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

Program Reviews

Craig
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Transformative cultural exchange with top-tier support- GoToCo / FurtherAfield

Participating in the Vietnam exchange programme was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The programme perfectly balances professional development with deep cultural immersion. Working with local students and collaborating with a diverse group of volunteer peers sharpened my communication and teamwork skills significantly.The staff support on this programme is exceptional. Hayley and Aaron went above and beyond to ensure our safety, well-being, and comfort, expertly tailoring the experience to meet different individual needs. Facing new challenges in an unfamiliar environment made me much more independent and resilient. It is a fantastic, well-structured programme that I would recommend to anyone looking to make a global impact while growing personally.

Pros
  • Diverse classes
  • Cultural empathy
  • Skills growth
Cons
  • Prepare for the climate
  • Prepare to adapt
Laura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An unforgettable adventure!

Participating in this teaching program in Vietnam was an absolutely incredible experience that pushed me well out of my comfort zone and helped me embrace my independence. Before this trip, I was focused on business administration, but the hands-on experience of teaching children and leading classroom activities made me realize how much I truly love it. It gave me the confidence to completely change my career trajectory, and I am now seriously pursuing a path to become a full-time teacher!

The cultural immersion was beautiful. From our first group day at the beach to the traditional cooking classes, I loved every second of it. My absolute favorite part of the daily routine was having chats with our wonderful Vietnamese hosts, which made me feel deeply connected to the local culture. The staff, especially Aaron and Hayley, were exceptional; they managed the group with a kind, supportive approach that I found incredibly inspiring.

Pros
  • Amazing hands-on teaching experience that deeply builds your confidence and leadership skills.
  • Incredible daily cultural immersion, including traditional cooking classes and bonding with local hosts.
Cons
  • The extreme heat and humidity can be physically draining if you aren't prepared.
Ayla Astrid
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience!

This has genuinely been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I am so grateful that I took the leap and signed up, because it has given me memories, friendships and confidence that I will carry with me forever.

Before coming to Vietnam, there were so many things I never imagined I’d be brave enough to do. Over the past two weeks I’ve pushed myself outside my comfort zone in the best possible way. From trying amazing new foods, exploring a completely different culture, riding on Grab scooters through busy streets, and going out in the evenings with the wonderful friends I made, every day brought a new adventure. I met so many incredible people from all over the world, and I truly never expected to form such genuine friendships in such a short time.

The teaching itself was the highlight of the entire experience. Spending time with the children was incredibly rewarding, and seeing their enthusiasm, curiosity and confidence grow made every moment worthwhile. It reminded me how meaningful even small acts of kindness, encouragement and patience can be. Having the opportunity to complete my TEFL certification alongside the placement made the experience even more valuable and has given me skills and confidence that I’ll carry into the future.

This programme has changed me for the better. It has helped me become more confident, more independent and far more willing to embrace new experiences instead of being afraid of them. More than anything, I learned so much about myself: what I’m capable of, how strong I can be when I challenge myself, and the kind of person I am and can be. It showed me that I’m far more resilient than I ever realised and gave me the confidence to trust myself in situations that once would have terrified me. I returned home with a newfound confidence, lifelong friendships, a deeper appreciation for different cultures, and memories I’ll treasure forever. It was truly life-changing.

I also want to say a huge thank you to Haley and Aaron. They were both absolutely fantastic throughout the programme. They were always supportive, approachable, encouraging and happy to help with anything we needed. Their enthusiasm, kindness and reassurance made such a difference, and knowing they were there meant we always felt supported from start to finish.

I honestly couldn’t recommend this opportunity highly enough. If you’re even thinking about applying, do it. You never know how much it might change your life until you experience it yourself. I’ll definitely be recommending it to all of my friends and encouraging them to sign up, because it has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I will always be grateful for this opportunity and for everything it has taught me.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing I did was riding on the back of Grab scooters. Before coming to Vietnam, I never thought I’d be brave enough, but it quickly became second nature and ended up being one of my favourite parts of the trip. Visiting the Marble Mountains was also unforgettable. They were absolutely breathtaking, and exploring the caves, temples and incredible views was one of the highlights of my time in Vietnam.
Pros
  • Confidence
  • Friendship
  • Personal Growth
Cons
  • Too short!
  • Hot weather
adam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

De Nang vietnam June group

The experience was fantastic. Ive never been on a plane and went out of my comfort zone to do this the trip was long but was so worth every second, teaching in the school are so rewarding and the teachers there are so nice 🙌. 100/100 for vietnam i made so many new friends local and on the course.

But at first I thought this wasn't real, then my tickets came through email and I was like wow I'm going and I'm so glad I signed up to it, I'm 38 years old so please live you life if your young and go out and explore.

What was your funniest moment?
I think best moment was spinning around in the coconut boats ive never laughed so much.
Pros
  • Team building
  • Culture
  • Adventure
Cons
  • Friends
  • Good for your CV
  • Experiences
Emillia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand Experience

