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XploreAsia

Why choose XploreAsia?

XploreAsia was founded by educators who are passionate about teaching English and giving back to local communities. We specialize in providing a life-changing adventure by living, teaching, and volunteering abroad. We offer internationally accredited TESOL/TEFL certification courses, job placement assistance, sustainable volunteer placements, home stay options, and internships throughout Southeast Asia. We strive to help people discover the transformational benefits of living and teaching in Southeast Asia, and are dedicated to providing quality education and experiences.

Reviews

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Liebrandt
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Moving abroad (XploreAsia)

I had an exceptional experience with XploreAsia in my journey to becoming an English teacher abroad. From the initial consultation to relocating from South Africa to South Korea, their support was unparalleled. They expertly handled all the paperwork, making the complex process of moving abroad smooth and stress-free. What truly stood out was their ongoing support; even after arriving in South Korea, their team continued to be a valuable resource, ensuring a seamless transition into my new role and environment. XploreAsia's dedication and professionalism have made this life-changing adventure not only achievable but truly enjoyable. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to teach English overseas.

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Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TEFL in Korea

What an incredible experience! From completely the course to finally teaching in korea , I have had nothing but support , kindness and resources to aid me in my teaching journey. This company listened to all my worries and helped resolve them . Additionally, all of my needs/ wants were met ! I found the most perfect place and they are still checking in with me and offering information which is incredible! Thank you so much for making my teaching dream come true . The company are so friendly and supportive.

What was your funniest moment?
I currently am still here teaching,’Ive loved it so much im staying!!! ITS ALL AMAZING!!! However, the company let me know about certain festivals and concerts that are happening in the area . Ive been to both Suwon temple and the Chuseok festival at Everland from their recommendations and it was absolutely incredible. Also my school included me in the Chuseok activities by renting Hanboks and making songpyeon.
Pros
  • Got my desired area
  • The food and travel were amazing
  • Resources are constantly available
Cons
  • Needed a little money upfront to make it last till payday
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KENNETH
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review of Xplore Asia

I give Xplore Asia five stars! Xplore Asia has done a great job of supporting me during my job search and location search. They were very transparent, responded in a timely manner, and made sure we had the best fit for positions. During orientation week, they prepared us for life as a English Teacher in Thailand but giving us an idea of Thai culture, tradition, customs, language, and food, as well as any type of issues that may arise. I am very grateful for finding this program and encourage others to do so.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate a scorpion one time at a Thai market. I thought it was okay. I didn't feel disgusting eating it but didn't think it was the greatest thing I ate either. A lot of protein! You will feel full after one bite.
Pros
  • Supportive
  • Transparent
  • Timely answers to emails
Cons
  • I think Xplore Asia could do a better job with a cost breakdown for everything in the program. I understand that some people were having issues with finding out about costs at the last minute.
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Billy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great support helping me to get started teaching English in Japan

When I first decided I wanted to teach English in Japan, I didn't know the first thing about the process. I discovered XploreAsia through the company I earned my TEFL certificate from. Amy and Jane did an excellent job guiding me through the process of preparing, applying, and arriving in Japan to work with Interac. Whenever I had questions or concerns, I promptly received long, detailed answers so I never felt out of the loop or unheard. With their continuous assistance and instruction, as well as their direct correspondence with contacts at Interac, everything went smoothly from the start to finish. I am now enjoying an ALT teaching position in Tsukuba in Ibaraki prefecture and couldn't be more satisfied.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment was actually speaking to a native in Japanese for the first time. It's almost nothing like the slow and structured Japanese you use in classroom settings. It's tempting to just lean on your foreigner status and rely on the variable strength of their English, but it is incredibly rewarding to fumble your way through a conversation in Japanese and learn something new every time.
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Neill
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life in Sapporo

