Lay, Author at XploreAsia

I wonder if you know, how they live in Tokyo…

by Lay | Nov 14, 2023 | XploreAsia News, Living in Japan, Teacher Stories | 0 comments

The 2nd Teacher Meetup – where meeting up and finding each other was the hardest part.

Tokyo: a busy city pulsating with life – where tradition meets innovation, and every corner holds a new adventure (and different vending machine)… From navigating the crazy subway system to kanpai-ing over yakinikku, the joy of making new friends so far away from home will never get old.

Last weekend, teachers from all over Japan gathered in Tokyo for 2 fun-filled days of sightseeing. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the agenda was filled with mini-excursions that left us in awe of Tokyo’s charm. With each step, we absorbed the history at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, marvelled at the towering views from Tokyo Skytree, and navigated the neon-lit wonderland of Akihabara. The next day, we even made time to check out the crazy fashion stores in Takeshita Street, Harajuku. Beyond the sightseeing, these moments gave us a sense of unity and belonging that will undoubtedly enrich our teaching practices. As the weekend came to a close, we all left Tokyo with new-found inspiration and memories, ready to infuse the classroom with cultural insights and renewed enthusiasm.

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THE START: After sifting through tons of exit gates and what felt like a million people, we found each other and headed to the first stop: Tokyo Skytree! We didn’t know this until arriving, but apparently, the entire deck becomes a beacon of holiday cheer as soon as Halloween is over! The Christmas tree – sparkling with an array of colourful lights and themed ornaments – added to the impressive displays reminding us of home. There were even food and drink stalls. Some of us tried to keep warm by sipping mulled wine and others found comfort in the oversized churros. The panoramic view from the observation deck was unbelievable. The Skytree looks [big] from far away, but up close, it actually hurts your neck looking up to see the entire thing since it’s humungous.

Teacher meet-ups are really important to us because they help facilitate networking among educators from all different backgrounds. Teachers have a chance to share insights, experiences, and strategies which builds a supportive community. We also love laughing at mistakes made. Teachers based in Tohoku, Kanto and Kyushu made the trip out this time round.

After Tokyo Skytree, it was off to Asakusa… As we arrived, the forever-bustling Nakamise-dori street, lined with stalls selling traditional snacks and crafts, beckoned us to try sweets of the past. Then, as we walked towards the iconic Senso-ji Temple, the red gate, known as Kaminarimon, greeted us – much bigger and bolder than the photos. A few of us couldn’t leave without trying authentic Matcha while the rest paid ¥100 for omikuji. [Omikuji] is a traditional Japanese style of fortune-telling. Basically, you draw a small slip of paper from a box, after making a small offering. These slips contain various predictions or advice that range from excellent luck to bad luck in different aspects of life, such as health, relationships, studies, business, travel, or general fortune. If it’s a good fortune, we often keep it. If the fortune is bad, we tie the slip onto a rack or tree near the shrine or temple grounds, leaving the negative fortune behind and seeking better luck.

Next stop… Akihabara!

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Venturing into Akihabara with everyone was an electrifying escapade into Tokyo’s tech and anime mecca. The district’s neon lights and towering billboards immediately immersed us in a futuristic wonderland. As we strolled down Chuo Dori, the main avenue, we were engulfed by uncountable anime-themed shops, electronic stores, eclectic arcades and maid cafes. Exploring the multi-storied buildings dedicated to manga, anime, and gaming would have taken an entire day (we only had 2 hours). It was crazy to see in real life since many of our favourite anime have one or two scenes shot in this exact spot.

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Finally, after what felt like 50 000 steps, it was time to eat! And where better to grab dinner, than Shibuya Crossing? Bustling between the flashing lights, scrambling people, and uncountable shops, we just about made it for our reservation. Yakinikku aka barbeque was well-deserved. As we kanpai’d to the long day, the all-you-can-eat fresh meat and veg just kept on coming… and the boys on duty kept on cooking (between sips of highballs). After dinner, some headed back to the hostel right up the road while others went in search of a nightcap – I don’t think they had to look very far.

The next day, some slept in, a few went home and the die-hards… went to Harajuku! Many don’t know this, but there’s actually a Shrine behind the station… Meiji-Jingu Shrine. Of course, we had to see it. It’s such an interesting contrast from the young, trend-seeking high schoolers who hang out in Takeshita Street. I’m really glad we got there early and made time for it.

So after the old, onto the new. Taking the corner and crossing the street (towards the madness) felt like entering a kaleidoscope of colours, fashion, and youth. The streets were alive with a mix of locals and other tourists – naturally. We enjoyed browsing through the unique clothing stores, accessories shops, and crepe stands… WOW – were their crepe stands! Didn’t know this, but Harajuku is famous for them. After spending way too much time wandering the side streets and pit-stopping for lunch, it was sadly time to head home.

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Building a network while living abroad is crucial for professional opportunities, cultural integration, personal growth, and support. It offers learning experiences, creates a network, and can lead to future opportunities both abroad and even after returning home. This weekend was unforgettable. It was a pleasure to meet teachers living all over Japan and from all over the world.

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“It was a jam-packed weekend filled with subway rides, hilarious conversations, losing each other, finding each other, practising our Japanese and getting to know more of the culture while meeting other teachers just like us! One thing is for sure – we all hit our step count goal!”

– Lay, Xplore Organizer

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From Bristol to Bangkok – Stories from an Alumni (Guest Writer)

by Lay | Oct 23, 2023 | XploreAsia News, Living in Thailand, Teacher Stories

My name is Rob and I am from a small village near Bristol, based in the South-West of England, United Kingdom. I moved to Thailand back in 2021 because I wanted to experience something different after graduating during the pandemic. I had hoped to teach abroad before the pandemic hit so I had my TEFL ready, and though I had never been to Asia before I knew it was one of the more prominent locations for TEFL teachers.

