1 Month Teaching & Travelling in Thailand - From Bangkok, to Hua Hin, Phichit & Pattaya

If you're wondering whether this opportunity is too good to be true, wonder no more, it's all LEGIT :) It's not an exaggeration to say that my time in Thailand, and during the Gotoco programme gave me memories that I will cherish for a long time. Gotoco met and even exceeded my expectations in many ways. I really enjoyed the cultural activities organised during the orientation (few days before the start of the teaching) and the cultural trip. For example, we visited an artist's village and a a mangrove forest in Hua Hin, went on a boat guided tour of Bangkok's canals, and a dinner cruise, all of these included in the programme funding! I also appreciated the educational aspect of the programme, which involved lectures about different aspects of Thai culture such as Buddhism and Thai history. Maybe more than anything else, I particularly appreciated the presence of the staff and year-long Gotocoers, with whom I really enjoyed talking and asking for advice.

My favourite part of the programme was teaching at Wat Chaisri one of the Gotoco partner schools in the Phichit region. Never had I imagined being welcomed with such generosity, and that I would enjoy teaching as much as I did. The teachers were there to help us translate during the classes or organise activities with the students, but also let us take the lead and decide the lesson plans. We also participated in English camps on the weekends, which were fun English workshops for kids of different ages.

Some things to bear in mind:
Gotoco is a social enterprise, and not a paid-for travel agency service therefore you need to demonstrate flexibility and be proactive. This is an adventure not a tanning-on-the-beach holiday ( although we did do that too!) so you have to be open-minded. While there is an introduction to English teaching during the induction, and we were encouraged to share teaching resources and advice, in the schools, you will be in charge of preparing the lessons (with the help of the school's English teachers of course). This is a really great opportunity to gain try out teaching, gain experience if you already have some, and to learn about yourself.

As a follow-up to some of the other reviews, communication can sometimes be a bit confusing and some elements are not stated clearly, but n my experience, the team has always been available to clarify things, or provide support if needed.