Teach English in Yangon, Myanmar – Checking in with Dillon

by Lay | Aug 18, 2023 | Living in Myanmar, Teacher Stories, XploreAsia News | 0 comments

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 | Living in Thailand, Teacher Stories, XploreAsia News | 0 comments

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 | Living in Japan, Teacher Stories, XploreAsia News | 5 comments

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 | Living in Thailand, Teacher Stories, XploreAsia News | 0 comments

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

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Teach Japan, TESOL Launch!

by Lay | Mar 14, 2023 | Living in Japan, XploreAsia News

Guest Writer –

Teach Japan, in-country TESOL launch!

Greetings all current and aspiring teachers! History has been made in Nagoya as we kicked off our first Teach Japan TESOL Launch. Without further ado, we just wanted to give you an overview of what we got up to during our cultural orientation week. It was a pleasure to have this group join us and we look forward to growing intake by intake!

Monday: Welcome, Japanese language, Lunch, and a guided tour of Atsuta Shrine.

We started off the first day with our welcome meeting to greet the participants and welcome them onto the program. This was followed by our first of three Japanese language classes. We then headed to a traditional Japanese restaurant for lunch where we got to try some of the local Nagoyan dishes. After lunch, we headed out on our first excursion to Atsuta shrine, which is one of Shinto’s most important shrines and dates back to 100CE. A great first day was had and everyone took the chance to bond and get to know one another a little better!

Tuesday: A Day Full of Food! We started off day 2 with a presentation on Japanese food, where we learned all about the history of Japanese food, some famous Japanese dishes, and also how to eat on a budget in Japan. We then went for lunch where we had Japanese curry before heading off to a Japanese cooking class, which was definitely a highlight of the week and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Wednesday: More Japanese language and more in-depth learning about Japanese Culture.

We started the day with our 2nd Japanese language class for the week. We then had 2 workshops on Japanese Culture followed by another on culture shock and dealing with living in and adapting to life in Japan. After a day of learning in the classroom, we headed to Nittaiji Temple, which is said to house the ashes of Budda, given to Japan as a gift from the King of Thailand. This is a great place to hand out, grab some tea and chat with some elderly locals who are all too happy to share some of life’s meanings and stories.

Thursday: Final Japanese Language lesson, and a visit to Tokugawa Art Museum! We started the day with our final Japanese lesson of the week. The language classes were really invaluable, giving the teachers a great foundation and getting them started on their Japanese language journey. This was followed by a visit to the Tokugawa art museum, which was a very interesting and insightful look into the past, with loads of items from the 900-1400 period.

Friday: Full Excursion Day Exploring Nagoya.

Our final day was our excursion day where we travel around Nagoya, immerse ourselves in the history and culture, and get to explore this awesome city. We started off by visiting the Nagoya Castle and palace, which was like taking a step back in time. We then headed to Nagoya tower where we headed up to the top for an incredible view of the city. We ended the day by going to Osu Cannon, which is a traditional shopping street and hub for Japanese temples and historical sites. We had some free time to explore and have lunch.

—–

Teaching in Japan is a chance of a lifetime to explore one of the richest cultures and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the world. Japan has an ancient culture full of beautiful traditions and art, amazing food, and advanced technologies, offering teachers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a one-of-a-kind country. The teaching opportunities available in Japan vary and include teaching English in public schools, private language schools, universities and colleges, and even teaching other subject areas such as science, math, and art. It is a great way to experience a different culture and to make friends with people from all over the world.

All the best to our teachers who attended the in-country TESOL and those heading over for Spring – the biggest intake of the year.

虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず

“If you do not enter the tiger’s cave, you will not catch its cub.”

(Nothing ventured, nothing gained.)

If you’re interested in joining us in Japan, fill out this quick form and set up a free call with our Team. 2024 applications are already open!

Also check out what life is like for one of our current teachers, Simone Poinga-Hill.

