XploreAsia

Program Reviews

Leonidas
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time in Costa Rica - Leonidas Langford

I've been living in Costa Rica for 7 months. It definitely has its high moments and its low moments. Overall, it's been a great experience. Let me tell you why.

So XploreAsia supported me with documents and advice. Jordayne has always been there when I've asked questions and always offered me the most useful advice. Travelling can be nerve-racking but there's always people you can ask for help. So journey was good. San Ramon with the chicas was great. Its the placement program. I only stayed there for a week but I got to make some great friends and it was nice to settle into Costa Rica this way, kind of like a holiday before the school term starts.

The school. It's got issues but overall I've enjoyed it. No school is gonna be perfect but if there's one thing I've learnt about moving abroad you can't be too picky and you need to be open minded otherwise you'll just move back home. Oral expression is fun and the students are great. One thing tho never been paid on time but when asked they have done it. So be prepared for admin issues. I've covered marked exams and yeah school is decent. Driver takes me to school.

Social life great. I've dated, learned some Spanish and relaxed. Great tbh. I have my own room with shower.

Costa Rica is expensive. So if you wanna save money I'd suggest cooking at home or eating at your school cafeteria.

What was your funniest moment?
“One of my funniest moments was going on a date and trying to speak Spanish the whole time. I accidentally said something completely wrong and the girl laughed so much she had to explain it back to me. It turned into a running joke the rest of the night, and honestly moments like that make you realize how fun (and humbling) learning a new language abroad can be.”
Pros
  • Travel was made easy
  • Finding accomodation was smooth
  • I like my classes.
Cons
  • Bad communication from the school
  • Sometimes I have felt overworked.
  • It rains in the afternoon.
Carolin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience with Xplore Costa Rica!

I had a great time in Costa Rica with Xplore. The team answered all of my questions before departure, so I felt prepared and excited to go. While in-country, Jordayne (from Xplore), was always available to chat and make us feel comfortable. The whole time I was there I felt supported and extremely safe (much more than I had anticipated in a Latin American country). Throughout the course, I learned a lot both through theory-based classes and practicum-based classes where we went to places in the local community to observe and practice. I felt extremely welcomed by the local community in San Ramon. I would recommend this program to anyone, whether it's your first time abroad or you are a veteran traveler looking for a new adventure!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
While in a taxi, the driver told us there was a sloth and asked if we wanted to pull over. We said yes, thinking it was way in the distance, but it ended up being right on the side of the road!! what a cool experience to be so close to a wild animal that we don't see in the US.
Danna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica Review

I definitely would recommend this program to another individual that is wanting to travel and work alongside other people. Costa Rica it’s a beautiful country with a lot of diversity and it has been so amazing and welcoming. From my prep to arrival in Costa Rica, everyone in the program has been super helpful and attentive, which is beyond amazing. During my stay in Costa Rica, any confusion or curiosity I had I always felt supported with members from the program, regardless of the distance or time we haven’t talked.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Definitely embrace every moment, do not be afraid to things on your own. If you always wait for someone to do something with you, you will miss out on amazing opportunities and moments.
Pros
  • Support
  • Kindness
  • Assurance
Cons
  • Slight of confusion
  • Lack of research
  • N/A
Elizabeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Jordayne & Nicky Are a Dream Team

I got so lucky with Jordayne and Nicky! They’re so wonderful and so patient with the new arrivals. All my questions got answered before I even arrived in Costa Rica thanks to Jordayne. Nicky made everybody feel so comfortable and so welcome and I feel like I have incredible support wherever I decide to go next.

I also got so lucky with my Xplore cohort and the broader Xplore community. I made good friends with two girls in the TESOL course and we support each other through tough times. I also have many Xplore teachers at my school and in my community. They’ve become really close as well! If you’re looking for a good community, I recommend Xplore.

What was your funniest moment?
I monkey came up right next to me while I was drinking coffee. I tried to move, but he was blocking my exit, so I just ended up having coffee with a monkey.
Pros
  • Really beautiful place to live
  • Met lots of wonderful people whom I absolutely love
  • Really integrated in the community
Honey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TESOL Certification in San Ramón – Thank you Xplore for a Great Start to My Teaching Journey

I completed my TESOL certification in San Ramón, Costa Rica, in December 2023, and it was a fantastic experience. The course covered lesson planning, classroom management, and grammar—led by a supportive and knowledgeable trainer. Teaching real students during the practicum helped me rebuild my confidence and feel fully prepared for the classroom.

