XploreAsia

XploreAsia Reviews

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
What other participants should know
  • 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
What other participants should know
  • 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
What other participants should know
  • Thailand definitely takes getting used to
Alyssa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life as is...

My name is Alyssa. I'm from Canada. My overall experience in South Korea is truly unforgettable. It is a place that I was able to find my passion, being with kids and the community. I was able to learn a lot of different, refreshing values and culture. I was able to improve on myself in many different ways as being here taught me the life that I never experienced before. I found my purpose in teaching and being with the kids and community every day shaped me the way I am today. I've realized that I have become a better version of myself. We may be teaching the kids English but they showed us their love and pride in their culture and language.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment is speaking konglish with my students. My students imitate the way I speak in both English and Korean. I speak to them in English but they teach me Korean words. When I try pronouncing the words, they imitate me as they find it funny that I couldnt say the words properly. They would laugh at first but they try their best to help me to say the words properly. I didn't mind them laughing as I enjoy their presence and their effort of trying to be close to me. In this way, I create fond memories with them.
Pros
  • Independence & Passion
  • Meeting new friends
  • Culture
What other participants should know
  • Culture
  • Language barrier
  • Social forms
John
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good For Meeting People

The course is a great way to get accustomed to Thailand, and in my opinion, the most important thing that it helps with is connecting you with like-minded people in the same boat as you. Not only making you feel comfortable and less culture shocked, but also providing you with friends in the same position that you can be with whilst you are here, working and living in Thailand. The course itself may not be the most useful thing when it comes to teaching, although it does help you understand how to lesson plan and prepares you at least for what to expect to a certain extent, but being able to meet other people from similar places that you have come from is the true gem that the course provides. The cost is very high in my opinion, and the course itself could be done online. Keep this is mind, but understand that the biggest thing is being able to connect with people as soon as you arrive, and that is a very helpful asset.