Guest Writer: Enzo, East Asia Programs Manager

Enzo is currently based on the ground in Seoul, South Korea. He taught in the South just outside Changwon for 3 years before deciding to help fellow teachers follow their dreams. When asked what his favourite food was, he said: Korean.

Cultural Orientation in Vietnam (The Itinerary)

by Lay | Feb 28, 2023 | Living in Vietnam, XploreAsia News

Cultural Orientation

in Vietnam Update

– February 2023

Take a look at what our teachers got up to during their cultural orientation in Vietnam. With its vibrant culture, friendly people, and rich history, Vietnam is an amazing place to live and work. Teaching in Vietnam gives you the opportunity to experience the country’s culture and traditions while also making a difference in the lives of the local people you meet. Teaching in Vietnam can be a challenging experience, but it’s also incredibly rewarding and can lead to a lifelong connection to the country and its people. Take a look at what our first group of 2023 got up to!

We had our cultural orientation in Vietnam towards the end of February, and everyone had a blast! From day one, we knew this would be a fun group of people; as soon as they arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, the participants started to explore the city and began bonding together. Not only were they active participants in our classroom sessions, but also really enjoyed the Vietnamese language classes with our local co-worker, Lan Anh.

Not only were our in-class sessions helpful for the participants in their transition to Vietnam, but our excursions outside the classroom were beneficial and fun! We visited the Cu Chi Tunnels and took part in a Vietnamese cooking class. We also visited a local temple in Ho Chi Minh City to learn more about Buddhism and religion in Vietnam.

Finally, at the end of the week, the participants took part in a scavenger hunt in local markets, using only their new Vietnamese language skills to find the necessary items. This is always fun and helps to encourage them out of their comfort zone while getting practical experience with the Vietnamese language and the locals. One of our participants, Neil said, “I enjoyed the orientation week a lot. I feel it really helped me settle in.”

Throughout the week and during our many excursions, the participants were able to learn more about Vietnam and each other – we have already seen them bond in strong ways. One of the best parts about our orientation week is that it is an awesome space for the participants to settle into a new country while being able to do it with a cohort of others, all while sharing the same experiences. We often see life-long friendships come from this week; even after some of our participants head off to their placement school and others stay to complete the TESOL.

We are looking forward to what the next three weeks bring with those on the TESOL course and will also be checking in with those who have recently departed for their schools. Everyone left in high spirits and eager to start their new life! The teachers staying with us are ready for two weeks of theory and one final week of teaching practicum where they can put their new skills to the test.

If you’re interested in joining us for the fall, fill out this quick form and set up a free call with our Team.

Check out what our South Korea team got up to here!

Vietnam Programs Coordinator

What happened in 2022? & What’s to Come?

by Lay | Dec 27, 2022 | XploreAsia News

What happened

in 2022?

(and what’s to come in 2023)

After more than two years of uncertainty, 2022 started out with more doubt. But now, looking back – we can proudly say it was a year of ups, downs, challenges, victories and unexpected surprises. Since celebrating our 10 year anniversary in July, we have come to learn that this was all part of the process. So here’s what happened in 2022…

According to the UN World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals almost tripled from January to July 2022 (+172%) compared to the same period in 2021 (surprise, surprise)… And just like tourism, the desire to leave one’s comfort zone, give back to the world and teach abroad also got people to dust off their passports and embrace change. With more than 1000 XploreAsia participants taking that leap of faith, 2022 was a huge success. What did you do in 2022? What challenges did you overcome? Did you learn something new? What’s next?

The biggest highlight (and relief) this year was the dropping of quarantine procedures and PCR testing across the board. Right now, many schools still require vaccination passes (especially in Thailand and Vietnam) but nothing more. The relaxing of these regulations saved teachers a lot of time, trouble and most importantly, money. Now, just like before, it’s as easy as booking a flight.

