Xplore South Korea TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement

I was teaching in the United States, looking for a change but not knowing what my next steps would be. I found XPLORE after doing some research and it was one of the best things I could have found. Each professor, advisor and program coordinator assigned to me explained everything in detail, every step of the way. I felt reassured and confident by the end, learning more than I expected! Even as I landed and found a teaching position, they kept in contact with me and made sure my experience was positive! I couldn’t recommend a better program! Thank you to every person who helped me throughout this journey!

I had a blast during my time in South Korea, but it was also extremely hard. I am someone who has a background working in crisis management, so I am familiar with long hours and unexpected twists and turns, so this was not something that I struggled with too much. But it is a reality that many have to accept if they are choosing to work abroad. THIS IS NOT A VACATION. They repeat this about a million times during the course and it is very true. Although every placement is unique, the extra work/hours that are expected from you is common throughout the country. The course itself was lovely. I made lifelong friends, who I still keep in touch with now almost 2 (3?!) years later, even though we were placed in different locations. I also got to meet future coworkers, which helped the transition into the post-program life. The program did prepare me for cultural differences and allowed a bit of a breather before the real work began so I am glad I opted in to the dorm-style life. I learned a lot and got to explore Seoul before my schedule became bit wild. After the program, I moved to my new city. I didn't live in Seoul, which was my choice. I got a pretty nice apartment (not a studio!) and my school expected us to teach their curriculum, so we did not have to reinvent the wheel. I enjoyed being around the students and learning from them as much as they learned from me. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I renewed my contract for another year. I decided to leave Korea after two years because of many things - but also because I reached my limit in terms of workload as a senior teacher and expectations. I wanted to leave before I began to resent it, and it was the best choice for me. I think that if you have a good head on your shoulders and your heart is in the right place, you will enjoy life in South Korea. The kids are really lovely.

My teaching journey with XploreAsia began at the beginning of 2025 in Incheon, South Korea where I completed the four-week intensive training program to become TESOL/TEFL certified. I then made my way to Jeju City where I had obtained a teaching position several months prior thanks to XploreAsia. Knowing I had the position secured ahead of time was a relief when I knew my future was just on the other side of completing the training program. The staff at XploreAsia encouraged me to go to Jeju based on preferences I provided and although I was hesitant at first to be away from the mainland, it has been the best decision for me. The staff at XploreAsia were very communicative and forthcoming with information whenever I had questions both before and after I embarked on this massive journey away from home on my own. If you are considering teaching abroad, I would recommend reaching out to XploreAsia!

Living and working in South Korea has been an absolute dream come true! Embracing and experiencing a new culture has made me immensely proud of myself for taking such a huge step and making the best out of it! In the few months that I have been here, I have started my own social media travel channel, became a social media ambassador for XploreAsia and have also collaborated with several skincare, food and travel brands showcasing the beauty of South Korea. I am a long term Kpop, K-drama and a Korean literature fan and so attending concerts and music festivals have made my experience even more fulfilling! I have also always been in awe of the countryside and experiencing all the breathtaking scenery through the several bike trips and group tours that I have done has made it the best of both worlds! Working in Korea as a teacher has been such an eye opener for me because I learnt so much about different teaching styles and management in the classroom. The kids I work with are absolutely respectful and they never have a dull moment in the classroom! I definitely have had my share of struggles with the language barrier and the settling with the harsh summer here but overall it has been a very rewarding experience! Thanks so much to the XploreAsia support team as they definitely took great care of me when I first arrived and organised almost everything (pick up from airport, initial stay, t money card, korean language classes, helping to find a job, housing and other support) I needed to settle in. They also do regular checkups and are always willing to help. I am so glad I picked Xplore Asia (Go Overseas) because they have made the experience so easy!

XploreAsia made moving to Korea smooth and supportive from start to finish. Teaching in Suwon has been an amazing experience. Teaching has been some of the most rewarding work I have experienced. Living here has allowed me to explore Korean culture, enjoy the incredible food, and visit beautiful places every weekend. I’ve grown so much personally and professionally, and I’d recommend this experience to anyone considering teaching abroad.