I chose to use a company to make the move due to a variety of reasons. The first was for peace of mind, in particular, the help with the visa process and help finding accommodation when I first arrived. The second was for convenience. I wanted to make the move to Thailand as quickly as I could and XA had the infrastructure in place to have me interviewed by a school within days of applying. I was relieved to have a job in place before I even left the UK. I was even able to start doing some online training in the week before my flight. Finally, I wanted the chance to go through the orientation period before I went straight into teaching. Whilst I did not do the TESOL teacher training with XA, I did do all the orientation and culture classes in which I picked up some basic Thai language (very useful in the markets), some important customs (to avoid embarrassing myself on the first day) and also a network of fellow teachers, who were always able to help each other answers questions and many of which I am still friends with today.

My first placement was in Bangkok on a 6 month contract, before I moved down south to the more remote province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. I knew a reasonable amount about Bangkok before leaving home, as it’s one of the jewels of South-East Asia. A number of friends I spoke to had been before on gap years and holidays and had a lot to say. However, I think living there gives you a totally different experience! Of course, I visited all the famous temples as well as Chatuchak market, Chinatown, Khaosan Road and all the other tourist hotspots, but the best part about living there was getting to know the city on another level; finding smaller more authentic restaurants, joining a weekly football game with locals and other expats, as well as having a great starting point to travel to more remote areas of the country.

Bangkok has great air and bus links to Thailand’s many other picturesque provinces. The Thai school year ends in March before resuming in May, and, in my experience, I had over a month to go and explore the country! Recommending where to travel in Thailand is almost impossible, as there is so much to see. However, the one thing you should not miss if you are there over the teaching break of April is Songkran. Songkran is the Thai New Year and involves huge water fights breaking out on the streets. There are large events held in some of the most popular places; try Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket!

Moving from Bangkok to my time in Prachuap, it was definitely a more conventional Thai experience being away from the capital! Bangkok still had a lot of Western influences; you could easily find any kind of food, many people spoke English and you would often run into tourists or fellow expat teachers. Prachuap was far more remote. When I was there, one of my favourite experiences was learning to ride a motorbike. In Thailand, motorbikes are everywhere. Tourists will often drive them, somewhat recklessly, on many of the popular holiday islands. For me, I loved being able to learn on the quieter streets of Prachuap. It made the commute to and from work a lot more entertaining! Prachuap is also one of the cheapest areas in Thailand. However, the low price did not mean it was low quality – there were a number of restaurants within driving distance to school that served amazing rice, noodle and soup dishes for prices around 40 to 50 baht (Just over £1!).

I would also like to mention some of the harder parts of making the move, as it obviously isn’t all fun and games! For me, one of the more difficult parts is communicating back home. As someone who likes to be in contact with my family regularly, the time difference can make things a little tricky, and when you want to use your weekends to travel it suddenly becomes very hard to schedule a call. Additionally, things can (and sometimes will) go wrong. In particular, any medical issues can be tricky with the language barrier. A trip to A&E can be made much more complicated when you can’t really explain what’s wrong. Luckily, the Thai people are super friendly and will always help you if they can. Always make an effort with the Thai teachers at school – they can be very helpful sometimes!

When looking to summarise my experience, it can be reflective to look at how it has helped me learn. Moving to Thailand has helped me become a lot more flexible in my thinking, as everything here seems far more relaxed and casual. The people are also incredibly friendly and that can be infectious, and the students are (almost) always great fun to teach and to learn with! I would definitely recommend teaching abroad. It was a little daunting at first, realising you are responsible for all of the kids in your classroom and for what they are going to learn!

“As you get more confident and comfortable, the job can be really rewarding and entertaining, with the added bonus of getting to live somewhere as beautiful as Thailand!”

Small Town Girl Living in Playas del Coco (Guest Writer)

by Lay | Oct 14, 2023 | XploreAsia News, Living in Costa Rica, Teacher Stories

Hey Everyone! My name is Erin and I currently teach in Costa Rica!! Costa Rica is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife. It’s been 10 months and living here still feels like a dream!

A little about me? Well, I am 25 years old and from a small town in Georgia – but even though I’m a small town girl, I’ve always had big dreams of traveling the world. While studying in University, I was given the opportunity, along with other ambitious future educators, to visit Costa Rica.

During our visit, we were fortunate enough to volunteer and teach English to local elementary aged Costa Rican students. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life up until that point. I fell in love with the students, culture, and the country. Upon my return home, I KNEW that was what I wanted to do after graduation.

I felt like I had found my passion. I continued with school and later graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I taught 1st grade for about 3 years in the States before finally taking that leap of faith and following my dreams of moving to Costa Rica to teach English.

Prior to moving, I knew that the process of moving abroad would be difficult (contacting schools, finding housing, making sure the necessary legal documents were in place etc.) I didn’t know anyone else personally that had done this… so it was important for me to go through a program, rather than alone, to have that extra support along the way. After much research, I discovered Xplore and I am so thankful that I made the decision to not do it alone. Not only was I able to receive my TESOL certification through the program, I was supported through the entire process.

I knew exactly which documents would be needed prior to arriving in the country. Upon arrival, they provided me with a full week of cultural experiences to help gain a better understanding of the culture. Xplore also assisted in finding the right job placement for me based on my preferences, housing, etc. All of my questions were answered (and there were A LOT of questions, trust me). I felt supported throughout the entire process. I can honestly say this journey would not have been as easy as it has been without XA.

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Being from a small town, I knew that even in another country I still wanted to be placed somewhere with that small town feel. Now, I am currently placed in the cutest little beach town called Playas Del Coco. Everyone knows everyone and I always feel safe. People look out for each other here. I work at a small bilingual private school. I teach English to 1st-3rd grade as well as an intermediate and an advanced high school class. My students and colleagues have welcomed me with open arms. There is a sense of community here that is unmatched. One of my biggest fears prior to moving was feeling alone, but thankfully I have been very blessed to have met SO MANY wonderful people along this journey. I actually met my current roommate through Xplore. We accepted jobs in the same town and decided to live together and now I have a friend for life. Shout out to Erin! (Fun fact: We also have the same name 🙂

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This experience has forced me to step out of my comfort zone on many occasions which in turn has helped me to gain more confidence, independence, and a strong sense of capability. Having the opportunity to immerse myself in a culture different from my own has not only been humbling but also eye opening. I’ve been able to gain insight into other perspectives which has broadened my world view. I’ve learned to be more open-minded and to let things be.