As regulations on public gatherings eased across our program countries, we brought back our teacher meetups. Our goal of meetups are always to show our support, connect teachers from different intakes, and create opportunities for sharing experiences. These were definitely missed during COVID.

From Songkran celebrations in Hua Hin, to our ugly sweater Christmas Party in Seoul, it’s been great to reconnect with past and present teachers from all over the globe. Here is an update on each country and what happened in 2022:

Thailand: Interest in Thailand has been strong. With a strong network 10 years in the making, the process of coming to teach is one of the simplest. Our placements are throughout the country with dates throughout the year. With good pay, long holidays, motivated students, and respectful co-workers, it is no surprise that it is one of the would’s top destinations for English teachers.

Vietnam: Vietnamese people welcome foreigners and will use any chance they get to practice their English. That’s what makes teaching there so worthwhile. The government understands the importance of English education and it shows. Can you believe Vietnam had the strictest regulations during COVID? But that has totally changed now. They are totally open and welcoming teachers again. Our new teachers absolutely love our updated cultural orientation course and schools are high tech and very supportive of English teachers.

South Korea: Another country that got hit hard, was South Korea, it is now thriving. South Korea is very popular for teachers due to the high salaries and high standard of living. South Korea went from government-required quarantine in designated hotels, to home-isolation to now … nothing at all! Masks are still required, but that was normal anyway. COVID vaccinations are highly recommended but not a requirement in all schools.

Japan: We launched our placement program in the land of the rising sun in March 2020 – we all know how that went 🙁 Since the middle of 2022, the country has completely opened up!

Costa Rica: Now here is a country that never really shut down completely. Due the importance of tourism in Costa Rica, the country managed to operate throughout COVID with a few precautions here and there. Understandably though, people were hesitant to leave home, but now our in-country TESOL course is thriving and we have more placements that we could have imagined. What happened in 2022 is a great indication of what’s to come next year!

Rescue P.A.W.S: The Rescue P.A.W.S team exceeded all expectations in 2022 and we couldn’t be prouder! With more than 3000 sterilizations, and more than 800 dogs and cats cared for, Rescue P.A.W.S had an enormously successful year. On top of this, we had over 100 adoptions for the year! That’s 100 pups and kittens who found their fur-ever homes – some of which got sent abroad. It was tough at times – since we know people are struggling as it is, but we appreciate every ounce of support. In November, we received one of the most generous donations in the history of Rescue P.A.W.S. – a truly awe-inspiring 24,000 tins of wet dog and cat food donated by one of our incredibly loyal supporters Mr. Thienchai. It took staff five hours to unload the truck into our storage facility. This is enough wet pet food to last us 6 – 8 months and we cannot fully express how grateful we are!

In December, we had a student visit from an amazing organisation called Jump Foundation. There mission is to inspire, empower and engage young students through transformational learning. Over four days, our education team worked with over 130 students, teaching them about responsible pet ownership and rabies awareness. These teachings are all paramount
to enabling the new generation of Thai Students to provide a high quality of animal welfare to not
only their pets but, to the stray animals in their communities. What happened in 2022 was nothing short of spectacular and we’d like to thank everyone who contributed. It truly set the bar high for 2023.

:Camp Counselors: This program had some soaring highs this year! After some time off, we came back with a bang, hosting numerous camp counselor intakes! The Camp Counselor Program is a favorite for those looking for short-term experience (usually over the summer lasting 4, 8 or 12 weeks) that allows participants to have an incredible and impactful adventure across Thailand. Camp counselors travel to different parts of Thailand to conduct English camps at local schools who cannot afford resident English teachers. These English camps involve lots of fun lessons and activities which last between 2 and 4 days in each location, after which the camp counselors took in the local and natural sites. It was an extremely rewarding experience. One of our teachers commented,

“Almost speechless, I was able to have the best summer of my life through teaching and meeting such a fantastic team that I couldn’t ask for more. Shared a lot of unimaginable moments with everyone and i wish a opportunity like these spring upon me again.”

