TEFL Heaven: TEFL/TESOL & Placement Program

I decided to join TEFL Heaven after studying Geography with International Relations at Plymouth University. As I was approaching the end of my degree, I knew I wanted to gain experience working abroad and explore opportunities outside the UK. The TEFL Heaven team actually came to my university and ran a taster session, which was the first time I realised you could teach English overseas without needing to know the local language, and that really opened the door for me.

What stood out even before leaving was the support from the programme. I was able to connect with other trainees before we travelled, which meant we could coordinate flights, share advice, and ease a lot of the uncertainty. The team were also very responsive to questions, which made the whole process feel well organised from the start.

I completed my training in Thailand, and what I remember most about the course itself is how practical it was. It wasn’t just classroom-based theory; it focused heavily on real teaching situations, lesson planning, and classroom management. That preparation made a huge difference when I stepped into my first school. One of the biggest surprises was how quickly you build confidence when you’ve already had to stand in front of learners and deliver lessons during training.

The experience also included meeting and training alongside a group of people who quickly became a close support network. We stayed in contact throughout the course and beyond, and many of those relationships are still going today. That sense of community made a huge difference, especially when moving to the other side of the world.

After completing the programme, I began teaching in Thailand in large primary and secondary classes; often 40+ students per class, and in conditions that were very different from what I was used to in the UK, including classrooms without air conditioning. That experience alone gave me a level of resilience and adaptability I didn’t expect to gain so quickly. It genuinely made me feel like I could handle any classroom environment.

I was placed in a Thai school where the staff were extremely welcoming and supportive. Like many people on the programme, I found that the reality of teaching abroad was far more positive than the initial worries I had about isolation or managing alone. Instead, I was part of a wider network of teachers, both from my cohort and through the placement system.

Looking back, one of the biggest impacts of the experience is how it shaped my teaching career afterwards. The confidence I gained in Thailand directly led to my first teaching job back in the UK. More than anything, it proved to me that I could adapt to completely new environments and succeed in them.

Even now, I still use many of the skills I developed through TEFL Heaven, from lesson planning and classroom delivery to behaviour management and adaptability. The experience gave me the foundation for a long-term teaching career and a real sense of what I’m capable of.

I decided to join TEFL Heaven after catching the travel bug in a way I never expected. After a trip to Turkey, I suddenly felt this strong urge to see more of the world, and the idea of staying stuck in a routine 9–5 job in New York City just didn’t feel right anymore. I had been settled into a job for about a year, but I wanted something completely different, something challenging, a bit terrifying, but ultimately rewarding.

After researching and speaking with friends who had taught abroad, TEFL Heaven kept coming up as one of the most trusted programmes. It took me a while to actually commit, but I’m so glad I did as it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I completed the TEFL course in Koh Chang, and what stood out immediately was how hands-on and practical it was. The training ran full days (9am–4pm), but it never felt dull or purely theoretical. We were constantly on our feet, working through games, activities, and real teaching techniques that prepared us for an actual classroom rather than just passing a qualification. A big highlight was the daily Thai language lessons, which helped us understand what it feels like to be a beginner learner again and I still use a surprising amount of Thai I picked up during that time.

One of the most valuable parts of the course was the teaching practice with real students. That experience completely changed my confidence. You’re not just learning how to teach — you’re actually doing it, adapting in real time, and learning how to manage a classroom. By the end, I genuinely felt ready to step into a school, even though I arrived with plenty of nerves.

The environment in Koh Chang also made a huge difference. Being surrounded by ocean views, teaching outside at times, and having breaks where we could literally step out and take in the scenery made the whole experience unforgettable. Just as importantly, the group you go through training with becomes your support system. We quickly became close and formed friendships that carried through into teaching and travel afterwards.

After the course, I was placed through an agency into a school in Ayutthaya, where I’ve been teaching since. I teach primary students aged roughly 8–13 across different year groups, and no two days are the same. I work Monday to Friday, with a full teaching schedule of around 22 lessons a week. There’s also planning and preparation involved, as lesson plans are submitted regularly, so there’s a real balance between classroom time and lesson development.

