Six-month teaching fellowship in Thailand with Gotoco

On the six-month fellowship, we had a four-week orientation before we started school. We did a lot of traveling in the first few weeks then TESOL training in a lovely hotel and taught for the first time in English camps. The hotel where we completed our TESOL training had the most comfortable beds, a hotel buffet, a pool and a gym! Gotoco couldn't have picked a better place for us to stay.

The cultural activities before teacher training were very fun and varied. We were able to visit lots of different places in Thailand which we may have not experienced if it weren't for the program. My most enjoyable experiences were our trip to Sukhothai, a historical sight in northern Thailand. We rode bikes around the temple grounds, ate at a nice restaurant and stayed in a beautiful hotel where everyone very much enjoyed the pool. We also went to rescue paws which is an animal shelter for disabled dogs. We got to go with the volunteers to feed local packs of strays and walked some of the dogs from the shelter along the beach. It was a great day. Songkran was definitely a highlight, we all had lots of fun over those few days! We also had a karaoke party bus for a few of our journeys which was also highlight. The English camps with Sunee (a friend of Gotoco's who lives in Thailand) was a highlight- teaching for the first time was nerve wrecking but she made the whole experience fun and lighthearted. Lastly, the elephant hotel we stayed at was amazing! We got to feed some wild elephants who live in the grounds surrounding the hotel.

For me, the staff (specifically Hayley, Matty, and El) made the experience. They always made sure we were having a good time but were also available if we needed any help with anything or needed a chat. Whilst teaching, my students were the highlight.

You experience so much during the six-month program. You visit many different places and do lots of different activities. You spent a lot of time with the people on your cohort and get to make lots of friends. Most importantly, you gain lots of valuable experience and get a qualification and it is all funded for you! The company is very inclusive and wants to make sure everyone has the same opportunities no matter their background and that everyone has a positive experience. When I was applying, I wondered if Gotoco was a scam or what was the catch as I couldn't believe all of this is funded for you and you get to experience so much for free! Rest assured after emailing, I was reassured it is not a scam and there is no catch! Just commitment and some hard work is required to complete the TESOL certification and get all the admin requirements completed before starting the course.

My experience on this program has been positive and impactful. This program has helped me grow as an individual and I have had many amazing experiences and will leave with lasting memories and friendships. I feel I have gained lots of valuable experience during my time on the program and have developed as a person both personally and professionally. It is an amazing opportunity to gain some valuable life experience. I would recommend it to everyone.