TEFL Courses & Certification

My experience with Explore Asia in Thailand was nothing short of amazing! Looking back, I can honestly say that I enjoyed it even more than I had anticipated. I was placed in Thailand, and Explore Asia did a great job of matching my placement with the preferences I had shared in their initial enquiry form. However, my journey started with quite a bit of uncertainty. Initially, I was nervous about being scammed because I had been referred to Explore Asia by another travel agent I had contacted about teaching abroad. After several communications and an interview with the team, I began to feel more comfortable, although I still had some reservations. I even found myself worrying about things like human trafficking and being unknowingly drawn into illegal activities. Needless to say, I had quite a few fears before taking that leap! As my departure date approached, I started reading more reviews from other participants, which helped reassure me and build my excitement about exploring Thailand with Explore Asia. Eventually, I took the leap, and I am so glad I did. I have absolutely no regrets! One of the highlights of my experience was how smoothly everything was organised, especially as someone travelling to Thailand for the first time. From the airport pickup and accommodation to the orientation and eventual teaching placement, the logistics were well taken care of. It made settling into a new country much easier and allowed me to focus on enjoying the experience. What stood out to me most was that Explore Asia's support did not end once I was placed at my school. They continued supporting me throughout my stay in Thailand, which made a huge difference. Knowing that there was a team I could reach out to whenever I needed assistance gave me peace of mind. Beyond the teaching experience, one of my favourite parts was simply getting the opportunity to explore a new country, experience a different culture, meet new people, and create memories outside my comfort zone. Thailand gave me an experience I will always look back on fondly. Would I do it again? Absolutely! In fact, I am already considering another adventure, perhaps in Cambodia or Japan. This experience has awakened the explorer in me, and I have realised that there is so much more of the world I want to discover. If there is one thing I took away from this experience, it is that sometimes the best adventures begin when you overcome your fears and take a chance on something new. Thank you, Explore Asia, for making my Thailand adventure such a memorable one!

I am experienced as an English teacher for about 14 years but my next school told me to get certification. I chose this because it had a nice reputation and the price is very cheap. The units are well made with engaging text that you're able to open and close parts. Questions were many so I trusted the course.

I would recommend this course to anyone looking at teaching English. As a qualified primary school teacher with 20+ years experience, a lot of the content was already known but I found the grammar module an extremely valuable refresher and the PPP and skills based lesson structures were useful. Assignments were marked in good time and Alex's detailed feedback was positive and welcome. I would say that this course is absolutely invaluable for a beginner and would equip anyone well to teach ESL students.

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.

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!

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!

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!