Xplore Thailand In-Country TEFL + Placement Program

I highly recommend XploreAsia's 120-hour in-class TESOL training and certification to anyone who is considering teaching English in Thailand. The benefits of taking this course right in Thailand rather than studying it online are numerous, and XploreAsia's topnotch team of professionals is amazingly supportive all the way through. In fact, they're still supporting me with regular follow-up after the fact.

During the first week, XploreAsia provides an in-depth look at Thai culture and politics while also providing their TESOL students with a few hours of basic Thai language classes. I can't begin to explain just how helpful this was weeks later, once I began my teaching contract at a Thai school in Bangkok. The staff at the school really appreciated my extra bit of knowledge and understanding compared to other Westerners who didn't receive any cultural training at all. It was also helpful for us both that I was able to speak a wee bit of Thai with them.

The remaining three weeks of the course were filled with not only the same theoretical review of teaching methodologies that one learns through the online course, but also many hours of practical application within the classroom. We learned how to create and present various types of lesson plans, and we were able to provide and receive feedback from our instructors and each other in a safe environment while we learned. This in itself is priceless, but it didn't end there. Following this, we also got the opportunity to do a practicum at a two-day English camp at a nearby Thai school. So, again we received that all-important firsthand experience of dealing with Thai children in their natural school environment which further prepared us for our real jobs to follow.

Studying this TESOL course and teaching in Thailand has been a "bucket list" item of mine for many years, but I don't know how well I would have done if I'd just moved here on my own. I think I would have experienced quite a strong sense of culture shock if it weren't for the safe cocoon of XploreAsia staff and my fellow TESOL students around me for that first month. It really helped me to acclimatize to a new country so that, once I was on my own a month later, I was that much more prepared. I know how to live on my own here now. I know what I need, and I know how and where to get it.

Thank you for making everything so much easier and enjoyable for me, XploreAsia. I highly recommend your company and your TESOL course to everyone.

The XploreAsia team is excellent. In addition to being highly knowledgeable, they run a top notch program, and provide the support needed to ensure a smooth transition into living in Thailand.

I completed the program without taking the TESOL course, so I did a one-week program in Hua Hin prior to my placement in Eastern Thailand. Because the staff is well organized and efficient, I was able to absorb a ton of helpful information during that first week that helps me every day in Thailand. In addition to taking some Thai language classes, the instructors provided useful background on Thai culture and politics, and were available to answer any additional questions any student had. The orientation week offered several great field trips, including visits to a Buddhist temple, elephant sanctuary, dog rescue, night market, and Muy Thai lessons, among others.

Because I had obtained a TEFL certificate on my own prior to arriving in Thailand, I didn't stay for the full-month course but a week was enough time to learn what I needed to know in order to set myself up for success in Thailand. However, it was enough time to make several great friends that I've kept in touch with, traveled with, and will travel with in the future and on holiday. Moving to SE Asia from America is challenging for a number of reasons, and XploreAsia helped me realize what I would need to do in order to make the most of my time here.

I could not be more glad that I chose to do this. I've now been teaching for two months and while it's challenging at times, it's also deeply meaningful in a way that my career in America was not, and I'm grateful for that opportunity. The students are so endearing and wonderful, and this really helps when I miss my family and friends at home. I am also VERY GLAD I CHOSE TO WORK WITH XPLOREASIA. I cannot stress enough how important and helpful it is to have a cultural liaison to help with things like setting up a bank account, getting a Thai SIM card and setting up your phone, etc. These things would be a nightmare for a non-Thai speaking foreigner to attempt alone and because of XploreAsia and their excellent staff I've been able to enjoy my time in Thailand rather than spend it needlessly frustrated, as I surely would have done if I opted to come here on my own!

I highly recommend the program.

