Xplore Japan TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement

I am so happy to be a teacher in Japan. My coordinator Amy and guide Tam have been exceptional and I feel so lucky to have their support on this journey. Moving abroad can be stressful so having help from others is a must.

Nestled in the outskirts of Tokyo in a little town called Ryugasaki in Japan, I would come to flourish in my community and change in ways I did not anticipate. After university I had found a desk job in New Zealand. I settled in and gained 50 kilograms becoming overweight. In my first year in Japan I lost those 50 kilograms and returned to my natural weight. I noticed no big difference in my lifestyle except a half walk to work and delicious Japanese food. I picked up the language, I made friends in the neighbourhood. They’d invite me for dinner. Lastly I was privileged to connect with my students. I’d answer their questions about life outside Japan and give advice on decisions to make moving on from high school. A truly transformative experience.

I had the most amazing time teaching English, learning more about a culture I have always loved and improving my own language skills I didn’t know I had, I miss my students and urge you to try it out!

I am an introvert. If someone had told high school me that I would become a teacher, I would have rolled my eyes in disbelief. Yet, here I am, growing, becoming a better teacher than I was last year and looking forward to becoming even better a year from now. By no means was it a piece of cake, or even a piece of pumpkin pie. The turning point was taking this course with XploreAsia. This course gave me a structure to base lessons on, a structure that I still use and adapt to any subject. More importantly, my teacher was very encouraging. There are still low times but during so I remember her words: 'Your persistence shines through. Good luck and never give up on teaching. You are great.'

I didn't do the TEFL in Japan, I did XploreAsias TESOL program in Chiang Mai Thailand in 2017, and taught in Japan with the the lifetime placement XploreAsia has. I recommend XploreAsia to everyone. You do fun excursions, and learn about the culture of the country you are in. We had real life classroom experience and also prepared lessons to pretend to teach to our classmates, so you have lots of practice. I noticed an improvement when I taught in Japan that XploreAsia will do webinars you can attend. I attended a classroom management one and learned lots of new techniques. XploreAsia provides continued support and was so helpful in getting me a teaching job in Japan even though I did that years after I got my certificate. I am so happy I chose to go with XploreAsia and know that at any point in my life I can go back into teaching woth them if I chose to. One think I liked about teaching in Japan over Thailand is that you are an assistant teacher and have help management the classroom.

Teaching in Japan through Xplore Asia has honestly been one of the most rewarding experiences that I could have asked for, in both my professional and personal lives. I came onboard hoping to expand my knowledge of teaching as well as having an immersive international experience, but what I received exceeded all expectations. I was welcomed warmly by my course instructor (now my workplace manager) and guided through an in-depth course tailored to a variety of teaching strategies surrounding the notion of teaching English as a foreign language. I gained many skills in the classroom, as well as diverse, hands-on experience teaching in both a public school and an Eikaiwa. My employment has only further improved said skills, lending me the opportunity to connect with wonderful students, and teaching me how to deal with any and all occurrences in a classroom, all whilst being supported by the wonderful management that Xplore Asia connected me with prior to arrival in Japan. My experience outside of work has been surreal. The variety of places that I have been afforded the opportunity to visit in such a small country has shown me more of the world than I ever could have experienced in my home country. From Tokyo and Kyoto, to Gifu, Sekigahara and Hokkaido, I can honestly say that I've had the best time of my life, and I've not even explored a small percentage of what this place has to offer! I would recommend Japan to anyone. Even if you're just thinking about it, do it. You have absolutely nothing to lose, and absolutely everything to gain. You'll never make friends easier, and you'll never have so much fun in your job. Thank you so much to XploreAsia for all of their support. I will always be forever grateful!

Stepping into life as an English teacher in Japan has a way of surprising you in the best possible directions. What begins as a simple desire to work abroad quickly turns into a daily rhythm filled with small cultural discoveries, students who bring their own spark into the classroom, and a sense of purpose that feels quietly steady. There’s something rewarding about watching learners open up, sometimes slowly, sometimes all at once, and realizing you’re part of that growth. The mix of structure and creativity in teaching here lets you stretch your skills while still feeling supported by the environment around you. Outside the classroom, the experience deepens even more. Navigating local neighborhoods, picking up bits of language, and settling into Japanese routines adds a comforting richness to everyday life. You start to feel a connection not just to your school, but to the community around you. Even on the challenging days, the overall arc leans positive: new friendships, personal growth, and a sense of adventure that hasn’t burned out. Teaching abroad in Japan tends to reward curiosity and if you bring even a little of that, the experience gives a lot back.

