Gotoco

My time in China with Gotoco was far more than just a teaching trip, although that aspect of it was thoroughly enjoyed and has really given me insight into what I want career-wise moving forward. It was an experience that is filled with activities, fun, and great people, with the Gotoco staff being particularly welcoming and helpful. A great experience which I would recommend to anyone.

My time in China with Gotoco was far more than just a teaching trip, although that aspect of it was thoroughly enjoyed and has really given me insight into what I want career-wise moving forward. It was an experience that is filled with activities, fun, and great people, with the Gotoco staff being particularly welcoming and helpful. A great experience which I would recommend to anyone.

I feel so lucky to have been given the opportunity to spend two weeks in Vietnam with Gotoco and immerse myself in a new culture…especially without having to break the bank! This trip was my first solo travel experience, and the Gotoco team provided the perfect amount of support throughout which made it such a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Even when I had a minor flight mishap, I couldn’t have asked for better support to get it resolved so quickly. The experience encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and has now given me a taste of the fun of solo adventures so I’m sure this will only be the beginning. There was always something to do and plenty of free time to explore. Working with local schools was such an unexpected highlight as I wasn’t feeling particularly confident going into it, but it was so much fun and such a rewarding part of the experience, which made this trip so much better than just a standard holiday. I also loved all the cultural activities and spending time with a great group of people who I know will be long-term friends. I’m already planning my return to Vietnam as soon as possible and will keep my eyes peeled for any more opportunities with Gotoco in the future. If you’re thinking about joining a Gotoco programme, do it… you definitely won’t regret it!

I had an incredible experience, from the orientation in Ayutthaya, to teaching with my friend Finn, to being part of an inclusive, respectful and bubbly community, to my travels in Koh Samet with other teachers from the programme, to the closure at Bangkok. The arc of my structured trip was full of wonderful experiences, such as a trip to a waterpark in Ayutthaya, trips to 7/11 with Finn, football and muay thai with the students after school, bodyboarding and fire shows on the island, and a cooking class in Bangkok. The programme has certainly prompted me to consider teaching more carefully. I have realised the importance of being a valued member of a community, of feeling that work is meaningful, and of seeing the positive impact I am having on people.

Through Gotoco, I got to experience China in a way I never would have had otherwise. I got to bond with the kids as well as the team of volunteers, cycle in beautiful landscapes, eat delicious food and spend incredible moments.

I had an incredible time in Hunan, China with Gotoco! The programmes are both a great way to gain teaching experience for a TEFL qualification, and to immerse yourself in the scenery and culture of a new country. In China, I discovered a love for teaching and an attachment to helping others learn that I never thought I would feel, and had an incredible time experiencing such a vast, interesting, and beautiful place! I would highly recommend to students who want to see the world and discover a new potential career path.

Paid for 2 weeks teaching experience in Vietnam or Thailand seemed a tad too good to be true at first. But I am so glad I continued with my application. If I hadn't, I would have missed out on the absolutely brilliant experience I ended up having. From meeting some of the other volunteers at the airport to the final flight home, I am eternally grateful for everything that happened in between. It was one of the best experienes.

Going on the GOTOCO placement in Thailand has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences I have undergone. As someone who struggles with public speaking undertaking a teaching placement was daunting but still a challenge I wanted to commit to. I am so glad I did! I now feel much more confident in my ability to handle my nerves and have now realised that often tasks such as public speaking are well within my capability, teaching in Thailand helped me realise that! The programme leaders George and Morgan were simply incredible and I cannot thank them enough for their time and effort, making the trip for our group so special!

It was great to experience China in an authentic way and explore a culture that was very different to mine. Meeting locals was very nice, as they were all super friendly. Spending time outside of school with the teachers was also a lot of fun. If you're looking to challenge yourself and develop your skills, I'd definitely recommend.

This was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment I arrived, the coordinators made everyone feel welcome and were always there to support us. The cultural exchange was the highlight of the trip. Learning about Vietnamese traditions and lifestyle while sharing our own culture with local students was incredibly rewarding. The students were enthusiastic and genuinely interested in learning from us. I also made lifelong friends with other volunteers from around the world. The food was amazing, and experiencing local cuisine while learning to use chopsticks added to the adventure. If you’re looking for a volunteering programme that combines travel, teaching, and cultural immersion, I’d highly recommend Gotoco.

Overall, I had an amazing time in Vietnam. It was a fantastic opportunity to experience a new culture, gain valuable classroom experience, and work alongside inspiring local teachers and students. The highlight for me was building genuine connections with the students, watching their confidence grow, and making lasting friendships throughout the programme. It was an unforgettable experience both personally and professionally. This programme confirmed that teaching is the right career path for me. It helped me develop practical teaching skills, build confidence in the classroom, and sparked an interest in teaching abroad in the future. It has had a really positive impact on my career direction. I would definitely recommend this programme to anyone looking to gain teaching experience while exploring a new country. It offers a great balance of professional development, personal growth, and fun, with plenty of unforgettable memories along the way.

