XploreAsia

Program Reviews

Kgothatso
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It's never too late to start a new adventure!

As a member of Generation X, I once thought that working and living abroad was not for me - maybe it was too late. I took a big step by enrolling in the TESOL Program with XploreAsia. From the beginning, their team was supportive, kind, and genuinely helpful. Now I've been living here for some time, and the journey is still going strong.

Of course, it's not all a bed of roses. Living in a new country comes with ups and downs, and challenges, especially when Thai policies seem to change overnight. But knowing that I have the ongoing support of XploreAsia makes all the difference.

What I appreciate is that they continue to offer ongoing support- Community support and Mentorship.

For anyone thinking about teaching and living abroad, I highly recommend XploreAsia. Their care don't stop when the course ends!

What would you improve about this program?
The transport from the accommodation to class would have been helpful. I suggest including the cost in the course or offering it as an optional contribution, similar to the excursion arrangement.
Pros
  • Pros during the program: The team and the Instructor were very supportive.
  • The Thai language classes were helpful.
  • The Muay Thai session was enjoyable.
Cons
  • After writing the exam, additional classes were held, but i felt my attention span was low.
  • Transport from the accommodation to the school would have been helpful.
Sarah
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Dream job made possible!

I am absolutely thrilled with the service I received from Xplore Asia! They helped me land a job I absolutely love in Nakhon Pathom. The team was professional, supportive, and went above and beyond to ensure I found the perfect fit. Their expertise and network in the industry are truly impressive. If you're looking for a career opportunity in Asia, I highly recommend Xplore Asia - they've changed my life for the better! They have a deep understanding of the job market in Asia, and were able to connect me with top employers in my field. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented and dedicated team.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open-minded, flexible, and ready for the unexpected, it's all part of the journey!
Immerse yourself in the local culture, try the new foods and make friends with fellow travelers.
Pros
  • Networking opportunities, I connected with allot of like minded people
  • Skill development
  • Personal growth
Cons
  • The structure of the program is rigid and demanding
  • Homesickness
  • Cultural adjustment
Eden
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Would recommend! *with a note*

I can say for sure that I would have never been able to make such a huge move like this with out the continued support of Xplore Asia. The training program itself was one of the best months of my life. I would recommend Xplore to a friend. I would also, though, emphasize the mental and emotional toll a kind of move and job like this might take. This is where I feel Xplore could do a bit better- offering students more sufficient warnings and proper preparation for what's to come in combination with the coursework.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Placements vary heavily in terms of workload and its kind of like getting your name pulled out of a hat. You might get one that's really demanding and not at all what you initially expected. While you're never trapped at a job, once you're in it, its not an easy (or cheap) thing to undo. So leave your perception of teaching as means to fund your traveling at the door. The hours are long and your placement has the potential to be very demanding work! It can also be really rewarding work, though, and can be fun and magical! The best advice I can give is really to assess what your goals are within yourself and for your traveling- do research on teaching in Thailand and really think about if its the right choice for you. Do you want to be a free bird or are you prepared to commit to your work and do your traveling every other weekend or so? Also, ask as many questions as possible about your placement ahead of time.
Pros
  • Wonderful people
  • Felt empowered in the classroom
  • Really fun
Cons
  • The acomadation
  • A lot of work was demanded but not graded with the same level of importance
  • communication often feels poor with agency
Michael
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

MG

Had a great time on the course, instructors and placement team were all amazing!

A few hiccups in the beginning, with not finding out about the university program until after booking everything. Which was followed by more required payments. But nonetheless, having a great time in my new job at Saiaksorn, and very glad I took this jump to Thailand.

Can see myself here for a long time.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
We become very talented at talking ourselves out of things as we grow up. Book the ticket.
Pros
  • Enjoying work again.
  • Not richer, but much wealthier.
  • Amazing fruit!
Cons
  • Unintentionally ordering the wrong food when learning Thai.
  • A few ego clashes in the group which disturbed the peace but thankfully didn't last long.
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best life decision to date

I recently completed my TEFL course with Xplore Asia, and I couldn't be happier with the experience! The training was thorough and incredibly well-structured. Our instructor, Gary, was fantastic — knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely passionate about teaching. The practical teaching sessions with local students were especially valuable and gave me real confidence in the classroom.

Now that I’m placed in my school, I can honestly say I love it here. The environment is welcoming, the students are honestly amazing, and I feel so, so happy right now. I'm truly grateful to Xplore Asia for making this journey possible!

