XploreAsia

XploreAsia Reviews

Theo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic TESOL Course in Thailand

I had a great time. Made so many new friends. Got involved with the culture and saw beautiful places. You can not ask for more than that. Great facilities, great teacher, great staff and a smooth placement.

Avery
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a Lifetime

The XploreAsia TESOL course is a brilliant program, designed to push individuals towards their full teaching potential in a safe, fun, and encouraging environment. I think I worked harder every single day and enjoyed each day more than the one before it. It's amazing what good energy you get when you place people from different countries in one room in a foreign country, all with the same crazy goal of teaching English. I can't imagine finding such a life-changing experience through any other program.

What would you improve about this program?
More discussion time on making lesson plans for various age groups
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Elmarie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Dream come true.

I wanted to do this 10 years ago when I finished school but I always made the safe choices in life. Now 10 years later I decided to do all the things I always wanted to. I am glad how things turned out, I dont think it would have meant the same for me 10 years ago, now that I have lived and got stuck in a rat race. There's so much purpose doing what we do. To think I have a part to play in so many young learners life it makes everyday worth while.

What would you improve about this program?
I really liked how everything came together, and the team thought of all the detail which I didn't even think about. I just found the recommended spending amount wasn't enough. With that said I am sure each person's experience and where they get placed plays a role in it as well.
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Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience, Best Decision!

I have always wanted to do something different and outside of my comfort zone, but for the longest time was too afraid to do it. Once you get through the initial push of adventuring off into the unknown, the hard part is over. XploreAsia made this transition as easy as it possibly could have been. While I knew I was going to get an experience, I didn't realize just how life changing a few weeks could be. I have made friends, learned amazing things about Thai culture, and have gained a new perspective of the world that you just can't get anywhere else. Teaching in Thailand allows you to view other people, education, and yourself in an entirely new way. It's so rewarding to see how valuable your work is seen and to feel like you are actually making a difference. I can easily say this is right where I need to be and this has been the best decision of my life. Living in a small rural town has it's challenges, as does moving to a new country in general, but I really believe that I couldn't have been placed in a better situation. I love it here! Truly anyone is capable of doing something like this, and XploreAsia gives you everything you need to succeed even if you've had no prior teaching experience like me.

What would you improve about this program?
Communication is always going to be a challenge when working with people from another culture. This applies to applicants and staff. We were warned that communication between schools, agents, and XploreAsia staff would be slow at times, but a daily update would be nice even if there is no update at all. Just a quick line to let participants know that they are waiting to hear back from the school or agent would be enough.
Response from XploreAsia

Thank you for your feedback on the communication process. Whilst it is difficult to keep everyone up to date on a daily basis we are implementing new systems where we update everyone much more regularly.

Have a great time teaching!

Maegan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful Teaching Experience

Having been a teacher in the United States for 3 years, I was excited to see how a school system operated in another country. I had no clue what to expect- basing my expectations off of my experiences in America. However, teaching back home was at many times stressful to say the least. The pressure to perform as a teacher was immense. And as much as it is "worth it" to be a teacher, it still left you tired and dry at the end of long days. I was especially nervous coming here because I had little direction of what to teach from the school personnel themselves, and did not know the background knowledge of the students or their English proficiency levels. The first day teaching, my coworkers could tell I was stressed, and told me over and over "Mai pen rai" (don't worry). They believed in me and knew that all I could do was try my best and were there with me every step of the way for anything I needed. Teaching was definitely a challenge, as English levels were very diverse for my classes. But it taught me a lesson that I would not have learned back home. I've learned that as educators, we can only do our best, and to relax and have fun teaching! The kids loved coming to English class, and that passion for the subject material and learning has to be present for students to take initiative in learning. I would suggest this program to anyone, especially someone who is already an educator in their home country. It gives you a new, fresh perspective. For me, it reignited the passion that I have for teaching that I felt I had lost back home.

What would you improve about this program?
If I had to change one thing, it would be communication between schools directly, agents, and Xplore Asia. Several things ended up being different than I was told. However, in the end, it was all part of the lesson I continued to learn in how to "just go with it!"
Response from XploreAsia

Hi Maegan thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I do apologise for, and would like to know more about the communication issues you had. Would you mind dropping me a line so we could investigate?

jon@xploreasia.org

Thanks again and have a great time teaching!