The XploreAsia 120 hour TESOL in Thailand was absolutely fantastic. From the moment I was picked up from the airport in Bangkok, I knew I was in good hands and would be surrounded by awesome people. The program, set in the beach town of Hua Hin, began with a one week orientation followed by the 3 week TESOL program. During that time we met elephants, took an art class, went to a pineapple farm, had Thai language lessons, met a Buddhist monk in an oceanside temple, and so much more. Our class was about 30 people from the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Wales, and it was amazing! It was my first experience meeting so many people from other countries, and I loved learning about each of their countries just as much as I enjoyed learning about Thailand. We instantly became friends and had the most incredible month together. With the help of the XploreAsia staff, we were able to plan weekend trips to night markets, temples, and waterfalls. One trip we took was to Pala-U Waterfall, which was one of the happiest days of my life. Myself and two others from the program decided to leave our bags and cellphones in a bush (fingers crossed monkeys wouldn't snatch them) and hike up 15 waterfalls with just ourselves and the beautiful Thai jungle. We kept telling ourselves that we'd turn around after climbing just one more waterfall, but ended up making it as high as we possibly could. It was so extremely rewarding, and I will forever cherish that day...even though on the trek down I slipped and landed straddle split on top of a pointy rock, but hey, the crying and blood cleanup lead to a cringeworthy, hilarious bonding experience with my new friends. To create memories like that was the main reason I chose XploreAsia. Other programs offered online TESOL classes, but having that first month to make new friends and become comfortable in Thailand was essential to my success overseas.

I desperately wanted to teach in a foreign country and Thailand was very appealing for this idea. Making this dream a reality on my own felt extremely overwhelming and deterred me from chasing this dream. Luck would have it that I found XploreAsia.

I was told that XploreAsia is a company that offered a cultural introduction to Thailand, a Tesol course and assistance in finding a job as an English teacher. What I received from XploreAsia was far greater than this.

The cultural excursions that were offered to us were educational, fun and turned out to be the best possible way I can think of spending my first week in the country. The friendships built in this first week between myself and the other Tesol course attendees was something I had not anticipated but had occurred I believe due to the awesome excursions that were offered to us.

The Tesol course itself was very informative to teaching English in Thailand and fully examined how we should go about teaching to the different age and speaking levels of the children. Our teacher "Zach" was able to answer just about any question no matter how strange it was and used his own teaching experience and stories to aid us in our learning. Knowing the staff had all been through the Tesol course themselves and had taught around the country really helped settle the initial nerves I had, also boosting my belief in what they were saying.

The staff at XploreAsia are AMAZING, its as simple as that. It felt far less like a company and more like a family. I felt bloody lucky to be welcomed into this family even if it was for a short three weeks.
The placement team will work tirelessly to find teaching jobs for everyone! They seemed to genuinely take into consideration the preferences and desires of each individual.

Long story short what i received personally during my time with XploreAsia was far more than i could of ever hoped for. Its almost impossible to truly describe what I experienced so instead ill say take the risk and sign up for the next possible intake. I'm sure you will just as I have come to understand that this may be one of the best things you will do in your life.

Though I didn't complete the 120 hour TEFL course, going through XploreAsia was the best decision I made when choosing to teach English in Thailand. The staff were very supportive, friendly and knowledgeable from the very beginning.

Everything was very well organized and informative. My week-long orientation was a great way to begin my journey in Thailand. The staff provided me with very helpful classes including Thai language and culture and would answer any questions that I had with no hesitation.

The placement process was very quick and efficient though a bit overwhelming because you have little time to prepare before you head out. But, the staff did a good job with explaining where I would be placed and the different attractions that would be nearby. They also made me feel comfortable enough to be able to ask any additional questions about my placement or agency and voice any concerns that I had.

Also, we got to immerse ourselves in the culture and experience what life would be like at our placements which I really liked. We were able to go on many outings during the orientation week and each outing was better than the next.

XploreAsia also helped me fully realize why I came to Thailand. I realized that I was taking a spiritual and mental journey as well as physical and I was able to reflect and release my fears.

I only completed the one-week orientation and job placement aspect of the XploreAsia program, so I can't speak to the quality of the TESOL course. I had already completed my TESOL course (online through a different program), and just needed the job placement assistance.

