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TravelBud

8.96 (79)Verified8 Programs

Why choose TravelBud?

TravelBud is an international travel agency that specializes in offering the best teach abroad programs to adventurous individuals looking for a meaningful travel and work abroad experience. We have all taught abroad ourselves and offer the invaluable first-hand experience to prepare every applicant for exactly what is in store for them. The teaching placements we provide are in countries where ES...

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TravelBud Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

8.96

Total Reviews

79
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I'm having an amazing time!

by: Lilah Cseh - United StatesProgram: Paid Teaching Program in Japan with TravelBud
10

I am coming up on 6 months into my placement as an English teacher in Japan and could not be happier that I chose to work with TravelBud! TravelBud makes it extremely easy to begin the process of moving your life abroad, from facilitating a TESOL certification course, setting up interviews with prospective schools, and even connecting you with incredible people making up an in-country support team. Every staff member I have spoken with from this company has been incredibly kind, patient, and more than willing to answer any and all questions I had about teaching, living abroad, and the entire process of doing so. If you are thinking about teaching abroad, I cannot recommend TravelBud enough - they are a perfect resource to make the process of moving your entire life to another country as seamless as possible, whether it's your first or tenth time doing so!

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TravelBud responded to this review2024-09-03 21:06:31

Hi Lilah, Thank you so much for your glowing review and kind recommendation. We're thrilled to hear that your time with our team has been so positive and that their expertise and support have made your teaching journey in Japan such a smooth and enjoyable experience over the past six months. Your encouraging words inspire us to keep delivering outstanding experiences for all our future teachers. We also love seeing your incredible posts on social media, showcasing all the amazing adventures you've had. Wishing you even more fantastic experiences ahead! Best regards, Ben & The TravelBud Team

A unique experience!

by: Rachel Perera - United StatesProgram: Paid Teaching Program in Costa Rica with TravelBud
8

Living and teaching in Costa Rica was a very unique and fulfilling experience. It gives you a chance to learn a lot about the culture in a different way than just traveling, because you are part of the work force and after a while just start to feel like a regular person. I was placed with a host family in San Ramon who took really good care of me, and was able to easily make friends with the other teachers and even some students so I had a little community. I think overall, the cost of the program is too high for what they actually can do, and they need to improve some organizational aspects. Here’s some stuff I wish someone had told me! Advice: - have at least 1.5 years on your passport. Travelbud recommended me 1, but with border runs it’s much better to have 1.5 if you plan to stay for a full year because you often need at least 6 months to enter some countries. - use Natives Way for border runs - it’s very affordable and organized! - ask lots of questions about your placement. What did previous participants say? Or are you the first one? What does it mean for your taxes? - be proactive about making friends and ask them for advice! I found I learned a lot more from my local friends and host family than I did from TravelBud, which honestly makes complete sense. - learn Spanish before you come, it’ll help you make friends and honestly without Spanish I would’ve felt pretty lost and unsafe. Some people can get by, but I always felt thankful to have it! - practice logical safety. I think some people create this image in their minds that Costa Rica is 100% pura vida 24/7, but you need to be mindful of your surroundings. - take a photo of your passport and the stamp you got. - use YouTube to help you understand how to teach (I like the channel PapaTeachMe) - try different foods, travel lots, learn as much as you can, and just take it all in! Pros -orientation the first month is fun and helpful - you are guaranteed to get a job - offers you an added level of safety, and some helpful connections to get started - lots of opportunities for traveling Cons - they don’t always vet the placements like they promise (one of my friends had quite a negative experience with his) and they focus on jobs that are easy to get, not necessarily helping you find the best one for you. For me personally, I had one amazing school, one school that I had various issues with including weird hesitance to send me my paystubs, strange comments from my boss about the personal appearance of employees, lack of basic materials like markers, and one online job where I had a different student every class and felt like a robot reading off slides. I found a different online job on my own, which I absolutely love and I’m still working with them. All to say - Ask questions!! Push to find the job that’s right for you, or at least to know what you’re signing up for. You don’t have to stick with the first/easiest option. You can also find jobs yourself just on google, Facebook, etc, I was able to get 3 interviews on my own and took the online offer. - don’t offer consistent advice about taxes, so you kind of have to figure it out on your own. - expensive cost that doesn’t align with qualify/level of support - some inaccurate information (usually better to ask on-site team) - jobs have low pay I think if you choose to sign up for this program, you will learn a lot no matter what. Be proactive in creating a positive experience for yourself, and enjoy this unique time in your life!

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TravelBud responded to this review2023-01-05 02:26:08

Hey Rachel! Thank you so much for your review and solid advice for other teachers taking on this journey! I'm pleased you had a unique experience and we have no doubt that your students were really lucky to have you. We appreciate your feedback and we really believe some of your advice from your first-hand experience offers excellent value to other teachers. We've reached out to you via email regarding some of your points so we can collaborate together. We'd love to hear more about what you're doing for your next adventure, but we have no doubt that you'll be successful in anything you do! Warmest Regards & Pura Vida, Grace Martens Enrolments Director

One of the best experiences of my life!

by: Zoyaa Zafir - United KingdomProgram: Paid Teaching Program in South Korea with TravelBud
9

Approaching this new job at first felt very nerve racking and overwhelming, however I do not regret a single thing! The whole process before moving to Korea was a very smooth transition. I had a lot of help and support from Aubrey, who was very sweet and was always able to help straight away when I had a worry, question or concern! Teaching here now has allowed for me to change my lifestyle for the better. I’ve experienced so many new foods, sites and made loads of life long friends! I used to have a voice in the back of my head that told me to not do it, but I’m glad I decided to not listen to it because moving to Korea to teach is probably one of the best things I’ll have ever done in my entire life!

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TravelBud responded to this review2022-11-22 05:19:36

Teacher Zoyaa, Thank you kindly for sharing your South Korean Teach Abroad experience thus far! Just over a year ago, you enrolled in our program full of excitement and anticipation for your upcoming journey. It has been an absolute joy to see that excitement grow as your departure date neared and to watch your South Korean adventure come to fruition! I am so glad that you did not listen to the voice in your head telling you not to move forward with this opportunity, and instead challenged yourself to embark on a life-changing experience that will bring you unforgettable adventures, push you to grow in ways you haven't imagined, and provide you with memories to be cherished for a lifetime. Enjoy every moment, Zoyaa! Kind regards, Aubrey

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Peter Pittendrigh

Interviewed in 2016

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

You’ve worked in England, Thailand, and the Czech Republic, in a variety of roles. How did you end of working for TravelBud?

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Liam Kelly

Interviewed in 2016

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

My first real independent travel experience was with my fellow TravelBud partner, Stu Brown. We did a mini exchange to a friend’s place in Dusseldorf, Germany, and had the opportunity to visit various towns within Western Europe. Looking back on this experience, the things that stand out for me the most are the new sounds, cars, buildings, smells, tastes, cultural differences, and the excitement of how all of these together created a sensory overload in my mind.

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Alex Viana

Interviewed in 2016

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

The biggest effect traveling has had on me personally is that I’ve become more open and understanding to different cultures and nationalities. I’ve heard their stories and their views on the world, which has helped me broaden my own views and opinions.

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Awards

Check out awards and recognitions TravelBud has received

GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - TEFL / Teach Abroad ProgramInnovative Intern Abroad Program 2023 FinalistTop Rated Teach Abroad Organization 2022