Here in Costa Rica, you always hear people say Pura Vida, which has a literal translation of pure life. However, Pura Vida is more of a lifestyle/attitude. It represents a relaxed, simplistic way of life and the appreciation of life no matter the circumstances and that is something I now live by. If you are considering moving abroad, I would 100% recommend it. It is life changing. I am so thankful to be here doing what I absolutely love. This has truly been the best year!!

“I truly feel like I have grown so much as a person since moving, both personally and professionally.”

– Erin T

From Long Island, NY to the always-sunny Playas del Coco (Guest Writer)

by Lay | Oct 7, 2023 | XploreAsia News, Living in Costa Rica, Teacher Stories

Hi Everyone! My name is Erin Reilly and I’m originally from Long Island, New York but made the move to Costa Rica about 10 months ago in November 2022. I started thinking about moving abroad when I was maybe 22 or 23 but I was still in college so I decided to finish out college beforehand.

I did my undergrad degree at Southern Connecticut State University and I graduated with two bachelor’s degrees, one in Elementary Education and the other in Interdisciplinary Studies, in 2020. Immediately after graduating those, I went back to school to get my Master’s in Special Education and graduated with that degree from St. Joseph’s College in 2022. Throughout my time in college, I travelled a lot. Any time I could get off, any place I could go, I went.

I have had a huge travel bug ever since I went on my first big trip abroad to Thailand in 2019. I went on a volunteer trip with an amazing organization called Give Volunteers for 2 weeks near and around Chiang Mai to teach English in remote villages at the local schools. To say this trip completely changed my outlook on life and helped me find my absolute love for travel, is an understatement. I knew once I finished that trip, I would never be able to stop traveling. Since that trip, I’ve been to 18 countries and volunteered to teach English in 3 of them (Thailand, Guatemala, and Jamaica) before deciding to move and work in Costa Rica.

I started the process of moving abroad in February 2022. I wasn’t sure exactly where I wanted to go so after narrowing down many different countries and opportunities, it came down to Spain and Costa Rica. I actually had 2 separate phone calls booked to start the process for both Spain and Costa Rica on the Friday… After consulting each, I was left with only the weekend to make the decision as applications for the program in Spain were closing that following Monday. After talking with a program in Spain and Xplore, I decided to go with Xplore in Costa Rica… Xplore seemed to have more support prior to leaving and once you are in the country, as well as, a lifetime job placement guarantee once you leave. I also really liked the idea that I could give them some pointers for where I wanted to be and they would try to get me a school and placement as close to what I wanted.

I knew I wouldn’t be alone and I would have a better chance of making friends if I went through a program like Xplore and that was exactly what happened. I moved here not knowing anyone but I ended up meeting amazing friends as soon as I got to San Ramon during the TESOL course. I actually was very fortunate to end up with a job in the same area as one of my friends from the course and now we are roommates. I quite literally couldn’t live without her now that we’ve spent the last year living together. A few of my other friends also were placed at jobs nearby and we’ve been able to spend a lot of time together as well.

I currently live in a small beach town called Playas del Coco and I work in a small school that’s just a quick 15-minute bus ride away. My school has about 50 students and services preschool and primary school. Currently, I am the English teacher for primary school students and I teach grades 1-4. Working with younger kids is not always easy, especially when they speak another language, but definitely worth it. I’ve learned so much about myself, my strengths and weaknesses, my capabilities, and my breaking points but I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world. I know when my time comes to an end here at this job, I will walk away a better person and teacher because of the experiences I’ve had here.

One of the most important things I think I have learned from my job and living here is, you really don’t need to speak the same language as someone else to build friendships and relationships with people and students. There are definitely ups and downs to any job but I’m happy that this was where I ended up in Costa Rica. I’ve grown so much in this past year and I’ve learned so many different things about myself. The past few months of living here have really taught me that I am so capable of doing things alone and embracing the moments where life is outside of your comfort zone. I’ve also definitely learned that my stress level is way higher than I would’ve thought. The hardest part I’ve found about living here is how expensive everything is, so another thing I’ve really gotten good at this year is budgeting my money and/or being able to make my money last.

Before coming here, I tried my best to have no expectations, to just go with the flow, and whatever happens, happens but Costa Rica has gone above and beyond what I ever thought this experience would be like. If there’s one thing I could tell everyone in the world, it would be to take the leap even if you are scared or worried, it might turn out better than you ever would’ve thought.

“Moving abroad is a wild ride but one of the best experiences I could have ever dreamed of.”

– Erin Reilly

Kate in Kanagawa, Japan – Guest Writer

by Lay | Sep 19, 2023 | XploreAsia News, Living in Japan, Teacher Stories

Hello! My name is Kate, I’m 24, and I’m from Ireland. I moved to Japan six months ago to teach English for a year. I graduated last year with a degree in philosophy, politics, economics and sociology from Trinity College Dublin… While I thoroughly enjoyed my studies, and hope to pursue a related career in the future, I did not feel quite ready to enter the so-called “real” adult world of climbing career ladders just yet. Teaching English abroad appealed to me because it’s a way of truly experiencing another country by immersing oneself in the society. I also believe my personality meant I would adapt well as a first-time teacher: I am a social person and take great joy in meeting new people and learning about diverse cultures. I am delighted that I made this decision and have never regretted it for a moment.

I would be lying if I said the preparation for moving across the world to a country I had never been to wasn’t at times daunting. However, the process through which I did this was hugely helped by Xplore Asia and their partner company whom I did my TEFL qualification with. The TEFL qualification was really accessible and interesting. It was a 120-hour online course which I was able to complete at my own pace. When I finished the qualification, Xplore Asia stepped in and guided me the rest of the way. From conducting my interview in an approachable way to helping me negotiate sending my degree certificate to Japan, they were always there to answer my (many) emails and questions really quickly and thoroughly. Each future teacher is assigned a particular mentor who liaises with you for the duration of the process, which eliminates the need to constantly update several different people. I’m so grateful to have had the expertise of Xplore Asia guide me through this process – it made everything so much less overwhelming.

