Teaching internship & TEFL Certification (Thailand, Vietnam, Europe, China, India)

This summer was quite amazing and unforgettable! Originally, I was worried how I was able to cope since I knew no one in Shanghai, and it was my first time being alone in a huge city. However, after I arrived, I made so many friends from around the world, that I didn't want to leave near the end of the program!
We only had to work approximately 5 hours a day. Since we aren't actually "teachers", we were limited to what we could teach. Nonetheless, it was a great experience to be able to chat and interact with the students. We had 2 days off each week to explore Shanghai and its surrounding cities, which was fantastic, because we were able to immerse ourselves in the culture, and experience Shanghai in its entirety. This trip has definitely given me a new perspective in travelling! I would love to come back to Shanghai again!

I spent four weeks in a summer camp in China and it was the best time of my life. I met so many new friends among the Chinese activity leaders and thank to them I improved my Chinese level; the kids were all keen on learning and asking questions, even though their level of English was relatively poor, which made our conversations more challenging but more satisfying in the end as well. Gotoco advertises free Mandarin courses and days off to explore the surrounding but this is hardly never the case, as very few camps offer Chinese classes and my day off was split into an afternoon and a morning off following the kids schedule, and even during my time off I couldn't really go anywhere as my camp was situated in the middle of nowhere. Thus, from that point of view, my cultural exchange experience relied more on what I learned from the kids and the other Chinese leaders, rather than on actuall trips to other cities outside my camp, but it was worth anyway.

Had an amazing time and leant so much about the culture in China and about teaching. However be sure to check with your camp whether you will be actually teaching/ doing english lessons or doing more outdoor activities to avoid being disappointed. Put effort in with the other people there as you will become great friends and be sure to interact with the Chinese people too! Also be sure to check how much free time you have and where the exact location is compared to towns. It’s so much more exciting to spend your summer doing something which helps people and building your CV and character than just working at home. You will never forget this experience and definitely go to Yangshuo after as there is so many cool people and once in a lifetime activities there!

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting a variety of different people including Gotoco students, the monitors and of the course the children. I enjoyed engaging and interacting with them and gaining an understanding of different cultures.

It was rewarding seeing the children’s English progress throughout the camp.

Gotoco were very supportive and helpful, answering any queries I had.

The post camp week in Yangshou is amazing, offering a variety of different activities including Kayaking, bamboo rafting, rock climbing, cycling etc. This week is a great way to meet others who have been on other camps and compare experiences.

The one thing that I believe that needs improving is going through the visa process. Gaining more help and guidance here would be very beneficial as it took multiple attempts before securing mine.

I had an amazing time at the Baobei nature camp in China! Chinese staff as well as the kids were absolutely adorable and amazing. Living close to Hangzhou, both me and other participants had a good amount of opportunities to explore the city and get to know a bit of a local life. Despite the beauty of both the city and the countryside, the best part of my stay in China was amazing, welcoming people that I met everywhere I went- I would never forget hiking up the mountain and being invited for tea and dinner by Taoist monks at the very top!
The company was very helpful and reliable. All of my questions were always answered as soon as possible by my assigned contact, on all stages of my trip as well as at the beginning with registration process.
Thank you Gotoco! 😊

I enjoyed working with the kids and relaxing at the end of the camps. Yangshuo was amazing and there was plenty to do when I got there. I wish I could have stayed longer. It is a good program and the place I stayed in was great. The staff was amazing as well and the kids were generally well behaved and ready to learn. This program forced me to manage my time wisely. I was also in charge of 45 kids at one time in a tiny classroom. I was challenged and learned how to handle that on my own.
The organization at times were somewhat lacking but the staff on hand was well equipped and could handle any situation in a timely manner. There were times that I missed the US, but the people I worked with were very encouraging. Some even felt the same way about their own homes, so we were able to help each other out.

I had an amazing summer both teaching and travelling. Richard, a director of the company, was very accomodating and made my stay in China enjoyable. GOTOCO enabled me to have an enriching experience both teaching and seeing China. To sum up in three words, this program is... Thrilling, immersive, enriching! If you are seeking to change your outlook in life then this is the program for you. Whilst both teaching and travelling then your outlook of the western world will change dramatically. Prior to departure I thought that China was an enclosed country. However, being immersed into the culture has made me realise that both China and the opportunities provided are enriching to say the least. If you wish to seek experience teaching and an enhanced credible CV then this is the program to consider.

I had a great time teaching in China this summer. I was in Zhouyue English college in Yangshou. The programme leader Angie was amazing and made me feel so at home and welcomed. I loved the school and found the experience really improved my confidence and independence. The camp was based in a really beautiful area and there was such a variety of fun things to do. At the weekends I would go hiking, cycling and visit the town centre of Yangshou which is very bustly and fun. I met loads of really lovely people, both other students who had come to teach and Chinese students who helped as teaching assistants in the English classes, I am sure I will stay in touch with many people I have met. This programme is a great way to really immerse yourself in chinese culture and meet new and likeminded people.