Reviews

Provider: Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

Program: Xplore - Join the Adventure Camp Thailand Experience

Most unique and whiplash experience. To volunteer within schools, teach youth and explore Thailand's authentic self was beautiful. Forever lasting me memories filled with laughter, adventure and bullying. XploreAsia provided very misleading information about cost of this trip, did not care when other members of group began bullying and refusing to help in School Projects. The accommodation given had doors falling off, leaking showers, mould in the rooms and non working facilities. All genuine issues or miscommunications that occurred was dismissed. The more I spoke with other people who went through this Experience the more I saw the lack of care of individuals. We had absolutely gorgeous tours, language and cooking classes that was amazing and very grateful for, however the behaviour of Staff Members, lack of accountability and transparency was exhausting. I was told very clearly they would assist with my last day of Accommodation, specific needs and transport from Hotel to Airport, all met with denial and minimum effort. I have made long lasting friendships from the lovely people I met, I will continue to travel and explore this beautiful world, just not through this.

Provider: Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Program: Seamester: Mediterranean to Caribbean - 90 Days

Overall this was the experience of a lifetime. Every day was so different. Getting to have so many experiences, and visiting so many places within three months it’s absolutely amazing. At each port we had so many different activities and experiences to do, really getting to experience each place for where they are. The academics are hard, but doable, this program really forces you to work on time management, as you have to find time to fit your schoolwork in with all of the excursions.

Provider: Destination TEFL

Program: 140-Hour In-Person TEFL: The Classroom Apprenticeship

When I first came to Siem Reap, I was full of excitement and nerves! Moving my whole life in two suitcases and starting anew in a beautiful country like Cambodia was the absolute best step I could have ever taken as I am now at a beautiful school with great students and an amazing team (Yes this course helps you find a job too!) My course covered 4 intense weeks of fantastic theory and a great load of practice. Meeting Willie and his team calmed a lot of nerves and helped me settle further into my new way of life. The course is well structured and with the amount of practical experience you get in such a short time, it is absolutely worth it! I adored spending time with my group, learning and bouncing off each other and making memories too. When we weren’t learning in the classroom or at the school, we got the lucky chance to experience seeing parts of Angkor Wat and enjoying a dinner together as well as an epic sendoff at the water park. I was and still am so grateful for Willie and this course because everything you learn, sticks with you and he is always there to lend a helping hand with lessons, feedback, interview preparation or a suggestion to an incredible taco/pork belly restaurant. He really packaged a great experience that if I could I would go back and do again!

Provider: MAXIMO NIVEL

Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America

I had the best week studying at Maximo Nivel in Cusco! My teacher was very patient, had a great method of teaching and I learned a lot during my time! Staying with a family allowed me to practice what I was studying in class

Provider: Destination TEFL

Program: 140-Hour In-Person TEFL: The Classroom Apprenticeship

If you are considering doing a TEFL course or thinking about taking a step towards a new career, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to take the opportunity. My journey with Destination TEFL has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Coming from a pharmacy background, with over 10 years of pharmacy studies and work experience, stepping into the world of teaching was a completely new adventure for me. I was excited, but naturally, there were moments of uncertainty. Little did I know how much this experience would change my life. The training was completed over four weeks, and what made it truly special was the practical experience. We didn't just sit in a classroom learning theory; we prepared actual lessons, went into real schools and had the opportunity to teach real students. This hands-on approach made learning so much easier and more natural. When you get to put what you have learned into practice, everything starts to make sense, and teaching begins to feel effortless. One of the most rewarding feelings is standing in front of a student, teaching them something new, and watching that moment when they finally understand and grasp what you have taught them. That feeling is priceless. It reminds you why teaching is such a special profession. I will also be honest: being away from home during the first couple of weeks was emotional. There were tears, moments of homesickness and times when I questioned myself. However, sometimes the greatest rewards come from stepping outside your comfort zone. The reward at the end of the journey is truly sweet! There is one lesson Willie taught us that I will carry with me throughout my teaching career: " Never be afraid to make a mistake. We learn, we grow and we conquer." Those words have stayed with me, and I believe they apply not only to teaching but to life itself. The opportunities that followed were beyond what I had imagined. In less than a month, I had secured a teaching position close to home, in a warm and welcoming environment with friendly staff. I successfully completed my probation and was hired permanently almost immediately. I was also offered a higher position! Today, I find myself in a Senior Teacher position , with permanent employment and a wonderful teaching family around me. I have also achieved something I never imagined I would do in my life – I am now almost confidently riding a motorbike! Sometimes, taking one opportunity opens doors to experiences you never thought possible. When I say dedication and goals are everything, I truly mean it. Put in the effort, study hard, prepare yourself and show yourself approved. Believe in your abilities, remain committed and keep pushing forward. Doors will open when you are willing to work for your dreams. I am immensely grateful that I took the opportunity to study through Destination TEFL . It was more than just obtaining a qualification; it was an opportunity to discover a new passion, build confidence, develop practical skills and create a completely new path for my future. A special thank you to Willie for your kindness, patience, guidance and encouragement throughout the journey. Your words, support and willingness to teach have made a lasting impact on me. To anyone thinking about enrolling in a TEFL course: take that step, embrace the experience, don't be afraid of making mistakes and trust the process. Four weeks of training can open doors to a lifetime of opportunities. Sometimes, all it takes is one decision to change your direction in life. Thank you, Destination TEFL, for helping me turn an opportunity into a beautiful new beginning!