It was very organised and to the point. I enjoyed interacting with other students through the chat function as-well. The teacher was very responsive and detailed in their explanation as-well, when I wouldn't understand a certain point or had issues they were always there to support.

When I boarded my flight to Japan 13 months ago, I had no idea how deeply this move would reshape my life. I left home with a suitcase full of nerves, quiet hopes, and the belief that XploreAsia was guiding me toward something meaningful. I thought I was simply moving abroad for a job—but I ended up stepping into the most transformative chapter of my life. XploreAsia didn’t just help me secure employment; they helped me build a life I’m genuinely proud of. Today, I work less than four hours a day, yet I travel to different towns every week, experiencing Japan in a way that feels intimate, real, and full of adventure. I still receive full pay, but the true reward has been the balance, growth, and freedom this lifestyle gives me. Then came the part I never expected: love. It sounds cliché but it’s real, grounding, life-changing love. I didn’t expect to meet someone who would become my partner, my travel mate, my safe place, and my future. What began as a solo adventure blossomed into a shared life filled with warmth, stability, and joy I didn’t even know I needed. And what truly sets Japan apart is the spirit of the country itself. The festivals that fill entire towns with color, tradition, music, and excitement. The deep culture of respect that makes you feel seen and welcomed. The genuine curiosity people have about your country, your culture, and your story. Every interaction feels meaningful. There is a spark here—a combination of kindness, beauty, and cultural richness—that makes Japan unlike anywhere else. What also makes this journey exceptional is XploreAsia’s ongoing support. Amy Fraser and the XploreAsia team still check up on me, whether it’s six months into the job or almost a year later. They want to know if I’m okay, if I feel settled, or if I’m thinking about renewing my contract. Their support doesn’t end after placement—there’s lifetime assistance to help you find jobs across Asia. They even offer ways to earn extra money just by documenting your daily experiences through the program. It’s simple, helpful, and honestly so thoughtful. This program is truly special. If you’re considering taking this leap, do it. Japan didn’t just change my story—it expanded it in ways I’ll forever be grateful for. And yours might be next.

Growing opportunities is what XploreAsia gave to me. I was able to go to South Korea and now am in Japan with their help and assistance. I have learned so much about life with my two experiences living abroad. Seeing things from different perspectives, learning how to have patience and work with all different types of personalities. Working through the difficult times and having a reassured sense that I can do hard things. Benefit from the graciousness of the people from both countries. These opportunities to live abroad are such treasures that I wouldn’t change them for anything.

I was overwhelmed with where to begin when it came to moving abroad. Xploreasia helped me every step of the way. They also included some online modules that gave insight about life in Japan. I’m living in Japan for 3 years now!

This company is a unique and yet so vital part of working abroad. They do the middleman work that I've realized really is so complicated so we don't have to. Having been with the company for a couple years now, I've had the opportunity to speak to other foreigners who weren't part of a placement company, and they all have horror stories about the experience. So I am incredibly grateful that the Xplore Japan team is on my side. Thanks again for the great experience!

My experience abroad in Japan has been one of the most transformative chapters of my life. Living and working in a new culture pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. As an Assistant Language Teacher, I had the privilege of supporting students, sharing my culture, and learning from theirs. Every day offered a new discovery, from navigating Japanese traditions and festivals to adapting to their disciplined work culture and respectful communication style. Japan taught me patience, resilience, and the beauty of embracing differences. The students I worked with inspired me with their curiosity and kindness, and the teachers welcomed me warmly into their classrooms and community. I learned how to communicate beyond language barriers and how small acts of cultural exchange can build meaningful connections. This journey has shaped my worldview, strengthened my confidence, and deepened my appreciation for global citizenship. It is an experience I will carry with me forever, and one I hope others are inspired to pursue as well.

