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

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

Abbie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Gotoco China

I had the best 2 months in China on a cultural exchange program, teaching children English and travelling around. I met people who I hope to keep in contact with, and I hope to return again soon. Gotoco was helpful throughout and made me feel supported in such a new and scary experience. I felt supported in China and I know if I had any problems when applying for future jobs, I could go to them for advice or support. The end of program trip arranged by Gotoco was great- we hiked, climbing up and swam in a waterfall and did a cooking class! Thanks Gotoco!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I tried a chicken head!
Pros
  • Meeting new people
  • Cultural experience
  • Trying new food
What other participants should know
  • Expensive
  • Language learning
Danyaal
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a lifetime experience

I took part in Gotoco's 2-month programme in Vietnam and it was an amazing experience. It was an incredibly unique opportunity, being able to travel and explore a whole new country while gaining professional experience. The staff were very supportive and helpful throughout my experience as well.

Teaching English was something I was initially nervous about, however, was very enjoyable and helped develop my confidence and communication skills. Additionally, the experience showed how rewarding teaching can be.

If you are someone who likes to try new things, explore the world and want to help kids in rural communities then I highly recommend this opportunity.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate boiled pigeon lol
Suzanna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

I did the 8-week rural Thailand programme and it was an amazing experience. I met so many wonderful people and learnt so many skills that I will take forward. The programme has given me a lot more travel independence and I am so grateful for the opportunity. I was placed in a school in the north of Thailand and it was such a beautiful location. Everyone at the school was so lovely and I had such a positive experience. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to teach and travel and the fully-funded nature of this programme is amazing.

maia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand rural schools programme

Amazing experience, I would definitely recommend if you are someone who wants to get out of your comfort zone, improve your teaching skills, meet new people and get a true insight into a different culture. I went for two months and managed to also do some travelling in between, going to places such as Chiang mai and sukothai as well as Ko tao after the programme ended. We met lovely people and have made connections with our students and other gotocoers and memories with them that we will hold with us forever.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
pork intestine
Pros
  • meeting new people
  • trying new food
  • learning about a different culture
What other participants should know
  • out of my comfort zone
  • dogs
  • long time
Moulik
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Very good experience

Amazing, I made friends for life and explored thailand. I did the 6 week project and the total trip was 8 weeks. There is also an orientation week at the start and an end of trip beach holiday at the end. I applied with a friend and they were fine with placing us together. The school was lovely and accommodating as we were given a host who was take good care of us. The host also took us on many weekend trips. The only thing to note is that their team are very slow with communication. Would recommend.

Beth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Must Do Experience

I would recommend this once in a life time experience to teach in rural thailand with GOTOCO a fully funded teaching abroad experience. Before GOTOCO I didn’t even know it was possible to go abroad and teach english to children for free. You get a chance to make a bond with people you would have never had a chance to meet and experience things you never would have saw if you had just visited the country just for travel purposes. You gain so much cultural capital by being out there and joining in on different cultural actives and learning a some Thai words.

What was your funniest moment?
Driving up a mountain to reach the highest point in thailand at 3am to see the sunset
Pros
  • Travel
  • Cultural capital
  • teaching experience
What other participants should know
  • 6 Weeks not long enough
Finn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Gotoco China Yangshou

My experience with Gotoco is greatest experience I have had abroad I was put into a summer camp in Yangshou an area in Chine where I would go out and do many activities with the students. we would get a new group of kids every week ranging from 8 to 13. This experience would not of been possible and been so easy and relaxing if not for Gotoco they had people to help me at any point during the day and there TEFL training is great it runs thought all the way to to teach and how to change your teaching style and how to be a better teacher.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
go out there and bring it your all and just have fun with it and the teaching no one gets it first time and this is the perfect place to get better at teaching
Pros
  • If I need help there would be people that can help with it
What other participants should know
  • I wish information about the program was given sooner to leaving for the program
Amirah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Experience With GoToCo

I had a wonderful time with GoToCo, as I was able to meet some amazing people from across not only the UK, but the world. My experience with a host family was incredible, and they provided an unforgettable cultural exchange experience. The school was super fun and whilst stressful and tiring, I thoroughly enjoyed teaching my class and by the end, felt very sad to be leaving. I would recommend this programme to anybody looking to step out their comfort zone a bit, especially if you are considering a career in teaching!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Truffles!
Pros
  • Get to meet new people
  • Get to have an culture immersive cultural exchange experience
  • Forces you out of your comfort zone and improves confidence
What other participants should know
  • Do not get to choose which camp you are on specifically
OLIVIA
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand 2023/24

I thoroughly enjoyed working in my school in Thailand, where I taught amazing and eager children, creating unforgettable memories. The highlight of my experience was the kindness and passion of the students, which reaffirmed my desire to be a teacher. Additionally, I met a close friend through the program, and together we explored Thailand and Cambodia, dreaming of developing our own English program or school. I highly recommend Gotoco for their excellent support and funding opportunities, making it an ideal start-up program for teaching abroad.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice is to embrace the experience fully and remain open to learning and adapting. Research and prepare for cultural differences to make your transition smoother. Engage actively with both students and staff, as their enthusiasm will enrich your teaching experience. Building connections with fellow participants can lead to lasting friendships and shared travel adventures. Utilise the support and resources offered by Gotoco, and don't hesitate to reach out for assistance when needed. Finally, enjoy the journey and the opportunity to make a positive impact while exploring a new part of the world.
Isabel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best thing about my experience

I thought the experience was very generous and well organised. I enjoyed my time with both of my host families, they were extremely kind and always wanted to do activities together and they really helped me adjust into their lifestyle. Both camps were wonderful and the children I taught were really keen to learn English, which was positive for me. The children were always so happy and made it really worth it coming to camp everyday. The end of programme trip in Venice was also very well organised and we were given lots of tips and advice on the best sights to see in Venice, and it was a relaxing way to end the trip.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-wracking moment of the programme was meeting my host families for the first time. It is something I’ve never done before and an unusual experience to live with people you don’t know. However, I quickly adjusted to their lifestyle and they provided me with a really positive experience for my first time in Italy.
Pros
  • The funding I received from my university really helped with the cost of the programme
  • The host families
  • The experience to travel around Italy
What other participants should know
  • Some of the camps were really far away from the orientation so be prepared to travel a lot on trains