TEFL Courses & Certification

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.

Last year, I packed my life into a few suitcases and moved to South Korea to teach English to students under the TESOL program and my experience has been the best thing I have ever decided to do!👏👏 XploreAsia helped me immensely with my moving abroad journey. This move was months of planning and XploreAsia constantly checked in via phone, emails and helped out with the visa application. XploreAsia also helped me find a job and accommodation before I even arrived on the country so that made the transition very smooth. 😌 From attending concerts to going on biking trips in the South Korean countryside to becoming one of XploreAsia’s official content ambassador to attending my favourite concert, I can tell you I soaked up my Korean experience to the max! Participating in the TESOL program in Korea has definitely opened up my eyes in so many ways! I have become more understanding and appreciative of the Korean culture, learnt how to speak Korean, made unforgettable memories with friends and enjoy the beauty that South Korea brings in its seasons, food, mountains and people ☺️ Speaking of unforgettable, I had the utmost privilege of teaching some of the brightest, heartwarming and most energetic kids, who very quickly became very close to my heart. 🥹The bond I formed with my students was absolutely incredible, unbreakable and it was extremely hard to say goodbye at the end of my teaching term. Managing a classroom of 20 super energetic students taught me more about human connection than any corporate setting ever could. I am also incredibly proud to share that I secured multiple brand sponsorships to film and create content around South Korea’s world-renowned skincare, vibrant food scene, and travel destinations which made the experience even more valuable! To anyone wanting to do something out-of-the box, consider this your sign and take the leap. The growth is always worth it! 💪

I had a great experience teaching English in Thailand and thought Xplore Asia did a fantastic job with their orientation and placement! Xplore Asia helped me with the placement and visa process of my experience, and I also attended the week orientation in Hau Hin. The orientation was great with teacher training and cultural education. They also have an online in depth cultural course you can take before which I think really adds to the experience. I’d recommend this experience for folks at all levels if you want to have a career as a TEFL teacher or it’s just something you are looking to do for travel and to gain a unforgettable cultural experience!

I highly recommend TEFL.org. I found the course material challenging at times to help me grow into the sort of teacher I want to be. I had no experience with teaching before I took the program and found myself looking forward to coming back to learning more.

A NEW CHAPTER Moving to South Korea was a decision that came with plenty of excitement, nerves and unknowns. After completing my TEFL qualification, I took the leap and found myself living in Seoul, a city that would become home for the next year. Those first 48 hours were a whirlwind of emotions; trying to settle in, unpack, fight jetlag and adjust to the new time zone, all whilst realising that that I would essentially have to start from scratch and learn a new way of doing things. LIFE IN THE CLASSROOM My weekdays were spent working as an English teacher at a kindergarten and language school, where I was responsible for a class of 12 young children. From planning lessons and preparing activities to writing weekly updates for parents, no two days were quite the same. When I think back, my favourite memory of teaching was not the classroom time, but rather the hour lunch ‘break’ we got that would always somehow end up with myself & my co-teacher playing in the hall with our students. BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Of course, life in Korea was about much more than work. Living in Seoul gave me the chance to explore a city full of contrasts – from traditional palaces and bustling markets to modern neighbourhoods, little cafés and streets that always seemed to have something happening. A dish that quickly became a favourite of mine, that I now miss being able to have whenever I want, is kimchi-jjigae (a stew-like dish). One of my favourite places to go to was Han river with friends to relax, chat and people watch. The girls nights on a Friday evening after we had all had a busy week and meeting at our favourite restaurant & bars. Living abroad also came with its challenges. Trying to do things that are considered super simple in your home country, but it being extremley diffucult because of the langauge barrier. THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MADE IT HOME Some of my favourite memories weren’t always the big adventures. They were the everyday moments: The morning catchup over a coffee & snack with my co-teacher before the children arrived. WHAT I TOOK AWAY Looking back, I arrived in Korea expecting to gain teaching experience and a qualification to use in my career. I left with so much more: new-found confidence, independence, friendships, new perspectives & a love of travelling. My advice to anyone considering a similar adventure? Take the leap, embrace the unfamiliar and don’t spend too much time worrying about having everything figured out. Some of the best experiences happen when you simply say yes.

These guys throw in a hella lot of extras! I’ve no idea what competition’s like but this is good, a solid start. Only thing missing for me is the real practical teaching, but not sure I want that anyway- They make sure you get schooled so Ima confident enough

I moved to Costa Rica, now 2 years ago and I had a brilliant time with this program. They were welcoming, accommodating and prepared me fantastically for the interview stage of the process. They made me transition from the uk to Costa Rica smooth by airport pickup, sorting me out a sim and giving me a beautiful place to stay in San Ramon as I secured a very good teaching job. Jordayne and Dustin even came to visit me at my school a few months later to see how I was getting on. This warmed my heart and put a huge smile on my face. The trainer Nikki was bubbly, friendly and gave great advice throughout the process.

Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia) responded to this reviewNovember 13, 2026

Leon, it was so great to see you in your element at school and get a chance to visit you! It made my trip to Costa Rica extra special. Thank you so much for your kind words - I am glad that we get to stay in touch and you keep me updated on your teaching journey! :) - Jordayne

I found xploreasia and I’m so happy I went through this program! They helped me during the months prior to coming and while I’m still here. I ran into some problems before with some visa documents and Shannon was amazing in helping. I also had problems trying to extend my H-1 working holiday visa too, Shannon again (a year later) was very supportive during that time and I was so grateful! The first week was a little stressful I can’t lie, as my job placement fell through. However, they found me a job a few days later (and I’m still working here!). I think the best part of this program was meeting a group of girls who went through the same process and we became so close over the year and could enjoy Korea together, that was the most special part for me! I’ve had the most amazing time in Korea and I’m so proud that I took a chance. I’ve met the most amazing people, being able to travel around Korea, I’ve realised teaching is very fulfilling for me and I’m so proud of the person I’ve become now! I would highly recommend!

I started my TESOL journey in Costa Rica in March 2026. I did my TESOL certificate in person and honestly the first week I didn't know what hit me. Adjusting to the weather, language and culture was a big change for. Luckily I was surrounded by some great people, including my TESOL instructor who helped give me a sense of routine and introduced me to Costa Rica. From there I went to teach at a school in Jaco for 6 months. I was teaching kids from nursery to 3rd grade and whilst I loved the area and the school I felt like I wasn't fully happy here. This is where the agency )Xplore) were amazing for me. They found me a new job in Santa Ana which is perfect for me. Here I feel so settled I love my school. I am hoping to continue to build my roots and embrace this journey of being a teacher. Alongside teaching, Costa Rica has amazing nature. I have been lucky enough to visit Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna and Monteverde as well as some other slightly more hidden gems. I feel so lucky that these places which once seemed so far away I can now visit for a weekend if I'm bored. I have seen loads of wildlife, incredible beaches and the friendliest people. I really recommend this experience to anyone interested.

Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia) responded to this reviewNovember 12, 2026

Appreciate you taking the time to share your experience here, Charlie! Also really glad to hear you are finding your feet in Santa Ana. Keep it up :) As always, here if you ever need it! - Jordayne

I think since it was online I didn't get a sense of any supervision or help unless I requested help from the contact centre. I do feel that since the guidance was only there to mark your test it was difficult to understand what the practical test requirements were. That being said I think it is a phenomenal opportunity provided to branch out at any age and anywhere you are. I really hope that there are job opportunities for the growing industry but I would most certainly advocate for TEFL Academy always.

The TEFL Academy responded to this reviewNovember 12, 2026

Thanks for the review. I am sorry to hear you didn't make use of the tutor team until assignment time. They are available through the ticket system on your course for any part of the course, not just the assignments. We are pleased to hear you succeeded regardless though. What an achievement! Don't hesitate to make use of the jobs board for your job search.

At 44, I decided to take a different direction in life, and completing my Level 5 TESOL course with Xplore Asia in Costa Rica was one of the best decisions I made! The course was engaging, practical and challenging in all the right ways. It gave me the confidence, skills and qualification to step into teaching English, something I've also wanted to do, but never had the chance. A huge part of what made the experience so special was our teacher, Nicky! Her enthusiasm was infectious, her knowledge incredible, and her ability to make every lesson engaging was second to none. She wasn't just a fantastic teacher; she's now someone I'm lucky enough to call a friend. Beyond the classroom, meeting like-minded people and immersing myself in Costa Rican life made the whole experience unforgettable. Since completing the course, I've started teaching English online to students from different countries, giving me the freedom to earn while travelling and exploring the world. I'd wholeheartedly recommend Xplore Asia to anyone considering a new adventure or career change.You're never too old to reinvent yourself or create a life that looks a little different!

At 44, I decided to take a different direction in life, and completing my Level 5 TESOL course with Xplore Asia in Costa Rica was one of the best decisions I made! The course was engaging, practical and challenging in all the right ways. It gave me the confidence, skills and qualification to step into teaching English, something I've also wanted to do, but never had the chance. A huge part of what made the experience so special was our teacher, Nicky! Her enthusiasm was infectious, her knowledge incredible, and her ability to make every lesson engaging was second to none. She wasn't just a fantastic teacher; she's now someone I'm lucky enough to call a friend. Beyond the classroom, meeting like-minded people and immersing myself in Costa Rican life made the whole experience unforgettable. Since completing the course, I've started teaching English online to students from different countries, giving me the freedom to earn while travelling and exploring the world. I'd wholeheartedly recommend Xplore Asia to anyone considering a new adventure or career change.You're never too old to reinvent yourself or create a life that looks a little different! 🌎✨

Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia) responded to this reviewNovember 12, 2026

Grace, what a lovely review to read! I’m so glad I had the chance to meet you last year. I honestly can't believe it's already been over a year since your Costa Rica adventure! It's wonderful to hear how much the experience has opened up for you and that you've been able to turn your TESOL qualification into opportunities to teach and travel. We'll be sure to share your lovely words with Nicky too. She'll be so happy to hear this! Wishing you all the best with everything that lies ahead. Keep embracing the adventure, Grace! And we couldn't agree more, it's never too late to try something new! ❤️

Good course with lots of useful info and super cheap at that. Good vibe to it and pretty engaging. The staff are very nice and actually reply pretty fast to emails. I sent 3 or 4 when I was studying and they always had time for me. Cheap course but packs alot in.

Thank you to the TEFL Org, great course, helpful tutor, a good challenge overall mixed with in-depth exercises and assignments. The flow of the course was smooth and the lessons always interesting, would recommend to anyone willing to learn more about teaching English!

My experience in the program was truly amazing, and it’s something I will always remember! It all began with the shuttle ride from San José Airport to San Ramón, where I had the opportunity to meet the other participants for the first time. Meeting everyone and arriving at the hostel are memories I will cherish forever. Our first week was spent getting familiar with life in San Ramón while enjoying some incredible excursions, including visits to a coffee farm, a waterfall, and an animal conservation center. It was a wonderful introduction to Costa Rica and its culture. The following weeks were both educational and rewarding. Our instructor, Nicky, was absolutely fantastic. She made the learning experience enjoyable, and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about her. Dustin and Honey also played an important role in making our experience so positive. They helped make life at the hostel comfortable as we adjusted to our new surroundings. Honey, in particular, was always available to offer advice, answer questions, and lend a helping hand whenever needed. Overall, I had an incredible experience and am extremely grateful for the people I met, the friendships I made, and everything I learned along the way. I would highly recommend this program to anyone considering starting a new adventure in Costa Rica!

Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia) responded to this reviewNovember 11, 2026

Hi Brendan, This was such a joy to read, thank you for taking the time to share! We're so glad you enjoyed the experience and got to meet some great people along the way. I've passed your shout-outs on to Nicky, Dustin and Honey. We appreciate you! :) - Jordayne & the team

My name is Jackie, and I am currently completing the month-long TESOL course here in Thailand! I have been here for the past three weeks, and although I am so sad to be leaving the participants I started this journey with, I am beyond excited to begin this next chapter of my journey as a teacher! Even though I haven't been here for very long, this experience has already been more amazing than I could have imagined, and I am so grateful that I made the decision to come. XploreAsia has made the transition to moving to Thailand and finding a teaching position so much easier and less stressful than it would have been if I had made the move on my own. I joined this program independently, so naturally, I was pretty nervous before arriving. I had so many questions and uncertainties. Would I get along with the other participants? Would I enjoy living in Thailand? What would the overall experience be like? However, all of those nerves quickly disappeared once I arrived, and I couldn't be prouder of myself for taking the leap and stepping outside of my comfort zone. The first week of orientation was absolutely amazing! XploreAsia organized so many fun activities and excursions that allowed us to explore different places, immerse ourselves in Thai culture, and get a better understanding of what living and working in Thailand would look like. The staff members at XploreAsia have also been incredibly welcoming, friendly, and supportive. My group and I have already built such great relationships with them, which has made the entire experience even more special. One of the things I am most grateful for is having this time before starting my teaching position to build meaningful friendships with the other participants. Since we all started this journey together, we have become so close over the past few weeks, and I know these are friendships that will continue long after our TESOL course ends. It has been so nice having a group of people who are experiencing so many of the same things and who I can continue making memories with as we begin our teaching adventures throughout Thailand. I also have to give a special shoutout to our TESOL instructor, Gary Ward, who has been such an incredible teacher throughout this course. I really appreciate how honest, genuine, and approachable he is with our group. Having previously worked as an English teacher himself, he brings so much valuable knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom. I feel very comfortable going to him with questions and asking for advice, which has made such a difference in preparing me for my own teaching journey. Overall, I truly couldn't have asked for a better start to my time in Thailand. I am so thankful for everything I have experienced over the past few weeks, the friendships I have made, and all of the support I have received along the way. I am looking forward to finishing my TESOL course and officially stepping into the classroom! This experience has already been so special, and I know it wouldn't have been the same without XploreAsia. If you are considering taking the leap and doing something similar, I cannot recommend XploreAsia enough! It has been such a wonderful way to start this next chapter, and I am so excited for everything still to come!