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Richard
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teaching English In Thailand 2014/2015 - The Best Decision of My Life

I taught English in Thailand in 2014/2015. The reason I chose XploreAsia was because I had a good friend who had completed the TESOL course with them. I trusted her judgement that the program was reputable and had given her a great opportunity to teach in Thailand. This was exactly the case when I went through XploreAsia. The team there did an incredible job helping us prepare to teach a foreign language and eventually placed us all throughout Thailand. I have no complaints about the program and my experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering making a wonderful decision to teach English in Thailand.

What would you improve about this program?
I really enjoyed every part of the program. I have zero improvements.
Response from XploreAsia

Many thanks for your kind review Richard. I'm so glad you had an amazing time here in Thailand!

Shelby
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

XploreAsia Fearlessly!

XploreAsia's crew in Thailand was incredibly helpful, supportive, informative, loving, kind, friendly, safe and encouraging! This is to name a few! ;)
If I had any questions, the staff was there to respond quickly.
There was one time where the staff wasn't able to assist me because it was up to my other agent (from a different agency, but a branch from them), which I totally understood. They were still there to support me and give me advice which I appreciated very much! I felt safe and confident while learning from XploreAsia's staff and living in the housing provided. The TESOL Course in Thailand truly was beneficial and a confidence booster, for it eased you into the Thai Culture and warmed you up, so to speak, for the journey you were embarking on! I'd highly recommend this agency to anyone, especially if you're traveling solo like I was (and I was a first timer!). ;) Cheers!!! XOXOX :D - Shelby B

What would you improve about this program?
I would have the agency branching from them (Global Work and Travel Co.) have some agents working weekends, for when I was in need of assistance on a Sunday, they were unavailable and it worried me. It worried me because I needed to get home ASAP for a family emergency and my Visa was running out...but it all worked out in the end. I just would have agents working weekends for sure. :)

Thank you!! :D
Response from XploreAsia

Hi Shelby, thank you for your review.

We ensure now that all of our participants have our contact details so they can contact us here at XploreAsia directly in case of any emergency.

I'm sure you would agree from your experience that for us, XploreAsia is a 24/7 job and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Daniel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My TESOL experience

I had a various amounts of support even now that I'm in my placement, the xploreasia team did a wonderful job! I'm confident to tackle any situation thanks to the staff and tools I have gained through tesol!
Austin was very patient and understanding, his technique of confidence never left me worried to go into teaching! A very energy filled excited individual that always wanted me to stay and learn more!

Phil Parker did a wonderful job with the many questions and concerns our group had, he was a delight to work with! Always making sure that we had been taken care of! If it was knowledge in the city we were at to any other question that needed answers.... Phil was your guy! A

This is just two of the outstanding team members that I had the pleasure of learning under! The xploreasia team has made me reach out to friends and family to recommend! Wonderful experience with a professional company ! Thanks for the tools to help me succeed Xploreasia!! Loving life as a teacher!

Katharine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

XploreAsia

XploreAsia was definitely one of the best decisions I've ever made. The month long course was incredible. It thoroughly prepared me for teaching in a classroom setting as well as understanding more about the Thai culture. Every class during the course is fun and engaging; it allows you to be creative with your lessons while also getting constructive feedback to better them. XploreAsia also provides a great network of teachers and friends. During my time at XploreAsia I have never felt more at home while being away from home.

What would you improve about this program?
One big improvement that I would make would be the screening process of applicants.
Jody
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome Program

XploreAsia was absolutely amazing. The TESOL course was comprehensive and thorough but completely manageable. Even with a teaching degree I could not imagine teaching in Thailand without the skills and knowledge that XploreAsia equipped me with. Their teaching and methodology is specific and relevant to exactly what you will encounter in a Thai classroom. They will provide you with the training and resources to prepare English lessons suitable for the ability levels you will be working with. Beyond the teaching side of TESOL, the orientation with XploreAsia was fantastic. We went on excursions to an elephant sanctuary, pineapple farm, a beautiful temple, an Art VIllage and the beach in Hua Hin. The people I have met through this program have made my experience unforgettable. From my TESOL classmates to the XploreAsia staff, I feel very fortunate to have gone through such a dedicated, supportive, and trustworthy company.

What would you improve about this program?
More transparency about working with XploreAsia once in Thailand would be appreciated. I didn't even know that this was the program I would be affiliated with since I came to Thailand through a different company.