Moving to Korea to teach English became a life changing experience shaped by constant cultural discovery. Even something as simple as food challenged and excited me. Sharing meals of unfamiliar flavors taught me openness, patience, and curiosity. Daily life introduced new societal norms that pushed me to observe more carefully, listen better, and rethink my own assumptions. On the hiking trails, I met people from all over the world. Strangers quickly became friends as we climbed mountains, shared stories, and learned from one another’s backgrounds. At the same time, learning a new language was both frustrating and deeply rewarding. Every mistake was a lesson, and every small success felt like a victory. The greatest joy, however, came from my students. Working with them each day, watching their confidence grow, and seeing real progress in their English reminded me why teaching matters. Korea didn’t just change how I work it changed how I see the world.

Before I moved to South Korea, almost everyone had something negative to say about being Black abroad, especially in Asia. I heard the horror stories, the warnings, the “be carefuls”, and the “I don’t know if I would go if I were you”. But something in me still wanted to see it for myself. I was in my early 20s, ready for a change, and honestly tired of feeling out of place and unhappy in my own country. So, I packed my life into three suitcases (in hindsight, I should’ve packed lighter!) and flew across the world, hoping for the best. Little did I know, South Korea would give me the best experience of my life, one I now miss every single day. My very first morning in Korea, I woke up before the sun. Jet lag had my sleep schedule doing backflips, but the excitement of being somewhere new kept me energized. My roommate, Zoyaa, and I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood we would call home for the next month, Unseo. The streets were quiet, clean, and calm in a way that felt unfamiliar but comforting. Eventually our stomachs started yelling at us to find food. We wandered around searching for a breakfast spot, but nothing opened until around 9 or 10AM. Just when we were about to give up, a man stepped out of a small restaurant with a giant picture of a pig on the sign. In English, he called out to us and suggested we come inside. The problem? Neither of us eats pork. We awkwardly declined and kept walking, pretending we’d magically stumble upon another place, but we didn’t. So there we were, two hungry foreigners walking back with our heads held low, silently admitting defeat. When we returned, he welcomed us without hesitation. He helped us look through the menu and assured us he could make bibimbap, basically the only non-pork thing available. That’s how I met Mr. Choi. Or, as he later asked us to call him, Jay. His restaurant, Bu Tu Mak, became our little home away from home. Each visit felt like being fed by Korean family. Jay would put on English music or BTS for us, hover to make sure we liked our food, and clown me constantly because I couldn't eat tofu. Every time he teased me, though, he would quietly make sure the tofu never ended up in my soup again. One afternoon, I ate there alone, and that’s when our friendship really began. He sat with me for a long while, telling me his story, how he learned English way back in 1996, how he used to live in Houston, and how he swore he spoke English better when he was drunk because it “made his brain soft.” I couldn’t stop laughing. He gave me real advice, too. Advice about teaching in Korea, the cities that were best for foreigners, and how he would act as my “Korean representative” if I ever needed help. The way he said it was funny, but the sincerity behind it touched me. Before I left that day, he even turned on a Florida news channel because he knew a hurricane was headed to where I lived back home. It was such a small gesture, but it meant everything. Our last visit to Bu Tu Mak was emotional. When I told him it was our final meal there, he threw his hands up dramatically and said, “Oh no! Why would you do this to me, just when we became friends?” We laughed, but there was a heaviness behind it. Before I left, he asked for my number so we could stay in touch. I knew he wasn’t just saying that, he meant it. This is one of many heartwarming stories from my time in South Korea, but the first that made Korea feel like home. Living in South Korea taught me something I could have never learned from online stories or other people’s warnings. I learned that not every Korean person is “anti-foreigner,” cold, or distant. I learned that sometimes the people you least expect, people you’ve known for only a short period, can make you feel seen, protected, and encouraged in ways that stay with you. Jay told me he believed I’d make a great teacher. He said he could tell I communicate well and that I would care for the children I work with. That meant so much more than he probably realized. Something I held close to my heart while living in Korea. On my very first morning, in a completely different country, Jay stepped out of his restaurant and welcomed me, not just as a customer, but as a person. He became my first Korean friend, and even now, back in the U.S., I think about him and Korea every day. I miss it more than I can explain. And I know that if I return, Bu Tu Mak will be the first place I go.