Before I moved to Japan, I bought a copy of Lonely Planet’s guidebook. This has been really useful, both in my preparations before I came and also to learn more about different regions and get recommendations for places I want to visit while I’m here. I also used websites such as Tofugo and Japanese Pod 101 to learn some Japanese. Xplore Asia also signed us up to an online cultural and language course which I really enjoyed. Japanese culture and history is very unique and I’m glad I was able to garner some perspective before I moved. Also included in the Xplore Asia package is a cultural weekend trip. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the session earlier this year as my sister was visiting, but I heard the trip to Osaka was a success. I’m looking forward to attending the next round of culture weekends!

Even when Xplore Asia had helped me complete all of my necessary documentation and had secured me a job, they continue to check in frequently and have set up a Facebook page to check the locations of other English teachers around Japan. The company with whom I’m contracted now have also been very helpful, and do the majority of the work for you before you even arrive in Japan! They assigned me to my school, found me an apartment, signed me up to various utilities companies, and sponsored my residence card – all things I would really struggle with as my Japanese is elementary (at best). I was initially concerned as I don’t have a driver’s licence, and this is one of the stated requirements by the company.

However, if you are placed in an urban area, there is no requirement to drive; it is just for teachers who get allocated to rural areas in Japan. I was luckily placed in Kanagawa prefecture, and I live about 20 minutes from a great part of Tokyo called Shimokitazawa, and 30 minutes from Shinjuku (whose station I still get lost inside). Public transport is brilliant in Japanese urban areas and I can access the school I work in easily. The reliability of public transport is still a novelty to me, if a train is 3 minutes late it’s considered a “significant delay”; in Ireland, I feel grateful when the bus I’m waiting for arrives at all!

Moving across the world is never going to be an easy decision or undertaking, but I can’t recommend it enough. If you have the curiosity and passion, everything else will fall into place; especially if you have a support network of family, friends and companies like Xplore Asia at your back. My experience of Japan so far has been brimming with rich cultural experiences, meeting like minded friends, travelling, and, maybe most importantly, I’ve learnt a lot about myself. Although I felt I wanted to escape the imminent “real world” after university, unbeknownst to myself, I signed up to something which has helped me grow and prepared me more for adulthood more than any other experience could have.

“ If you have the guts to move to another country, especially on your own, you can do anything. “

– Kate Burke

Erika in Japan – Teach English (Guest Writer)

by Lay | Aug 28, 2023 | XploreAsia News, Living in Japan, Teacher Stories

My name is Erika Castro, and I am currently an ALT working out of the gorgeous prefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. I’m 24 years old and I have a lot of interests, some of which include fashion, travel, art, literature (especially fiction), anime, language studies, dance, and martial arts. I have a bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology, and as a matter of fact, reading and writing have been a massively influential part of my life for as long as I can remember. I can confidently say that I’ve read about a thousand books in my lifetime. Even then, it still doesn’t feel like enough, as my list only continues to grow as I get older and become more and more exposed to “must-read” titles. I have a deep appreciation for words, literature, and the English language, and so the idea of playing a role in someone else’s English learning journey was an idea that excited me. I have a serious passion for travel, and I thought that teaching English in another country might be the perfect way to combine two of my loves. It was just over a year ago now that I received my degree in English and made the choice to take a year after my studies to teach the language in the country of my dreams, Japan.

When I decided to take this step and move across the world, I actually had no guidance or any idea as to where I should start. I didn’t know anyone in my social circle who had done this before, specifically in Japan, which is known for being considerably more strict with the visa process than some other popular English-teaching destinations. So I turned to Google to do some research and was guided to XploreAsia, who has honestly made the process a lot smoother than it might’ve been had I not done so.

I guess you could say that the reason I chose a company to help me with the move instead of going alone was that I really wanted to make sure that, since it was a serious matter that involved government documents and had no room for errors, I could entrust the responsibility to those who had the experience and knowledge necessary to help me achieve my goals.

I arrived in Japan on March 24, 2023 in Tokyo, where I then caught a train to Sendai, Miyagi to complete my orientation and initial training with the company I was placed at. I was then placed in a small town by the name of Fukagawa, which has a population of about 20,000 people. As someone who has grown up in a city her whole life, living in a small town has been a welcome experience. My contract is set to last for a full school year, so I will finish sometime during the Spring break of 2024.

I knew absolutely nothing about Fukagawa, but I had heard about Hokkaido, of course. I was familiar with the capital city of Sapporo, which is known for its snowy winters, beer, and noodles. Actually, Hokkaido reminds me a lot of Canada, which is where I’m from.

I was provided with a rental car by the company, since I have a rural position. The schools I work at are in the town over, so driving feels really nice and I enjoy the freedom…

The cost of living in Japan is, without a doubt, drastically cheaper than in my home country. My rent for a 230-ish sqft apartment including Wi-Fi, rental furniture, and a parking space amounts to about $385CAD per month, which is virtually unheard of back home. I’m also switching apartments soon, and I managed to find an apartment for double the size and half the rent on my own. I’ve seen 2L bottles of mineral water from grocery stores as low as 68yen, which is about $0.63CAD (also unheard of). Groceries are cheaper, eating out is cheaper, especially since Japan does not possess the North-American tipping culture I grew up used to. A few weeks ago I went to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, ate about 16 pieces of fresh sushi, plus a Coke and a dessert, and paid less than $20CAD. So yes, I would definitely say that living in Japan has been nicer to my wallet than back home.

A challenge that I did not expect to face was some issues with my housing, unfortunately, and is the reason for my moving into a new apartment soon. On my first night in my new home, I noticed tiny black specks or flakes in the water from all of my taps. It’s a good thing I checked my cup before drinking it, and since then I’ve been living off bottled water. Because I’m deterred from cooking, my diet has mostly consisted of items to go.