Provider: American University of Beirut

Program: Study Abroad at the American University of Beirut

Coming to the American University of Beirut from the Kurdistan Region was a big step for me. Like anyone moving to another country, I had so many questions. What would studying in Lebanon be like? Would I find my people? Would I feel at home? Looking back, I can say that my experience at AUB turned out to be much more than I expected. Studying Nutrition and Dietetics taught me a lot, not only about my field but also about how to think, question things and look at problems from different perspectives. There were opportunities to get involved in research, explore subjects beyond my degree and connect what we learned in class to things happening in the real world. One of the things I appreciated most was being surrounded by people with different backgrounds and experiences. I learned just as much from the people I met as I did from my courses. But honestly, some of my favorite memories have very little to do with academics. Moving to Lebanon meant figuring out how to live independently, adjusting to a different culture and building a life away from my family. AUB brought together people from so many different places, and somewhere along the way, a place that was once completely unfamiliar started to feel like home. The friendships, long conversations, spontaneous plans and even the ordinary days on campus are things I still look back on fondly. AUB also gave me opportunities I probably wouldn't have imagined before coming to Lebanon. Through the MEPI Tomorrow's Leaders Program, I was able to explore new interests, meet people from different backgrounds and take part in experiences that pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. These opportunities helped me grow in ways that went beyond my education. Of course, living abroad wasn't always easy. There were days when I missed home, days when things felt overwhelming, and moments when I had to figure things out on my own. But I think those experiences were just as important as the good ones. If I could tell future international students one thing, it would be to come with an open mind and not be afraid of what you don't know yet. Give yourself time to adjust, say yes to opportunities, meet people outside your usual circles and enjoy the little things along the way. You might arrive with a certain plan, but leave with experiences and friendships you never expected. For me, AUB was never just about getting a degree. It was about finding my independence, discovering new possibilities, and growing into a person I hadn't quite imagined when I first arrived. And for that, I'll always be grateful.

Provider: MAXIMO NIVEL

Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru

The Maximo Nivel team was always so generous and supportive during my stay. I experienced some sickness during my stay, but the team helped me out so much and took great care of me! In my volunteering I had so many awesome experiences and much fun 😁

Provider: WorldStrides

Program: Study Abroad in Seville, Spain with WorldStrides

Wow...I cannot believe that just a few months ago, I was walking my route to la Universidad de Sevilla like it was just another day. I knew I wanted to go abroad from the day I started my college experience, but I was so nervous and homesick when I landed in Sevilla that I feared I had made a terrible mistake. I could not have been more wrong! Right from the start, the WorldStrides staff (especially Quique!) took us all under their wing and showed us the rich, welcoming culture of Sevilla. Our orientation was less about classes and more about immersing ourselves in the city, from touring the Catedral and Real Alcázar to trying our first tapas (espinacas con garbanzos, anyone?). My host mother was encouraging and helped me to practice my Spanish each day, and all of my professors were engaging and invested in student success. Most importantly, I met one of my best friends abroad in the WorldStrides program! We spent so much money at the Jester cafés there... By the end of my time abroad, I had connected with Sevilla in ways I could not have anticipated, and I grew in my confidence and open-mindedness. I spent my weekends navigating airports and metros in new cities I visited, tried plenty of foods I would not have spared a glance to back home (my host mom made great boquerones...), painted watercolor scenes around Sevilla in one of my classes, and learned to understand and walk alongside my neighbors across the world. I will never have an experience quite like this again - and what a bittersweet feeling that is. Thank you, WorldStrides, for gifting me with the opportunity of a lifetime! And to anyone reading this, if you are looking for a sign to pick Sevilla, this is it!!

Provider: Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

Program: Xplore Thailand TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement

My experience with XploreAsia has been a journey with both positive experiences and challenges. I enrolled in their TESOL program in Japan, completed my certification, and eventually secured a teaching position in Thailand. One of the biggest positives was the opportunity to travel abroad, earn my TESOL certification, and gain the experience needed to begin my teaching career overseas. The training gave me a foundation to start teaching, and I appreciated having the opportunity to explore different countries and pursue my goal of living and working in Asia. However, the placement process was more challenging than I expected. Although I completed the program and obtained my certification, securing a teaching position in Japan did not work out as I had initially hoped. The process took time, and navigating the uncertainty surrounding job placement and the transition to Thailand could be stressful. Moving abroad also involves additional expenses, paperwork, and planning that future participants should be prepared for. Ultimately, I was able to secure a teaching position in Thailand, so the experience did help me take a step toward my long-term goal of building a life and career in Asia. I would encourage anyone considering XploreAsia to ask detailed questions about placement timelines, destination options, additional expenses, visa requirements, and what happens if their preferred country does not work out. Overall, XploreAsia provided me with an opportunity to get started teaching abroad, but I believe prospective participants should go in with realistic expectations, financial preparation, and an understanding that the placement process may not go exactly as planned.

Provider: IntrepidTEFL

Program: Accredited 120-hour online TEFL course

I've had some dodgy recs from chat before, but I asked it for a solid cheap TEFL and it came up with this and a couple of others slightly more, so after a wee bit of to and fro and this n that I got the course on my screen. It's good. Not perfect, but I dinnae expect that for the price tbh. But it did surprize me with how fancy it is. Don't worry tho, it's not so fancy that you need to submit essays or nothing like that. The guys answering the emails are spot on too. I'm no a reader but everything was easy enough to get the hang of and power through in a few weeks of p/t. Course is solid, crews' solid, can rec it to anyone lookin for a good tefl for 20 sheets.