Xplore Japan In-Country TEFL + Placement Program

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.

After completing my TEFL prior, I signed up to Xplore in order to help me find a job in Japan. I had the wonderful help of Jane to begin with, and then Amy helped me land a few interviews, and my job! Amy has been a star the whole way through. Xplore have been so helpful, from answering all my questions, to giving me all the information I could possibly need, and genuinely being really excited and supportive of me through this whole journey. I am now a few days off of starting my new job in Japan, and I’m feeling so excited, especially with all of the continued support of the XploreAsia team.

Xplore Asia has been instrumental in helping me achieve a lifelong dream: becoming an English teacher in Japan. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by Japanese culture, through games like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!. My passion for Japan grew further when I studied the Japanese language and culture during a semester in college, which deepened my appreciation for the country. Moving to Japan felt like an impossible dream at times, but Xplore Asia provided the support and guidance I needed to make it a reality.

My journey with Xplore Asia began in February of this year when I registered for their TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course. I knew that having a TEFL certification was essential for securing teaching positions in Japan, and I was eager to begin the process. The TEFL course offered by Xplore Asia was thorough and well-structured, equipping me with practical teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, and cultural insights that prepared me for my role as a teacher. What stood out most about the course was its balance between theoretical learning and hands-on practice, which gave me the confidence to step into a classroom for the first time.

Throughout the process, Xplore Asia was a consistent source of support. They answered every question I had—whether it was about the logistics of moving abroad, the nuances of Japanese workplace culture, or simply what to pack for my journey. The staff were patient, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that I felt prepared. Moving to another country can feel overwhelming, but knowing I had a team of experts to rely on made the transition much smoother.

After months of preparation, I finally moved to Japan in October. Stepping off the plane was a surreal moment; I couldn’t believe that I was about to begin living and working in a country I had admired for so long. Xplore Asia’s guidance didn’t stop once I arrived—they continued to check in and offer support during my initial weeks of adjustment. They helped me navigate everything from setting up a bank account to understanding the expectations of my employer. Their cultural training sessions were especially helpful, as they provided insights into Japanese customs and traditions, which made it easier for me to connect with my colleagues and students.

One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching in Japan has been seeing my student’s enthusiasm for learning English and being able to share my own cultural experiences with them. Xplore Asia played a key role in preparing me for this, not just through the TEFL course but by fostering a sense of confidence and readiness that I carry into the classroom every day.

In conclusion, Xplore Asia has been an incredible partner in helping me achieve my dream of living and working in Japan. Their comprehensive TEFL program, personalized support, and commitment to ensuring their participants succeed set them apart. For anyone considering teaching abroad, I wholeheartedly recommend Xplore Asia. They not only prepare you for the role but also empower you to take on the adventure of a lifetime.

I had an incredible experience which played a key role in helping me move abroad. The staff were extremely supportive and knowledgeable, guiding me through every step of the process, from expert advice and personalized assistance, to visa applications. From the very beginning, their team was attentive and thorough always one email away answering all my questions & soothing my worries. They were always available to answer questions, even after I had settled in. & they responded very swiftly. Their expertise made the transition smooth, and I felt well-prepared for the challenges of living in Japan. I highly recommend to anyone looking to take the leap and pursue opportunities overseas!

Amy Frazer has been an instrumental figure in my journey through the program, and her support has made a world of difference in shaping my career path. When I first entered the program, both Amy and Jane Gama were incredibly supportive, providing the guidance and encouragement I needed during a time that could have easily been overwhelming. It’s not easy stepping into a new opportunity or trying to navigate the complexities of finding a job in a competitive field, but Amy’s dedication and the care she extended to me made the transition smoother and more manageable.

From the beginning, Amy ensured that I was well-equipped for every challenge that came my way. She went beyond the traditional role of a recruiter or agent; rather than just presenting me with job offers, she took the time to understand my strengths, weaknesses, career aspirations, and personality to ensure that the roles she recommended were genuinely a good fit for me. Her approach was not simply about placing me in any job but rather finding a position where I could thrive and grow, both personally and professionally.

One of the standout qualities that I appreciate most about Amy is her consistent communication. She regularly checked up on me to see how I was progressing and ensured that I had everything I needed to succeed. This wasn’t limited to job placement; it extended to my personal well-being as well. Amy genuinely cared about how I was adjusting to the program and the challenges that came with it. Her constant presence provided a sense of reassurance, knowing that someone was looking out for me and always had my best interests at heart.

Amy’s support wasn’t limited to emotional encouragement, either. When it came time for interviews, she left no stone unturned. She provided me with invaluable advice on how to improve my interview skills, walking me through the potential questions that could come up and advising me on the best ways to respond. Whether it was about refining my answers, improving my body language, or simply boosting my confidence, Amy was there every step of the way. Her insights were incredibly helpful in preparing me for what to expect, and I felt more confident and capable because of the guidance she provided. She didn’t just tell me what to do, but she explained why certain approaches would work, making it a true learning experience that I could carry forward into future interviews.

Amy also made sure that I was aware of new opportunities as they arose, consistently keeping me in the loop. She didn’t limit herself to simply helping me get my foot in the door; she continued to work on my behalf to make sure I found the perfect fit. Whenever a new opportunity aligned with my career goals, Amy was quick to inform me and help me determine if it was worth pursuing. Her proactive approach meant that I never felt stagnant or stuck in my job search; I always had the sense that something new and exciting was around the corner, thanks to her efforts.

Overall, I cannot overstate how much Amy Frazer’s support meant to me throughout this entire process. Her dedication, patience, and genuine care for my success made a significant difference in my experience. She truly went above and beyond to assist me in finding the right job, not just any job. For that, I will always be grateful. The support I received from her and Jane Gama helped me grow both personally and professionally, and it made all the difference in finding a position where I felt confident, valued, and prepared to succeed.

When I first decided I wanted to teach English in Japan, I didn't know the first thing about the process. I discovered XploreAsia through the company I earned my TEFL certificate from. Amy and Jane did an excellent job guiding me through the process of preparing, applying, and arriving in Japan to work with Interac. Whenever I had questions or concerns, I promptly received long, detailed answers so I never felt out of the loop or unheard. With their continuous assistance and instruction, as well as their direct correspondence with contacts at Interac, everything went smoothly from the start to finish. I am now enjoying an ALT teaching position in Tsukuba in Ibaraki prefecture and couldn't be more satisfied.

I arrived in Sapporo in April of 2024. Having previously gone through XploreAsia to travel to and teach in South Korea they were the obvious choice again when I decided I wanted to do the same in Japan. The team are very helpful at providing all the information necessary and assisting when you are perhaps struggling with certain aspects of the application or moving. They are very responsive to emails and will get back to you very quickly, meaning there is less room for panic and stress. So far, I have had a wonderful time in Japan and I am now looking forward to the extreme winter in Hokkaido.

Thank you Amy for all your help with setting up my ALT interviews, it's much appreciated. I'm very happy with my placement. I have been welcomed since day one and I have been made to feel like an important member of the school staff.

Whilst the town I have been placed in has a relatively quiet social scene, I have still managed to find a lovely friend group with whom I am able to experience all the wonderful things about Japan.

The people, the nature and of course the food have all blown me away.