TEFL Courses & Certification in Seoul, South Korea

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! 💪

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.

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!

If you’re considering enrolling in the Xplore Asia TEFL Program in South Korea, here are some things they don’t tell you (that will 100% convince you to enroll): 1. You’ll experience "community" like never before. From the moment you enroll (before you even touch down in Seoul) to the moment you finish the program, the facilitators go out of their way to help you settle in to the completely new landscape. They ease any worries you might have, shed light on struggles you might not see coming so that you feel well-prepared, and ease the path to forming new friendships with your cohort through fun, cultural experiences. And not having to stress about tracking down job openings was a major plus. The team kept their eyes out for an opportunity that aligned with what I wanted and helped me find an incredible teaching position in Seoul that checked all of my boxes. 2. One day you’ll find yourself jumping into experiences that were once outside of your comfort zone, without hesitation. Moving abroad IS scary. Moving abroad through the Xplore Asia program was A LOT less scary. Sure--you’ll still experience culture shock, moments of loneliness, confusion around a foreign language. But the peace of mind that comes with having a team in-country to lean on for guidance around navigating a new chapter of your life in a completely unfamiliar country is very underrated. Having had such a smooth transition into living in South Korea, I felt more empowered to venture out of my comfort zone once the program was over and I was officially on my own. I even found myself doing a three-day Buddhist temple stay in Naksansa, where I got to meditate and learn from Korean monks. And it was the best experience of my time here so far! 3. Your experience abroad will follow you wherever you go. Even if it’s a temporary era of your life, your time living abroad will follow you wherever you go. The friendships I made through my program, and through my job placement, have helped me grow a community that touches almost every continent. Even when my time in South Korea comes to an end, I can look forward to reconnecting with friends in places I never thought I’d see. My time living and working in South Korea has been unforgettable, and I’m grateful to the team at Xplore Asia for making my transition here such a positive experience.

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!

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.

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.

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.

I had an experience teaching overseas, and Xplore played a huge part in making it possible. They made the entire process of preparing for and securing my job in South Korea easy! Their TEFL course was excellent! Amy was a bright and supportive instructor, and Enzo was always there to help with anything we needed. Thanks to Xplore, I felt confident and prepared when I stepped into my classroom. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to teach abroad because they made the whole journey smooth, enjoyable, and truly wonderful!

I’ve always been told it’s better to be prepared than underprepared and that mindset definitely helped me. I know everyone’s experience will be different, but I tried to make mine as stress-free as possible before even leaving my home country. I followed everything Xplore South Korea provided, from the pre-departure advice to the “what to expect” guides, all the way down to the packing list. I read every email and every document (this was key). As someone who does not like surprises when they can be avoided, I truly appreciated the level of detail Xplore offered. I felt a bit annoying with the number of emails I sent them, but they were always more than happy to help. Now that I’m heading into the second month with my placement, the transition has been so smooth. A huge plus has been the check-ins from the team to make sure everything is going well and to provide any additional information(s) I might need while settling into the country. Honourable mention to Enzo, Shannon and Andy—thank you all, and thank you to the entire team! If I had to redo the whole process, the only thing I’d do differently is apply sooner, lol!

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!

My experience teaching in Korea through XploreAsia was genuinely life-changing. I taught both kindergarten and elementary students, and those years shaped me in ways I could never have anticipated. The support I received made the transition into teaching abroad smooth and manageable, and the programme opened the door to friendships I still value today. Living and working in Korea also changed my personal life in the best possible way. I met my Korean boyfriend during my time there, and we’ve now been together for three years. Since leaving Korea, we’ve travelled all over the world together, building the kind of life I never imagined when I first signed up for the programme. None of this would have been possible without XploreAsia. They created the opportunity, provided the guidance, and gave me the confidence to step into a completely new chapter of my life. Teaching in Korea didn’t just give me a job; it gave me a community, a relationship, and experiences that continue to shape my future.