I originally signed up with XploreAsia looking to gain my TESOL qualification and experience living and working abroad. I honestly thought I'd spend a year in Vietnam, gain some teaching experience, travel a little and then return home. I never expected it to turn into something much bigger, but here I am, two and a half years later, still teaching and now pursuing a career that I genuinely love! I completed my TESOL training on the ground in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), which was a really valuable experience. One of the things I appreciated most was the practical, in-class teaching preparation. We weren't just learning the theory behind teaching; we had opportunities to get in front of a classroom, practice our skills and build confidence before starting work. Our instructor was also a previous XploreAsia alum who had gone on to teach in Thailand. I really liked learning from someone who had personally experienced the process of moving abroad and starting a teaching career. It made the experience feel much more relatable and gave us a realistic insight into what life as an English teacher in a new country could look like. After completing my training, I moved to Hanoi, where I began my teaching journey. I initially worked at a language center, teaching students across all age groups, from early childhood through to secondary school. This gave me a really broad foundation and helped me discover which areas of teaching I enjoyed most. I eventually found my passion in early childhood education and went on to work as a kindergarten teacher. There is something incredibly rewarding about working with young children, watching their personalities develop, seeing their confidence grow and celebrating all those little milestones along the way. I never expected to find a career that I felt so strongly about when I first decided to move overseas, but teaching has become something I genuinely want to pursue long term. Vietnam also became so much more than just a place to work. Over the past two and a half years, I've built a life in Hanoi, made wonderful friendships, experienced a completely different culture and grown so much both personally and professionally. Moving overseas certainly comes with challenges, but learning to navigate a new environment, becoming more independent and stepping outside your comfort zone are all part of what makes the experience so worthwhile. In fact, I've recently taken another leap and moved from Hanoi to Guangzhou, China, where I'm continuing my teaching career at a foreign language school. What I originally thought would be a one year adventure has now opened the door to opportunities and experiences that I hope to continue pursuing for many years to come. My advice to anyone considering XploreAsia would be to go into it with an open mind and not put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out. It's completely normal to feel nervous about moving to the other side of the world, especially if it's your first time living abroad. But you never really know where an opportunity might take you. Be willing to learn, embrace the experience and give yourself the chance to discover something new. Looking back, I'm really glad I took that initial leap. XploreAsia gave me the foundation and confidence to get started, but the experience has grown into something I never could have imagined.

I highly recommend ITEFL Academy. I recently completed their 11-week online TEFL certificate course, along with the Teaching English Online and Teaching Test Prep courses. My experience in all three has been excellent. Pre-enrollment advising is very good, with an enrollment advisor discussing your course options and answering all your questions before you enroll. The courses themselves are thorough and comprehensive, with practical discussion boards and weekly written assignments. The instructors are very good and have a wealth of practical experience in the TEFL industry that they bring to class. Lifelong career guidance and country-specific advice is also a BIG plus that differentiates ITEFL Academy from its competitors. The multiple practical Specialty courses that you can take are also good complements to the main TEFL certificate course program. Overall, I found ITEFL Academy to be the most comprehensive, best quality and thorough TEFL certificate provider compared to its competitors. In my opinion, it gives you the best bang for your buck and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to obtain a TEFL certificate.

3 cities, 2 schools, and a lot of fun. I have met some amazing people and taken part in a lot of fun adventures thanks to Xplore Asia. Through them I was able to confidently get started on this new chapter of my life that has taught me so much. Moving to a new country can be a daunting task, through visa paperwork, job searching, apartment rentals, and everything else in between I wouldnt have been able to get as far as I did, as quickly as I did, without the help of the Xplore team. For a long time I knew I wanted to live this kind of life, and I spent hours relentlessly researching as much as I could about it, but even with all that knowledge I still felt like I was taking a plunge into the unknown. If it werent for the resources and assistance provided to me by the team I would have not been able to get myself into the position I did. That includes finding a realtor who could find me exactly what I wanted within my budget, negotiating my salary with the first school I signed with, and even connecting with a company that has helped me tremendously with all of my VISA and working permit paperwork. Incredibly friendly and helpful, the Xplore team has been with me for as long as I have been here.

My experience with XploreAsia has been an incredible part of my journey moving abroad to Thailand! From the orientation and TEFL training in Hua Hin to adjusting to a new culture and preparing for my teaching career, this program has helped me navigate a major life transition. Moving across the world on my own was a big decision, but the experience has been rewarding, eye-opening, and full of personal growth. I appreciated the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, learn more about Thai culture, and gain valuable insight into what to expect while living and teaching abroad. The training and orientation helped me feel more prepared and confident as I stepped into the classroom. Beyond teaching, this experience has challenged me to become more independent, adaptable, and open-minded. I’m grateful for the connections, experiences, and memories I’ve made along the way. If you’re considering teaching abroad and looking for a program to help you begin that journey, XploreAsia is definitely worth considering! Sometimes the greatest opportunities begin when you step outside your comfort zone.