Tips for Teachers Working Abroad for the First Time

by Jon | Dec 2, 2019 | XploreAsia News, Living in Myanmar, Living in South Korea, Living in Thailand, Living in Vietnam | 0 comments

Do's and Don'ts for New ESL Teachers

Nervous about starting your first job as an ESL teacher? Read some top tips from our TESOL instructor.

Hello! My name is CJ Lewis, a TESOL Instructor with XploreAsia. As we welcome a new group of TESOL students to Hua Hin, I thought I would highlight some Do’s and Don’ts for new teachers heading abroad for the first time. Here are my top tips for teachers new to the field of ESL.

First, the Do's!

Here are some tips for teachers looking to make their new lives abroad much easier.

DO arrive to school early. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Yes, that’s every day. It really shows the school staff that you take your job seriously and they will respect you for that.

2. DO dress for success. You know what they say, clothes make the man/woman. It will give you confidence, show the students that you are a professional teacher, and show the staff that you are ready to go. It’s a win-win for everyone.

3. DO bring a small gift for the principal of your school. It builds rapport, shows appreciation and its just fun to do.

Do you have any other tips for teachers? Let us know in the comments!

CJ's advice this month includes to dress for success.

I have given baseballs, fruit, energy drinks, even a Lebron James jersey (for a principal who REALLY liked Basketball) and it really made the year a smooth one from an administrative standpoint. Plus, some became friends for life.

One of CJ's tips for teachers is to try to learn the native language so you can bond with locals.

Explore the markets to find bargains and make new friends.

4. DO explore the day/night markets. You never know who you will meet, what you will buy, what you will eat, what music will play. Always a fun experience each and every time you go. No matter which country.

5. DO have an understanding of the native language. When out and about, if you try your best to speak their language, the locals will appreciate it. You don’t have to be fluent, but the if you know some vocab it will help locals to get to know you better. There’s a ton of apps out there to help you learn a new language in a fun way. Don’t be shy, give it a try!

Next, the Don'ts!

Here are some things to avoid if you want to make a good start teaching abroad.

1. DON’T be late. Ever. I mean it. Of course, things can happen. Everything is different and new in the country you have been placed. Buses are late, scooters run out of gas, routes get forgotten. Plan for it, make it a goal to always get to work on time and avoid distractions.

2. DON’T just stand in front of the class and give instructions. I like to tell students that the front of the room is “lava” and if they stay in one place for too long they will burn their feet. Move around! Get the students to talk, ask questions. Just don’t stay put. Be active

Do you have any more top tips for teachers? Share some advice in the comments!

Top tips for teachers: staying active can particularly help to keep the engagement of young learners.

3. DON’T speak too fast. This is one of the most important tips for teachers who are not used to teaching ESL. When we’re around our peers, friends, and family, we tend to speak pretty fast. They are native English speakers and they understand what we are saying. That is not the case when you are teaching ESL. You must pace yourself, enunciate, and take your time to convey understanding. It will take patience, practice and experience.

Another of CJ's tips for teachers is not to neglect your social life. Try to grasp every opportunity whilst teaching hing abroad.

You'll always have your XA family to lean on. Don't be afraid to contact us for advice.

4. DON’T say no to a wrong answer or an invite, DON’T say I cant to an opportunity. Be a Yes man! Get out there and see what opportunities your town can offer when given the chance! I never thought I would be into scuba diving and now I go almost every weekend, because of an invite.

5. DON’T become discouraged when things aren’t working. Lean on your new friends, vent to your family back home (Skype!), chat with your favorite street market vendor, and of course, the XploreAsia team are always here to help! Drop us a line if you ever need a helping hand.

To learn more about our programs, head over to our website. To see updates from teachers we’ve already helped find amazing new adventures, follow our Instagram and Facebook pages.

Chad’s Story: Teacher in Thailand Making Local Friendships

by Jon | Dec 2, 2019 | XploreAsia News, Living in Thailand, Making a Difference, Teacher Stories | 0 comments

Bang

"It was probably the most emotional I have been during this whole experience and all I want for him is a happy, successful life and wish that he gets out of the life he is in now."

In our final installment of this month’s series, recent TESOL graduate Chad shares his heartfelt story. Chad met Bang during his stay in Hua Hin whilst studying to be an ESL teacher in Thailand, and the encounter had a profound affect on his worldview.

So since being here I have talked to so many people in the local community but none have had more of an effect on me than Bang. He is a little kid that was probably no older than 8 or 9. I met Bang in the worst possible way; he was selling roses on the street by himself at about 11pm at night when our TESOL group was heading out on the first of many Friday nights out in Hua Hin.

