application process, and it really helped to have Travel Grad to not only find me a school but also to help me process the visa documents etc. I honestly couldn’t recommend Thailand enough. It’s a beautiful country, and there’s so much going on. I’m very happy that I’m here.”
THAILAND IS AN OBVIOUS CHOICE FOR YOU IF…
-> You’re a native English speaker who’s keen to make a difference in students’ lives by teaching them to speak your language.
-> You’ve got (or will soon have) an undergraduate degree in any subject, and you’re looking for a way to travel and make money.
-> You’re up for a new challenge and want to try teaching abroad without committing to a year-long placement.
-> You’ve got a clean criminal record and are ready to invest in making your journey happen.
Travel Grad - Evie Garner
[Thailand TEFL Taster Applicant]
“Travel Grad made a group chat with a group of us who were all coming out to Thailand at the same time, so we were able to arrange to come out together. That eliminated one of the scary factors of coming here because I’d already met people through talking to them. I knew what they were like and that I get on with them, so I knew I wouldn’t be alone.”
YOUR INVESTMENT: £749
Thailand TEFL Taster
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120-hour online TEFL course
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Free Accommodation for duration of contract
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Full application process assistance (incl. School application, visa process and related documents)
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Post-arrival induction to help you settle in
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In-country support during your placement
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Whatsapp group chat access to meet your new friends before you even get to Thailand!
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£749
“TravelGrad was fantastic in helping me to overcome both administrative/bureaucratic barriers and the general anxieties of moving to the other side of the world. The service and support they offered was friendlier and more personal than other providers and made the whole process as smooth as could be.” — Cameron
Your Travel Grad Bonuses
You’ll also get access to two exclusive Travel Grad bonuses so you can hit the ground running:
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Explore our Thailand Members Area, where you’ll find tips and travel guides that prepare you for your journey
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Browse our Lesson Plan Library for ready-made lesson plans you can use, adapt or take teaching inspo from
Flexible & Reassuring Payment Structure
Ease the burden on the bank and your mind by splitting the fee across two equal instalments: the first when you sign up, the second when your placement is confirmed. This is to reassure you that we’ll find you a contract you’re happy with. Please note that payment of your first half guarantees a placement.
After paying your first instalment, you’ll receive the login details to start your 120-hour TEFL. This qualification is then yours for life!
The Unavoidable Costs
Legally and safely moving to Thailand involves a few extra costs, spread over the 3-4 months before you go. We’ll give you a heads up before they’re due so you won’t be caught off guard.
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Legalise Degree - £179 [UK] / $150 [USA]
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Travel Insurance ~ Roughly £50/Month [UK] and Roughly $75/Month [USA]
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Flight ~ Roughly £500 / $650 One Way
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Initial Spending Money/Various Little Start Up Expenses (until first pay check) £1K+ / $1200+
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Vaccinations~ Average is £100/$100 (however, applicants have reported paying anywhere from 0-500. It really does depend on what you get, where you get it, and your own personal attitude to risk.
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Medical (Blood Tests, X-Ray etc) in Thailand (varies region to region) - Up to £40 / $50
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Visa cost in UK/USA - £60 / $70
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Visa cost in Thailand - £50 / $60
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There is however a 3000THB (£75) VISA costs reimbursement, for all applicants, upon completion of contract
Travel Grad - Ellen Rendall
[Thailand TEFL Taster Applicant]
“Travel grad have been amazing and supportive from start to finish, from me doing the TEFL course pre-covid, to securing my placement and landing in Thailand. They provided step by step instructions/guidance regarding any and all issues or questions with the application process, including VISA information, TEFL instructions, Legal docs, placement etc. All applicant documents/deadlines were super organised and we were kept up to date with exactly what had to be submitted when and where.”
LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE OUT IN THAILAND
Apply today to arrange your interview and become the next grad to enjoy:
Expert support from a team that’s been in your shoes and knows their stuff
A placement at a kindergarten, primary or high school you can trust
Thorough personalised support to answer your questions and put your mind at ease
A life-changing experience that opens your eyes to the world
A nerve-busting supported route into travelling, teaching and exploring Thailand with other like-minded graduates
FAQS
Is this the right option for me?
The fact you’ve made it this far suggests it is. If you’re a soon-to-be or recent grad looking to experience life in Thailand through teaching with the step-by-step support and guidance to get you there, this is 100% the right option for you.
Can I apply with a friend or a group?
Yes, although in most cases we can place a maximum of 2 people together.
Will I be close to other Travel Grads?
Yes. Around 80% of Thailand Travel Grads are placed in groups of 2-5, either at the same school or within 20 minutes of each other. The other 20% are placed in groups of 5-15.
If you’d prefer either of the above, let us know during the application process. We’ll do our best to match it.
What is the accommodation like?
You’ll live in standard Thai accommodation. This is typically a studio or one-bed (with a private bathroom) in a big apartment block. It will be safe, secure and functional.
Thai apartments don’t usually have kitchens because it’s more common to eat out.
How do I know I’ll get my money’s worth?
We’ve put every effort into creating a service that puts your safety and happiness first. That means going the extra mile to make sure you feel relaxed, supported and excited the entire time. Past and present Travel Grads tell us this is exactly how they feel, so we’re sure your future self will think so, too.
Is it possible I won’t like it?
There’s no denying that living abroad has its ups and downs — it’s part of the experience. That said, our goal is to ensure you make the best decision for you. So to make sure you do, we share everything you need to know about life as a teacher in Thailand during the application process. If at any point before you leave, you feel another opportunity is more suitable, just let us know, and we’ll see what we can do! Then, once you’re there, our team is only ever a text or call away. As is commonplace in the TEFL world, the overseas employers on this option tend to require 1-2 months notice to leave the contract prematurely (or pay a contract breach penalty of 1-2 months salary).