I arrived in Sapporo in April of 2024. Having previously gone through XploreAsia to travel to and teach in South Korea they were the obvious choice again when I decided I wanted to do the same in Japan. The team are very helpful at providing all the information necessary and assisting when you are perhaps struggling with certain aspects of the application or moving. They are very responsive to emails and will get back to you very quickly, meaning there is less room for panic and stress. So far, I have had a wonderful time in Japan and I am now looking forward to the extreme winter in Hokkaido.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
While travelling over the summer to Osaka and Tokyo, I ate plum jellyfish and even had some whale (which would never be served in Scotland)
Pros
  • Ease of application
  • Assistance from the team
  • All information provided
Cons
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Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Maegan Bruno

Maegan lives in Colorado, USA. Originally from Texas, she graduated from Texas A&M University in 2012 with a degree in Elementary Education. Since graduation, she has been seeking adventure and different opportunities to influence the children she teaches!
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What is the most important thing you learned abroad?

The most important thing I've learned being abroad is that there is always something to be thankful for. There were times where the place we would be staying was less than desirable, but we learned to be thankful for the little things that we were blessed with, such as hot water, a good meal, or even a helping hand from one of the locals. I know I'll take this lesson back to America with me and I'm excited to see the changes to come when I head back!

What was the hardest part about going abroad?

The hardest part of going abroad for me was abandoning my normalities and routines from back home and adopting a new mindset of the new possibilities each day brought here. I had my favorite coffee shop back home, my community, restaurants, and hiking trails. Coming to Thailand, everything was so different. It was definitely a mix of culture shock and missing the structure back home.

However, after a few weeks, routines were more set into place, and I even came to love how each day was a little mix of the unknown! I never had a "boring" day, and as crazy as each day sometimes felt, I learned to just laugh and know that the next day would leave even more memories for me.

Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home.

One of my favorite experiences I had that I would not have experienced back home was spending time with the wife/husband that rents out our apartment complexes. Their family was very close and loved to include my friend and I in their time spent together. We spent several dinners together trying to teach each other our native languages and sharing our cultures despite a huge language barrier. We laughed together, learned new things and tried new foods.

One afternoon the mom even took us to the Thai Special Forces Army Base where her son was stationed. Her son showed us around and we even were able to participate in one of their exercises! I truly felt like I had a family away from home!

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Lungile Xulu

Job Title
Japan Program Coordinator
Lungile is part of the awesome team at XploreAsia. She handles all applications for the Japan program and takes part in some of the webinars as well.
Lungile Xulu under a giant shrine entryway in Japan

What is your favorite travel memory?

In 2021, I travelled to Mount Nokogiriyama in Chiba in Chiba Prefecture. I did a little solo hike, and at the end of the hike there was a marvelous structure before me- a 31 meter tall statue of Buddha, carved from the side of the mountain! It was so beautiful and it really is my most favorite memory of Japan.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I've been given an opportunity to help people go down the same road I did. I'm excited to work each morning and chat with my co-workers and applicants! Each teacher I come across has a story of their own, and I learn so much from them! This has led to me being more focused and motivated in all areas of my life.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I haven't heard any stories from teachers yet, but I am very excited to hear about everyone's' experiences in Japan! I'm very interested to hear about culture shock experiences, as I deal with applicants from all around the world, so I'm keen to learn about the differences between their home countries and Japan.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I'm quite interested in South East Asia, and I've never been there before, so I'd definitely choose Thailand! I've heard amazing things about the people, the food (the FRUITS!!!), and the beaches! I come from sunny Durban, South Africa, and everyone always tells me the weather in Thailand would remind me of Durban. So I'd love to go there!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

XploreAsia is unique because I believe we genuinely care about our applicants' experiences, not just during the application process, but as they teach and beyond. I was really proud that we turned 10 years old recently, that's a big achievement! We're excited to keep making a difference and make people's dreams come true.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe there are many factors that contribute to making a company successful; having a team that works well together and supports each other is very important. Team members should never be afraid to ask questions, because that's how we learn from each other. But definitely good communication is the biggest factor, and is essential!