XploreAsia

Program Reviews

Deva
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TEFL Training Program in Costa Rica

The training program was excellent as it gave numerous opportunities to create lesson plans and carry out those lesson plans with students of all ages. The placement program is excellent as well. It is well organized and has a lot of connections with schools and language academies all over Costa Rica. The training program is held in San Ramon which is a small, comfortable and safe town. It is elevated so it has a pleasant climate. I highly recommend this program if you are looking to teach English in Costa Rica.

Dylan
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience

I did the month long intensive course in August, and it was a great experience. During orientation week I got to visit many interesting places like a coffee farm, animal rescue, and a waterfall. During the overall experience I got to cross paths and get to know some really cool people. As for the academic side, my instructor Nicky brought a ton of great energy and passion into teaching our group. The course covered everything I needed to know, and I can definitely say I was well prepared for the job I was placed with after the course!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I got to see a sloth at an animal rescue, that was really cool!
Pros
  • Well thought out course
  • Clean accommodation
  • Really helpful staff
Lucia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Unexpected Blessing

Teaching abroad in South Korea, specifically on Jeju Island, has been such a blessing in disguise. I can recall originally being really against Jeju when the placement location was proposed as I thought I would be isolated from the mainland and not have much to do. However, I soon realized Jeju has both aspects of the city and island life. There is so much to see and explore here. The staff at my school have been friendly, supportive, and laidback. As a first-time teacher, this feels like a good starting point. There are also many social groups available for other foreigners to join and make friends. For many people, Jeju is a vacation destination, but I'm glad I get to call this place a second home as I have had the opportunity to work and live here. Thank you to all the staff at Xplore Asia who played a role in getting me here!

Mary
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I’m from here

Already living in San Ramón, Costa Rica, this TESOL program was a great fit for me. I did not stay in the hostel and was able to commute from home (15 minute drive). Nicky is a fantastic teacher and clearly loves what she does. She and the hostel manager (where classes are held) are both warm, kind, intelligent women who really know their stuff. The support staff is always encouraging and responsive. Also, I had a great group of diverse classmates that made the whole experience that much better!

What would you improve about this program?
What I might improve in the structure of the program would be having a couple of small modules during orientation week. Fun stuff in the morning and a short class in the afternoons. That would bleed off some of the pressure from the second week which can be an overwhelming week.
Pros
  • Nicky (teacher) and Honey (hostel manager)
  • Great classmates!
  • Costa Rica is beautiful
Kinzee
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Do it

If you're looking for an incredible experience and up for the challenge, I highly recommend the Xplore program. I joined the orientation and placement program (I didn't need the TEFL certification course) for Costa Rica in Nov. 2024 and have had an overall positive experience. I'm very happy with the staff (shout out to Jordayne, Carla, and Dustin!) who helped get me here and the support that is always there if needed. While it is definitely hard at times, it truly is amazing to live and teach abroad. The people you meet, the skills you gain, and the memories you make are totally worth the fear and doubt that you will eventually work through. I'm proud and happy to have taken the leap.

What was your funniest moment?
The school I work at (an IB private school, K-12) has senior prank day. The students get really creative and it's all in good fun. I'm a librarian/English teacher, and when I opened the library in the morning, the students had turned the entire space into a dance club with music, party lights, and games. We spent the whole morning walking through campus and seeing all the silly things they did to everyone's classroom. It really lightened the mood and everyone was smiling and laughing. I look forward to next year's!
Pros
  • Professional Experience
  • Cultural Experience
  • Kind people/community
Cons
  • stress with preparing documents
  • program + document fees
  • no curriculum
Tobias
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

March 31 2025 Group

This was a worthwhile program. The program was legitimately challenging and engaging, and prepares potential teachers for most classroom situations. The instructors are clearly experienced and skilled at preparing participants for teaching jobs.

Consider offering alternative lodgings when hosting training in Hua Hin. The Tanawit is a decent value, but, it is not the most comfortable place to lodge for a month. I suggest offering an alternative. Also, if you are hosting training (especially in the month of April) maybe you could conduct classes somewhere that has air conditioning. The heat and humidity impact focus.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Find a different hotel and be sure to buy a neck fan if you are not in an air conditioned classroom.
Pros
  • Legitimate ciriculum
  • Good job placement support
  • You get what you pay for
Cons
  • Hotel is bad
  • Classroom is stifling (heat and humidity)
  • too much group work in class which often results in imbalanced work load
Salia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Experience

Xplore Asia allowed me to pursue my dream of teaching abroad. Not only did they secure a job for me but they placed me with a company that I absolutely love. I am still at my original placement and school. I do not plan on leaving anytime soon. I've met so many people from countries all around the world. I have had the opportunity to work in and around fun, engaging, interactive, students and teachers. So far this has been one of my best experiences yet. Come join me and start living your life abroad as well.

Isabelle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience, great team, great company.

I did the in-person TEFL course in Thailand with Xplore, and it was absolutely amazing. From day one, the team was incredibly supportive, welcoming, and professional. They made the whole process—from training to finding a job—smooth and stress-free.

The course itself was well-structured, practical, and hands-on. We weren’t just sitting in a classroom; we were actively learning how to teach, planning lessons, and getting real classroom experience. The trainers were knowledgeable and encouraging, and they really cared about our progress.

A year later, I'm still teaching in Thailand and loving it. I’ve already decided to extend my contract and stay longer. Xplore’s support didn’t stop after the course—they’ve been there to help throughout my journey.

If you’re considering teaching abroad, I highly recommend Xplore. Their in-person TEFL course gives you everything you need to start strong, and their continued support is unmatched.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Go in with an open mind and a positive attitude. Be ready to make new friends, try new things, and step out of your comfort zone. The more you throw yourself into it, the more you’ll get out of it. Don’t be afraid to jump into the deep end—you’ll learn and grow so much from the experience.
Pros
  • Rewarding
  • Staff
Neil
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good employment support and direction

A lot of support from xplore staff in terms of teaching guidance and curriculum as well as support in securing a teaching position in Thailand.

Well organized and provided a care and inclusive environment for all the future teachers.

One week orientation in Hua Hin (Thailand) was packed with a lot of good instruction and the location was ideal.

I would recommend xplore to anyone seeking teaching experience for the first time (as was the case with me) and anyone seeking a new adventure abroad.

Lucas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Glad I took the risk!

I was originally going with another company, but had to postpone at the last second. Six months later, I got into contact with Xplore through ITA, and decided the idea of Thailand was worth just trying out. It wasn't the easiest month, but it certainly was rewarding. I love it in Thailand, and thanks to Mui and Pond with Expat Resources, I landed a job before even graduating from the program! Now I'm in Bangkok for at least the next six months, hopefully longer! So I'm glad my originally plans fell through, because it worked out much better in the end.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
During my second practicum, I sat my lesson plans down on the bench on the third floor. Five minutes before my class was to start, a gust of wind lifted up my lesson and sent it out the window onto an inaccessible balcony. So I had to teach the class without any plans and had to wing it for a full hour. Certainly unexpected, but it wasn't terrible!
Pros
  • Good teachers
  • Good support staff post graduation
  • Amazing location
Cons
  • Thailand definitely takes getting used to