In 2023, thanks to this TEFL program with Xplore, I was able to follow my dream and move from the UK to Japan. I was entirely new to teaching, with 0 prior experience, but the TEFL course provided me with the foundation that I needed in order to begin my work here with confidence. The course itself has lots of useful information (and great recommended further readings too!), as well as directly relevant assignments which you'll be grateful you completed when you start actually teaching! Taking this course has allowed me to take my first step in a new industry, travel all over Japan during the school holidays, and learn Japanese myself too! Enrolling on this course was the best decision I've ever made, it has totally and completely changed my life for the better and I can't recommend it enough! (P.S. For anyone nervous about living abroad or teaching for the first time, I absolutely encourage you to try both! I was terrified at the prospect of teaching abroad 3 years ago, and now I can't imagine who I'd be without having had this awesome experience. Go for it!)

My experience with XploreAsia in Hokkaido has been incredibly positive. From the beginning, the support team guided me through each step and helped make the transition smooth. Living and working in Hokkaido for over two years has been an amazing opportunity, beautiful scenery, friendly communities, and a relaxed lifestyle. XploreAsia prepared me well for both the cultural and professional aspects of life in Japan. The training gave me confidence in the classroom, and the ongoing support helped me navigate everything from living arrangements to workplace expectations. I’m grateful for the chance to live in such a unique part of Japan, and I highly recommend XploreAsia to anyone considering teaching abroad.

This program was great. The teachers were fantastic, and provided a lot of good, practical, advice. The course materials are very comprehensive, and when combined with the classes, are very easy to understand. One of the best parts of this program was the practicum. We had to design a lesson plan, and then we had to teach a class of children using that lesson plan. We then had some time to adjust based on what we had already done, and then teacher second class. This was very good for building up confidence and showing us how actual teachers have to go with the flow, changing lesson plans to suit the students. Getting to explore Nagoya was also very fun and one of the highlights of the experience. I would definitely recommend this to someone else.

Life as an English ALT in rural Japan has been very rewarding. I was placed up north in the Iwate Prefecture in a small town full of legends and folklore. Living in a town of 26,110 people comes with its unique charms and challenges. It is a lovely tight knit community. I spend my time exploring the hidden temples, shrines and caves in the mountains as well as enjoying a delicious local restaurant with friends. Schools in the countryside have smaller classes. I teach at 6 schools (5 elementary and 1 junior high). My classes are between 2 to 32 students depending on the school. I was blessed with amazing JTE's and homeroom teachers who listen to my ideas and include me in school events and activities. Of course there was some challenges I was not expecting to come across for example bears. There has been so many bears in my area making it difficult to take walks and enjoy the nature. I have to drive everywhere since the public transportation is not reliable and my schools are 30 minutes away from my apartment. There is only two chain restaurants and the closest AEON mall is 37km away. Even with these challenges I quite like the peace that comes with living here.

Xplore was great at giving information about teaching but could have been better with finding job placements and getting involved in the process. It was great at practicals and practice situations, and meeting new people

The TEFL Course in Japan directed by Xplore Asia and brought to me be International TEFL Academy was the journey of a lifetime! There was a great balance between cultural field trips and time in classrooms with local students. Our teacher, Niall, was an incredible and passionate mentor. I learned so much and made many lifelong friendships. I am exceedingly grateful for the education I received and excited to pursue my English-Teaching career. I'd highly recommend this program to those interested in teaching or simply wanting to explore the world.

Living abroad in Japan has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I arrived with curiosity and excitement, but I never expected just how deeply the country, its people, and everyday life would shape me. From the very beginning, I was welcomed with warmth, patience, and kindness. Whether I was asking for directions, ordering food, or learning the language, people always made me feel supported and included. I spent my free time exploring beautiful Hokkaido, trying new foods, visiting aquariums, making day trips and immersing myself in Japanese culture. I also began studying Japanese seriously, and even though it has been challenging, it has helped me connect with people on a deeper level. This experience abroad has not only expanded my worldview but also helped me understand myself better. I have grown more confident, more independent, and more open to new opportunities. Japan has truly become a second home to me, and I am grateful for every moment