Chad met Bang during an evening in Hua Hin during studying for his TESOL course. Who will you meet when you teach in Thailand?

Since being told about the difficulties Thailand has with child trafficking, I was heavily against being a part of it and buying into any of it. To my understanding, kids in these situations do not lead the best lives, Matilda, a fellow student training to be a teacher in Thailand, agreed and we decided just wanted to make sure that he knew we cared for him and wanted him to have fun like children at his age should be doing. We chatted with him, danced in the street and played “silly buggers” for almost 2 hours instead of drinking with everyone. He spoke excellent English and knew that we just wanted him to be okay.

He told us that we can visit him around the same area again during the weekends. As I was training to be a teacher in Thailand, I really hoped I’d see him again before leaving to my placement. He was such an amazing and caring little child; it was very upsetting to me that he was stuck in this type of lifestyle. I really wanted to do everything I could while I was here to give him the most fun time as I could manage.

It wasn’t until the next Friday, when we went out again, that I got to meet Bang for a second time. The whole group was walking to the bar district and he was standing on the stairs by a 7/11 with a few of his rose selling friends. Matilda and I saw him and said a big hello and ran towards him- Bang nearly dived off the stairs into both mine and Matilda arms!

The best thing about meeting and getting to know Bang was the true heartfelt hug he gave me after I told him that I would never forget him and hope to see him in again in the future.

Chad- TESOL graduate

We both were so happy that he remembered us and we made sure that he was okay and wasn’t hungry, thirsty or needed anything. We had another muck around with him and his friends and just generally chatted and chilled with him for a bit. Once again it didn’t take me long to realize that he was such an intelligent, funny and just all round amazing kid. He was constantly cracking jokes and showing so much compassion from both Matilda and I which was obviously because he could sense how much we actually cared for him and just wanted him to be happy.

Matilda, Chad's fellow teacher in Thailand, was also very touched by Bang's situation.

Once again, I had the opportunity the following Friday to try and make his night just the little bit better. Knowing that it may be the last time I’d get to see him, it was harder to want to leave. He was very upset that Matilda was not with me this time and he told me (after our quick game of tag on the streets, a bit a dance together (because he has the coolest dance moves ever) and a shoulder ride) to make sure that I give her a big hug from him and to tell her that he loves her because she is beautiful and kind. It was probably the most emotional I have been during my time in Thailand so far. All I want for him is a happy, successful life and I wish that he gets out of the life he is in now. The best thing about meeting and getting to know Bang was the true heartfelt hug he gave me after I told him that I would never forget him and hope to see him in again in the future.

What did you think of Chad’s story? Being a teacher in Thailand lets you see all sides of the culture, but also puts you in a position to make a huge difference to the community. If you’re interested in teaching in Thailand, check out our programs. Follow our Instagram and Facebook accounts to keep up with our current TESOL teachers.

Chad graduating from our Hua Hin TESOL program and becoming a fully-fledged teacher in Thailand.

Olivia’s Story: Teachers in Thailand Making Local Friendships

by Jon | Dec 2, 2019 | XploreAsia News, Living in Thailand, Teacher Stories | 0 comments

The Banksy of Hua Hin

"I couldn't help noticing the beautiful street art and I was intrigued by the mysterious person behind these works."

Moving to a new country can be a huge challenge. Here at XploreAsia, we believe that challenges are what make people grow and that moving abroad can open up a wealth of opportunities. In this series on our blog, our recent TESOL graduates are sharing their stories of the international frienships they made even before they became fully-fledged teachers in Thailand. This week, Olivia tells us about her discovery of one of Hua Hin’s most prolific street artists who she ran into during her time studying in Hua Hin.

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Since arriving to Hua Hin, I couldn’t help noticing the unique street art, particularly the giant eye that seems to be watching me everywhere I go. As an artist myself, I was intrigued and keen to find the mysterious person behind these works. I’d labeled the artist, in my head, as the “Banksy of Hua Hin”. In our first week here, I’d noticed an alley that had walls decorated with paintings on the road to the night market. A few Sundays in, I was feeling restless and decided to go to exploring. During my walk, I passed the same colorful alleyway, and decided to venture down and check it out.

What I discovered was a space filled with art. Rap music blared as I wandered around the giant room trying to take it all in. Suddenly the volume was lowered,and a tall skinny Thai man with a ponytail and tattoos nodded at me coolly. He became the recipient of my millions of questions. “Did you make all this art?” “How long have you been an artist?” “Do you live here?”