The one-week orientation was really helpful to learn more about Thai culture, and also to make a few friends in Thailand! The XploreAsia staff is awesome - they're all incredibly understanding, compassionate, and personable. Even though the placement process is quick and a bit overwhelming, I felt like they really listened to what I wanted, and I ended up being placed in a city that is a great match for me. I think that what sets the XploreAsia program apart is the openness of the staff - they're quick to share their own personal stories, and they talk about teaching in Thailand as not only a job, but also a sort of spiritual journey. I found myself wishing I had signed up for the TESOL course, just so I could learn more about Thailand from them!

Well here I go.

I came over here looking for n adventure, and boy did I get one. I have been to Thailand before, but for other reasons. this time I got to meet people from all over the world, with the same intentions s me.

First of all, I cleared my head of anything that I thought was going to happen. start with a clean slate as it were. sometimes you think something will happen one way and it takes a 180 and brings you down a road that is not what you wanted, but is equally if not more charming. you think things aren’t good? step back and look where you re. you have a beautiful beach, booze everywhere and all at a fraction of the cost of wherever you my come from. Shure you will run into problems ie language barrier, traffic, and so on. Don't think that you don't have problems at home. These are problems in a different form is all. They will let you redefine yourself as a person concerning these issues. You will grow as a person.

I’m from Canada, and I thought that we were nice. Not even in the same ballpark as the Thai. These people will literally take hours out of their day to accommodate what ever issue you have trouble with. I have never seen a group of people so happy just to wake up every day. In saying that, don't sweat the little stuff, and it is all little stuff. Their kindness will rub off, and the mount of dopamine in your system will flood. Sort of a state of nirvana if you will. I got this my first week at the school.

If you’re scared, that is good! I think you should be out of your comfort zone! Who wants to be another sheep in life? If you came for n adventure, this is the place to do it. I said to myself good or bad, I just want an adventure. So far, because of my mind set it has been all good, and will be a beautiful chapter in my memoirs.

Be open minded, be bold, be afraid! These re all natural emotions. Don't think this isn't like home and get pouty!! This isn't like home. If you can’t find happiness in Thailand, you will never find it anywhere. live it, marinate in it, soak it up boys and girls! Have the best time of your life, you will never forget it.

I completed the one-week orientation with XploreAsia before heading onward to placement. From personal experience, becoming an XploreAsia member and teacher guarantees a support team, credibility, ongoing guidance, and the opportunity to create lifelong friendships. Beyond the many activities and excursions offered, the XploreAsia team took the time to listen and work with me to place me in the best position seen fit. I was placed in the south of Thailand, just as I hoped for, and it couldn’t have worked out better. I’m the only foreigner in a small town, living with the director and his family on school property. This may seem unappealing to some, and at first, I was skeptical too. However, that changed almost immediately as I was warmly welcomed into the family and into the community. I am so grateful for how the placement turned out and I wouldn’t change a thing. I am fully immersed in the Thai culture, the language, the pace of life, the community and family events, and the overall reciprocal generosity and kindness of the Lumthap community. At my school, I teach a lot of students in a span of a week, which at first, was nerve-racking as I thought it would be an impersonal experience and extremely difficult to remember any of my students. This is so far from the reality of it. The students are all so unique and silly with such strong personalities and big hearts. Even the mischievous students will win a special place in your heart. They are impossible to forget and you will quickly develop a bond with many of them. Of course there are tough days and tough classes and tough students and this will make you second-guess why you ever made the decision to teach in Thailand. But then the littlest occurrences happen, like your host family or coworkers bringing you your favourite mangoes, or a student making you a key chain or a bracelet, or the moments of pure joy when the students understand what you’ve taught them or their excitement when it’s time to play a game, or even just walking down the street and noticing all the excited smiles and “hello’s” you receive. These little occurrences will happen and immediately reassure you that you not only made the right decision but possibly the most rewarding decision of your life.