Program Reviews

Generally, a great experience you cannot complain about being funded to teach in Thailand. A few minor gripes but they are related specifically to the placement I was on and not the program overall. 'Placement in a supportive school in rural Thailand with extensive cultural activities.' This didn't seem true to word, as we were placed in a £15,000 a year kindergarten in Bangkok where we acted as substitute teachers for the other 40 native English-speaking teachers and one of our cultural activities was being offered to go watch our English headteacher's rock band practice. Talking to others on our course we seemed to be an isolated case so I would still recommend the program.

I loved my trip to Poland with Gotoco. I really enjoyed getting to meet so many new people, learning about the local culture, and exploring new cities. The programmes were really rewarding, as I got to mentor different students and watch them all grow over the week.
The highlight for me was meeting the other Gotoco participants. By taking on this experience, I got to meet and form close bonds with so many amazing people.
I would really recommend joining Gotoco as you get to travel whilst gaining teaching experience and a TESOL qualification. You meet so many new people from different backgrounds, allowing you to improve your conversational skills, confidence and independence. I think I have benefitted greatly from this experience and I would definitely recommend!

Gotoco is an excellent experience overall - it is probably the most affordable way to visit a southeast Asian country. It's a great way to meet new people and really be immersed in the local culture. Having the opportunity to complete a TESOL programme was brilliant - it was really informative and useful for planning my own lessons. I was very grateful that Gotoco was so accommodating and allowed my friends and I to be placed in a group together. The coordinators were always contactable to help with any issues which was fantastic. Our employers in Bao Loc were extremely generous and made our trip very memorable.

The highlights for me were being immersed in the local culture and community, meeting people of all backgrounds, trying something new everyday, exploring rural Thailand, the bonds made with the local people and students as well as with the people I was on the programme with.
It is a great chance to travel and experience the real side of a country as well as meeting new people and improving your confidence all on a budget whilst helping improve students English which is rewarding.
It has grown my confidence to travel independently, meet new new people, it has also made me more self confident and more conscious of how different societies work around the world.

My time in Spain with Gotoco was amazing. I loved the fact that the teaching was conversational as it meant that we all built up a really good relationship with the Spanish participants. I had a great experience with the other students too as everyone got on so well and clicked so quickly.
It was a great way for me to improve my confidence as well as gain a TEFL qualification that was fully funded.
For me, the highlight of the trip was our cultural tour in Granada. Gotoco made a detailed itinerary for us and funded multiple activities, which I was very grateful for! It was a great way to explore Granada and learn more about the city.

This experience is something that I will always treasure and recommend for anyone considering the prospect of teaching and would like to travel as well. Not only do you get placed on a well structured program that guides you to get a useful TESOL qualification but you have the opportunity to integrate within a new culture and meet so many amazing people experiencing a new country and community in a way that you wouldn't normally get a chance to. You get more life experience, personal development, incredible memories and connections and it's fully funded.

My experience was honestly amazing, the people I met and how on hand everyone was at Minga House.. I felt so safe and comfortable. I got to see so many different places and was really submerged into the culture. You are able to learn a new language and culture and meet new people and explore a different part of the world whilst staying within the safety net of minga house. It has enabled me to feel more comfortable with locals and a completely different language and culture. I have gained a snippet into the travelling lifestyle and love it! I have also made new friends

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Thailand, but one of the greatest aspects was getting to know the food and people of Nakhon Sawan in depth during my time there. I felt very comfortable in the community and in my school, and it was amazing to explore every part of the town. I also enjoyed travelling in my time off, which made me feel like I had made the most of the programme.

I always recommend Gotoco to my friends and colleagues. I think it is an amazing deal that is hard to resist - teaching experience, new friends, and greater cultural awareness all at a small price. This explains why I am always keen to go on new programmes when I get the chance!

Participating in the Gotoco teaching English volunteering experience has been immensely beneficial, leaving an indelible mark on my personal and professional growth. This opportunity allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, refine my teaching skills, and gain invaluable insights into the dynamics of cross-cultural communication.
Firstly, the experience broadened my horizons by exposing me to the rich tapestry of Spanish culture. Engaging with local communities, sharing stories, and embracing their way of life enriched my understanding of the world's diversity. This cultural immersion not only deepened my empathy but also expanded my worldview.
Secondly, the teaching aspect of the experience honed my communication and leadership skills. Guiding students through language learning taught me to adapt my approach to suit different learning styles, enhancing my ability to convey ideas effectively. The experience prompted personal growth, fostering patience, adaptability, and the capacity to inspire learning in others.
Lastly, the experience instilled a sense of global citizenship, reinforcing the importance of cross-cultural collaboration and mutual understanding. The friendships formed, both with fellow volunteers and locals, underline the power of shared experiences in fostering lasting connections.
The Gotoco teaching English volunteering experience has been a transformative journey, enhancing my cultural awareness, teaching aptitude, and interpersonal skills. This opportunity has not only equipped me with practical skills but also enriched my outlook on life, making me a more adaptable, empathetic, and globally conscious individual.
My experience with the programme has been a transformative journey, enhancing my cultural awareness, teaching aptitude, and interpersonal skills. This opportunity has not only equipped me with practical skills but also enriched my outlook on life, making me a more adaptable, empathetic, and globally conscious individua

My experience with Gotoco has been nothing short of life-changing. I feel like I have left a big part of me in Thailand while also taken so many parts of Thailand with me.

Through this programme, I was able to fulfil my dreams of teaching and traveling abroad. My idea of traveling is incomplete without immersing myself in the culture properly, and being integrated into the society as a teacher gave me ample opportunities to understand the culture and make lifelong local friends (half of my screen time is spent on 'line' now!).
I also feel that by participating in the programme, I have been able to develop myself in multiple ways. I have become more organised, honed my leadership skills, boosted my confidence through managing big classrooms, and am on course to procure a very valuable TEFL certificate, which will enable me to fulfil more of my teaching+traveling dreams!

In short, if you want to immerse yourself in a different culture while also working towards a TEFL qualification, I cannot recommend this programme enough! The Gotoco staff spends countless hours in making the programme accessible to everyone. The staff makes you feel like a valued member of the ecosystem and are always there to help you with everything, whether imparting valuable advice about lesson plans, facilitating your transition to the target country's life, or recommending the best, local cat cafes!

I am so glad I applied and am so excited to witness the amazing progress my students will make in the future!