Program Reviews

I had a great time during my Gotoco programme. It was an incredible experience with many great excursions which allowed me to learn about Thailand and the culture there.

The teaching experience itself was challenging, even having experience as an English teacher before, it was challenging. This was down to the school where I was placed; for example I didn't have a teaching assistant in my class, class sizes were large (40+ students) and had to design exams and the curriculum myself. This was not the experience of all people on the programme, but many that were teaching at high schools had a similar workload to myself. If you want to progress as a teacher then this is an excellent way to do so, but I'd recommend if you're new to teaching or worried about the workload, it would be best to let them know you'd prefer to be placed in a primary school, as they do ask about your preferences.

Overall, I had the time of my life and would recommend this to anyone thinking about moving to Asia, teaching English or wanting an step in to travelling abroad, as it is a great way to see if it is for you whilst having a support network around you! Nonetheless, it is challenging and you will have ups and downs, so being in a good headspace and an expectation to work hard is needed, otherwise it may be too much for you.

It was really good fun and the team on the ground in Vietnam were amazing and always available to help and give advice when and where needed. Would definitely rate them all very highly individually. It's a great experience and a fun way to introduce yourself to another culture and community whilst adding to it and developing your own personal skills. I had the opportunity to give a lecture with the rest of my team on the environment and pollution to an entire school of 1500 pupils followed by a short karaoke performance. That wont be something I forget in a hurry. Definitely worth giving a go!

Had an good time overall in Bali with Gotoco. I was placed in a state school in Lotunduh and was in the school Monday to Friday for 2 hours which allowed time to travel round and see Bali on the weekends. Meaning I was able to explore Bali and the surrounding islands. Gotoco is funded for flights, accommodation and meals providing opportunities for cultural exchange and opportunities to explore Bali that I wouldn't have got otherwise. Various cultural activities were provided for us such as a cooking class, water purification ceremony and wood carving class.

I loved my 2 months teaching in Thai Binh, Vietnam, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to take part in the fully funded program. I would really recommend this program to anyone who is interested in teaching abroad or travel. This program was a unique opportunity to explore a new part of the world while gaining teaching experience. The highlights of my experience were experiencing a new culture in Vietnam, getting to know all the students and teachers in the school, making great friends and travelling across Vietnam.

I had the most incredible, enriching experience of my life volunteering teaching children English in Vietnam. I couldn't recommend the program more! The activities that the organisers had for us were incredible as well as the fun times I had teaching the kids. The people I met on the program as well were incredible and really enhanced my experience. Even if teaching is not your thing, I would still recommend the program as it is just an enriching life experience that I think everyone should do .

I had the privilege of teaching English in Ninh Binh city, Vietnam, and the experience was nothing short of transformative. From the vibrant streets of Ninh Binh city to the warm smiles of my students, every moment was a unique adventure.

The cultural immersion was a highlight. Living and working in Vietnam allowed me to understand the nuances of daily life, and my students generously shared their traditions and perspectives. This cultural exchange enhanced the classroom experience and enriched our interactions.
The enthusiasm of my students was contagious. Despite the language barrier, their eagerness to learn and engage in the lessons made every day rewarding.

I had an amazing summer teaching in Thailand with Gotoco. The trip was really well organised and I was given a lot of information prior to departure. The team assisted me with any questions I had and it was very easy to apply and register with the organisation. The trip is so well funded and this really is an opportunity of a lifetime! When arriving in Thailand I felt very safe and well looked after by the Gotoco team. I got to experience Thai culture and travel around and see a lot in such a short time! Working in a Thai school was a heartwarming experience and I met some truly wonderful people. I was glad to take part in this experience with like minded people and would definitely recommend trying something like this to experience a new culture but also to gain work experience. Teaching is a job that requires lots of different skills and this type of experience is a great way to build a broad skillset and push yourself out of your comfort zone to build confidence. The TESOL course is a great thing to add to your CV and was easy to fit in around travelling and working with Gotoco. Apply now!

Had an amazing time in Vietnam working with Gotoco. I was placed in a state school in Ninh Binh and worked from Monday to Friday and was able to travel on the weekends. I was able to explore a large part of northern Vietnam. After the trip, gotoco arranged a trip to the centre of Vietnam - it was amazing to be able to visit a new part of the country I felt very fortunate to have had the opportunity to completely immerse myself in a new culture, whilst obtaining a TESOL qualification. Met some great people!

Spending 6 weeks in Thailand was a fantastic experience. Teaching english and becoming immersed in local Thai culture is an opportunity I suggest everyone takes!
The highlight of my experience with Gotoco was certainly teaching my classes and engaging with the students. As I had never done any formal teaching before it was a relatively new experience to me but extremely enjoyable. The students were entertaining and fun to teach. It was great meeting so many different people from rural Thailand and learning about their lives.
I would recommend Gotoco because the I got a lot from the program. The fact it is fully funded is a great advantage but it also provides fascinaiting cultural exchange and a very unique opportunity to explore parts of the world I may not have otherwise gotten the chance to.

Getting indulgenced in the local community of Vietnam and seeing what it likes to be a teacher. Really opened my eyes up to what is required and teaching children . Flights are reimbursed at the end of the programme and food was covered with a stipend. Vietnam is a beautiful country and decided to stay on after the programme to travel!

My highlight was watching kids smile from me teaching, such a humbling experience. The location didn't have a lot of English presence so we were took back when people approached me in the shops and kids running up to you.