Annyeonghaseyo! My name is Alexis, and I’m from Cali. I am currently living and teaching in Seoul, South Korea.My journey through my TEFL program and into life as a teacher in South Korea has been nothing short of extraordinary. Every step of the process was supported by dedicated, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring professionals who made what could have been an overwhelming experience feel smooth, organized, and exciting. The i-to-i staff were so helpful in enrolling in the internship program. XploreAsia was exceptional from the very beginning. They guided me through every document I needed, helped me find the right offices and locations to complete requirements, and consistently encouraged me as I worked through the actual TEFL coursework. Their communication was clear, timely, and always reassuring—making me feel fully prepared for each next step. A special highlight of my journey is Shannon from XploreAsia, who was truly the most integral part of getting me to Korea. Her support was unmatched—she worked tirelessly to help me secure a prime location, answered every question with patience and kindness, and genuinely cared about my success. Even now, over a year after my arrival, she still checks in on me. That level of commitment is rare, and I’m deeply grateful for her. The recruiter from Embark also deserves recognition for their efficiency and professionalism. They worked incredibly quickly to match me with the right opportunity, and the communication from the moment I landed in Korea to arriving at my hagwon was handled seamlessly. I never felt lost or unsupported during the transition. Now, after almost two years in South Korea, I can confidently say this has been one of the best experiences of my life. I’ve been able to use my extensive background in teaching and education while also learning about another school system from the inside. My school is located right in the heart of Seoul, with great housing and endless food options steps away—something I genuinely appreciate every day. One of the greatest blessings has been the community I’ve built. I now have a long roster of close friends both inside and outside of my school. XploreAsia further enriches this experience through organized events and excursions where I can meet others who came through the same program. These opportunities have helped me create lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. This journey has shaped me so deeply that I fully intend to stay in Korea for a long time. The support, the culture, the friendships, and the personal and professional growth have all made this chapter of my life truly incredible. If anyone is considering a TEFL program or teaching abroad, I wholeheartedly recommend taking this path—and doing it with the teams that helped me. They don’t just prepare you for teaching; they prepare you for a transformative, enriching life experience.

About three years ago I began my journey with Xplore Asia. I worked with a recruiter for about 6 months before i left to go to South Korea and all throughout the process I was given a lot of help and was basically walked through the process - any necessary documents, things I might have needed among other things while anviating a difficult process. In the end, I was able to spend an amazing year living and working in South Korea where I met a lot of amazing people and experience a lot of new things. It was really my first time living away from home, experinecing real independence... by being thrown in the deep end of living on the other side of the world. One of the best expeirences while there was going Skiining for the first time in Pyeongchang for Christmas. I have also documented my whole experience living there in a small travel sketchbook.

Every school is different and most have specific programmes to follow. For my second year in Korea, I found a job by recommendation from a friend. The guidance from the Xplore team was useful at times when I was missing home. I was able to find and start my first job quickly with Xplore.

Teaching in South Korea had been my dream for 4 years before coming. My expectations were high, and that made me nervous that it would disappoint me in reality. However, I was not disappointed at all and rather found myself coming to experience things I never expected. I was placed in a small city called Jecheon in Chungcheongbuk-do. I found myself falling in love with the people in the city and the nature that surrounded it, and I ended up staying for the last 3 years. While teaching in Korea has had its ups and downs, I have never regretted coming and have contemplated staying here forever. I have made amazing friends, I have great coworkers and a great boss, and I have found a church that has been willing to go above and beyond for me by translating the service into English so that I may understand. I believe that to have a good experience in Korea, you have to put yourself out there and find people to connect with. This can be difficult for many, but it will help you combat loneliness. Being so far from everything you know, loneliness can creep up on you and tug you into despair, and therefore, creating relationships with people in your city is so important. I had a health scare earlier this year, and going to the hospital felt daunting as I knew very little Korean and the hospital staff knew little English. Thankfully, I had a community of friends who were eager to support and help me during that difficult time. I think it's very important to stay open-minded to new experiences. Korea is filled with culture shocks for foreigners, but it's important you learn to live with them and potentially embrace them. One culture shock I experienced was that many Korean homes do not have ovens, which is a staple appliance in my home country. I had to learn how to make meals only using a stove or an air fryer. Most of cooking knowledge relied on ovens, so it was a slightly difficult process learning how to make healthy meals only using a stove. Another culture shock for me was 'sweet tomatoes'. In Korea, you must be very careful when buying tomatoes because you may accidentally buy tomatoes that taste like they have sugar infused in them, and they do not taste good when you are making a salty tomato dish. Overall, it wasn't always sunshine and rainbows, but I loved it here, and I tried to make the most of every moment. I took walks, travelled to new cities, made friends, appreciated every season, tried new foods, and went to concerts. I tried my best to embrace this incredible culture, and I hope for the same happiness for everyone who comes here in the future.