My time in Thailand was an incredibly rewarding experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally. The highlights were meeting amazing people from different backgrounds, building friendships, experiencing Thai culture, and stepping outside my comfort zone through teaching and travel. The programme improved my confidence, adaptability, communication, and leadership skills while giving me valuable international experience. I would highly recommend it to others as it offers a unique opportunity to develop professionally, gain cultural awareness, and create unforgettable memories that can enhance future career prospects.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open-minded and willing to step outside your comfort zone, as this is where you’ll gain the most from the experience. Take time to learn about the local culture, try new foods, and build relationships with both fellow participants and local people. Pack for the hot climate, bring plenty of insect repellent, and be prepared for things to work differently than they do at home. Most importantly, make the most of every opportunity, as the experience goes by much faster than you expect.
Pros
  • Provides the chance to meet people from around the world and build lasting friendships
  • Develops valuable skills such as communication, adaptability, confidence, and leadershi
  • Excellent opportunity to experience Thai culture and immerse yourself in a different way of life.
Cons
  • The application and pre-departure information could be more detailed to help participants feel better prepared before
  • Adapting to a new culture, climate, and working environment can be challenging, particularly during the first few weeks.
  • Programme experiences can vary depending on placement location, accommodation, and school expectations, leading to inconsistent experiences between participants
MOHAMMED
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Gotoco Experience

I really enjoyed the experience it allowed me to take in a new culture and meet some really great people who il be friends with for life. I enjoyed teaching and stepping out of my comfort zone and I feel this is something I will pursue as a career at some point.
i would recommend the programme to my friends as it's great opportunity to test yourself and meet like minded people. The programme also connects you with incredible locals who have come to be some of the most inspiring people I've met.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would of liked a double bed as being 6ft1 in a single bed for 2 weeks was a real challenge, even if it it meant i had to pay extra.
Pros
  • Made lifetime friends
  • Got to teach and felt a sense of pride
  • Got to experience culture and some amazing food
Cons
  • Small Beds
  • She who must not be named
  • Trip felt short
Victoria
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience in Vietnam!

I had an amazing 2 week teaching experience with GoToCo in Da Nang, Vietnam. From start to finish, the programme was well organised and provided great support for us all.

I taught English to children from 18 months to 10 years old. The students and the teaching was really rewarding. It was incredibly fulfilling to help build their confidence in speaking English through games, activities, and interactive lessons. Even singing!

The local staff and coordinators were welcoming, friendly, and always available to offer guidance when needed. They created a supportive environment that helped me settle in quickly and make the most of my time in Vietnam.

Beyond teaching, I had the opportunity to experience Vietnamese culture, explore the beautiful city of Da Nang, and connect with other volunteers from around the world. The combination of meaningful teaching experience and cultural immersion made this an unforgettable experience.

I would highly recommend GoToCo to anyone looking to gain teaching experience, make a positive impact, build confidence and experience life in a different culture. Although my placement was only two weeks long, it was a rewarding and memorable journey that I will always value.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would recommend everyone to fully immerse themselves in the experience and be as present as they could! Building relationships with so many other people is such a rewarding, eye opening experience.
Pros
  • The information provided before arrival.
  • The people! Always the best.
  • Visiting Vietnam, what an incredible opportunity to go to a new country and experience their culture.
Cons
  • Heat - be prepared!
  • Mosquito bites - buy repellent!
Max
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing. If you’re thinking about it, just do it!

A genuinely life changing experience. From the beautiful country, to the friends for life I met on the programme and the wonderful kids of Thailand. Truly unforgettable!

If you’re unsure about doing it, take the plunge. I don’t know anybody who regretted it!

I started my programme in Ayutthaya where I did my orientation. It was a good opportunity to settle in and get to know the others on the programme, forming the beginning of some great relationships.
I then went to Phetchabun for a week where the teaching took place. We taught 7-9 year olds and 10-12 year olds, aiming to make English fun and engaging. I think I had more fun than the kids!
We finished in Bangkok for a few days, being given autonomy to explore this metropolis.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Pig Offal!
Pros
  • The beautiful country of Thailand.
  • The fantastic support provided by the Gotoco coordinators.
  • The friends for life I made.
Cons
  • Coordinators, although super friendly, were somewhat disorganised.
Lorraine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A wonderful and inspiring Challenge

This has been the most wonderful and inspiring challenge I have experienced. Taking steps to better ourselves, leaving our comfort zones should be something everyone gets to experience; this programme challenged my whole perception of what is possible. It has renewed my passion in becoming a qualified teacher, with the added bonus of feeling more confident in my interactions with peers and students. This programme has also made me feel more confident in talking to people across cultural divides and breaking through language barriers.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
We happened upon a giant scrap metal statue of Bumblebee infront of a Catholic church on an evening stroll after a lovely group meal.
Pros
  • Increased confidence
  • Minimal cost to myself
  • Feeling of accomplishment
Muhammad Abdul Aziz
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Lifetime experience!

I’ve just finished the programme 🎉😭
Time flew 💨 so quickly! I’m quite gutted because I really enjoyed my stay there and now feel “home sick!”

I took part in Thailand from 4th June 2026 to 18th June 2026.

The staff are fantastic; Morgan, Aaron, George, and Leyu have all been incredibly welcoming and supportive. You can genuinely tell they love what they do and I can’t thank them enough for going above and beyond to help me and the other students.

The other students also been amazing, creating a warm, friendly, and supportive atmosphere from day one, especially Max!

The programme has been very well planned so far and I’ve already learned so much about Thailand.

Teaching was absolutely freaking amazing!!!
I probably enjoyed it more than the kids hahah 🤪 the kids did enjoy it too 😁

The kids and staff were a ⭐ you can tell the Thai teachers had passion for teaching.

What was your funniest moment?
Seeing the elephants.
Seeing the kids have fun and doing silly faces.
All the participants were amazing; different personalities.
Pros
  • Teaching was 🔥
  • Thai teacher were amazing!
  • Admins:Morgan, George, Leyu, and Aaron were amazing!
Cons
  • Not enough opportunity for halal food
  • Time management and communication were slacking but adaptability and flexibility was good.
  • Allow more Muslims to join each cohort.