Gotoco Thailand 6 week TEFL - July-August 2024

The Gotoco Thailand 6-week programme was an amazing experience! Alongside completing a TEFL course, you have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience teaching at a school and also have free time to travel around the country! It was such a unique experience that allowed you to see a new country through a different lens than a typical tourist, providing the opportunity for personal and professional growth. It was also a great chance to meet other like-minded people in your cohort as well as meet new friends from a different country. I was personally placed at a school near the Cambodian border, so had the opportunity to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia during one of the weekends - a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

During the 6 weeks of teaching, I loved having the opportunity to visit local and national landmarks. At my placement school, the teacher who was the main point of contact, Kru Lek, ensured that we were able to see local landmarks and immerse ourselves in the culture, not just of Thailand but of the local region, Sisaket.

Overall, I felt that, through the programme, I got to have new experiences and learn about a new culture as well as about myself in a way that I haven't been able to do before. I also think the programme helped me to grow in confidence and become more comfortable as a leader, be it as a teacher or just in a group setting in general. I think that the programme helped me to improve my communication skills and ability to work and travel independently.

I also appreciate that Gotoco facilitates wider participation, allowing people from a range of backgrounds to have an experience that would not otherwise be available to them. I would highly recommend it!