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

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

Luca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand programme

From cultural immersion, to improving our teaching skills and implementing them into a variety of schools, and to many more great experiences, this programme provided amazing opportunities. I would highly recommend. With the funding provided it means that this is very accessible.
I was teaching English at a summer camp, but was lucky enough to be able to help the children with cooking classes, swimming classes and arts and crafts classes.
The programme also includes an orientation week which helps you get prepared for the teaching.

Maribel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teaching English in Colombia

I had a really good time teaching English in Colombia for three months. I worked in a small town living in a house with 13 other people on the same programme.
I really enjoyed spending time together as a group and going on trips together. I also learned a lot more about Colombia and got to immerse myself in local culture through salsa lessons and other activities. I improved my teaching skills greatly by teaching a class of 16 7 to 8 year olds as well as increased my confidence and leadership skills.

Joseph
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing 4 Weeks in Poland

Following completion of my final year of my Biochemistry Bachelors I decided to opt into a short international program that I heard about through my university. The main reason for me doing this was I felt I needed a break from the studies and I was ready to jump straight into lifetime career. Additionally, I am not 100% sure what it is I would like to pursue career-wise so tried something new and unrelated to my degree.

This was hands down one of the best things I have ever done, in which I have made some great friends that I hope to keep in touch with for the rest of my life. Although my first time travelling was rather daunting at first you seen meet a lot of like minded people that you can relate with regarding issues with your 'future prospects' and 'career aspirations' which you do come to a funny realisation is that no one really knows and that they just take opportunities as they come.

If you are unsure of what it is you are wanting to do or if you are just wanting a different experience then I would highly recommend GOTOCO as it is very affordable and it will also give you a lot of insight into other cultures and whether or not you would like to further explore the avenue of teaching and helping encourage younger pupils with their communication as well as their confidence :)

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I just wish we had longer!!! The last day when we all parted was very sad and it took me a few days to get accustomed to my own company again. I think sharing new experiences with like minded people really helps set a solid tone for who you are as a person as you can truly be yourself.
Pros
  • Meeting great and wonderful people
  • Affordable
  • Early mornings
What other participants should know
  • The End is Sad :(
  • Early mornings
Shannon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Bali Lean in summer program 10/10 would recommend

This was an amazing experience personally and professionally. I truly learned a lot about the balinese culture as it was a true immersive experience. I made lifelong friends and got to travel to places i'd never imagined i would ever see. Cannot sing the praise for the gotoco program enough!

On this program I got to teach Indonesian children ages 7-10 years old, which was great as i could see the difference in their english level at the start of the program compared to the end of the program. The kids were one of my favourite parts of the program.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
go in with an open mind and expect the unexpected
Pros
  • lifelong friends made
  • saw amazing things i never thought i would ever see
  • learned a lot about myself personally and professionally.
What other participants should know
  • the accommodation could have been better, it was 3 to a room.
  • its easy for travellers to get sick
  • its very hot, to be expected!
Jordana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience of a lifetime!

I had such an amazing time with Gotoco in Vietnam. From meeting new people, to the excursions, to the food - everything was incredible! I am so grateful for the support I received from the coordinators, they made the process so easy. I have always wanted to volunteer but have never come across an opportunity like this one - not only do you get the experience of a lifetime, but you also gain a qualification that can work towards your future! All of this, practically for free! I recommend this programme to anyone and everyone!!!!

Archie
5/5
No, I don't recommend this program

A great opportunity!

The programme has really benefitted me in a few different ways most noteabley the confidence I hold in myself to take on new challenges as well as become more sure of myself in general in regards to embracing the unknown, becoming more socially outgoing and having a clearer grasp on my place in a diverse world.

The highlights for me was the freedom and free time given to travel to a country I've always wanted to travel to with newly made friends! And when I didn't have the freedom to do this I was enjoying the personal growth offered by managing a classroom or I was on a excellently planned programme trip which cut out some of the planning that travelling requires

Phoebe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience

I had an incredibly unique and authentic experience of Thai life and culture.
The programme was well organised and enjoyable. I taught in two different rural schools in the depths of the Thai rainforest.
I enjoyed going to the local temple and hiking to the waterfall on the weekends and swimming in the river after school. Teaching and playing with the children at the school was fulfilling and very memorable. I also I enjoyed the orientation week, particularly the Thai language and muay thai classes. I am now a more confident teacher and traveller.

Polly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TEFL in Vitenam!

I had such an amazing time teaching in Hai Phong, Vietnam. I've made such amazing friends here and had so many memorable experiences. The kids I taught were so fun and hard working and full of contagious energy that the teaching was a joy. The activities and trips which Gotoco organised were such fun and a great way to get immersed into the culture. One of my highlights was playing pub golf for one of the participants' birthdays and everyone getting extremely competitive! I would 100% recommend to anyone who wants to give teaching a go and explore a new country!

What was your funniest moment?
Watching everyone in the group give karaoke a go- not the most gifted bunch but top marks for energy.
J
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience

Really affordable way to travel the world, gain practical teaching experience, and meet new people. I travelled to Poland over summer and worked for three weeks at a summer camp teaching English through games and casual conversation sessions - making it a great opportunity for anyone who wants to get into teaching. After the final summer camp, as a group we got to travel around Poland in Warsaw and Krakow with accommodation provided.
Main negative I would say is slow communication on the company's side.

Pros
  • Help you gain a TESOL qualification
  • Practical teaching experience
  • More affordable than other programmes
What other participants should know
  • Slow communication
Kyle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Gotoco Bali Summer 2023

Gotoco is a great opportunity to combine professional development with seeing the world, something that is quite rare to come across. I feel like i've left the program not only with more confidence in my professional abilities but with a host of stories and new experiences. With the costs of the program largely covered by Gotoco, it means there is little financial burden to myself which is great.

Shared experiences with new friends really made the trip enjoyable. Some moments included visiting nearby waterfalls, nights out in Canggu, visiting the monkey forest in Ubud, learning to surf, exploring the beaches in Uluwatu and swimming with dolphins in Lovina.