He answered as best he could with limited English, but was quick to show me his sketchpad. When I told him I drew too, he told me that it’s important to do at least five drawings a day in order to really improve. He invited me to explore and take pictures if I wanted to. He even let me photograph him. We hung out and chatted about art. I learned that aside from art, he likes to skimboard every day with his girlfriend, who is also an artist. She makes clothes and bags- one of which I ended up buying. It was a collaboration of her stitching and his drawings, priced at 500 baht, but since I only had 400 on me, he gave it to me for 400. It had one of the mysterious eyes I had seen plastered all over the city.

Teachers in Thailand get a chance to gain a real insight into the lives of the locals.

I was really fortunate to meet a Thai artist that seems to make his entire living that way, especially because I have struggled for a while to find my own path. His entire demeanor was refreshing, and it seemed like he had found the secret formula to happiness. He was very humble while also being breathtakingly talented.

Teachers in Thailand have the opportunity to explore the most incredible places!

From this interaction, but also from the interactions I’ve had with Thai people in general, I felt very welcome. This is a new thing to me as someone who comes from icy New Hampshire, where people are much less ready to chat to strangers. The genuine kindness of Thai people is definitely something I can get used to. I’ve had Thai people help me fit groceries into my backpack when they saw I was struggling, run up to me with a bottle of vinegar when I got stung by a jellyfish, and cram ten donuts into a box for me because I had dropped the ones I originally bought on the street. Creativity also appears to be a common thread through my experience in Thailand so far, and I am looking forward to meeting more creative people in my new community.

What do you think of Olivia’s story meeting a fellow artist? Teachers in Thailand are often surprised by how welcoming the locals are and it’s easy for Thailand to feel like a home from home. If you enjoyed this blog, why not check out Olivia’s classmate Kyle’s experience bonding with a local?

You can also see updates on Olivia’s journey through her blog and Instagram page. If you want to be finding new friends and learning new things yourself, all whilst making a huge difference to a Thai community, check out our TESOL course which will give you all the skills you need to be a great English teacher. Make sure to follow XploreAsia on Instagram and Facebook to see what else our teachers in Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, Vietnam and China are up to.

We Decided to Teach English in Myanmar

by Jon | Dec 2, 2019 | XploreAsia News, Living in Myanmar, Teacher Stories | 0 comments

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Did you know that in addition to five other diverse destinations, XploreAsia offers the chance to gain an accredited TESOL qualification in Myanmar? We’re always interested in hearing our teachers’ experiences and invited one of them to share their story. Read below an account of one of our TESOL graduates teaching in Myanmar and their first impressions of the country.

The anxiety and excitement leading up to this adventure has been overwhelming. It was scary not knowing what to expect, but thrilling to finally see our plans to teach English in Myanmar coming through after so much hard work and preparation. Upon arriving in Yangon, the first thing I noticed was the sincere display of kindness, warmth and welcoming, a characteristic I expected, but not to such a degree. The next thing I notice is how diverse the place is. With a demographic consisting of over 130 different ethnicities, religions and cultures, it has a very different vibe to many of its neighbours.The city itself has a lot of character; the beautifully unique buildings give clues to Myanmar’s colonial past.

The city of Yangon offers limitless possibilities for exploration.

Explore the streets and find hidden gems whilst living and working in this secluded country.

Get an unincumbered look into authentic Myanmar culture when you teach English in Myanmar.

Teach English in Myanmar and create lasting bonds with local people.

You will be making a difference to the local community if you teach English in Myanmar.

Live like a local. Eat like a local. Shop like a local. Really soak up the culture in Myanmar.

You never know where your journey will take you.

As soon as we arrive, Liam and I are curious to know more about the people and how they live in Myanmar. So, we take the circle line train around Yangon and engage with the local commuters. The train itself is old and rickety, moving at slow speeds. It has no doors which allows us to stand half way out the train and watch the daily life of Yangon roll by. Yangon is a very unconventional city, which allows for travelers to really gain a brand new experience, and allows for some unique inner-city adventures. It’s not difficult to find your way around and the public transport is very cheap, which means you can explore the city without fear of getting completely lost. It’s great to be able to hop on and off the circle line train at any platform and just walk in whichever direction you feel like exploring.

Teach English in Myanmar and experience life like a local.

Explore the fascinating landscape of Myanmar.

Immerse yourself in the culture; teach English in Myanmar and become part of a new community.

Coming to teach English in Myanmar has been a fascinating adventure. If this is any indication of what the rest of the journey holds, it’s sure to be memorable. Throughout our time here, we’re looking forward to finding out out what the people here are all about and discover all this country has to offer.