2023 is bound to have its challenges too,

but our team is more than ready!

So… What can you expect to see in 2023?!

Placement Program Plus: Our PPP is the new and improved program for teachers who have already completed a 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course through another accredited provider. Just like our placement program, teachers will take part in our comprehensive, action-packed Cultural Orientation. Then, we spend a day (or two) of teaching practice with a local school in the community to prepare you even more for your permanent placement. This is a game-changer, especially for first time teachers.

Summer Undergrad Teach Thailand Program: This is a paid teaching program that gives undergrads an excellent opportunity to learn how to teach English abroad and get real-world experience during their summer break, all while receiving a salary. It’s also a great chance to make a difference in the lives of others while experiencing the rich culture of the East. This is a rare program perfect for those who are still considering teaching after graduating.

Japan: After many hurdles, our Japan program is up and running! For the past year, we have been encouraging participants to get qualified through our 120-hour online course, but from February, Japan will join the rest and host its very own in-country TESOL course in Nagoya! In-country is often preferred by employers as it provides a strong grounding in the history and theory of teaching English as a foreign/second language. Our in-class course includes live student lesson presentations which allows for real-time peer and instructor feedback which is invaluable! The TESOL course is also based on the Japanese schooling experience.

South Korea Working Holiday Program: Another exciting update from right next door is our Working Holiday program. Working abroad is an excellent alternative to the traditional post-graduate employment path. It enables participants to gain invaluable experience working and living in another culture, developing soft skills like cross-cultural communication, empathy, and cultural awareness that employers around the world are increasingly valuing. South Korea is teeming with job opportunities in education, hospitality, and other fields. Our program will help you gain valuable experience and the best part is, a degree is not required.

Finally, the biggest news: CAMBODIA! After months (almost years) of work, our newest baby is ready to join the ranks! Teaching in Cambodia! Teaching in Cambodia can be the beginning of a rewarding career path, not to mention a chance to gain a one-of-a-kind international experience. XploreAsia is excited to provide aspiring teachers with excellent orientation, placement, teacher assistance and support to help make a smooth transition. Cambodia is rich in history, culture and more. With great salaries, amazing saving potential and simple enough visa requirements, Cambodia is no doubt going to take off very quickly. We launch in March – for degree and non-degree holders!

What are you waiting for?

Now that you’re up to date on what happened in 2022, if you’re interested in joining us in the new year, set up a free call with our team. 2023 is just around the corner!

Guest Writer: Lay, Enrollments Coordinator at XploreAsia

Netflix-obsessed South African, based in Japan, who loves travelling, blogging, good coffee and dogs.

what happened in 2022

Making More Memories: Bangkok Teacher Meetup in Thailand

by Lay | Dec 6, 2022 | Living in Thailand, XploreAsia News

Guest Writer –

Bangkok Teacher Meetup

On November 26th, 2022, the XploreAsia Thailand Team organized another Bangkok Teacher Meetup. Our goal of meetups are always to show our support, connect teachers from different intakes, and create opportunities for sharing experiences. We believe that building a good, strong network of like-minded people is essential for living in a foreign country. The meetup was attended by 39 teachers at Bang Kachao, known as the Green Lungs of Bangkok.

The day started with a bike ride to explore Bang Nam Phueng Market. Then we went to The Ozone Bang Kachao Cafe to do a Scavenger Hunt. The cafe is decorated in a garden style with many trees, palm-leaf pavilions, and a small pond. It was so serene.

Teachers were separated into two teams for the scavenger hunt. The competition was heated and the teachers had a blast, mentioning that they had never done something like this before and had so much fun!

After a hard day’s work, we headed off to dinner, which was an authentic and delicious Thai feast at Pob Rak Bang Nam Phueng. The restaurant is located along the majestic Chao Phraya River, where we could see the beautiful sunset, mangrove plants, and the city lights from other side of the river.

