A Life Changing Experience

I came to Thailand in October 2013. Upon arrival, XploreAsia facilitated everything and made it so easy once I got here. Not only was there a driver waiting for me at the airport with my name on a sign, but I had a fallback-plan in my back pocket that they provided should anything go wrong. The first week is the cultural orientation that includes awesome stuff like a lesson at a muay thai gym, a visit to an elephant sanctuary (the elephant even plays the harmonica), receiving a blessing from a monk, as well as Thai language lessons that give you the basic words you need to get around, order food, etc. The president of the company Mike also gives multiple fascinating speeches about Thai culture and the history of the country. The week culminates with a sweet beach BBQ where you can swim and play with photo luminescent plankton in the sea when the sun goes down.

The next 3 weeks of the TESOL course were challenging but extremely helpful. The course instructors are extremely passionate and give you all of the tools you need to succeed when you arrive at your placement school. I myself have grown up with a crippling fear of public speaking, but this course really helps bring the teacher out of you. Finally, in the last week, you get a chance to put your newfound teaching skills to the test at a nonprofit english camp that XploreAsia arranges every month. It is soo helpful to get a chance to teach actual students before arriving at your job so you can get a realistic expectation of what you are going into.

XA was very upfront about their job placement process. While they do ask for everyone's personal preferences about where you would like to teach and what age range, they emphasize that securing a job at a reputable school that treats their teachers well is the main priority.

When it comes down to it, my incredible experience was a result of keeping a good attitude. No, I did not love the area I was placed in at first, but I was determined to keep an open mind and get the most out of this adventure. Plus XA continued to provide support for any problems I had even after I had completed my course and sent me off to my school. Out of the 100+ people that were on my course with me, the only ones who seemed unhappy with their experience were the ones who came to Thailand expecting the country to adapt to them, not the other way around.

Overall I couldn't be happier with my recruiting process. XploreAsia has an incredible staff that is like a little family and they truly seem to care about all of the new teachers that come through their program. This is truly a culture experience that is amazing, challenging, rewarding, and most of all, really really fun. If you want to expand your horizons and have a life changing adventure, I couldn't recommend this program more.