XploreAsia

XploreAsia Reviews

Claire
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Decision I've Ever Made

I loved every second of my experience in Thailand and it wouldn't have been possible without Xplore Asia. Before even arriving in Thailand, people are there to support you every step of the way. Once I got to Thailand the support got even better. You have a week-long orientation where you get to meet other teachers, learn about the culture, and get support with your teaching placement, accommodation, and travel. Once you are at your placement, they are always checking in as well. 10/10 recommend!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Thailand has such an amazing energy and culture from the food to the people. Everyone is so welcoming and truly wants you to love their country that they are so proud of. My advice would be to embrace that culture and energy fully. Eat where the locals eat. Visit the local markets and temples. Learn how to make the local food. Take a Muay Thai class (this was my favorite thing I did). Just explore the city or town you end up in and you will find amazing experiences and gain the best memories.
Pros
  • Amazing support from Xplore Asia at all times
  • The culture and energy of Thailand
  • Getting to learn and grow as a teacher and person
Bryan
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Explore Asia

9.5/10

Overall very good program that helps one prepare to move abroad every step of the way!
I'm very happy to finally be in Japan doing what I do as a teacher here in Japan. I teach middle school and everyday is a great challenge and thanks to this program I was able to move here and help shape young minds.
Only thing that I would so is help give advice to those who are new to living in a foreign country especially those going to countries without ac. As summers can be rough if you aren't used to it.

What was your funniest moment?
My students are very hilarious and when they start making jokes in English I can't help but to laugh 😂
Pros
  • Good placement
  • Good support
  • Good communication
What other participants should know
  • Low pay
  • No travel expense help
Fikile
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My amazing 14 months in Thailand.

My program started end of May 2023 and l really was nervous because it was my first time going to be away from home for such a long time ,however with the constant support of XA they made it less worrying. I left South Africa already placed at a school in a fishing village which was my requirement to not be placed in a big city. Throughout my placement XA ensured that l was taken care of in terms of my visa applications and my accommodation needs.

I really struggled with the teaching part , there were many days l would feel like quitting however talking and sharing with the other foreign teachers helped a lot because l understood their own challenges also and made me realize l was not alone. At the end of my 6 months in October l decided l wanted to go back home as l was missing my family however after spending 2 weeks travelling and exploring Thailand l decided to give the program another shot , that was the best decision ever. XA then assisted me with the second placement , now in city and the experience there has been nothing but life changing , l have found my voice , my confidence in teaching is strong. I have developed strong bonds with other foreign and local teachers.

In the 14 months of being here in Thailand l have truly grown as an individual and in my passion of teaching. I get to travel during long weekend and explore this beautiful country and mingle with people and understand their culture better. This for me has been the best year of my life.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-wracking moment for me as a new teacher in Thailand was the first day of class ,facing a room full of students with potential language barriers and cultural differences. Overcoming this meant l had to prepare in advance for my lessons ,be flexible and open to new teaching methods.
Pros
  • Travelling Opportunities , teaching in Thailand has given me the chance to explore different locations during weekends and holidays as well as easy access to other Southeast Asian countries.
  • Cultural immersion
  • Welcoming community
What other participants should know
  • Language barrier
  • Separation from family
  • Cultural differences
Jordan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

I can't possibly recommend Xplore Asia enough for all of their support every single step of the way. I spent longer than most preparing and the Xplore Asia Programs team was patient, informative, and always answered any questions I had regarding paperwork in a timely manner. If you want to go abroad, this is the organization to use! If you are considering this opportunity, stop wondering and do it! It is truly one of the greatest decisions I've ever made, and it is an amazing thing to live where most people vacation. It is a joy to teach so many wonderful students and work alongside an amazing local and international staff.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't spend too much time worrying about what your experience will be like and just live in the moment. Once you arrive, things will become clearer with each passing day. Soon after, you'll be a pro. However, don't think it is all "fun" - you ARE here to work, after all. Be sure to be open to exploring on the weekends, but also plan time to relax and unwind! Its all about balance, and you'll have an amazing time making new friends and getting to know your students.
Pros
  • Living where others vacation
  • Ability to learn a new language and/or culture
  • Once in a lifetime opportunity most people only dream of
What other participants should know
  • Many difficult days with poorly-behaved students
  • Not a lot of vacation time
  • Constant language barrier and being stared at in public
Oratile
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

SUPPORTIVE STAFF

The staff is very supportive in all the processes. From interviews until you reach your country of placement. They still check on you afterwards through emails and Line. Always available when you need them. The team also organized an in-country cultural weekend in Japan with accommodation expenses already paid. The welcome dinner was also relaxed .I met knew people from all around Japan and had so much fun. The tour guide provided by the team was very kind and resourceful. Thank you Xplore Asia!