What I love most is seeing students progress; those moments where something clicks for them or they suddenly gain confidence speaking English. Outside the classroom, the school environment is also really personal; students will come and talk to you in the hallways, leave notes, or just stop by to chat, which makes the whole experience feel very rewarding and human.

Living in Ayutthaya has been a huge part of the experience too. It’s given me a real sense of routine and community, while still allowing time to travel, explore Thailand, and meet other teachers. I’ve ended up extending my time here because I genuinely enjoy both the school and the lifestyle.

Looking back, TEFL Heaven didn’t just give me a qualification, it gave me the training, confidence, and placement support to completely change my life. From the Koh Chang course to teaching in Ayutthaya, it’s been an experience that’s shaped both my career and my perspective in ways I never expected.

I decided to join TEFL Heaven because I was craving a completely new adventure and a chance to live somewhere totally different. I’ve always been passionate about travel, and while I didn’t originally know teaching English was even an option for me, once I found out about the programme through friends, I looked into it properly and was immediately sold.

My personal goal was to prove to myself that I could live independently across the world and still build something meaningful — not just for myself, but for my students too. I wanted to help people improve their English in a way that could genuinely open doors for them, while also experiencing parts of Asia I had always dreamed of visiting. I achieved all of that, and more, with some incredible memories along the way.

I applied on my own, but I never felt alone. The moment I arrived, I met an amazing group of people and quickly made close friends, so it felt like travelling with a built-in community.

Before going, my main concern was whether I’d find “my people” — friends to spend holidays with, travel with, and rely on day to day. That worry disappeared almost immediately. The group I trained with became like a family, and through teaching and living abroad I met so many more people. I always had someone to spend time with or explore with, which made the whole experience far richer than I ever expected.

After my TEFL Heaven course I felt very blessed to be given a wonderful placement. I teach just 11 hours a week (though most people do around 20), which gave me plenty of time to adjust to a new life in Chonburi. The town is quaint and there are a few cafes and restaurants, and it’s about 1.5 hours from Bangkok and Pattaya by motorbike.

The key to enjoying Thailand is to stay flexible, keep an open mind, and embrace opportunities as they come!

My experience with TEFL Heaven has been absolutely incredible from start to finish. From the first interview to being matched with my teaching placement the team’s support has been unwavering. Mike and his staff have built something truly special with TEFL Heaven, and their passion shines through in every part of the program. I couldn’t imagine doing my TEFL training with anyone else.

I took the plunge and began my TEFL journey on the stunning island of Koh Chang. It was an unforgettable experience where I met lifelong friends and felt part of a real community. Naturally, there were nerves and moments of self-doubt, but the encouragement from the TEFL Heaven team and my fellow trainees made everything manageable. What really sets this program apart is the genuine care and support they show to every participant and their commitment to teachers is obvious.

The course itself was thoughtfully designed. Three weeks isn’t long, but the training prepared me thoroughly for teaching. I came in with zero experience and left with practical skills, confidence, and tools I now use every day in the classroom. After completing the course, we went to Bangkok to meet our placement agencies and were guided to our teaching assignments. I was placed, along with nine other TEFL Heaven trainees, at a public school in Chachoengsao, Thailand. Finishing my first term teaching Primary 1 has been life-changing. I’ve grown in ways I never imagined and constantly challenge myself beyond my comfort zone.

The best part of the program was the combination of meeting like-minded people and having TEFL Heaven’s constant support. They take care of everything, from visas and paperwork to personal guidance, which makes the whole process far less stressful. Meeting Mike in person during orientation and even having him visit our island added a personal touch that showed how much he genuinely cares. Listening to his story and vision was inspiring and motivating.

I am so grateful to TEFL Heaven for helping me turn my dream of teaching abroad into reality. The program, the staff, and the connections I made along the way have been life-changing. If you’re considering it, take the leap of faith, trust the process and embrace the opportunity to live a fulfilling life doing what you love.