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

Program Reviews

C Tino
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

2 Week Programme 🇹🇭 🇹🇭

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.

What was your funniest moment?
The funniest moment had got to be Biking at night in Ayutthaya with the boys.
Pros
  • Confidence Booster
  • Making a difference in the lives of 7-12 year old
  • Experience new areas off the tourist hotshots.
Cons
  • 2 weeks goes by so fast
  • Keep your plans loose
  • Didnt get to absorb a lot of the culture
Henry
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

2 Week Thai Teaching

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

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My Advice would be to try as much of the local food as you can. I never thought I would like a lot of the food out there, but now Thai food is probably my favourite cousin now.
Pros
  • The people who helped organise the trip
  • The tours they took us on
  • the food we ate
Cons
  • a bit of waiting around before moving place or going out for the day
Louise
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand 🇹🇭

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.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Nothing!
Pros
  • The people!
  • Cultural immersion.
  • Delicious Thai food.
Cons
  • In April it is HOT!
Alex
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Alex

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.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice for future travellers would be not to let nerves or fear stop you from going. It’s genuinely so much fun and a once in a lifetime opportunity that you’ll remember forever. Living and travelling with strangers might seem intimidating at first, but those strangers quickly become close friends and make the experience even more special.
Pros
  • You build confidence, independence, and valuable skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership.
  • You get to experience a completely new culture first hand and do things you’d never experience as a normal tourist.
  • You meet amazing people from around the world and make friendships and memories that last long after the trip ends.
Cons
  • Adjusting to a different culture, climate, food, and routine can take time and sometimes feel tiring.
  • Teaching can be challenging at times, especially working with younger children or dealing with language barriers, but it’s also part of what helps you grow.
  • Being away from home for a long period can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you’ve never travelled independently before.
Mubarra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Gotoco Fully-Funded Spain Camp

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!

Pros
  • Staff
  • Use of Kayaks, sailboats etc
  • Food and Board
Cons
  • Long hours
jayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Gotoco and further afield

The whole program in Thailand with Gotoco was amazing. It was smooth sailing and the guidance provided throughout was incredibly helpful. The whole team was supportive and the coordinators whilst out in Thailand showed great care and enthusiasm for safety and the enjoyment over the course of the two weeks. I have learnt so much and developed confidence to go abroad and throw myself into new adventures such as this. I had no doubts about the trip. For future jobs,It was offered and showed future opportunities to teach abroad.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I flew from London to Thailand on my own. It was my first long haul flight and I managed to do it alone. It felt so nerve wracking but as soon as I got to the airport, the excitement took over and i was so proud of myself. I now feel 100% confident to travel solo in future. If it wasn’t for the program, I more than likely wouldn’t have pushed myself to travel that far alone.
Pros
  • Confidence
  • independence
  • Freedom
Cons
  • The heat
  • New environments
  • New foods
Ellen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

From Nervous to Confident – My Thailand Experience

I had an amazing experience with GoToCo in Thailand and I’m so glad I pushed myself to apply. I was nervous at first and nearly didn’t continue because I felt out of my comfort zone, especially being older than some of the other participants, but everyone was so welcoming and supportive.

Teaching in the schools really helped build my confidence, and I loved working with the children through singing, dancing, and interactive activities. I also really enjoyed the cultural experiences, especially visiting temples and attending the foam party.

The GoToCo team and local hosts were amazing throughout and always made sure we were looked after. Overall, it was a very positive and memorable experience that helped me grow in confidence. I have already recommended the programme to others I know 1 colleague has applied too.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to anyone going on the programme would be to keep an open mind and not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I was nervous before going, but it really helped build my confidence and became an experience I’ll always remember.
Pros
  • The programme really helped build my confidence, especially through teaching and stepping out of my comfort zone.
  • The cultural experiences, such as visiting temples and attending the foam party, were unforgettable.
  • The local hosts and GoToCo team were very supportive, welcoming, and always made sure we were looked after.
Cons
  • Sometimes teaching tasks were given quite close to the lesson time, so more planning time would have been helpful.
  • Some of the writing activities were challenging because I did not always feel fully prepared.
  • One of the hostel rooms was quite small for the number of people sharing.
Shernelle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand Experience

My experience in Thailand was highly transformative, both personally and professionally. One of the most valuable aspects was meeting and interacting with a diverse group of new people. Living and working in an unfamiliar environment pushed me well outside of my comfort zone, helping me develop greater resilience, independence, and self-assurance as I adapted to new situations and challenges. This experience has strengthened my teaching skills, future career in education abroad, and employability confidence.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
On my third night, I came across stray dogs and felt quite anxious at first, as dogs are one of my fears. With reassurance from my group, I was able to manage the situation and continue safely.
Pros
  • People
  • Cultural Activities
  • Teaching
Macushla McGown Profile Picture
Macushla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience in Vietnam

It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and if you are ever in the position to be able to take up such an opportunity it would be foolish to pass it up. Travel, alternate careers and other cultures always teach us so much about ourselves, it's a great chance to learn and grow - no matter how old you are. The support from the team in Vietnam was amazing! So organised, caring and knowledgeable! Learning about the culture directly from people in classes but again you get so much more back than you give!!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Give it your all and you get back even more!!!
Pros
  • So well supported
  • Amazing way to experience Vietnam
  • Learn amazing new skills
Cons
  • Feeling like an idiot when everyone's English is SO much better than your Vietnamese
  • Weather change
  • Long flight!
William
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Gotoco India

Gotoco offers a streamlined and easy process to accessing teaching placements abroad, it's a good starting point for those interested in education who want structure and qualifications to continue their journey working abroad or in their home countries.

This program has given me a qualification alongside valuable teaching experience in a more unusual and challenging destination that will benefit my future career in any path I wish to choose.

The application process was streamlined and simple. Gotoco were helpful during the application and visa process and answered any questions necessary.

What was your funniest moment?
Dancing with our local friend and his grandmothers to music in his house after a family function.
Pros
  • Community
  • Adventure
  • Learning
Cons
  • Infrastructure