Throughout the the dinner, the teachers had a chance to share their experiences of
teaching in Thailand with the group and also play some fun games for prizes. Teachers received a polaroid of themselves as a give away.

“The turnout made it one of the biggest meet ups we’ve ever hosted! Many new friendships were made and existing bonds strengthened.”

“Thank you for the most incredible time – I love you all so much

and have made friends for life ❤️” – Teacher Feedback

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If you’re interested in joining us in the new year, fill out this quick form or even just set up a free call with our Team. 2023 is just around the corner!

The requirements for Thailand are only a Bachelor’s Degree and native-level English.

Also check out one of our Featured Teachers, Brooke Heinsohn, who spent a year in Lampang, Thailand – She writes about her experience and has great advice for aspiring teachers.

Guest Writer: Mile, Thailand Placement Coordinator

I’m Mile and I work for the XploreAsia Thailand Placement Team. What I most like about this job is getting to know many new people from different countries being here to support their journeys in Thailand. It is such a fun experience and I love it!

Cultural Orientation in Costa Rica (The Itinerary)

by Lay | Dec 4, 2022 | Living in Costa Rica, XploreAsia News

Cultural Orientation

in Costa Rica

Aside from our programs in Asia, on the opposite side of the globe, in a land filled with endangered wildlife, beautiful beaches, freshly ground coffee, and welcoming locals, lies Costa Rica – a must-see destination for nature lovers and adrenalin junkies. With such amazing sights, rich culture, endangered fauna and flora as well as a thriving economy, it has very quickly become a favourite for aspiring teachers and travellers.

Sunday, 27th November: In preparation for our cultural orientation in Costa Rica, our team headed off to pick up our new teachers from the airport. We brought them back to our home base in San Ramon, where they were welcomed and made comfortable. It was an early night for most, which we encouraged since we knew this week was going to take them by surprise.

Monday: We kicked off Day 1 with self introductions from the team and then by our new teachers themselves. We then ran through and collected everyone’s final documents for placement. We didn’t spend too much time on that because we had a local town tour scheduled. For the town tour, the teachers got to know more about San Ramon, since that’s where they’ll be spending their time for orientation as well as for the 3-week TESOL course starting next week. The town tour was very informative. We then had lunch and ended every day off with an English Conversation Club session. This is an online cultural bonding activity between our teachers and a group of Costa Rican teens and young adults.

Tuesday: Day 2 kicked off with our first teacher workshop. Here the teachers learn what is expected of them as teachers and how to navigate the ins and out of the work environment, no matter which city they end up in. After a great lunch, we had our very first Spanish class. These classes are mainly for beginners, but of course we cater for intermediate and advanced too! Again, we ended the day off with another English Conversation Club session. It was such a pleasure to see the teachers learn more about one another and get excited for the new path ahead.

Wednesday: One of the highlights of our Cultural Orientation, is the Coffee Plantation Tour. Costa Rica is known for its top-quality coffee. It’s extremely rich and versatile because of its ideal terrain and growing conditions. With its volcanic soil, high altitudes, and good climate, the coffee here is top notch and definitely a way of life, rather than just a beverage. After coffee, naturally comes the sugar! So off we went to visit a local sugar cane farm. There are almost three-dozen types of “sugar” cane, all of which are of the tall perennial grass variety. According to the most recent statistics, Brazil is the world’s leading producer of sugar cane, with India following in a close second place. Although the production of Costa Rica sugar cane pales in comparison, it remains a vital part of Costa Rica’s economy. After working up an appetite, we had lunch, followed by a presentation to explain the placement program, another Spanish class and good old English Convo. Club.

Thursday: We hit the ground running with a History and Wildlife presentation from the team. Then, the much anticipated Cooking Class. With full tummies, headed out to the National History Museum of Costa Rica where we looked at the history of what is the oldest democracy in the Western hemisphere besides the United States. Since its very first years, the Costa Rica National Museum has focused on scientific investigation, education, exhibition and defence of the country’s natural and cultural heritage. We hope this cultural orientation in Costa Rica has given our teachers new insight to the way of life of the locals.