Does Yangon sound like the place for you? Here at XploreAsia, we offer training, lifetime placement support, and an orientation week to prepare you for life in a new culture so you can teach English in Myanmar with confidence. You can also catch up with XploreAsia and find information on all our programs through our Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Kyle’s Story: Teachers in Thailand Making Local Friendships

by Jon | Dec 2, 2019 | XploreAsia News, Living in Thailand, Teacher Stories | 0 comments

The Jersey Boys

"He wanted to know about my home as much as I wanted to know about his."

Making the move to a new country can be difficult. It’s daunting to leave friends and family so far behind to start a new adventure. However, moving abroad is just that- an adventure- and there are lots of new friends waiting to be found. In this blog series, some of our teachers in Thailand who’ve just graduated from our most recent TESOL course in Hua Hin are sharing the most memorable connections they’ve made with Thai locals during their training. Read on to find out about Teacher Kyle’s chance encounter with a musical couple.

Teachers in Thailand get the chance to make lasting international friendships.

One day, as I walked to explore Hua Hin and find a new place to eat, a friendly Thai man exclaimed “New Jersey”, the state I come from, as he passed me. I was confused and turned around to see him looking at me and telling his wife something but I only understood “New Jersey” and “Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons”. I didn’t even realize the shirt I had on that day was of the summer camp I worked at called Camp Nejeda. I tried to start a conversation in Thai with him and they laughed with me before he started speaking above average English. The man told me his name but said to call him “Ant” because I’d have trouble anyway, sure enough I forgot both him and his wife’s Thai names. I am pretty sure the man was more eager to talk to me than I was to him. He asked me question after question about my state and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, his favorite musical group.

I sat with him and his wife for a half hour over breakfast. He was ecstatic that people in my generation had a sense of adventure and an open mind to work in his country. Ant told me he spent a few months working in Washington DC but was never able to make it up to New Jersey which always disappointed him. I tried to reassure him there was nothing special about it.

Ant, his wife and I were only together for about an hour and a half and I don’t think I stopped smiling the whole time. I have never even felt so welcome, even in my own home. The generosity and curiosity was new to me and it was shocking in the best way.

Kyle- TESOL graduate

After sharing music from our home countries, we were heading in the same direction once we left breakfast and he asked if I had ever tried khanom khrok (a Thai dessert made with coconut milk). I said no and he bought some for us to try. I loved it and tried to offer him money for the share he gave me. His wife and him both laughed at me as I insisted. Then I realized how American I was being. Local’s kindness can be a surprise for new teachers in Thailand.

Ant, his wife and I were only together for about an hour and a half and I don’t think I stopped smiling the whole time. I have never felt so welcome, even in my own home. The generosity and curiosity was new to me and it was shocking in the best way. He wanted to know about my home as much as I wanted to know about his. However, what stuck out the most was that he’d drove four hours to Hua Hin that day to replace a car battery for someone in his family. My family care for each other too, but instead of making a 4 hour drive we would probably help them over the phone. Ant, on the other hand, was excited to make the journey to help his family. It was an excuse to come see them and have dinner. He also was fine taking time out of his day to hang out with a stranger from America. I truly could not see anyone doing that in the States. Unfortunately, I forgot to get any contact information and now that I’m writing this I wish I could stay in touch. He was my first Thai friend. At least I got a selfie, though!

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What do you think of Kyle’s story? If experiencing a different culture sounds good to you, head over to our website to learn more about our TESOL course which we offer in six amazing locations. Teachers in Thailand can earn a living and make a huge difference in your community. Who will you meet during your time abroad?

Keep an eye on the XploreAsia blog to hear more stories from our teachers in Thailand and the cross-cultural friendships they have made. Also, head over to XploreAsia’s Instagram and Facebook pages to see what our teachers all over the world are getting up to after gaining their TESOL with us.

Teaching in Myanmar- Noah’s Experience

by Jon | Dec 2, 2019 | XploreAsia News, Living in Myanmar, Teacher Stories | 0 comments

Teaching in Myanmar: Noah’s Experience

“This country offers the adventure of a lifetime. Everyday will be different from the last; you truly never know what lies around the next corner in Myanmar.”

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is among the most recent countries to open its doors to westerners. Due to being untouched by western influence, it offers a unique chance to dive into a completely different culture. Additionally, the eagerness of the locals to learn English and better themselves makes it an ideal place for TESOL teachers. Check out our interview with current teacher Noah about his experiences in the city’s old capital city, Yangon.

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What made you decide to start teaching in Myanmar?

