Life-changing Experience Learning TESOL in Thailand

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.