Greenheart Travel - Chicago, Illinois

Nicole L.

I moved to Thailand for the TESOL-Teacher program through Greenheart Travel, and I have loved every minute. Greenhearts makes the process so easy and pain free, which is much needed when you’re trying to pack up your life and move half way around the world. They provide great information before, during, and after your time ends. They provide a community of past, current, and future participants and a place to ask questions and receive support throughout your time abroad. The money seems steep at first, but it’s worth it! Moving abroad to teach English is a commitment and not for everyone. Their partnership with the company in Asia is strong. I would 100% recommend using Greenheart Travel to anyone thinking they might want to move abroad to teach English!

Elizabeth T.

I used Greenheart Travel to participate in the Teach in Colombia program in 2016 and found them to be incredibly helpful and efficient with all of the program details, visa stuff and even post-arrival contact. Sarah is FANTASTIC and really takes care of everybody. No complaints whatsoever with Greenheart!

Hales

A few years ago I was searching the internet for a way to travel to another country but stay longer than a normal vacation. After weeks of searching I found Green Heart Travel's program to Colombia. I studied history and focused on Latin America so this was instantly my favorite program I'd seen. After applying and going through a few interviews, I was on my way to Colombia within 6 months. For the following 6 months I not only had an amazing time with my students and teachers at my school but also traveled the entire country which included snow and glaciers, beaches, mountains, ancient ruins, urban cities, colonial towns, and lots of beautiful hikes with waterfalls and mountains everywhere. Everywhere I went the people were so friendly and I never felt unsafe at anytime. I would highly recommend taking a chance and traveling to Colombia and would definitely recommend Green Heart Travel for all of their help and organization throughout my time there and even after returning.

GorgieClarissa

Perhaps others had great experiences, but I did not. I taught in Thailand for one semester and was completely abandoned by Greenheart travel. After I paid all of the fees, even before I left the US, I was neglected. Sara Thacker forgot to submit my paperwork for the visa I requested early as I was traveling for a few weeks before I started. I was given the wrong start date in Chiang Mai so I arrived after everyone else had started. I have never heard from Sara or anyone since I started my TESOL certification - which by the way is a complete waste of money. After you leave the US you are placed with XploreAsia which is basically a scam. The TESOL certs are no better than the 20$ ones you can buy off groupon. After getting placed at a school, you are actually placed with ANOTHER placement agency. So you pay greenheart travel, you pay xploreasia and then you pay the local placement agency that works with the school. I did not receive the minimum payment - which is 34,000 baht. Your pay is docked for taxes and placement agency fees. Of course, no one from xploreasia or greenheart travel would help me. The school actually fired the placement agency after the semester I worked there because the agency was pocketing this extra money. Also it is illegal for teachers to work in Thailand without a Bachelor's degree. ILLEGAL. I don't know why Greenheart travel advertises non-degree holders. Several teachers at my school (from South Africa) were deported. Honestly the best way to sum up my experience with Greenheart travel is that this company is a scam. The people I worked with at every step of the way were completely disorganized and lazy. In fact, when I contacted Sara to remind her about my visa that I needed early she replied to me and scolded me that I should have given her more time. I had to forward her the email that I had sent over a month prior with her response that she acknowledged my request. She has never apologized. All in all, Greenheart Travel is a great place for you if you want to throw away money and have no desire to take Teaching ESL seriously. I could be dead right now and no one would know. I have never received any contact from Greenheart Travel or any responses since my time in Thailand. But thankfully they have their 1600$. I would highly NOT recommend this agency. If I could write more in this review, I would. I have so many stories. What an awful experience. After I left my Thai school I did work in China teaching English and then I taught at a community college in the US (NOT placed by Greenheart Travel) and ended up retaking the TESOL because xploreasia TESOL was absolute garbage - no thanks to Greenheart Travel. Hope this helps anyone who takes teaching seriously!

Crystle-Day V.

I’ve been an ESL educator now for over 6 years. I’ve lived in 5 different countries and have traveled the world. All of this is thanks to Greenheart Travel for helping me start my career as a teacher abroad!

I signed up for a 6 month volunteer program teaching English in The Republic of Georgia. Greenheart was very commutative with my application for the program. They were very efficient and detailed orientated with helping me obtain my visa. The staff is not only very professional but friendly as well! With their support and encouragement, I decided to extend my contact abroad to 1 year!

I am so glad I choose Greenheart Travel for my first living experience abroad. If it wasn’t for me taking the opportunity they offered, I would never have met my boyfriend (who I’ve now been with for 5 years) and had this amazing expat life abroad! Thank y Greenheart Travel for everything!

Lilly K.

This organization can seem quite expensive, but compared to other companies they provide a lot. You could probably find your own accommodations and placements alone, but I was not that brave and Greenheart was a great way to help me get my foot in the door. I have been able to travel Myanmar and Thailand through them, while getting my TESOL, to now getting paid for teaching. This is a great way to travel and earn money. It is a personal challenge but they can provide all the support before you depart for your adventure and while abroad.

Colton C.

Going through Greenheart was an excellent decision! Working with their team was pleasant and stress free. They were very helpful and kind. I had a easy transition into Thailand and got a teaching position easily. I loved living in Thailand. I recommend Greenheart if you want to travel stress free and be happy!

Lisa D.

Greenheart travel gave me the ability to make money right after college without working a 9-5 in the city. I was able to to gain a certification and teach English in Krabi, Thailand. It was important for me to travel but also gain skills that would help me get a job in the field I chose after teaching. The course was manageable and I made some of my very best friends! I only planned on staying in Thailand for 6 months and ended up staying for over a year! After returning home, I was easy to use my experience to get a job back in the states!