After teaching in China in 2017, I moved to Australia for a year and whilst I was there, I had the longing to go back to Asia and teach. My girlfriend and I looked into the available programs and found we were extremely curious about Myanmar.

The thought of being able to witness a country that had only recently opened its borders grow, and knowing the people of Myanmar really needed English to help them with this, was just too enticing to miss out on.

Q: What’s a normal school day like?

A: Monday to Wednesday I teach pre-school classes in two different schools. My school day starts at 9 o’clock with gate duty. It’s a fun way to start the day by standing at the front and greeting all the students and parents as they walk in. Myself and the other teachers help the students with their school bags and lunches whilst guiding them to their various classrooms. After this I begin teaching; every day is different with this because I rotate between every class the school has to offer. While the levels change every day, I have the same amount of teaching each day. Once I have taught the children and had my lunch at my favorite little tea shop down the street its time to see the students off.

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As the students wait for their “ferries” or parents to pick them up I begin preparations for my last class of the day. Once all the students have been safely sent home the teachers and assistant teachers all meet in one class and I begin my lesson for them. In this class we work on different aspects of English such as speaking, writing, grammar and various other learning points the teachers feel they need help with. My day finishes around 5pm. Then, on the weekends, I teach young learners, the students ages range from 6-16 year olds. I start earlier, at 8am, but I also finish earlier, at 2pm. I teach four classes a day rotating through the various levels; due to the children being older they don’t require the constant attention/care the pre schoolers do, so my weekends are more focused on teaching.

Q: With already having taught before, how different have you found teaching in Myanmar?

A: When I taught in China I was teaching University students, so coming to Myanmar and having the complete opposite was a challenge. Adjusting to teaching pre-school students took it’s time and even though I still prefer teaching older children/adults, I have built an amazing bond with my students and I have so much fun teaching them.

XploreAsia Teach Abroad - Myanmar Noah 9

XploreAsia Teach Abroad - Noah Myanmar 10

Q: How was finding an apartment in Myanmar?

A: Finding an apartment in Yangon was a very simple process. There are many ways to go about it but the best I’ve found was using Facebook’s Yangon Connections page. I placed an ad for myself asking if anyone was looking for renters. Immediately, I received a ton of listings. It took me no time at all to find the perfect place to call home in this awesome city. My land lady is a very kind woman who is always asking if I need any help and is very quick to fix anything that happens in the apartment.

I live in a very cosy modern loft. The apartment came fully furnished and even had a TV. It’s not hard to find a perfect new home in Myanmar like I did.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: The teachers have a great community built up in Yangon, so there is usually always someone willing to hang out and go on an adventure.Whether that’s going for a bicycle tour around the village of Dala across Yangon river, taking a boat and then a 45 minute tuk tuk to see a snake pagoda (a pagoda that is home to over 30 pythons) exploring the abandoned amusement park, going bowling, or simply meeting up for some BBQ, beers and a good old chat. I have also recently got involved in playing volleyball with a group of expats and locals on Monday and Wednesdays, it’s nothing too serious we just meet up for a few games and a laugh, hopefully soon we will start up some training sessions for beginners that want to learn.

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Q: Any advice for someone coming to Myanmar?

A: Myanmar is an amazing country that has only recently been opened up to the rest of the world. My advice for someone who is looking to start their adventure here is that this is not like any country you’ve ever been to. There is next to no western influence and should not be seen as an easy country to live in.

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With that being said, this country offers the adventure of a lifetime. Everyday will be different from the last; you truly never know what lies around the next corner in Myanmar. So my advice is this; for anyone looking to make the commitment to live and teach here you must come with an open mind and a determination to not be frightened by the unknowns but take it all in stride as just another day another adventure. This county and its people can give you the experience of a life time, you just need to be ready to accept everything that it offers.

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If Noah’s story has inspired you, then check out our in-country TESOL course including a cultural orientation week that will give you all the tools necessary to start an amazing new journey teaching in Myanmar. We also offer placement assistance as well as lifetime support following the course.

Don’t forget to check out our Instagram and Facebook pages to see more from our teachers in all six of our placement locations.

Teach in Costa Rica and Live the Pura Vida

by Jon | Nov 25, 2019 | Living in Costa Rica, XploreAsia News | 11 comments

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If you’re all signed up for our new TESOL course and ready to teach in Costa Rica, you might want to know a little bit about the fascinating new culture you are going to be part of. In Costa Rica, the motto “pura vida”, roughly translating to “pure life”, is very important to the Costa Rican people. This phrase can be seen as similar to hakuna matata and is about living a relaxed, healthy and balanced life. Read on for a further look at this enchanting culture and, if you haven’t already, maybe even consider making the move with our course to prepare you to teach in Costa Rica.