It was a great experience but one I will never repeat. The course I attended had several issues with bullying that caused me anxiety. I was given incorrect information about my visa, leading me to have to spend two weeks outside of my planned host country when I anticipated only a few days. Then once I began teaching, I felt that the skills I was taught on my course where not enough, and due to being in a small town far from the capital there was little sense of community amongst foreigners.

My experience abroad was well supported from the get-go by XploreAsia, with the most quick responding and sociable people working behind the scenes, and then upon arrival the most unexpected wholesome new-every-day experience for one year! I lived in a little mountain city with barely any foreigners so I was released into a genuine experience ABROAD and forced to join in with locals and also travel to meet other expats. Couldn’t have designed it better myself! Truly a life changing experience.

So let me start this off by saying that initially I had this "teach abroad" thing planned for years. Picture me in university back in say - 2022/2023 telling my friends like "I really want to leave Scotland for a bit but I don't know where..." Then I set my plans into motion. I got in touch with TravelBud who put me in contact with HandS. At the beginning, I was torn between Japan and Korea but after talking to friends and family, I kind of weighed my options and had a pros and cons lists. What made me choose Korea in the end was the benefits I would receive here instead of Japan. I would get my one-way flight reimbursed, accommodation provided and 24/7 support throughout for some of the perks. So fast-forward to March 2025. I've left home in Scotland and I'm flying out on my own. This was my first EVER solo adventure on my own by the way. I haven't travelled well enough yet and just kind of thought SCREW IT and planned this all and now here I am. So I flew Edinburgh to Doha via Qatar and Doha to Incheon with the same airline. Easy peasy ... kind of. On the second flight I got VERY sick and was throwing my guts up before we landed in Incheon. The airline staff we helpful but I felt like death and wanted off ASAP. Then I had to figure out my way through Incheon, through immigration, find my luggage and then find my way out the airport. Bare in mind, I'm like a newbie solo traveller and scared out my mind. So, I was like scared, hungry and very delirious because I hadn't had much sleep on these flights and I was waiting for my airport pickup. I met Mr Jeong (who's very friendly btw - shout out to him) and we picked up another TEFL course mate and made our way to the guesthouse. Eventually, other people started arriving too and we all introduced ourselves and started hanging out. Orientation week was very fun! Cooking lessons, language lessons, tours of popular places like the palaces, Insadong and Hanok villages were just some of the experiences 1 week in. Then we all rolled into class bright and early for theory and practical based lessons. Learning classroom management, lesson planning, how to deal with dodgy kids etc was all on the course. Then we had some hands on experience shadowing and eventually leading our own little classes for some practice. This was helpful in the sense that I got to see how I am as a teacher and role model for younger students. A little taster of things to come. Then we all graduated and passed our TEFLs (thanks Carla!) and split up all over the country. These were people I lived with for like near enough a month. We ate together, shopped together, went for random walks, karaoke nights and parties until 5am the next morning. Then we all got separated and landed jobs in other parts of the country. My job was down in Ulsan so from the group, I was one of the ones who was placed the furthest away when everyone else got placements in or near Seoul. So I packed up my life in Incheon and found my way to Ulsan. I met my new boss, colleagues and new students. I shadowed the teacher I was replacing and he taught me things about the school, how to do lessons, how to deal with annoying students and so on. Then it was time for me to just be the teacher (with help from the homeroom teacher too). I teach kindergarten and elementary so a typical day is 10am-7pm for me. Most days I get to leave at 6.30pm though unless I have some work to grade or catch up on. It's been hard going at times. It's not all rainbows and unicorns. Like, as any foreigner would probably say I kind of miss being home. It took me a while to get used to korean food, the travel systems, the staring from random people and the recycling! My god the trash system over here gives me headaches. But as I type this out, I'm like 10 months into this and don't have long left so I'm going to knuckle in and keep going. So the school life has been up and down. Some days are wild because you don't know what the students will do on the day until you show up to class. The teachers too. You don't know the vibe you're walking into until you show up for work. Life in Ulsan has been good. I actually met one of my closest friends here through a link that HandS sends out to Alumni who pass their TEFL. So I reached out to a few people who were in Korea. Funnily enough, it was a girl also called Rachel who reached out to me. She said she'd wait for me to reach Ulsan and settle in and then we'd meet. Eventually we did. She showed me around the city - the museums, cafes, down by the docks. We went on a whale watching tour here and I got SO sea sick I threw my guts up the whole time. Then she took me to a bar that's run by a korean lady who lived in America but is now back in Ulsan. The bar is foreigner friendly and it's a hangout for all the expats so I met some other friends here. Basically, anyone I've met down in Ulsan has been thanks to Rachel. I even met my boyfriend here funnily enough. Rachel takes full credit for that by the way. But now she's gone! She moved to Seoul for a new job so it will be strange not seeing her so often now because we used to meet up a lot - especially for burger nights at the bar I mentioned. Presently, I have planned a Vietnam trip with some people I trained on my TEFL with. We aren't going home for Christmas so we decided to travel together for winter break. My birthday is also in December so I don't know how I will celebrate it here when it arrives. To finish off, I have had many cool experiences so far that I wouldn't have done if I didn't come out to Korea. I tried new food, done zip-lining (I'm afraid of heights), visited some very cool destinations and there's plenty more to still see and do!

