Gotoco FUNDED TEFL Adventures (Bali, Thailand, Colombia, Europe, SE Asia!)

My time in Thailand was fulfilling in both my private life and work life. This trip helped me strep out of my comfort zone in many ways than I realised when I got back. Professionally I developed a new sense of confidence as I got to teach both children and teachers english and the whole experience was learning experience for me. This trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to some parts of Thailand you wouldn't normally venture into on a vacation. We got to experience Thailand in different modes( by road, by boat and by bike) I was blessed to have a cool cohort, we all got along and helped each other thrive. Experiencing Thai cuisine was on the top of the list for to do things before I travelled and I enjoyed it. I loved the fact that there is always food stalls everywhere was amazing to me. Shopping at markets gave me a knew skill of haggling prices which is encouraged.
Overall I came back with a new and renewed confidence when I travel. Having the opportunity to travel alone help me explore a side of myself as I got to go around taking pictures on cameras. Thailand infrastructure and the colours of the buildings, temples all make it the best place for photography.

I was part of the 2 week Thai teaching experience from from the 15th April until the 30th April. It was an incredible once in a life time experience where we were able to visit parts of Thailand that you wouldn't usually go to if you were backpacking. The teaching aspect was very rewarding and all the different groups we taught were extremely grateful.

The experience helped me to feel more confident in myself and push me to do things outside of my comfort zone. Everyone involved did such a good job

My two-week teaching placement in Thailand was one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences I have had, both personally and professionally. Before travelling, I was nervous about teaching children in a completely different culture and education system, especially as my background is mainly within Further Education. However, the programme staff and local teachers were welcoming and supportive from the start and quickly helped me feel comfortable.

One of the highlights of the experience was teaching English to young learners aged around 7–12. The children were incredibly respectful, enthusiastic, and eager to participate, even when there were language barriers. I particularly enjoyed using interactive activities & games. It made me reflect on how much learning can happen without relying heavily on spoken language alone.

What stood out most was the cultural exchange between teachers. I had the opportunity to observe Thai teaching approaches and discuss classroom practice with local teachers, which gave me a wider perspective on education globally. The experience strengthened my interest in inclusive teaching and intercultural education.

Outside of teaching, the group trips and cultural activities were unforgettable. Visiting temples, exploring local markets, trying traditional Thai food, and spending time with the other volunteers made the experience feel immersive rather than just a placement. I made friendships with people from different backgrounds and gained confidence travelling independently.

I would highly recommend this programme to anyone considering teaching abroad, especially those interested in education, cultural exchange, or personal growth. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone, developed my confidence enormously, and confirmed my interest in exploring education and teaching opportunities internationally in the future.

My teaching experience in Thailand was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and I would highly recommend anyone offered this opportunity to take it. My time with Gotoco helped me grow in confidence, step outside my comfort zone, and experience a completely new culture first hand. I made unforgettable memories, met amazing people, and developed valuable skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and adaptability through teaching children of different ages. The support from the Gotoco team was amazing throughout the entire process, making the experience even more rewarding.

I loved my experience and would say it is beginner friendly because of the team at Gotoco & the team at Interway (in Spain) being made up of people who really do care about you and will look after you every step of the way!

On arrival, we were picked up from the airport and driven to the camp where our job was to assist with kayaking, archery and various other activities whilst communicating entirely in English to help the Spanish Campers practice their language skills.

The camp company was called Interway and our manager Guillermo (Will) was the kindest person we could have asked for! He always checked up on his, bought us snacks, drove us to excursions on our days off!

He got us a HUGE villa with an indoor pool for our first weekend - all the staff had a BBQ and really went above and beyond for the volunteers. He also took us to Salamanca, a sunset hike, and to a viewpoint to see the river that separates Portugal and Spain! They care about your experience on your days off - not just when you’re working!

If you want to travel solo, and explore working abroad but with that care, and reassurance that you will be okay, this is definitely for you!