Friday: On our final day, we visited an Animal Rescue Centre. Rescue centres in Costa Rica are dedicated to protecting and helping endangered indigenous wildlife. At these centres, the goal is to ensure the welfare of injured animals and help them recover from their physical and psychological wounds. Wildlife and nature conservation is a big part of everyday life in Costa Rica. After a very informative morning, we had lunch. Then, back to the hostel to pack our bags for an overnight trip to a nearby town, Jaco. There we had debrief, reflect on the past week and have our first introductory meeting on teaching theories and methodologies.

After our cultural orientation in Costa Rica (San Ramon), our aspiring teachers start a 3-week, internationally accredited TESOL course. Here they learn time management skills, essential methodologies, etiquette and so much more to fully prepare them for teaching English here in Costa Rica!

If you’re interested in joining us in the new year, fill out this quick form and set up a free call with our Team. 2023 is just around the corner!

Also check out what our Thailand group get up to on their orientation.

Resident Writer: Lay, Enrollments Coordinator at XploreAsia

Netflix-obsessed South African who loves travelling, blogging, good coffee and dogs.

My Thailand Experience, Guest Writer: Brooke Heinsohn

by Lay | Oct 25, 2022 | Living in Thailand, Teacher Stories, XploreAsia News

Hi, friends! My name is Brooke, and I’m an American from east Tennessee. My Thailand experience began just over a year ago – when I headed to teach English as a first time solo traveler. This choice is a little funny because I studied almost everything other than education in college. If you are in the same boat, don’t be intimidated. Anyone can learn to teach with the right mindset.

I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (go vols!) in 2019, then worked in marketing and business development until 2021. I loved my job in the States but always felt that something was missing. I was itching to see the world. As a junkie for human connection, adventure, and photography, I craved so deeply to travel and make some sort of positive impact. BUT, I kept putting this desire on the back burner. Then in 2020, COVID hit. When the world turned upside down, I realized that life is fragile. If the pandemic showed me anything, it’s that we need to make the most of the time that we have. So, I dusted off my dreams and began to make them a reality.

“As a first time solo traveler, I knew that I wanted to go through a company that could bridge the cultural gap and break down language barriers.”

Moving across the world is a big deal! I was also looking for a place to earn my TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) or TESOL (teaching English as a second language) that was affordable yet all encompassing. After doing a ton of research, I stumbled upon XploreAsia’s website. I scheduled a video call with an XploreAsia team member and was sold almost instantly. She answered all my questions, which made the entire process feel much less daunting and set my heart at ease.

There are about a million and one documents involved with working in Thailand and I didn’t want to miss a beat! It was important to me to find an organization that could streamline the process and remove a lot of the stress involved. I wanted to enjoy the process. Naturally, I chose to do the 120-hour, internationally accredited TESOL course and cultural immersion program at XploreAsia’s HQ, in Hua Hin. Here, I learned how to teach. We studied everything from age specific techniques to classroom management and the nuances of teaching. Since I came during COVID, the course was a hybrid – half online, half in person. By the end of all the modules, I felt truly confident teaching in classrooms. The language lessons and cultural immersion activities also really helped prepare me for my Thailand experience and everyday life.

One of the unexpected benefits of XploreAsia is that I met a surplus of like-minded people from around the world! These beautiful souls are now some of my best friends. By nature of the program, I built a strong expat community. It’s invaluable to share all of the brilliant, bizarre experiences of living abroad with fellow teachers. (Throughout this past year in Thailand, they have made “the land of smiles” feel much more like home.) Luckily, two other XploreAsia graduates were placed at my school. Although, most of my friends were placed at schools in other provinces throughout Thailand. This turned out to be amazing because it gave us all plenty of reasons to visit each other and see new places during school breaks. It made my Thailand experience so worthwhile.