One of the Happiest Countries in the World

Did you know that Costa Rica is one of the happiest places in the world according to the Happy Planet Index? Residents not only enjoy a stress-free lifestyle, but also the health benefits of a more relaxed way of life. Costa Rica has one of the longest life expectancies, with an average of 78.5 years, longer than that of the USA.

Costa Ricans are very generous and welcoming people and take pleasing their friends and guests very seriously.

Teach in Costa Rica- the happiest country in the world!

If you teach in Costa Rica, you will be a valuable member of the community as education is highly regarded in this Central American country and lots of people will want to welcome you. As with other Latin cultures, it is customary to greet close friends with a kiss on the cheek. Culture tip: remember to greet and say goodbye to everyone whenever you leave your new Costa Rican friends’ houses. Even if it might take you an extra few minutes to leave, they will definitely appreciate it.

Teach in Costa Rica – A Country of Diverse Natural Beauty

Costa Rica has lots of natural wonders to explore!

Costa Rica is one of the top five greenest countries in the world, the only one of the top five outside of Europe. Despite only occupying 0.03% of the earth’s surface, it houses 5% of the world’s biodiversity. For nature lovers, there are hundreds of species of birds, over one-hundred and fifty species of mammals, 9,000 species of plants, and 1,000 species of butterflies. As well as having a plethora of wildlife and plants, the locals are also passionate about protecting it. Did you know that more than 90% of the country’s energy comes from renewable energy sources? It’s great that Costa Ricans are so devoted to preserving their land, and there are lots of conservation projects you can get involved in whilst you teach in Costa Rica too.

Food for Thought

As well as nature, another thing close to Costa Ricans’ hearts is food. Most food is cooked from fresh ingredients with little to no added preservatives or salt. Dishes tend to be made of fresh vegetables, fruit, beans and rice. Whilst living in Costa Rica, you can chow down on Olla de Carne, a hearty beef stew with a variety of vegetables, or vegetarians can enjoy dishes such as Patacones, deep fried plantain, with dips and sides. There is a lot of choice and lots of chances to tickle your taste buds.

Being such hospitable people, Costa Ricans are always keen to offer their guests some food and or refreshments. However, they also appreciate honesty so politely let them know if they give you something you can’t eat or drink.

In this country, sharing a meal is about spending time together with friends and family and often forms the base of social events and gatherings. So, dig in!

Join the Festivities

Teach in Costa Rica and have fun with new friends!

The people of Costa Rica enjoy celebrating national holidays in a big way. On Independence day, there are traditional outfits men and women will wear to celebrate the occasion, with clothing all decorated in red, white and blue, the nation’s national colours. Another big celebration in the country is Semana Santa, usually happening in April, in which people will gather together to celebrate the Holy Week with parades and processions.

As Costa Rica’s main religion is Christianity, there are also a heap of things to do around Christmas time, including more parades, tree decorations, and traditional snacks. It may not offer sleigh rides and snow, but you can have a very merry Christmas when you teach in Costa Rica.

Get Active

Teach in Costa Rica and get healthy too!

Another big passion for Costa Rican people is football (or soccer). There are various teams in Costa Rica, each with their own devoted fan base, and people love to cheer on their team at a stadium or get together to watch matches on TV. Hiking in the country’s many mountain ranges is also very popular and with the wonderful weather it’s a great place to get outside, stay active and feel healthy.

Joining a sports club is also a great way to meet new friends and will help you to feel at home. With health and social benefits plus plenty of opportunity, there really is no excuse not to be a healthier you.

Want to Teach in Costa Rica?

How does the pura vida lifestyle sound to you? If you’re intrigued by the small glimpse into the culture provided by this blog, why not check out our in-classroom TESOL course based in this amazing country? Not only will you get an accredited teaching certificate opening up possibilities for you across the world, you will also have access to our placement assistance and ongoing support network to help you get the most out of your time in Costa Rica. We also provide an orientation week to get you ready for your new adventure. What are you waiting for? Come and join us in the sunshine!

Catch up with XploreAsia via our Instagram and Facebook to see pictures, videos and updates from our teachers.

Teach English in Costa Rica with XploreAsia

by Jon | Nov 20, 2019 | XploreAsia News, Living in Costa Rica | 0 comments

Xplore Costa Rica with XploreAsia!

