XploreAsia Reviews

I really enjoyed the people I was roomed with and got to know more about them and where they came from. I enjoyed learning about the teachers, Jaime and Tam, and they gave us on top of the purely academic slides of what they are supposed to teach, their own experiences and advice. It was like one of my classmates said, “we can read the slides at home or even overseas, we’re here and paying for their experience in the field.” The staff were all friendly and helpful. I arrived earliest at my apartment and had no wifi. I was running out of my plan and had texted staff to ask what to do. They were at my apartment within an hour and within 2 I had wifi again. They were always quick to respond to questions and understanding about being sick or unable to do something. We also did a lot of fun stuff in the first week with excursions and what not. Plus we got to teach at two actual schools to actual kids to get hands on experience teaching. The literal ONLY complaint I have is that we did essentially all the excursions and culture stuff within the first week. So the next three weeks we did all the coursework and all the deadlines were essentially right on top of each other. I think if we did course work in the first week as well and moved some excursions to the following weeks it would’ve felt more balanced. But I do understand they likely have little choice as they have to juggle the deadlines of multiple places to ensure it runs smoothly. All in all the program was worth it, I got my TESOL and made new friends I can contact while there and learned a lot from the teachers. If you have the money and the will it’s a great opportunity!

This was my first time going to Europe and I made a big leap moving and doing this program. I felt so grateful to have taken this tesol course. It is quite an intensive course and moves very quickly! I recall there were a few teary eyed crash outs as I was doing my lesson plans. Looking back now I laugh because I was just in the pressures of moving abroad, navigating metro systems, and having to ensure I kept up with the program. However with the support of the program I was able to finish and become a certified English teacher. The program then set up my interviews. I would say the time of year you do the program does matter. I recommend doing it at the start of the school year. However, there are plenty part time jobs you can pick up throughout the year. I was able to secure two job offers a week after graduating the program. I also substitute at an academy. Finding a flat was a bit of a tricky task but not impossible! I was most afraid I would come here and be completely alone. Which is so far from the truth I bonded with everyone from the program and some have become very good friends.

I had a great experience with the Spain program. Before joining, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the whole process made me feel confident and ready to see more of the world. The Xplore team supported me from the beginning. They helped me with my documents, double-checked everything, and made sure I felt prepared. Once I arrived, the in-country team was just as helpful. They guided us through the course, answered questions, and were always there when we needed something. I learned a lot about myself during the program, what I can handle, what I’m capable of, and where I still want to grow. Overall, it was a really meaningful experience and I’m grateful I took the step.

I am so glad I decided to invest in participating in the XploreAsia program. I know a lot of people online give advice to just show up to the country and figure it out but I cannot stress enough how important and valuable it is to have a support system on the ground when moving to a new country (even if, like me, you have extensively lived abroad before). I actually ended up losing my initial placement (at no fault of my own or XploreAsia) after arriving in Vietnam and they immediately sprang into action to help me with a Plan A, B, and C. They were able to secure another interview for me within a week. The practical support is great, but also even just the emotional support during a stressful moment. I am more than half way through my teaching program and I love HCMC and I love the kids I teach. If I could do it all again, I would definitely opt for XploreAsia. The team is kind, supportive, and there for you whenever you might need.

This course has been an absolute pleasure to participate in. The program staff did a fantastic job insuring our safety and providing us with any crucial information needed while staying in Japan. The activities during orientation week were phenomenal and a great introduction to the course. The facilities we were staying in were similar to university student accommodation but the location was lovely and close to a train station. The course itself was very engaging and rewarding. The course materials can be slightly confusing due to them being generalised for multiple courses in different countries. If someone is considering a career in teaching English as a second language, I highly recommend they partake in this course.

My time in the TESOL program was, without a doubt, a profoundly positive and transformative experience. It provided me with the perfect blend of professional development and deep cultural immersion, equipping me with both the skills and the confidence to begin my teaching career.

The most immediate benefit is the highly useful and recognized certificate, a credential that opens doors to English teaching positions right across Asia. But the course offered so much more than a piece of paper. The quality of instruction was exceptional. Our teachers were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly supportive, fostering a learning environment that was both challenging and encouraging. This was matched by the wonderful hospitality we received throughout the course, making us feel welcome and valued.

Beyond the core teaching methodology, the program enriched us with lessons in the Japanese language and culture, which added an invaluable layer to the experience and prepared us for life inside and outside the classroom in Japan.

A key strength of the course was the comprehensive training in lesson planning. We learned to create detailed, engaging, and effective lesson plans for a wide spectrum of learners, from young children to adults. This training was so thorough that I now feel equipped to structure a lesson on virtually any subject, a skill that extends far beyond teaching English.

Of course, no experience is without its potential for growth. As a non-native speaker, I feel that a little more targeted support in the job-seeking process would have been the cherry on top. However, this is a minor point in what was otherwise an outstanding program.

The true highlight, and something I will carry with me forever, are the friendships I made. I found a community of like-minded individuals from around the world, and the bonds we formed were a huge part of what made this journey so special.

In summary, I learned a tremendous amount, gained a valuable qualification, and made lifelong friends. It was a truly great experience that I would recommend to anyone looking to teach English abroad.

Xplore Asia's TESOL in-house 4-week course in Costa Rica was a great experience. The course itself was very full on with a lot of theory and practical assignments to complete; however, Nicky, the trainer, is super enthusiastic and experienced and will support and go above and beyond to support you during the whole course.

If you want to teach English overseas and travel, I would recommend completing this course.

The town of San Ramon where the course was based was ideal to study however not much else happening around the area. The accommodation provided could do with an update with new mattresses, beds and definitely a bigger space for a communal kitchen as pretty basic and small.

Overall, I had a great experience, and I came away as a qualified ESL teacher.

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.

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!

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!