“I had no idea what to expect during the placement process, but I knew that I wanted to live in a tight knit community in northern Thailand.”

Speaking of placements, let me tell you a little about my lovely, sleepy home away from home: Lampang. I was drawn to this area for its rich Lanna culture, stunning mountain ranges, and surplus of Buddhist temples. Many people forget about northern Thailand, but I’m telling you, it’s amazing. At first, I was hesitant to accept the placement offer in Lampang… committing to live somewhere for a year is no joke! Maybe it was my chronic independence or first time moving abroad jitters, but I felt nervous. When I expressed my mixed feelings, an XploreAsia team member was quick to schedule a video call to answer my plethora of questions about Lampang. She didn’t sugar coat anything but, instead, gave a realistic view of what to expect. I really appreciated her honesty.

After this call, I knew just enough about Lampang to say “yes.” Wikipedia, Google Maps, and Instagram location tags helped me fill in the rest. The biggest thing that I knew before moving to Lampang is to have an open mind and willing heart…

After living in Lampang for a year, I can whole-heartedly say that this placement surpassed my expectations. I feel so lucky! The Thai community here welcomed me with open arms. I drank Samsung (Thai “whisky” but tastes nothing like whiskey), sang karaoke, celebrated festivals, shared laughs, and learned the beauty of being fully immersed in a new culture. My friends joke that I might as well be a brand ambassador for our charming, little town.

“For me, the hardest part of moving abroad was deciding to actually do it. I love adventures and meeting new people, so I felt confident that it would be a good experience. BUT, it takes a different type of courage to take a leap of faith and actually turn dreams into reality.”

I highly recommend traveling and living abroad. If you feel a little call to move across the world, this is your sign. Do it! You will gain so many new perspectives that reshape how you think about yourself and the surrounding world. As cheesy as it may be, this past year of teaching English really has been life changing. I hope that by me sharing only a part of my Thailand experience, more people will be inspired to take the leap.

Guest Writer: Brooke, XploreAsia Alum

“Nerding out about nature, yoga, photography, and human connection while traveling the world. Follow along with my journey @brookecarl on Instagram.”

Teach English in Yangon, Myanmar – Checking in with Dillon

Om Noi – Teach in Thailand Guest Writer

Life in Ibaraki – Teach in Japan Guest Writer

Life in Phuket – Teach in Thailand Guest Writer

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.

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Teach Japan, TESOL Launch!

Guest Writer –

Teach Japan, in-country TESOL launch!

Guest Writer: Enzo, East Asia Programs Manager

Cultural Orientation in Vietnam (The Itinerary)

Cultural Orientation

in Vietnam Update

– February 2023

Vietnam Programs Coordinator

What happened in 2022? & What’s to Come?

What happened

in 2022?

(and what’s to come in 2023)

2023 is bound to have its challenges too,

but our team is more than ready!

So… What can you expect to see in 2023?!

What are you waiting for?

Guest Writer: Lay, Enrollments Coordinator at XploreAsia

Making More Memories: Bangkok Teacher Meetup in Thailand

Guest Writer –

Bangkok Teacher Meetup

Guest Writer: Mile, Thailand Placement Coordinator

Cultural Orientation in Costa Rica (The Itinerary)

Cultural Orientation

in Costa Rica

After our cultural orientation in Costa Rica (San Ramon), our aspiring teachers start a 3-week, internationally accredited TESOL course. Here they learn time management skills, essential methodologies, etiquette and so much more to fully prepare them for teaching English here in Costa Rica!

Resident Writer: Lay, Enrollments Coordinator at XploreAsia

My Thailand Experience, Guest Writer: Brooke Heinsohn

“As a first time solo traveler, I knew that I wanted to go through a company that could bridge the cultural gap and break down language barriers.”

Guest Writer: Brooke, XploreAsia Alum

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