Learn About Our New TESOL Course in Costa Rica

Teach in Costa Rica and Change People’s Lives for the Better

Here at XploreAsia, we are pleased to announce the opening of our brand new TESOL course location. In addition to the five countries in Asia, we have now expanded our reach to Central America and offer an in-classroom TESOL and placement service in the beautiful country of Costa Rica. In this blog post, we hope to give you a window into this unique culture waiting to be explored.

Why Teach in Costa Rica?

English teachers make a huge difference to the community and to people’s lives. Many locals have a huge motivation to learn English due to the rapidly growing tourist industry in the region. This creates a huge demand for for the English teachers in many parts of the country.

Teach English in Costa Rica and change the lives of the community for the better.

Being able to speak the language will open up more opportunities for local people to get higher paid jobs, communicate with more people, and be able to lift themselves out of poverty. Teach English in Costa Rica with XploreAsia and you won’t just be supporting yourself and having fun exploring a new culture. You will be impacting the lives of local people, and providing them with a vital chance to gain an authentic learning experience from a native English speaker.

There’s No Shortage of Sunshine

As a quick glance will demonstrate, Costa Rica has wonderful weather and great beaches. Costa Rica has two distinct seasons: the high season and the green season. The green season is also known as the rainy season, whereas the high season is much dryer. The heat doesn’t vary greatly, but you can expect the highest temperatures between February and May, although the average highs reach around 27 degrees throughout the year. Additionally, with Costa Rica being a tropical country, you can take advantage of twelve bountiful hours of gorgeous sunshine per day… every day. What’s not to like?

Make Friends with Locals

Costa Rica is known for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The locals enjoy welcoming new people into their communities and there will be plenty of chances to bond with them. Sometimes even the smallest familiarities with the local coffee shop staff or people working at the markets and stores can make a new destination feel more like home. You can easily build this sense of community if you teach in Costa Rica.

Outside of work, Costa Rica offers a relaxed lifestyle far removed from the hustle and bustle of an American city. In Costa Rica, people take their time and enjoy the moment. If you want to live a stress-free life, this is a perfect place to do it.

Make lasting bonds with the locals you've met while teaching in Costa Rica

Explore what Costa Rica has to offer with the new friends you've made with XploreAsia

Learn Spanish Whilst Teaching English

The native language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Living in a country that uses a different language gives you the opportunity to soak up new vocabulary like a sponge. Luckily, Spanish isn’t necessary to be able to get around, but you will probably find yourself learning quickly. If you want to become more fluent, there are plenty of tutors for you to find. Learning a new language is both great for making new friends and feeling more settled, but also looks great on resumes and study applications.

Never Be Bored Again!

Costa Rica is full of bars, restaurants and activity centers, allowing you to make the most of your leisure time. Locals like to listen to and play music and there is a big live music scene. There are also many chances to learn new sports such as gymnastics and water sports. The national sport is soccer, so you may find yourself bonding with the locals over cheering on their home team in the many stadiums across the country. Remember that you will not only teach in Costa Rica, you will live in Costa Rica and moving abroad can be a great chance to start a new life and try out new things. You will not be short of chances to learn new skills, meet new people, and have fun.

Explore new heights while teaching English in Costa Rica

You will have lots of bonding time with the other teachers while working with XploreAsia

We Look Forward to Welcoming you to Costa Rica!

If you’re interested in starting a new life in this tropical paradise, check out the full program page on our website As well as offering an internationally accredited TESOL teaching certificate, we offer lifetime support in finding placements in six different countries. Additionally, our support network doesn’t close when the certificate is handed over to you. XploreAsia supports clients for life, meaning that if you are struggling with anything, a member of the team will always be there to help you out. Teach English in Costa Rica with XploreAsia now and start the adventure of a lifetime!

Catch up with XploreAsia via our Instagram and Facebook pages to see pictures, videos and updates from our teachers.

Which Teach English Abroad Program is Meant for You!

by Jon | Nov 6, 2019 | XploreAsia News | 4 comments

Teach English abroad and embrace a new culture

Thinking of teaching English abroad in Asia, but don’t know where?

We’ve got the quiz for you! We currently offer teach English abroad programs in Thailand, South Korea, China, Myanmar, and Vietnam (and soon to be Costa Rica– watch this space, 2020!). With five amazing countries in Asia to choose from, it can be hard to choose the perfect place for you. Do you want to experience ancient temples in Thailand? Try authentic pho in Vietnam? Wear hanbok in Korea? Take your first step into your new career change by exploring your options. Take the quiz now to find out where could be the perfect backdrop for a new chapter in your life.