I've spent the past year teaching English in Korea, and I'm so happy that I had the chance to do so! This past year I have grown both within the workplace and personally, furthering my interpersonal skills through pushing myself out of my comfort zone and doing something new. Turns out I love it! While teaching, I also had the chance to immerse myself in Korean culture, exploring different parts of Seoul and beyond, which has been an incredible opportunity. Learning more about a country that has such an interesting history and customs has been a highlight for me. I've had such a great time that I will be going back next year for another placement, where I look forward to continuing to work and live in Korea.

I nearly had a heart attack when I saw how much it would cost me to use this resource to help get a job placement abroad, but the help that this wonderful team provided ended up being well worth it. Paperwork guidance, feedback on statements, interview prep, and frequent check ins once I arrived, they were there for me. I taught in South Korea for one year and it wasn’t easy. Culture shock is no joke and for some people it can take MONTHS to overcome. Moving is hard no matter where or far you go and I could expect something lousy to pop up out of nowhere yet that would often result in something surprisingly good to show up out of nowhere like having a bus stall but then having it turned into a dance party with the bus driver who doesn’t even speak your English. Ultimately, no matter the hardships I faced, seeing the excitement on my students’ faces when in the classroom was always worth it and kept me going. From getting my kids excited to learn English through Minecraft inspired lesson plans to hearing a presumed nonverbal autistic student to say thank you to me in perfect English, there is nothing more special than the impact you have on your students’ lives and academic endeavors. While I’d give many warnings about the inevitable homesickness and culture shock most people will be bound to experience, I don’t regret my choice to go abroad and would recommend the experience for anyone looking to get out and experience day to day living in another amazing country.

I’ve had such a wonderful time teaching abroad in South Korea! My school has been so supportive during my time here and I’ve loved it so far. During my time here, I’ve even had the opportunity to help build new courses at my school. Classes during course on picking course materials certainly helped out in this journey. Teaching abroad has also been such a wonderful opportunity for the freedom to travel and explore on the weekends and time off. It’s difficult to put into words how much I have loved my time here and will continue to embrace these moments abroad.

I wanted to be a teacher for most of my life. It was something that I wanted to do as a career. But, I didn't want to spend more time in school...yet. I wanted to take the recommendations of every single teacher I met "Go do something else first.". They always said to work in another industry first, or go somewhere different. Get real life experience. And that is what this was. You don't really understand what people mean and you can't convey it to others who haven't done it before. Doing something like this will allow you to finally see what people are talking about. You gain, real teaching experience and get to really see another country...as long as you put yourself out there. Go out and do things, meet people. Tourism doesn't hold a candle to living it.

I had the time of my life teaching in South Korea. I was placed on Jeju, teaching at a hagwon and i would not trade any part of that experience. The children were wonderful and my TEFL course with Xploreasia prepared me well. The company’s support was very good too, from visa application to connecting me with other teachers.

XploreAsia helped me through living on the other side of the planet from my family, all while teaching me valuable life lessons and offering support in my work life in South Korea as well as personal life. Even after our TESOL course was over and we were sent out to our schools, they were still there for any kind of assistance we needed. Living in South Korea was something I never thought I would do in my life, it was mostly just a dream of mine, and XploreAsia helped me in fulfilling my dream and living abroad in a place that I only had read about up until that point.