Sometimes along the journey, you expect things to unfold a certain way — but life has a way of surprising you. What you thought you didn’t want can turn out to be exactly what you needed, and often, it works out even better than you ever imagined. Don’t give up when things seem hard, it will all pay off in the end!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I could do this all over again, I’d tell myself to just relax and trust the process. It’s so easy to get caught up in stress and panic when things don’t go as planned, but looking at how everything turned out, I definitely could’ve let go a little and enjoyed the experience more!
Pros
  • Massive confidence booster
  • Placed in an amazing school
  • Made friends for life
Cons
  • Moments of uncertainty can cause stress
Megan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience and Support

They were very helpful and friendly from the start, guiding me through the TESOL course, job placement, and settling in Thailand. They helped me find an apartment, offered lesson planning support, and made the move smooth and stress-free. Years later, they still supported me by providing a recommendation letter. I’ve now been teaching in Asia for six years and love it. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their amazing support, guidance, and genuine care throughout the journey. Just want to thank them for an amazing service!

Úna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best preparation for a new adventure

From the moment I was put in touch with Xplore Asia the process was extremely straightforward and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. Questions were answered before they needed to be asked the whole process was made so easy by their attention to detail. This didn’t stop upon arrival either. Everything was extremely well organised and logical.Every effort was made to ensure that everyone could get the most out of the week and set us up to succeed in the daunting challenge of living in a new country Would definitely recommend to anyone interested in pursuing a similar opportunity.

Ouassima
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience in Korea so far

I’m currently living and working in Korea and my time here has been very special: full of new experiences, challenges, and growth. But what made everything even more meaningful was Shannon.💯

Shannon was so much more than just a point of contact she was someone who really listened, supported me every step of the way, and always kept me updated. Her kindness, attentiveness, and support made such a difference in my life here in Korea. I always felt like I had someone I could count on, no matter what.🌹

I’m so grateful to have had Shannon by my side. Thank you so much, Shannon!

So I truly recommend giving this great new experience a try 🤗 it can really enrich your mind and life.

Catriona
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Get stuck in!

Put simply, the quicker you get stuck in and dive into the deep end, the quicker you’ll feel more settled and comfortable in your new environment. It may feel a bit overwhelming and stressful, but doing this sooner rather than later will mean that you can actually enjoy each day and the new experiences a lot quicker compared to if you’re thinking ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’. Time goes by a lot quicker than you think, even if you're here for a year, I’ve now been in the country for 4 months and I feel like time is flying by.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Get stuck in quicker.
The quicker you find yourself in the deep end, the quicker you will feel more settled and be able to enjoy your time. It might feel stressful or make you anxious to begin with but it’ll be for a shorter period of time compared to if you out off those things.
Pros
  • Opportunities to meet other teachers in the program
  • Opportunities to try new activities/visit new places
  • Available support network for any kind of issue/support/questions you may face
Janet Korkor
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cultural Immersion and Professional Growth During My Time Abroad

During my time as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in Japan, I had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in Japanese culture while contributing to English education in local schools. Living in Sapporo, I worked closely with Japanese teachers and students, helping to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. This experience not only enhanced my teaching skills but also allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese work and communication styles.

In addition to my professional role, I had the chance to explore Japan’s rich traditions, from tea ceremonies to festivals, and learn about the country’s fascinating history. Living in Japan taught me to adapt to new environments and strengthened my cross-cultural communication abilities. This experience was incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally, and has left a lasting impact on my approach to teaching and my view of the world.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was the opportunity to act as the Princess in a Japanese stage drama. It was so much fun seeing how the Japanese actors brought humor to the performance. It was also a great experience for me, as it was my first time acting in Japanese and seeing so many Japanese people interested in the drama.
Pros
  • Cultural Immersion: The program allows you to fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture, giving you a deeper understanding of traditions, language, and daily life in Japan.
  • Language Learning: Living and working in Japan offers a unique opportunity to improve your Japanese language skills through everyday interactions, which is a huge advantage for both personal growth and professional development.
  • Career Opportunities: Participating in the program can enhance your resume by demonstrating your adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and international work experience, which can open doors to future job opportunities.
Cons
  • Language Barrier: If you’re not fluent in Japanese, the language barrier can be challenging in both professional and social settings, making it harder to fully integrate and communicate.
  • Homesickness: Being away from home for an extended period can lead to feelings of homesickness, especially if you're far from family and friends, or if the cultural differences are more difficult to adjust to.
  • Work Pressure: Depending on the specific role, some participants may experience high expectations and a busy work schedule, which can be stressful, particularly if you’re adjusting to a new work environment in a different culture.