Paid Teaching & TEFL Program in Japan with TravelBud

If it weren't for Travel Bud, I wouldn't have been able to make it to Japan. They provided a great path for me to achieve my goal of teaching in Japan and I appreciate the program for being able to both certify me in teaching and facilitate my travel here. Given the state of the world in 2021 and having explored other avenues of travel, I can confidently say if it weren't for Travel Bud I wouldn't be living in Japan now. The program is simple, comprehensive, and they offer guaranteed job placement.

My time in Japan has been short but well spent. In requesting this review, I was told to write something unique to me. However, I think what I'm currently experiencing isn't unique to me at all and that's what makes it so great. I've never met more polite people anywhere else in the world. The food is always well prepared and surprisingly cheap. There is a plethora of activities to enjoy yourself with everywhere you go (my favorite is definitely karaoke). And lastly, my job as an ALT is easily the most enjoyable job I've ever had. I think what's wonderful about Japan is that it has something to offer for everyone. I'd be lying if I said there weren't difficulties. Grocery shopping is a pain in the butt, not just because I have trouble interpreting the price tags but also because the food is so different from America that I never know what to cook. Little road bumps like this will be common in anyone's stay here but I am adamant that the pros outweigh the cons.

The experience was definitely so helpful, especially during the pandemic. I received a lot of support and reassurance from the team and they were very professional and helpful from start to finish! Anytime I had worries or questions, the team will be quick to respond and would make sure to find all possible solutions or remedies. This was especially helpful when borders were still closed and I had to figure out all the paperwork, visa materials, and entry requirements. It felt nice to receive that guidance when everything was still unknown. Coming to Japan was very smooth and I am throughly enjoying my stay!

Travelling to the other side of the world on a budget can be a daunting task. Before arriving to Japan I was nervous about many things, from what to do at the airport to what I should prepare. I decided to use hire Travelbud to help me get a job and to have my back for living alone in Japan. This company was always supportive and would answer and questions I had. I currently work for Interac in the Kochi prefecture. Interac has helped me get set up and they have regular training and meet up with other English teachers. The teachers here are friendly and often share snacks “omyage” and would guide me in events or activities at the school. While my home is in a very rural area, there is still plenty of shops and restaurants to visit. Overall I am happy with how things turned out. With Interac being a supportive company you might wonder if hiring a team was worth the money, but I still think it is. Travelbud is my backup team if I start to have issues with my current company. While Interac have been nothing but great to me, knowing that if all else fails I can get help and advice from an independent company brings me comfort and security while in a foreign country.

I taught in Nagoya, Japan. Being a teacher in America, I was already aware of the joys and struggles of teaching; there would be no shock from the work and pay (or lack thereof). My school was incredibly lacking in proper teaching materials, training, and ethics when it came to aiding students with different needs. It was about money and that's it. The other teachers, however, were kind and knew of the school's faults. I was very lucky to be with teachers who understood what the school was lacking. I built great relationships with the other teachers and can't wait to see them again when I return to Nagoya. My advice to those who go to teach in Japan: be weary of your leaders. Do what you can to make your experience and students happy, but understand that there's only so much you can do. Make connections with those around you and do what you can to appreciate the country and people rather than fixate on the workplace.

Regarding this program, while I wish the school they picked for me was a more qualified one, I appreciated the support and options they gave me. I would definitely return to this program with the current knowledge I hold and ability to differentiate a good school from one that panders to families for money rather than focus on student growth & health.

This program has been supportive and attentive to to your preferences on where you want to reach and how old the students are, although I was limited in choices due to COVID. It does the anxiety inducing work for you in finding a school due to their connections, and having a guaranteed placement is reassuring. Advice I’d give to new travelers is it’s easy to say “anywhere” when moving abroad because it’s exciting, but try to narrow your preferences and the why behind them! I think you’ll be more satisfied if you allow yourself to be more specific and not end up in a place you end up hating.