Program Reviews

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

Initially I planned to show up Thailand with no friends, zero teaching experience and nothing more than an online TEFL certification. Instead I did the April course in Hua Hin (the largest course of the year), and it's one of the best decisions I have ever made... More on that later. First, a rundown of the course:

There was a Blue Team, Yellow Team and Red Team, all living in four or five different houses spread out in Hua Hin. Each team had around thirty people from all over the world. Class was usually eight hours a day, six days a week, held in a primary school downtown.

The course focused mainly on giving us the opportunity to get in front of a class and present a typical English lesson. There were very few PowerPoints or lectures. One student would present a speaking, listening or reading lesson of their making, the class and instructor would observe and participate and play the role of a Thai student, then at the end of the lesson constructive feedback was given.

Towards the end of the course, all students participate in a three-day English camp held at two different schools, one primary and one kindergarten, and it's an incredibly rewarding hands-on learning experience.

Fundamentally, the purpose of the XploreAsia course is to provide you the opportunity to gain real experience teaching in a classroom rather than just studying teaching methods from a book or listening to monotonous lectures.

Inside and outside the classroom, the XploreAsia staff was always dedicated to helping the students become the best teacher they can be... To overcome personal problems, fears, insecurities, uncertainties and everything else. First and foremost they are there to shape you into a good teacher, but they are also there to just be a good friend.

The opportunity to make life-long friends is one of the best things about the course. Your classmates become your family... the people you eat, sleep and drink with, laugh with, share stories and fears and dreams with... All in just one month.

At the end of course, students receive their placements—something the XploreAsia staff works on continuously from day one—and then everyone sets off on a new adventure somewhere else in the country.

The XploreAsia team is driven by deeply moral causes and visibly passionate about teaching and traveling and becoming better global citizens. Anyone who takes the course seriously will find that this dedication and passion overflows into them, making them not just a good teacher, but a better person.

And that is why choosing to do the XploreAsia course was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Upon first arriving in Thailand I wasn't sure what to expect from a month long orientation in Chiang Mai. However, now that the course is over and I begin to teaching at my placement, I am sad to leave the friends and awesome memories I have made behind! Overall the whole process has been easy, well communicated, fun and unforgettable! I have learnt so much about working with others, Thai language and culture and more importantly, about myself. I recently did a home stay after orientation and it was the best thing ever! Staying with a Thai family really showed me the meaning of family, teaching and friendship, as well as introduced me to home style Thai cooking! All in all I have no regrets about this course and am really grateful for the experience and even more excited for the opportunities teaching abroad in Thailand brings! :D

My TESOL course experience was very refreshing, it allowed me to acclimatize to my new environment - but most importantly, I made my closest friends while completing TESOL.

You will end up getting a really cool certificate that states that you can teach English to non-English speakers. Not only that, but guess what? You can teach English anywhere in the world! My certificate came handy when I taught English in Spain. It also takes a massive bullet point on my resume, which of course, is a bonus.

You will get really awesome recommendations from your TESOL instructor, Jaco. He wants you to succeed, and will do everything in his power to make you the best teacher out there. You will walk in, unsure of how to "teach", but let me tell you, after 120 hours, you will march out, as a confident teacher, ready to take over the world.

You will end up loving Hua Hin. I mean, what's not to love? It is a small beach town, small enough to get around - but big enough to explore. You won't get bored during the weekends, unless that's your thing. You are 2 hours away from BKK, minutes away from really cool temples, go for a jog, or horse back riding. Or simply, enjoy the beach.

The most important part of TESOL are the connections you will make during those 120 hours. You will end up meeting all sorts of characters. Soon, you will be crossing country borders with your mates vacationing in Koh Chang, getting scuba certified in Koh Tao...

You will be celebrating birthdays, Christmas, new years with your buddies from TESOL, and they will become a big part of your experience in Thailand.

There is a big Xplore Asia teacher network, and most people are happy to be friends with you, and guide you throughout your journey. So - please, don't be shy. Facebook them, email them, and ask them
'what's up?' You will end up meeting great people from diverse backgrounds.

At the end of the course, you will be confident to stand in front of 40 students and do the Gangnam Style.

Best of luck!

I completed my TESOL online with XploreAsia, and George was my instructor. There was a small class size, and the e-learn system was fairly simple to use. Since the class was small, it was very easy to communicate with one another, give and receive feedback, and learn how we can improve.