I decided to make the move abroad just before covid struck, so when I found out my trip would have to be postponed I was really down in the dumps. At points, I really wasn’t sure if my trip would ever actually go ahead. Regardless of this, it felt like the XploreAsia team (particularly Enzo!) really did everything they could to make me feel supported and comforted during those uncertain times. I was looking forward to going to Korea early and studying the on-site TEFL course but unfortunately this was replaced with an online course, due to social distancing rules in South Korea. Although I was disappointed by this, I still felt like the online course really prepared me with key bits of knowledge that made me feel ready to tackle teaching abroad. I can’t thank the team enough for their hardwork and dedication to making us feel like the big decision to move abroad wasn’t an insane one, and to being there in our times of need. Even now, almost 2 and half years into my teaching placement, I still feel the team supporting us through our journeys, keeping regular contact with updates and various different opportunities. I know can’t say the same for my friends who did their TEFL courses at different institutes. Big thank you to the XploreAsia team!
Kristina Philips
Student - December 2023
First, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Culture Route for this incredible opportunity. Although it was an online course, it was very practical, and our teacher, Jon Harman, was always available to answer any questions. I still remember my first Skype meeting with him—I was so nervous that he could immediately tell!
I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’ve received. My message to other teachers is that this course is immensely helpful and will make you stand out wherever you go. I am currently an online English Teacher, and I’m doing great and will soon be joining my friend.
Mercy Esare
Student - February 2024
In a world where talk is “cheap” it is difficult to find a reliable and trusted TESOL academy as there are so many advertised. I joined a TEFL facebook group in order to conduct some research as this was a career path I wanted to pursue. There I was welcomed by Debra and Ben-Christo offering assistance. It did not take me long to recognise their professionalism and genuine interest.
I signed up for the course to start on 1 September 2024. I was welcomed to the course by Jon my Culture Route Instructor. From the get-go, Jon was clear on the format and content of the course. I would receive a detailed introduction to each module with full instructions on what was required. It was an online course but I could reach out to Jon at anytime for assistance. When I did, Jon always came back with detailed and encouraging advice very quickly. The feedback on my assignments was detailed and filled with advice on where to improve. It was obvious that he was an experienced TEFL teacher and trainer.
I have given the Academy a 10 out of 10 rating as I honestly cannot fault them on anything.
Yvonne Bell
Student - September 2024
The culture route course was very well structured in the sense that you know what’s expected to be done each week and given reasonable time frames to complete the assignments. You’re able to complete it even with a full-time job.
The content of the course is very detailed and it’s amazing how so much can be learned in a short time frame. It is very interactive as you are required to provide feedback and critique fellow classmates assignments, which is great because you get to see how others think and how to improve your own work.
Overall a great program which I will recommend to anyone looking to do a TEFL course.
Saieshan Panian
Student - August 2024
The course is very well structured and practical. Each week you received all the information of what’s expected from you. We also received enough time to complete assignments.
The content of the is very detailed and you really learned a lot in a very short time. Once you’ve completed the course you are fully equipped to be an English Teacher, either online or abroad.
I also really liked how all of us (classmates) were interactive and provided feedback (positive and negative) on each other’s assignments. I received valuable feedback, which I really appreciated. We all learned from each other and could improve ourself.
Jonathan Harman was my instructor and he made sure that I always knew exactly what to do with each module. He provided detailed feedback on my assignments and gave good advice where I can improve. Jon is always available to help and answer your questions. He is a great teacher, trainer and mentor. Thanks a lot Jonathan for everything you did for me, I really appreciate it.
I am grateful for the opportunity to take this course. It changed my life and I’m living my dream. Teaching others and help them to become better equipped with and in English.
Thank you Culture Route/XploreAsia.
Carla Joané le Roux
Student - January 2024
The modules were presented in an easily readable way and wasn’t an overload of information. It was clear and easy to read along and understand. Jon provided incredible feedback and the one piece of advice that stuck out to me most was to ask yourself – if you were in your students’ position and trying to learn their language, would you understand them if they tried using the same words you are in their language? This has helped me out immensely and I will use this mindset for my lesson plans.