What was your funniest moment?
I ordered Takoyaki in Japan. Then asked if they have beef Takoyaki. They did. I went back and told my colleagues that I enjoyed it. They asked if I love octopus and I told them that I had beef Takoyaki . Then they told me *Takoyaki " means "octopus!"so .now I am confused. Does that mean I had "Takoyaki " or not?
Pros
  • Supportive staff
  • Easy instructions on the process
  • In country support & cultural orientation
Jack
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Year in Jeonga

I'm really enjoying my time in Jeonga, the city provides for a great mix of working here at the school but provides opportunities for great exploration out into the country thanks to its close proximity to trains and the metro system. The kids are a ton of fun to work with and it's been lovely to work in such a colorful place! The food and area are definitely a high point as you're smack dab in the center of a large city. Any type of food you could imagine is readily available in a short walking distance, both foreign and Korean.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't get it twisted, it's definitely a job first and foremost. This is a program for people looking for work, not a job. So long as that's what you're looking for, you'll be fine!
Pros
  • Great city
  • Great food
  • Great location
What other participants should know
  • The city never sleeps
  • Lots of construction
  • The city prioritizes car driving.
Shaira
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Shaira In South Korea

This is the best recruitment team ever. I couldn’t have gone any other way and for that, I’d like to thank you all once again for always guiding me through it all and keeping me motivated. Moving to a foreign country where you don’t know ANYONE can be absolutely daunting but with XPLOREASIA by your side? Everything is guided and you NEVER feel alone. I went through the toughest situations when I needed to move to SK but this team had my back. I’d do it ALL over again with XPLOREASIA. Thank you.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would definitely ask a LOT more questions about the area I will be placed in. The kind of school I’d be placed in and the kind of management that I’d have. I am very anxious person by nature so when things throw me off? I tend to lose my motivation for a while and I’d have to rebuild it all over again but it’s really all part of the major learning experience.
Pros
  • 1. A new environment
  • 2. No crime/ Very safe
  • 3. Good housing facilities & transportation services
What other participants should know
  • 1. Language Barrier is BIG
  • 2. Lots of Culture Shocks!
Holly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Xplore Asia Japan

I have not been in the program for long, but I have had a great experience so far. Moving to Japan was really difficult but the staff helped me through it and were patient with my mistakes. This is my first time teaching in a classroom, and everyone has been very understanding of my shortcomings. The most difficult part of the program was figuring out how to get to my placement location, since I had to get from the airport to location on my own.
Adjusting to the move has also been difficult. It was expensive to furnish my apartment, so it is important to be aware of the cost.
However I have had a great time traveling around Japan, trying new foods, meeting new people, and learning how to be a better teacher and member of Japan.

Pros
  • Patient and communicative staff
  • Travel experience
  • Kind community
What other participants should know
  • Solo travel to location upon arrival in Japan
  • No bed, stove, or washing machine provided
  • No control over placement location
Amanda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

OverSeas Review

I am so happy to have joined XploreAsia and have the chance to work in Japan. It is a dream come true! I am not only happy to work in a school environment to teach English, but to also make new friends to make fun memories with.
During this experience, I have been able to further develop my interpersonal skills with students, school administrators and staff, coworkers in the teaching programs, and in the local communities that I am living in. I have been able to develop a better sense of confidence both professionally and personally.

Pros
  • Good communication
  • Develop interpersonal skills
  • Growth of confidence
What other participants should know
  • Housing issues
Kate
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review of Explore Asia Japan Programme

Xplore Asia helped to take away any worries I had about moving to japan. They have a lovely helpful team who make you feel comfortable enough to reach out to. They check in with you regularly and offered well rounded support. They also organise weekend meetups throughout the year in different locations! You can also share your experience online by working with Xplore Asia via social media channels. The employees have personal experience of living in Japan and some still live in japan. This means they can give real guidance rather than generalised advice.

Pros
  • Very hands on support
  • Holistic support, e.g mental health support etc.
  • Culture weekends and they try to create channels of communication through Facebook groups and so on