The original building I was moved into is from the late 60’s-early 70’s, and so upon inspection, I was told that there was rust in the pipes. This was the main stressor for me, and it definitely was a source of anxiety for me and certainly affected my quality of life. I want to emphasize that indeed, Japan as a whole is known for its clean and crystal-clear drinking water, and in every hotel I’ve stayed at, I did not see an issue. It just so happened that I had moved into a much older building with much older pipes.

I’ve learned that I am extremely adaptable, which is something I take a lot of pride in. Even now, almost 5 months in, I can’t say that I am all that affected by homesickness. I actually feel like I’ve been thriving, and have been able to focus on personal projects and endeavours that I had been meaning to for quite some time.

I think that the experience one gains from being exposed to different lifestyles and cultures is invaluable, and that it can only influence your growth as a person in the most positive of ways. I’ve met some wonderful people here, and every day there is at least one interaction I have that can be described as wholesome or refreshing. It’s probably partially because of this that I’ve adjusted quite well and experience very rare/mild bouts of homesickness (I miss my cat, who is being taken care of by my amazing father). My goal is to make the most out of my limited time here—it goes by faster than you’d think! I learn something new on a daily basis, whether it’s about myself, the people around me, Japanese customs and culture, or life in general.

“This is by far one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself and I have absolutely no regrets. I’m confident that anyone else considering doing something the same would think so, too.”

– Erika Castro

Teach English in Yangon, Myanmar – Checking in with Dillon

by Lay | Aug 18, 2023 | XploreAsia News, Living in Myanmar, Teacher Stories

Hello everyone! I’m Dillon from Cape Town, South Africa and I recently made the major move to teach in Yangon, Myanmar in June 2023!

I am currently 30, but decided to make this big move when I was 28. It all started when I fell in love with South East Asia, especially Japan. To be honest, I always had a big love for South East Asia, but didn’t really realise it until I started this journey would be like.

Let me first tell you about my career:
I started off as a salesman in an Apple store.
Went straight into the advertising word as a junior graphic designer.
Became a barman and then eventually the head barman of the bar.
Worked for an online teaching platform before I made the move to come abroad.
And now… Teacher in Myanmar!

So far it has been such an AMAZING experience! Of course everything you do in life has its ups and downs; nothing can just run smoothly without hiccups. I mean that’s how we learn in life, right?!

BUT WAIT, let’s rewind a bit… why did I choose a company to help me with the big move instead of going abroad and go job hunting myself?
Easy! Simple answer! Key word in that sentence is “big”! DO NOT do the move alone, always have someone in your corner. I decided to choose XploreAsia to help me with the big move. Why? I tried another upcoming company and it failed miserably. First of all, I had no experience with this and the time I had to leave they disappeared. No guidance, no messages, no apologies, NOTHING! I spoke to my friends who were supporting my decision with this move and they told me to try the company they went with – XploreAsia.

I felt a bit unmotivated after what happened, but decided it give it a go, because I really wanted to explore this new path. I emailed XploreAsia and immediately a lady named “Lay” replied and set up a Zoom call with me. Right then and there I knew I was going to go abroad with this company, as first impressions will always tell you a story or a paint a picture for you. XA helped me with everything. Went step by step and through everything. I now feel like a professional when someone asks me about teaching abroad. Not only did XA help me with paperwork, my contract with the school and the VISA, but also helped me in-country with finding a place to rent and also had an amazing introduction week, with some Burmese Boxing!

I was placed in a beautiful international school. My biggest surprise was finding out how good the students were at English. You can have a 1 on 1 conversation with students without any problems. Most teachers speak English really well, so you never feel like an outcast. Also, the staff are really friendly and always greet you with a smile and a small bow of the head. My contract is 1 year, which really puts me at ease, but what the school actually wants you to do is work hard and be dedicated and stay as long as you can, which I loved to hear! I plan on staying for a few years and would like to grow in the school.

Coming back to the ups and downs, the hardest part for me was not the cultural shock, but the fact that I needed to bring more money for renting. In Myanmar you need to pay 6 months rent up-front. In the past, you got negotiate to 3 months, which I wanted to do, but unfortunately for me, no one wanted to budge on the 6 months upfront. That made me stress for a while until Michael and Ma Emon (“Ma” is used as a sign of respect for someone older) spoke to the school and luckily for me, my school helped with the rent. This really showed me how the school could pull through for some stranger who just landed in their country. This new employee with all these problems lol, BUT this reassured me and made me love my school even before I started working. I purely believe in “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours”. Therefore, I will stay at my school as long as I can, as they helped me when I needed help the most.

One thing about moving abroad, you learn things about yourself you did not know, especially because I lived with my parents at home and I am now on my own. Another thing is, that the children will point out everything you do or wear, so you will definitely find out something new about yourself. I never thought understood my teachers when they said, “You are our children when you are at school.” Now I do! They are definitely my children! In all my other jobs, when I was sick, I took off. Here, I’ve been sick and I went to school, mask and all. Why? I don’t want my students to fall behind with their work, plus they look forward to seeing the native English speaker.

Every day my alarm goes off at 6:30 AM, but I get up at 7 AM. I’m sure a lot of people do the same! Those 30 minutes of lying in bed are crucial. Oh my word! Forgot to tell you guys about my unfurnished place! Okay, at the end of this paragraph, okay?! Coming back to my day, I get up and take a cold shower (I do not have hot water in my apartment, as Myanmar is so hot, so most don’t have hot water), then I will get done and leave my place latest 7:45 AM and get to school by 8 AM. The periods for the day are 6, but the most I teach in one day is 5 periods and least is 1 period (having 1 sounds good, but it is super boring! Trust me!). After work, I will either buy food or make food at home. Buying food from the stalls on the street are super cheap and the food is amazing! That’s one thing that surprised me about Myanmar, the food! They are tasty and the variety is mind-blowing. One thing I’m used to that Myanmar doesn’t have though – McDonalds!