Joshua Rivadelo
Student - August 2024
Our teacher Jon was extremely helpful & always gave us constant feedback, so that we could improve every week. The assignments and learning materials they provided was amazing as we can use it after the course is finished as well. I really appreciate all the help Jon gave & I am very confident teaching English.
Janet Taboada
Student - August 2024
I thought the CultureRoute online TESOL was incredibly helpful. I have never had any teaching experience before and had made plans to move to South East Asia and teach English, the nearer it got it became rather daunting. When I started the TESOL with CultureRoute I became a lot less worried and started looking forward to my future again.
The course was packed with information that will help many going in to a career teaching English as a foreign language. Having the tutor review your assignments and give helpful advice with examples from their experiences was also a massive help!!
Just only a week after getting my results and passing the CultureRoute TESOL course I got a job teaching English online. All thanks to CultureRoute, I wouldn’t of had a clue what to do in the demo class if it wasn’t for taking this course!
Jonathan Chapelow
Student - April '19
It is a very helpful course that is presented very well by the instructors. They are very helpful and professional in the way they present the course and interact with the students.
I would definitely recommend doing the 120 hour TESOL course!
Rohan du Toit
Student - Nov '19
Like starting anything new, I was nervous to actually starting the TEFL course as I didn’t know what to expect! But right from the beginning, Jon and the rest of the team on the course were so supportive and helpful every step of the way.
What I loved most about this course is that not only do you learn from the course material but most importantly from interacting with each other on the course when providing feedback and suggestions! The assignments set out, enabled me to build an insightful understanding of TEFL, preparing me for the classroom environment.
Overall, I definitely left the course feeling confident and excited to teach in South Korea. Thank you! So, the last thing I can say is go for it!
Faheemah Miah
Student - Dec '19
I loved the structure and the detailed course book. I will be able to refer to it when in South Korea. I enjoyed the discussion forum a lot as one learns a lot from other participants in the course. Also, the lesson plan templates provided, were GREAT. Thank you so much!
Anneke van der Merwe
Student - Dec '16
I found this course very insightful and applicable to all EFL/ESL teachers. I really enjoyed the discussion forum and the overall framework helped a lot. The course material was well laid out and helpful.
Ninien Breytenbach
Student - Dec '16
I feel much more prepared to teach abroad after taking the 120 Hour Online TESOL course.
The format used within the lesson plans is easy to work with and get involved with the class. I really liked the teacher’s constant interaction and guidance provided to the students, the discussion forums were particularly helpful.
Sofia Rodriguez
Student - Sep '16
I really enjoyed the class format and that we were all encouraged to interact with each other and help each other progress as future teachers.
It was also very helpful to have the assignments due on Sunday rather than throughout the week, as it would be a shame to have to sacrifice quality of work for the sake of other commitments such as classes or jobs that might take up too much time during the week.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the course; I took so much away from it that will definitely aid me in being the best teacher I can be, and it left me excited to get started!
Lara Unsworth
Student - Aug '16
I liked that we got to introduce ourselves as one of the assignments and how we got templates as a guide for each lesson plan. I also loved the Skype session – it was very helpful and I think it is so important to practice the practical side of teaching and not just the theory.
I liked the website and how easy and simple it was to use. I think majority of our assignments where clear and well explained. I also liked the fact that we did an assignment on classroom management because I think it is important knowledge for every teacher.
Jessica Geffen
Student - Apr '17
I love the forum format and that you’ve got the opportunity to see what your peers are getting up to and coming up with in their lesson plans.
I like that you’ve always got until Sunday regardless of how many assignments the week has – it helped a lot as I work and study full time and it meant I could do my assignments when it best suited me as opposed to having multiple deadlines.
Carron Schneider
Student - Jul '16
I thought the course was well spread out, giving us enough time to do each weeks assignment.
The lesson methodology and resources were a great aid in completing this course and will further help me in my future teaching experiences.
Craig Dennison
Student - Jan '17
At the start of taking this course I was a bit nervous, not knowing what to expect. But once I had the opportunity to talk to the instructors and looked at the course outline I felt like I came to the right place. Everything was well structured, and I never felt like I had too much on my plate to complete.
I found the way in which feedback from the instructors were always constructive very helpful. Justin was furthermore punctual and professional with his interactions with the class.
Arno De Lima
Student - Dec '16

