I taught in Thailand with the help from this company in 2021–2022 during the COVID pandemic. I discovered them through the company Greenheart Travel. That year was an incredibly uncertain time to relocate internationally, but considering the global chaos, they handled the process well. Communication was consistent and clear, and I always understood the steps required to secure the proper visa and prepare for departure.

I also completed their online TEFL course, which I found genuinely helpful. The instructor did a great job preparing us for the realities of teaching large classrooms in Thailand. We discussed classroom management, lesson planning, and how to handle situations where students simply don’t understand you no matter how clearly you explain. Because of school closures, we couldn’t complete in-person teaching demos. Instead, we presented lessons to other trainees once we arrived in Thailand. It was awkward at first, but it built confidence and helped reduce the nerves of speaking in front of a classroom.

Orientation week included cultural workshops and group activities. Some of the language and culture sessions felt basic to me, though many participants found them useful and engaging. The social outings were well intentioned, but I noticed that people who arrived with friends or partners tended to stick together. As an introvert who arrived alone, that made bonding a bit challenging. The company also created Line and Facebook groups to encourage connection and support between teachers, but they were mostly inactive. Still, I appreciated having a gradual introduction to the company and the country rather than being thrown directly into full-time teaching.

Accommodation during orientation was simple and somewhat run-down. There were hotel and hostel options, and many participants complained about outdated facilities, firm mattresses, and older air-conditioning units. While it wasn’t luxurious, I later realized it reflected the reality of how many locals live. That said, given the cost of these programs, slightly more comfortable housing during such a major life transition would improve the overall experience.

Job placement was initially confusing. I specifically requested placement in a major city but was repeatedly offered rural towns. Meanwhile, some participants who wanted rural placements were offered larger cities. I’m not sure how those decisions were made. In the end, I was placed in Lampang and signed a contract with a local agency, which turned out to be one of the best teaching experiences of my life.

The main reason I eventually left my school was salary transparency. The difference between what schools pay agencies and what teachers ultimately receive can be significant. While adults are responsible for managing their own finances, I believe the program could better prepare teachers for the financial realities of living in Thailand — including rent, food, transportation, and classroom materials. A more open discussion about budgeting and agency structures would help teachers make informed decisions.

When my contract ended and I was transitioning to a new school, I faced visa complications between cancellation and transfer. A staff member eventually reached out privately to offer guidance, which I appreciated. However, I hadn’t realized I could still seek support after placement, so clearer communication about post-contract assistance would be helpful.

Overall, I had a positive experience and left with some of my most meaningful teaching memories. While there is room for improvement — particularly regarding accommodation comfort, placement transparency, and financial guidance — the company provided solid preparation and support during a very challenging global period. I would still recommend them to others considering teaching in Thailand.

I enrolled due to advertised “100% placement guarantee,” vetted schools, and lifetime support.

My placement involved unpaid wages, late payments and safety issues for months, including flood travel expectations and a visa-related trip to the special economic zone Golden Triangle region which that raised serious safety and security concerns and is known for human trafficking and criminal activity where I was nearly robbed and was not briefed on scam operations and was almost stranded in Laos while being blamed for following their partner agents instructions. After the placement due to late payments and non payments and being asked to work in dangerous conditions and circumstances, I requested support under their Future Placement policy but received prolonged delays as long as 11 months which is an unreasonable amount of time to wait for an actionable placement guarantee as advertised.

Many teachers in Thailand work without a TEFL or any agency involvement, which raises questions about the necessity and value of the expensive certification totaling over 2 thousand USD.

The public marketing and review profile does not reflect my documented experience. Additionally, the company’s online review experience profile appears disproportionately positive compared to documented consumer complaints and feedback on other websites which cannot be astroturfed by them or their partner agencies who recruit via their online ads, which warrants scrutiny.

This was a worthwhile program. The program was legitimately challenging and engaging, and prepares potential teachers for most classroom situations. The instructors are clearly experienced and skilled at preparing participants for teaching jobs.

Consider offering alternative lodgings when hosting training in Hua Hin. The Tanawit is a decent value, but, it is not the most comfortable place to lodge for a month. I suggest offering an alternative. Also, if you are hosting training (especially in the month of April) maybe you could conduct classes somewhere that has air conditioning. The heat and humidity impact focus.

Xplore Asia allowed me to pursue my dream of teaching abroad. Not only did they secure a job for me but they placed me with a company that I absolutely love. I am still at my original placement and school. I do not plan on leaving anytime soon. I've met so many people from countries all around the world. I have had the opportunity to work in and around fun, engaging, interactive, students and teachers. So far this has been one of my best experiences yet. Come join me and start living your life abroad as well.

I did the in-person TEFL course in Thailand with Xplore, and it was absolutely amazing. From day one, the team was incredibly supportive, welcoming, and professional. They made the whole process—from training to finding a job—smooth and stress-free.

The course itself was well-structured, practical, and hands-on. We weren’t just sitting in a classroom; we were actively learning how to teach, planning lessons, and getting real classroom experience. The trainers were knowledgeable and encouraging, and they really cared about our progress.

A year later, I'm still teaching in Thailand and loving it. I’ve already decided to extend my contract and stay longer. Xplore’s support didn’t stop after the course—they’ve been there to help throughout my journey.

If you’re considering teaching abroad, I highly recommend Xplore. Their in-person TEFL course gives you everything you need to start strong, and their continued support is unmatched.

A lot of support from xplore staff in terms of teaching guidance and curriculum as well as support in securing a teaching position in Thailand.

Well organized and provided a care and inclusive environment for all the future teachers.

One week orientation in Hua Hin (Thailand) was packed with a lot of good instruction and the location was ideal.

I would recommend xplore to anyone seeking teaching experience for the first time (as was the case with me) and anyone seeking a new adventure abroad.

I was originally going with another company, but had to postpone at the last second. Six months later, I got into contact with Xplore through ITA, and decided the idea of Thailand was worth just trying out. It wasn't the easiest month, but it certainly was rewarding. I love it in Thailand, and thanks to Mui and Pond with Expat Resources, I landed a job before even graduating from the program! Now I'm in Bangkok for at least the next six months, hopefully longer! So I'm glad my originally plans fell through, because it worked out much better in the end.

The course is a great way to get accustomed to Thailand, and in my opinion, the most important thing that it helps with is connecting you with like-minded people in the same boat as you. Not only making you feel comfortable and less culture shocked, but also providing you with friends in the same position that you can be with whilst you are here, working and living in Thailand. The course itself may not be the most useful thing when it comes to teaching, although it does help you understand how to lesson plan and prepares you at least for what to expect to a certain extent, but being able to meet other people from similar places that you have come from is the true gem that the course provides. The cost is very high in my opinion, and the course itself could be done online. Keep this is mind, but understand that the biggest thing is being able to connect with people as soon as you arrive, and that is a very helpful asset.