Now, to come back to my apartment. My school found a nice place which was cheaper than every other apartment on the market at the time. Benefits – 8 minute walk from school, central to everything and it has 2 rooms, 2 bathrooms and a massive kitchen and lounge! Only downside, it was unfurnished, but it has started taking shape already and its starting to feel like a home now. My school offers transport for free, but I am so close to school, that I decided to rather walk to school and getting the exercise in is always good. Another thing about Myanmar is the heat! If you are not used to humid, 30 degree celsius temperatures, then you’ll cry here! The upside though, you get used to it and the apartments are all fitted with aircon – I have 2!

The shops will surprise you! Cooked meals are cheap, buying ingredients, on the other hand, can be tricky. You will not find your spices or anything you are used to buying at home, in your country. Meat is surprisingly cheap, besides beef. All other products are cheap, normally priced, except milk and also a major one – FRUIT!
Fruit is super expensive. In South Africa, I can buy an apple anywhere and for cheap, around R2/R4. Here in Myanmar, it is R20 on special. That blew my mind!

There is no 7 Eleven here, but they have CityMart, which I love! I buy cooked meals at CityMart and either milkshake, cold drink or bubble tea, and I will sit there and have an
amazing meal. I also arrived here during rainy season and one thing I can tell you about the rain is that you’ll feel like you being attacked! The rain falls super hard and it makes you beyond wet! You have to have an umbrella. And no, the rain does not cool you down. The rain is just as warm as the temperature!

In conclusion, all I can say, pick a company to help you with your decisions and the move, BUT also choose the right, reputable company. And if you are deciding about whether you want to teach abroad … stop! Just do it! It is one of the most amazing experiences you’ll ever have!

Only reason why I tried XA is due to the fact that my friends used them to go to South Korea; Thank you Denzil and Tyla! Wait, I’m forgetting Nora…thank you as well, Nora!

– Dillon Knight

Om Noi – Teach in Thailand Guest Writer

by Lay | Jul 28, 2023 | XploreAsia News, Living in Thailand, Teacher Stories

Hey everybody! My name is Justin Rees and I moved to Thailand to teach English! A few years ago, I became more and more interested in traveling the world… After reading countless blogs and watching numerous videos I found that teaching English is a fun and rewarding way to travel!

I discovered my love for traveling after my first solo trip to Costa Rica in 2019 – It’s 4 years later now and I’ve traveled to 9 different countries and experienced things I could’ve never imagined. Teaching was always something I was curious about, although I had no experience in the classroom, I was excited to have fun with my students and truly make a difference. Throughout the year I met student’s families, celebrated traditional holidays, explored beautiful temples and made memories that’ll last a lifetime.

I chose Xplore after countless recommendations from friends. Going through the process of moving, training, and placement at a school is difficult, even with help! But Xplore made it as easy as possible with great communication and a dedicated staff. Before too long I accepted an offer to teach in a suburb right on the outskirts of Bangkok called Om Noi. I worked at the local private school for a year teaching high schoolers English and conversation.

I absolutely loved living in Thailand. Bangkok is an incredibly fun city. Being home to the famous Khaosan Road, and several incredibly historic temples makes it a very cool place to explore. Public transportation is incredible, English is widely spoken, almost always understood. The locals are very friendly and eager to strike up a conversation and learn all they can about you.

On your time off you can and should check out the islands on either side of the country, from the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan to my personal favorite being the Phi Phi Islands!

Or you can hike the lush mountains of Northern Thailand, exploring the night life on Chiang Mai, or the famous White and Blue Temples in Chaing Rai.

Thailand met all my expectations, and I feel like I can call it a second home. I am very close to my family. We’re a small bunch who care and love for each other very much. Fortunately, that means a lot of support for my decision to move and work abroad. Being away from my family is very hard, but I find joy in making the best of my experience and finding so many new friends along the way.

The most important thing I learned about myself was to have more confidence. Moving abroad is scary, and honestly, you’ll probably have no idea what to do with yourself. But don’t see this as a negative, see it as a positive way to recreate yourself. Being more friendly and outgoing, take risks, and don’t be afraid to say yes! One of my favorite quotes says, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it.” Life is all what you make it, so don’t be afraid to take the jump!

I recommend everyone takes at least a year to live abroad. Get out of your comfort zone. Get the chance to look at life from a whole new perspective. Too often we become creatures of habit. Wake up, work, go home, eat, sleep, repeat. Why not jump on that plane and make the difference in a student’s life, have a breakthrough in the classroom, see the excitement in a student’s eye when they finally understand! That’s what makes it all worth it.

“If you feel that urge that you’re meant do to more why not take the chance?”

– Justin Rees

Check out Justin’s blog here!

Life in Ibaraki – Teach in Japan Guest Writer

by Lay | May 18, 2023 | XploreAsia News, Living in Japan, Teacher Stories

Hello everyone! My name is Kara, and I recently moved from New Jersey, USA to Ibaraki, Japan in March 2023!

I’m a 28 year old school-based speech-language pathologist turned TEFL instructor. To give you a little backstory, back home, I was working in public schools with students of all ages and ability levels to help them speak/ write/ read more clearly. While I loved my job, I knew something was missing…

Over the years, I had always focused very intensely on my studies and work. Then, when I finally had a little time and money to see other parts of the world, the pandemic hit. So what did I do? I used my downtime during lockdown to get my TEFL certification. Looking back, I’m so glad I did! Education and Linguistics have always been a passion of mine, and I am so thankful that I finally took the leap to expand outside of the traditional American classroom.

At first, I was terrified to make the change – I had a good-paying job, a tight-knit family, and a loving group of friends… Would I be able to leave that all behind? My life was starting to feel like the episode of SpongeBob SquarePants where Squidward moves to a community of other squids (“Tentacle Acres” for my millennial readers!). My life was moving very predictably, and I was bored. The pandemic helped me muster up the courage to leave my very comfortable, but very bland squid-village and set sail for a bigger sea.

Working as an ALT is not my first experience teaching English. I had previously been an online English tutor for Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese learners during COVID. I was able to gain insight into the culture before I even travelled to the country! Online tutoring is very different from my job as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) now, however, I did get a crash course in learning cultural and linguistic differences from the comfort of my kitchen table. I would highly recommend tutoring online before moving abroad if you want an idea of the types of students you will teach!