Since then, I’ve been teaching English in Palmares and continue to apply what I learned every day. The program was well-structured, practical, and gave me the tools I needed to succeed. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to teach English in Costa Rica or abroad. Living in Costa Rica, immersing myself in its rich culture, and teaching here has truly been a life changer.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Open your mind and heart to the the rich and beautiful culture of the people in chosen city. Take the the time to build your community. Don't give up at the first hiccup.
Pros
  • Great setting, San Ramón is the perfect little town
  • Supportive and well experienced teacher /trainer
  • Hands on practicum
Cons
  • Intensive schedule- need to adjust your thinking
  • Accommodation limitations
  • Would have appreciated more varied age group for practicum considering i ended up teaching adults
Florence
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Feedback

My experience was great, the team was always ready to listen and guide me. I recieved guidance from the beginning to the end, very easy to work with and delivering exceptional results. To all aspiring teachers please do not hesitate reaching out to Xploreasia. From my demo lessons to sending documents l never felt the heaviness of it because there were people who held my hand and showed me the way. The way Jane responded to my emails was marveling, communication was top notch. I will vote for xploreasia daily.

Corey Seancheavelee
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience Abroad in Cambodia

I absolutely think living in Cambodia has been an inspiring and eye-opening journey. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with incredible students, experience a beautiful culture, and learn alongside passionate educators from around the world. Each moment has deepened my appreciation for global education and strengthened my desire to make a difference. I’m excited to continue this path and look forward to growing as an EFL teacher while making a positive impact in the classroom and beyond.

Corey 

What was your funniest moment?
I tried ordering a passion fruit drink in Khmer but accidentally asked for tea instead. The vendor looked confused, then laughed with me when I realized what I said. We both had a good laugh, and I finally got the right drink.
Pros
  • Supportive instructors
  • Hands-on teaching practice
  • Meeting fellow teachers from around the world
Cons
  • Adjusting to the heat
  • Limited time to explore outside of class
  • Busy schedule
Harry
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cambodia, land of wonder

Decided on a whim to change settings and try something different culturally. Ended up teaching English in Phnom Penh. It has been a year now and I can honestly say it was a great decision. After a year of memories, many of my favourites were made in the classroom, hard but rewarding work that has given my life a new kind of purpose. The staff at my school are very supportive too which is great as teaching was a new thing for me when I started. It was also very crazy experiencing a small flood for the first time, I was in a tuk tuk and the water was coming in! Come to Cambodia if you enjoy real smiles and warm weather.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I tried prahok once. It was the first and last time.
Pros
  • Relaxing pace of life
  • Meeting like minds
  • Learning life skills
Cons
  • Working a lot
  • Ants
  • Some foods
Dylan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience in Cambodia

My time teaching in Cambodia has been nothing short of incredible. I've absolutely loved living here—the culture is rich and vibrant, the people are some of the kindest and most welcoming I've ever met, and the food is simply delicious! Every day brings something new, whether it's exploring local markets, sharing laughs with students, or enjoying a bowl of kuy teav at a street stall. The friendliness and warmth of the community have made me feel right at home. Cambodia has truly captured my heart! ❤️

What was your funniest moment?
One of the funniest experiences I’ve had in Cambodia was when I was walking through a village and locked eyes with a little Khmer boy who looked absolutely amazed to see me. He stood completely still, fingers deep in his nose, just staring at me like I’d landed from another planet! We both froze for a second—me trying not to laugh, and him clearly trying to figure out what on earth I was. It was such an innocent, hilarious moment that perfectly sums up the unexpected joys of living here. Cambodia never fails to surprise me in the best of ways!
Pros
  • Amazing food
  • Friendly people
  • Beautiful scenery
Cons
  • None
  • None
  • Even less
Aromi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It’s been Thai-riffic!!

Wow! I’ve truly enjoyed my experience traveling and teaching in Thailand. Cassidy and Mile are amazing supports! The entire team in Thailand was so kind and helpful. They provide you with great cultural knowledge, and tips on how to respond to cultural situations.

I’m glad to have said yes and learn a new way of living and stepping outside my comfort zone! I’ve gotten to explore and see different parts of the country too which has been a dream come true!

The placement process is a hit or miss, but trust that you’re placed exactly where you’re supposed to be, embrace the ADVENTURE.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My best advice for my program in Thailand is; bring a portable fan, umbrella, deet bug spray, sunglasses, bathroom wipes, travel tissues, slippers, good walking shoes, and travel Clorox wipes!
Be sure you ask as many questions as possible regarding the dress code for your specific school and go with the expectation that you’ll be challenged and overcome different obstacles, develop as a person, and experience forever memories!
Pros
  • Personal growth
  • New experiences
  • Remarkable adventure
Cons
  • Fear of food illness
  • Lots of down time, would rather be able to leave between classes.
  • Full time hours. No time to explore during the week days due to most places closing early.