Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

My time teaching in Thailand was a blessing and I will never forget it. Though I may never go back to Thailand to teacher I am glad I got the opportunity to do so. My accommodation was not the cleanest. There were many ants, spiders, and lizards. The electricity went out twice and came back on after 5 minutes. I did have to switch rooms because there was a loud constant noise above my head for over a week for me to then find out my water heater was broken in my first room. If you can get an apartment or condo, I would definitely suggest that over a hotel for 6 weeks.

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.

When I arrived at the airport, I was feeling a little overwhelmed and uncertain. Moving to a new country and joining a program like this was a big step, and I had all kinds of questions running through my mind: Would someone be there to pick me up? Was everything really going to work out as planned? Thankfully, the shuttle arrived right on time, and the staff made the transition to our hostel feel seamless and welcoming. From that point on, the experience became the adventure of a lifetime. Our instructor, Nikki, brought incredible energy and enthusiasm to every lesson, making the coursework engaging and enjoyable. One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to gain real classroom experience. Being able to apply what we were learning in an authentic setting helped build my confidence and better prepare me for teaching. The program also provided a great balance between learning and exploration. We participated in several excursions that felt like fun field trips, allowing us to experience more of Costa Rica while building connections with our classmates. What stood out most was how supportive and knowledgeable the staff were throughout the entire process. They even helped me navigate my journey from San Ramón to my teaching placement in Guanacaste after the program ended. Their support didn't stop there—they have continued to check in and make sure I am adjusting well to my new school, and I feel comfortable reaching out whenever I have questions or concerns. I have truly enjoyed the teaching position they helped me secure and am grateful for the opportunities this program has provided. Overall, I found the experience to be well worth the investment, and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering teaching abroad.

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’m very grateful for the opportunity Xplore Asia has given me! Thank you for letting me join this journey. It’s been incredible challenging , but incredibly rewarding. Thank you for all the support and for making this transition smooth and safe. I definitely recommend this program to anyone with a heart for adventure and a passion for making a positive impact:)

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.

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!

The course was overall covered the basics of what a teaching job is like in another country like Thailand however a big factor which is behaviour management was not covered as much which is a very big factor in how well the teaching experience is.

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!

Moving abroad was a really bold move for me, and I truly appreciate the support and guidance we received from Xplore. They gave us all the information anyone could possibly need for such a huge leap. This journey has been enjoyable—definitely not without its challenges—but I’ve learned to trust myself more. I’m constantly learning and finding new ways to improve my experience.

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.'

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.

I decided on XploreAsia because it was recommended to me by 2 friends who had an amazing experience… and boy am I glad I trusted their recommendation! Xplore was so amazing in helping me prepare for this experience both before arrival and during the TEFL course. The information they provided before arrival included so much detail and step by step directions which helped eased any stress I had about moving across the world. The staff were so incredibly supportive in helping us to set up and feel prepared. Even after being a few months into the teaching I still feel like I have Xplore in my corner and can reach out if there’s anything I need. I had the most AMAZING people in my 1 month orientation and course. They will easily be friends for life and memories that I will always treasure. I would 100% recommend XploreAsia to anyone looking to teach and travel abroad!

This was truly a beautiful experience—one I’d recommend to anyone, whether you’re an aspiring teacher, healer, artist, or any other walk of life. It may terrify you, intimidate you and possibly make you question your life choices, but I assure you, you will not regret it. To have the ability to step out of your comfort zone is in itself a blessing and what better way to learn more about yourself than by being an English Teacher. I had a 6 month contract at Colegio Victoria in Costa Rica where I covered for another teacher who was on a maternity leave. I've already had experience as a teacher but this type of role was completely new to me for 2 main reasons. I found myself teaching an older age group, despite having little experience with that level, and a subject I wasn’t very versed in: American Literature. It pushed me well beyond my comfort zone! So I decided to dig deep as I usually do. With my background in Art as a 2D animator I connected the dots and realized the similarities between literature and 2D animation. The concept of creating fiction in any medium has always been innate to me and the appreciation of a well-written story has always been present with me. When my workload felt overwhelming I used Ai tools to assist me in the Literature Analysis as well. I felt accepted by the students and staff because I was upfront about my learning curve and although I faced challenges, I decided to make the best of it. Currently, I am still in Costa Rica living with my girlfriend (a fellow teacher) and may even consider becoming a resident here.

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.

I am proud to say that my decision to enroll with XploreAsia represents one of the best decisions I have made thus far in my teaching career. By combining in-class experience with worthwhile TESOL knowledge, I was not only able to fill in holes that have been ever present within my earlier years of teaching, I was able to form strong connections and discover aspects of myself that I never even knew existed.