Why did you choose a company like Xplore over going alone?
Choosing Xplore was a no-brainer for me. The thought of going at it alone was beyond intimidating to me. Negotiating an apartment, a car, and a job in English is difficult enough, I couldn’t imagine doing it in a language I am not fluent in! After researching what felt like an endless list of companies, Xplore had the best reviews from both new and long-time English teachers. Knowing I have in-country support at all times is a comfort that can’t be replaced.

What did you know about Ibaraki before moving there? I knew that it was in Japan … That’s about it! Obviously, I was hoping that I would be placed in a large city. However, I am finding that Hitachinaka (the city I live in) offers the best of both worlds. I am in a non-driving position, so I ride my bike to school. I feel like Kiki’s Delivery Service every day – I pass a bustling train station, quiet wheat fields, and the peaceful family homes lining the streets. My “teacher friends” have cars, and we often take day trips on the weekends. An hour drive in any direction can get me to the ocean, the mountains, or a lively downtown. The flexibility to go to so many places make Ibaraki a wonderful place to start my Japan journey. Oh, and we have the most magical Hitachinaka Seaside Park.

What parts of the experience has or hasn’t met your expectations?

–> My apartment is perfect for just me. It came with a futon, a small table, a mini-fridge, and a microwave. The best equivalent I can give is that it is like a deluxe college dorm room. I have a small, but functional, bathroom (the toilet is separate from the shower in Asian houses!). My `kitchen` is minimalistic- that’s the nice way of saying that I have one cabinet, one burner, a mini-fridge, and a microwave that reminds me of my childhood Easy-Bake Oven. My bedroom/ living room is an open room that I have tried my best to make my own. I have a small balcony space for hanging my laundry. Mentally and emotionally prepare yourself for no dryers!! Everyone hang dries their washing here, and I can tell you from experience that it is not a quick process. Make sure you have enough work clothes for one washing cycle!

–> Finding friends was one of my biggest worries when moving abroad. I was petrified of being alone in a foreign country. I started networking long before I came to Japan – I would Instagram message anyone from Xplore Asia, social media expats, and other teachers from online training sessions. I would highly recommend doing this!! Most people were experiencing the same fear and excitement as I was. Knowing a few familiar names and faces during the orientation week was a major relief. I would suggest talking to people who have been in the country for some time- their insight impacted many of my decisions going forward!! I got lucky and received a message from a girl who said she would be living in the same town as me about a week before I arrived. Long story short, we live in the same apartment complex and became fast friends! I have made friends with many other teachers in my complex, and I am so thankful to have a group that understands the highs and lows of living and working in Japan.

–> The Work Ethic: Japanese work HARD, and they take great pride in the jobs that they do. Don’t be surprised if your school is serious – teachers are expected to be good role models inside and outside of the classroom. You are representing yourself, your company, and your country at all times to both the staff and your students.

–> Japan is very affordable! I am always so surprised at the prices of things here – what would be a $150 grocery trip in the USA is roughly $70 here! The cost of living is so much lower. My rent is approximately $330 USD. My utility bills are much lower as well. Also, bills are paid at local convenience stores here!

–> The Japanese dress very conservatively. I was genuinely surprised when I saw the daily fashion here! Women often wear free-flowing clothes that cover their knees. My tip: plan to buy clothes once you get to Japan! If you have tattoos, make sure they are easily covered! I am thankful that mine can be concealed easily.

–> Anime is everywhere here! My heart is so full when my students tell me about which anime is their favorite. It’s always an easy conversation starter here!

What has been the hardest part since making the move abroad?
Even in the most beautiful places, you will still have hard days… I had a few bumps in the road initially with my school placement. The school had recently made changes to their ALT/ JTE system, so the entire staff was adapting to changes that shifted a great deal of responsibility around. I wanted to be a team player and help ease the burden on the teachers, however, I had clear goals I wanted to achieve and get out of this experience. I was able to communicate my difficulties to the staff (with the help of google translate and a great deal of gestures). Thankfully, we worked together to create a better system that has been working well since implementation. I would be lying if I said it was easy to live in a country that speaks a language you are not fluent in. I study at work during free periods and continue to take online Japanese lessons. I am learning, and I constantly have to remind myself that if people could learn languages in one sitting, I would be out of a job. I will also say that coordinating times to call family and friends can be difficult. NYC is 13 hours behind Japan, so I struggled to speak to my family regularly in the beginning. Download WhatsApp and Line before you move to Japan- it will make communicating with your family and friends so much easier.

What have you learnt about yourself?

–> Even teachers learn lessons: I have been working in education for five years, and I can honestly say that I learn something new every day. Learning how to collaborate with others is a skill that I am constantly trying to improve. Some days, I am the captain of the lesson, other days I am simply a supporting pilot. No matter the role, I always try to be the best that I can. Remember that the students need their native language to understand English. This means that some days, the JTE will be the more prominent teacher. Even if you aren’t doing much talking during the lesson, providing support and encouragement in English is still as useful to the students!

–> It’s not that serious: Difficult co-workers, language barriers, challenging students? We have all been there! Nothing feels better after a hard day than coming home and sharing it with others who know exactly what you’re going through! Laugh at yourself! Even on my bad days, I remember that I am living my dream teaching in Japan.

–> If you’re bored, your students ate 10 times as bored: There’s no way around it – some lessons are more fun than others. Remember that some of the “boring” or “monotonous” lessons can be the building blocks for your students. Reciting the alphabet multiple times can seem like a chore, however you are giving your students the basis for a language that could impact their lives! There are countless websites and videos of how to incorporate fun into your “routine” lessons!

Would you recommend others to travel and live abroad? Why? In short, yes. In long: It takes a certain type of person to not only decide to move abroad but also to navigate the ever-changing landscape of a new culture on your own. If you are feeling burnt out in your current profession- teaching English can be a wonderful way to step out of your comfort zone and try something new! There are challenges with living and working abroad, but all in all, the bad days are only temporary. Make friends, challenge yourself, and try it!