What was your result? Let us know in the comments! Has this quiz made you curious about how you could start a new life and teach English abroad? As well as moving to a new country and earning a sustainable income, you can also positively impact the community by giving the locals the chance to learn English and lift themselves out of poverty, get into better schools, or find better jobs, depending on the country. When you teach English abroad, you can also truly embrace the culture rather than merely observing it like a tourist. With our internationally accredited TESOL qualification, you can teacher wherever you want to go and our course will give you all the skills you need to be a confident and effective teacher!

XploreAsia Teach Abroad - IMG 2127 e1557287171261

If you’re still undecided, head over to our Instagram and Facebook pages to see what our current teachers in Korea, China, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam and China are up to. At XploreAsia, we’ve placed thousands of teachers and helped them start the most amazing journeys. If your mind is already made up, head over to our wesbite to find out more about teaching overseas.

What You Need to Know Before Moving to Asia

by Jon | Oct 24, 2019 | XploreAsia News | 0 comments

Find out all you need to make moving to Asia as smooth as possible.

So, you’re thinking of moving to Asia? That’s great! That’s what XploreAsia is here for. We facilitate and support your adventures teaching English abroad. However, it helps to embark on your journey with some of the facts already in hand so you are well-prepared to settle into your new home. In this blog post, we run down some information we wish we’d known before moving to Asia from the west.

Why Can Moving to Asia be Challenging?

If you come from an English speaking country, there’s a high chance you’ve been accustomed to an individualist culture. To name a few, the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia are all countries that have an individualistic culture. Collectivism is vastly different than individualism, and adjusting to the differences can be a challenge. Culture touches every part of life. It can determine how you perceive relationships, how you evaluate yourself, and what you may prioritize. Knowing the differences between the two cultures helps avoid the surprise.

Moving to Asia can be a rewarding challenge for travelers.

What is Individualism?

Individualistic cultures focus on individual journeys.

Individualistic cultures favour independence and self-reliance. The right of an individual precedes that of the group. There’s an emphasis on being unique and standing out. As independence is highly revered in individualistic cultures, many people believe that you should be able to solve your own problems. It can be seen as embarrassing if you need to ask others for help rather than “just getting on with it” on your own.

Moving to Asia can make you rethink the values of your home culture.

What is Collectivism?

In collectivist societies, the needs of the group are favoured over that of the individual. It is seen as a no-brainer to sacrifice your comfort for the greater good. As collectivistic cultures place importance on their community, it’s common to find people reaching out to family and friends for support, and relying on each other during difficult times. Social-cooperation is also very important. People prioritize harmonious relationships and avoid confrontation. Conversely to individualism, people from collectivist cultures hold self-concepts that are centered around interdependence and their roles in groups.

Collectivism values the needs of the group over the needs of the individual.

Learn about collectivism before moving to Asia to dampen the effects of culture shock.

What Can You Expect?

Moving to Asia gives you a chance to experience a whole new social system.

Upon moving to Asia, you will come to interact with the locals. At first, you might not notice it, but you will gradually come to understand what it means to hold collectivistic views. This can be an eye-opening change for someone who has only had experience with an individualistic culture. In many Asian countries, people are more attentive to other people’s needs and opinions. They are focused on maintaining a good image of themselves and fulfilling a social role within their community. Therefore, you might meet people who value social gatherings to a great degree.

Social gatherings are known to strengthen bonds between colleagues or friends, as they are seen as important events that can help build a stronger community. Community plays a big part in collectivist cultures and people feel obligated to fulfill social roles in their community. Whether it is to be a good daughter to your parents, or a loyal friend. After moving to Asia, you may find yourself getting involved in these social events and becoming attached to your new community in your new home.

You can see the clash between individualism and collectivism clearly play out in a work setting. In an individualistic work setting, creativity and individual achievements are valued, and a lot of times, people are awarded bonuses based on their performance. However, in a collectivistic work setting, teamwork is valued. It is frowned upon if someone disrupts the group harmony. More importantly, hierarchy is very prominent in a collectivist work setting. A lot of people try and read the atmosphere to avoid upsetting anyone, especially their superiors. So when you get placed in a new work setting in Asia, you may find it hard to understand the significance placed on group work and might think it’s odd how a lot of people may tiptoe around their employers. However, being armed with this prior knowledge of how collectivism operates will hopefully make it easier to assimilate after moving to Asia.

Enjoy Your Adventure in Asia!

Moving to Asia will surely be quite the adventure! Understanding the collectivistic values in many Asian countries will save you some of the confusion you might experience during your time abroad. Don’t get too caught up on thinking like a collectivist, though! This post is just meant to help you become aware of the differences between each culture. Keep in mind to respect the social etiquette in the country you are staying in and enjoy your adventure in Asia!