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XploreAsia

Why choose XploreAsia?

XploreAsia was founded by educators who are passionate about teaching English and giving back to local communities. We specialize in providing a life-changing adventure by living, teaching, and volunteering abroad. We offer internationally accredited TESOL/TEFL certification courses, job placement assistance, sustainable volunteer placements, home stay options, and internships throughout Southeast Asia. We strive to help people discover the transformational benefits of living and teaching in Southeast Asia, and are dedicated to providing quality education and experiences.

Reviews

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Jack
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Year in Jeonga

I'm really enjoying my time in Jeonga, the city provides for a great mix of working here at the school but provides opportunities for great exploration out into the country thanks to its close proximity to trains and the metro system. The kids are a ton of fun to work with and it's been lovely to work in such a colorful place! The food and area are definitely a high point as you're smack dab in the center of a large city. Any type of food you could imagine is readily available in a short walking distance, both foreign and Korean.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't get it twisted, it's definitely a job first and foremost. This is a program for people looking for work, not a job. So long as that's what you're looking for, you'll be fine!
Pros
  • Great city
  • Great food
  • Great location
Cons
  • The city never sleeps
  • Lots of construction
  • The city prioritizes car driving.
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Shaira
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Shaira In South Korea

This is the best recruitment team ever. I couldn’t have gone any other way and for that, I’d like to thank you all once again for always guiding me through it all and keeping me motivated. Moving to a foreign country where you don’t know ANYONE can be absolutely daunting but with XPLOREASIA by your side? Everything is guided and you NEVER feel alone. I went through the toughest situations when I needed to move to SK but this team had my back. I’d do it ALL over again with XPLOREASIA. Thank you.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would definitely ask a LOT more questions about the area I will be placed in. The kind of school I’d be placed in and the kind of management that I’d have. I am very anxious person by nature so when things throw me off? I tend to lose my motivation for a while and I’d have to rebuild it all over again but it’s really all part of the major learning experience.
Pros
  • 1. A new environment
  • 2. No crime/ Very safe
  • 3. Good housing facilities & transportation services
Cons
  • 1. Language Barrier is BIG
  • 2. Lots of Culture Shocks!
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Holly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Xplore Asia Japan

I have not been in the program for long, but I have had a great experience so far. Moving to Japan was really difficult but the staff helped me through it and were patient with my mistakes. This is my first time teaching in a classroom, and everyone has been very understanding of my shortcomings. The most difficult part of the program was figuring out how to get to my placement location, since I had to get from the airport to location on my own.
Adjusting to the move has also been difficult. It was expensive to furnish my apartment, so it is important to be aware of the cost.
However I have had a great time traveling around Japan, trying new foods, meeting new people, and learning how to be a better teacher and member of Japan.

Pros
  • Patient and communicative staff
  • Travel experience
  • Kind community
Cons
  • Solo travel to location upon arrival in Japan
  • No bed, stove, or washing machine provided
  • No control over placement location
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Amanda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

OverSeas Review

I am so happy to have joined XploreAsia and have the chance to work in Japan. It is a dream come true! I am not only happy to work in a school environment to teach English, but to also make new friends to make fun memories with.
During this experience, I have been able to further develop my interpersonal skills with students, school administrators and staff, coworkers in the teaching programs, and in the local communities that I am living in. I have been able to develop a better sense of confidence both professionally and personally.

Pros
  • Good communication
  • Develop interpersonal skills
  • Growth of confidence
Cons
  • Housing issues
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Kate
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review of Explore Asia Japan Programme

Xplore Asia helped to take away any worries I had about moving to japan. They have a lovely helpful team who make you feel comfortable enough to reach out to. They check in with you regularly and offered well rounded support. They also organise weekend meetups throughout the year in different locations! You can also share your experience online by working with Xplore Asia via social media channels. The employees have personal experience of living in Japan and some still live in japan. This means they can give real guidance rather than generalised advice.

Pros
  • Very hands on support
  • Holistic support, e.g mental health support etc.
  • Culture weekends and they try to create channels of communication through Facebook groups and so on

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Maegan Bruno

Maegan lives in Colorado, USA. Originally from Texas, she graduated from Texas A&M University in 2012 with a degree in Elementary Education. Since graduation, she has been seeking adventure and different opportunities to influence the children she teaches!
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What is the most important thing you learned abroad?

The most important thing I've learned being abroad is that there is always something to be thankful for. There were times where the place we would be staying was less than desirable, but we learned to be thankful for the little things that we were blessed with, such as hot water, a good meal, or even a helping hand from one of the locals. I know I'll take this lesson back to America with me and I'm excited to see the changes to come when I head back!

What was the hardest part about going abroad?

The hardest part of going abroad for me was abandoning my normalities and routines from back home and adopting a new mindset of the new possibilities each day brought here. I had my favorite coffee shop back home, my community, restaurants, and hiking trails. Coming to Thailand, everything was so different. It was definitely a mix of culture shock and missing the structure back home.

However, after a few weeks, routines were more set into place, and I even came to love how each day was a little mix of the unknown! I never had a "boring" day, and as crazy as each day sometimes felt, I learned to just laugh and know that the next day would leave even more memories for me.

Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home.

One of my favorite experiences I had that I would not have experienced back home was spending time with the wife/husband that rents out our apartment complexes. Their family was very close and loved to include my friend and I in their time spent together. We spent several dinners together trying to teach each other our native languages and sharing our cultures despite a huge language barrier. We laughed together, learned new things and tried new foods.

One afternoon the mom even took us to the Thai Special Forces Army Base where her son was stationed. Her son showed us around and we even were able to participate in one of their exercises! I truly felt like I had a family away from home!

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Lungile Xulu

Job Title
Japan Program Coordinator
Lungile is part of the awesome team at XploreAsia. She handles all applications for the Japan program and takes part in some of the webinars as well.
Lungile Xulu under a giant shrine entryway in Japan

What is your favorite travel memory?

In 2021, I travelled to Mount Nokogiriyama in Chiba in Chiba Prefecture. I did a little solo hike, and at the end of the hike there was a marvelous structure before me- a 31 meter tall statue of Buddha, carved from the side of the mountain! It was so beautiful and it really is my most favorite memory of Japan.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I've been given an opportunity to help people go down the same road I did. I'm excited to work each morning and chat with my co-workers and applicants! Each teacher I come across has a story of their own, and I learn so much from them! This has led to me being more focused and motivated in all areas of my life.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I haven't heard any stories from teachers yet, but I am very excited to hear about everyone's' experiences in Japan! I'm very interested to hear about culture shock experiences, as I deal with applicants from all around the world, so I'm keen to learn about the differences between their home countries and Japan.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I'm quite interested in South East Asia, and I've never been there before, so I'd definitely choose Thailand! I've heard amazing things about the people, the food (the FRUITS!!!), and the beaches! I come from sunny Durban, South Africa, and everyone always tells me the weather in Thailand would remind me of Durban. So I'd love to go there!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

XploreAsia is unique because I believe we genuinely care about our applicants' experiences, not just during the application process, but as they teach and beyond. I was really proud that we turned 10 years old recently, that's a big achievement! We're excited to keep making a difference and make people's dreams come true.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe there are many factors that contribute to making a company successful; having a team that works well together and supports each other is very important. Team members should never be afraid to ask questions, because that's how we learn from each other. But definitely good communication is the biggest factor, and is essential!