“I’ve only been in Japan for a short time, but I know my life is forever changed by taking the leap of faith and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.”

– Kara Moore Penney

Life in Phuket – Teach in Thailand Guest Writer

by Lay | Apr 5, 2023 | XploreAsia News, Living in Thailand, Teacher Stories

Mary Kate and her partner packed up their things in Ireland and have been in Thailand for almost 6 months now! She made some time to share what life in Phuket is like…

What’s the local culture like in your town? Phuket town is pretty great! The Old Town in particular has unique architecture with Sino-Portugese style buildings which are really nice to look at. I’ve really enjoyed spending time in Old Town checking out the many wonderful restaurants and bars as well as the wonderful Sunday night market which takes place every week on one of the main streets in town. This town has a lot of history and is quite calm and laid back during the week, but there are many amenities available including the large shopping centre Central.

Phuket town is an interesting mix of Thai people and Westerners, although we have struggled a bit so far to meet other people our age, we hope that joining some clubs and activities could help us to socialise more.

This town has a lot of history and is quite calm and laid back during the week, but there are many amenities available including the large shopping centre Central. There is a songtaew bus that runs multiple routes within the town making it easy to travel around. Besides this, there are bus routes to the beaches and towns on the West side of the island. Ferries also leave from Rassada pier (which is a ten minute drive away) to Koh Phi Phi and other islands.

What are your favourite places to eat? Khun Jeed Yod Pak is an incredible Thai restaurant in the Old Town and my favourite spot we have discovered so far. They do brilliant fried crab rolls and pork dumplings for starters, and both wonderful Pad See Ew and an amazing signature gravy noodle dish. We have been going there once a week because it’s just that good. There is also a wide variety of restaurants in the local area serving all kinds of cuisine. We have had the opportunity to try a lot of new Thai dishes but there are also places serving familiar Western food when we are in need of comfort. Another particularly nice restaurant is Tu Kab Khao, it’s in a fancier setting and definitely on the pricier side for Thai cuisine but they make absolutely delicious food based on the owner’s mother’s recipes.

I fell in love with their crab curry with vermicelli noodles and will definitely be going back for more on special occasions. We are also lucky to have a great variety of choices across the street from our school to enjoy at lunchtimes and when school ends. These small stands and cafes provide food that ranges from traditional Thai dishes, Japanese dishes and more to Western comfort food such as baked potatoes, pasta, steak and even fresh donuts. I’m a particular fan of the a la carte stand run by a very friendly Thai couple who have been teaching me Thai phrases whenever I order my pad see ew or pad kra pao there. Finally, there’s a small stand run by a man from his motorbike who sells wonderful sweet pancakes.

Are there markets nearby where you’re staying? The Sunday night market is busy but incredible. People flood the streets buying some of the tastiest street food I’ve tried in Thailand (I highly recommend the fresh spring rolls and the tastiest fish tacos I have ever had in my entire life). There are also beautiful arts and crafts on sale here as well. Along the way you can stop and listen to people performing music and at the bottom end of the market there are even bigger performances of large bands. I’ve even seen a dance off between groups of teenagers there before. We also have Chillva market out by Central and it is one of the most laid back markets we’ve visited. It’s open wednesday night through saturday night. The street food stalls there are insanely tasty, they sell everything from delicious skewered meat to scorpions. We have enjoyed the skewered bbq pork and squid, tempura prawns, spring rolls and even churros. You can check out the clothes and gadgets on sale or just load up on food and take a seat in the back where lovely chill music is playing. It’s always buzzing!

What’s the night life like in your town? The nightlife is definitely on the quieter side in Phuket town as opposed to the Western side of Phuket island, but there is definitely still activity at the weekends. I’ve enjoyed some of the small bars in Old Town such as Club No. 43, Papazula (great live music and very relaxed atmosphere), and Good Vibes, there a few bars which show sport events which can also have a good atmosphere, and as an F1 fan I loved going to the Brasserie which showed the live races with english commentary. There’s a nightclub in the centre of Old Town called the Library which is definitely worth checking out. There’s even a Harry Potter themed bar which is a fun novelty. One of the best places to check out is the rooftop bar on top of Cue bar in Old Town. It’s really relaxed but always busy, the drinks are very reasonably priced and it stays open late into the night.

Where do you spend your weekends? Do you have any favourite spots to hang out? Weekends have been spontaneous so far, we’ve ventured out to Karon beach which is about 40 mins on a songtaew, we’ve chilled in the town and checked out the aquarium, we’ve hung out in Central and watched a movie at the cinema there. Every few weekends we splurge and go on a bit of an adventure with some of the friends we met in the XploreAsia orientation week which has been wonderful!

Where can we go for a quick getaway? Because of its southern location, Phuket has great access to the sea and islands. We went to Koh Phi Phi which is less than an hour away by speedboat ferry. This trip was just incredible, seeing so many iconic sights as well as snorkelling with sharks and other fish and even bioluminescent plankton after the sun had set. It is definitely well worth a visit and a very easy weekend trip because of the proximity.

Another trip we went on was to Chiang Mai which is quite a distance but is definitely easily managed because of the airport in Phuket. The airport is only a 40-minute drive from Phuket town and there is a frequent bus service to and from it which makes it very easy to see other regions of Thailand during the long weekends or holidays. We’re also within reasonable distance to Krabi and Phang-Nga and we spent time with friends in Ao Nang at New Years. The next adventure we are planning is to check out some of the National Parks near us, namely Khao Sok which we have heard is incredible! There’s plenty to see and do so we haven’t gotten bored yet.

What’s your one piece of advice for new teachers coming here?

I think it is a town where it might be easy to get into a routine and stick with it. But I think if you really get out there and introduce yourself and get to know new people you will have the best experience possible here in Phuket. In saying that, I think it’s worthwhile to really explore and enjoy the quieter parts of Phuket rather than focusing on the party lifestyle of the Western part of the island. You save money by avoiding tourist traps and you get to see a more beautiful side of Phuket the more you travel off the beaten track.

“My one piece of advice for new teachers coming here is to put yourself out there.“

– Mary Kate Barrett