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

Having never taught before, especially in a different country, I found this experience to be like nothing I had ever done before. Even with no history and probably no future in teaching, I found this to be a truly transformational and unforgettable experience.

The people you meet and the other people on this programme will make your experience, so always be open to new connections and experiences.

The highlight for me was the bond you make with your students, whether it is the adults or the children, and how moving it was to say goodbye at the end of the programme.

I feel that the programme has helped me grow personally and professionally. It taught me how to communicate effectively with children who do not speak or understand English very well, which encouraged me to think creatively about how I communicate and explain things. It also made me more culturally aware and helped me develop a better understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Overall, the programme has helped me grow in confidence and become more comfortable communicating with people from different backgrounds.

I stumbled upon this opportunity and chance, and I have to say I must be very lucky. This was my first time going abroad solo, and I absolutely loved my time here. I would do it again. My group was amazing, and so were the co-ordinataors. I was surrounded by amazing people and have made lifelong friends over the span of two weeks. The activities they organised for us were brilliant such as the boat tour in Bangkok. I really enjoyed teaching younger students as well. I would recommend this opportunity to anyone who loves travelling, exploring new places and trying out new things.

I believe this programme is a great opportunity for anyone who feels lost, uncertain, or unsure about their career path. Many people reach a point where they are questioning their future, looking for direction, or trying to gain experience that will help them make informed decisions. This programme provides a unique opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and gain valuable practical experience while contributing to a meaningful project.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the programme is that it allows participants to make a positive impact while also benefiting personally and professionally. In exchange for your time, effort, and commitment, you receive funding, practical experience, and the opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable skills. These skills include communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and confidence, all of which are highly valued in any career.

For me, the experience was much more than simply teaching English. It gave me the opportunity to interact with people from different backgrounds, learn about a new culture, and gain a better understanding of how education and teaching are approached in another country. Building relationships with local children, teachers, and fellow participants was incredibly rewarding and helped me develop both my interpersonal skills and cultural awareness.

I think it is important for anyone considering this programme to understand its purpose and expectations before joining. While the programme offers many benefits, participants should not view it solely as a way to travel or receive funding. The real value comes from being actively engaged, contributing positively to the project, and embracing the learning opportunities that arise throughout the experience. Having realistic expectations and a willingness to contribute will help ensure a more meaningful and rewarding experience.

It is also important to keep an open mind throughout the programme. Things may not always go exactly as planned, and there may be challenges along the way. However, these challenges often become some of the most valuable learning experiences. Being flexible, adaptable, and willing to learn from different situations can help participants grow both personally and professionally.

I would encourage future participants to take the opportunity to share their own experiences and knowledge while remaining open to learning from others. Every interaction offers a chance to gain a new perspective, better understand different cultures, and develop greater confidence in your own abilities. The programme creates an environment where mutual learning and personal growth can thrive.

Overall, I would highly recommend this programme to anyone who is looking for direction, meaningful experience, or an opportunity to challenge themselves. It not only provides practical skills and valuable experience but also encourages personal development, cultural understanding, and self-confidence. If you approach the programme with the right mindset, a positive attitude, and an openness to learn, it can be a truly enriching and life-changing experience.

An unforgettable, genuinely life-changing experience from start to finish! The Gotoco team made the entire process—from the initial onboarding and visa guidance to the camp placement itself—straightforward, clear, and immensely supportive throughout.
​Teaching and working with the students in China was incredibly rewarding, the cultural immersion was second to none, and getting to explore, travel, and connect with fantastic people made it a summer I'll never forget. If you're considering teaching abroad, I can’t recommend Gotoco enough. 10/10!

I had the opportunity to teach english to some amazing thai children, and it's an experience I'll never forget. It was all well-coordinated, accommodation and food was provided and was much better than i expected it to be, and the people you meet and memories you make along the way are incredible and will stick with you forever. They also delayed my return flight so i coukd travel around thailand myself which was so kind of them to do. If you're reading this unsure about whether or not you should go, believe me just sign up and take that step because it's one of the best decisions you'll make.

This has been a naming experience I have been able to not only explore and embrace the culture in Vietnam. I have networked with some amazing people in different projects including women empowerment and working with different school and kids throughout the weeks!’ I would recommend to get people out of their comfort zone network and explore a new culture whilst learning new skills however to come prepared and know what they are applying for.
The country itself is so beautiful, we also learnt key skills such as lesson planning organising well and using resources to our advantage.

An unforgettable experience that I will always cherish - it's not everyday you get the opportunity to live life in Vietnam for a month to teach children English, all for a small fee for the course.

I believe it has made me realise I can be independent whilst also having a good relationship with the people around me. The afternoon with the cultural exchange gave me confidence about my abilities in my future work place in terms of forming relationships with co workers and presentation skills.

It is also something that will help me stand out on my CV. It shows independence for going out by myself; adaptability and an ability to build relationships with new people; an appreciation and understanding of different cultures; and another experience in a professional environment.

I would definitely recommend Gotoco. I would do so because I found the program so enjoyable and meaningful in terms of my experience but also because I feel incredibly grateful to have been provided with such an opportunity to see the world within a framework where I still had some anchorage to adults who could provide me with help and support if need be. Also the very fact that I did not have to find money for flights or accommodation because I received funding from Gotoco meant I was able to have this opportunity, as otherwise I would not have been able to afford it. The programme has benefited me greatly. Travelling to and exploring a new place has improved my confidence, and specifically my confidence in my ability to make friends and connections. Being in Malaysia and speaking to so many people from different walks of life also boosted my confidence in regards to my social skills and ability to connect with people, and the whole experience has definitely made me much more eager to travel. Further, my time in Malaysia has benefitted me through opening my eyes to the future possibility, such as my interest in journalism has really been awakened through meeting and talking to so many people, alongside my love of teaching young people. Working within the MLC itself also benefitted me, my time there improved my confidence, reminding me that I can go the extra mile and be recognised for my ability and effort. Navigating a network of other staff, and professionals was highly useful in terms of building experience. Working with my students benefitted me both in terms of the professional sphere of teaching, but also just through broadening my perspective and giving me moments that I will always remember.

I had experienced such a beautiful events through the program, they have helped us explore Vietnam, understand the history and get immersed in the culture. Going to the marble mountains, and the trip to Hanoi with wonderful people. I think this experience is one of a kind, it's not something that would come every day and the fact that you get to experience the culture, the teaching as well as building relationships and developing new skills. It's a great experience that I would absolutely recommend. I feel like this program have given me an in person classroom experience as a teacher and have boosted my TEFL skills, which will help when applying to teach abroad.