My trip to Asia was my first, and it provided an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in a completely different culture. I embraced the people, traditions, language, food, and way of life, gaining a much deeper appreciation for the diversity of the world around me. Meeting new people and building meaningful connections was one of the highlights of the experience, and I made friendships that I will cherish for years to come. This journey represented a significant period of personal growth. I stepped well outside of my comfort zone and challenged myself in ways I never thought possible. I became more confident in making my own decisions independently, embraced new experiences without hesitation, and enjoyed the freedom to focus on my own personal development. For the first time in many years, I was able to concentrate solely on myself without the day-to-day responsibilities I have towards my family, which allowed me to grow in confidence and independence. One of my biggest achievements was travelling halfway around the world despite my fear of flying. As someone who has always disliked flying, this was a challenge in itself, but overcoming that fear gave me a tremendous sense of accomplishment and proved that I am capable of far more than I sometimes believe. I truly experienced things I would never have dreamed of and created memories that will stay with me forever. None of this would have been quite the same without Hayley, Arron and Thuy, who were absolutely fantastic throughout the entire experience. Their support, encouragement, friendship and guidance played a huge role in making the trip so special and memorable. I will never, ever forget my time there. It was a life-changing experience that enabled me to grow both personally and professionally, gave me friendships and memories to treasure, and showed me what is possible when I am willing to embrace new challenges and opportunities. Bring on my next adventure ( although I am unsure my husband and family will agree this time )

It was an amazing opportunity that I'm still grateful for. Everyday was an adventure and all the organizers were so accommodating, helpful and kind. Truly it was an amazing experience. The accommodation itself was clean and comfortable. The food was amazing. One thing I'd suggest is to bring sunscreen because you will be exploring the wonders of the place all day.

The best thing I’ve ever done. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me grow , these type of experiences make you learn so much about yourself and the world- if you feel stuck and like your floating… DO THIS ! xx

I just returned from a 2 week placement in Thailand. What a brilliant opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. From learning about and immersing myself in the culture and exploring new places, to teaching in an English camp and meeting new people, it has helped me develop both personally and professionally. If you get the opportunity to join a placement with Gotoco I would absolutely encourage you to do so.

It's been a life-changing experience that I highly recommend to anyone who wants to discover different cultures and put themselves in discussion from a different perspective on life. It's been 2 weeks rollercoaster that I will never forget.

I was lucky enough to spend two weeks teaching English in Vietnam, and what an incredible experience it was. The weather was certainly scorching and took a little getting used to, but the whole trip was truly unforgettable. We had the opportunity to teach children from toddler age right through to university students, which was both rewarding and, at times, a little outside my comfort zone. That said, I absolutely loved it. I feel I gained so much from the experience, and I hope the students did too. Being part of a group of 29 worked really well, with a great balance of teaching, lesson preparation, sightseeing and social time. The team, the food, the local people and the whole experience were fantastic. Outside of the classroom, we had the chance to explore Vietnamese culture properly — making our own lanterns, cooking traditional Vietnamese food, learning how to make Vietnamese drip coffee, climbing Marble Mountain and meeting some brilliant locals along the way. It was a fantastic opportunity, full of learning, laughter and new experiences. I would 100% recommend it to anyone who gets the chance.

Participating in this teaching program was an absolutely incredible experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me embrace my independence. The hands-on teaching was incredibly rewarding and really built my confidence in leading activities. Beyond the classroom, I loved every part of the Vietnamese culture. We had amazing cultural immersion, from the first group day at the beach to the traditional cooking classes. My favorite part was having daily chats with our wonderful Vietnamese hosts, which made me feel deeply connected to the local community. The staff on the ground, especially Aaron and Hayley, were exceptional. They managed the group with a kind, supportive approach that was truly inspiring. Whenever anyone had an issue, they were extremely helpful and resolved it quickly to keep everyone safe and happy. I completely fell in love with Vietnam, and I am definitely coming back!

One of the biggest highlights of the trip was working alongside and supporting Hayley and Aaron throughout the teaching programme. It was incredibly rewarding to take an active role in delivering sessions rather than simply observing. Teaching required me to think on my feet, adapt to different situations, and respond to students in the moment, which made every session engaging and helped me grow in confidence. Standing in front of peers and large groups of university students was something I found daunting at first. Delivering a lecture to around 100 students in a hot and humid lecture theatre was a challenge in itself, but the positive feedback I received afterwards made it all worthwhile. Hearing that my presentations were engaging and well delivered gave me confidence in my public speaking, and finishing the programme with a strong final teaching session felt like a real achievement. Some of my favourite memories came from the quieter moments outside of teaching. Sitting with a coffee while watching spectacular thunderstorms, seeing mangos fall from the trees, enjoying the evening fireworks, and wandering through the night market all made everyday life feel special. I also made the most of the affordable local prices by treating myself to two haircuts, beard trims, and a relaxing massage. The cultural experiences were just as memorable. Exploring Hoi An Old Town, trying my hand at lantern making, and soaking up the atmosphere of the historic streets were definite highlights. I also enjoyed trying egg coffee, taking a bus tour to visit local temples, watching traditional rice paper being made, going on a boat trip, and having lunch at a family-run restaurant. Climbing Marble Mountain was another unforgettable experience, with stunning views that made the climb well worth the effort. The trip ended perfectly with drinks at a rooftop bar, watching the sunset after the final teaching session and reflecting on everything I had experienced. It was a fitting end to a journey that combined professional development, cultural immersion, personal challenges, and unforgettable memories. Looking back, this experience has had a lasting impact on both my personal and professional development. The greatest change has been in my confidence, particularly with public speaking, which is something I have often avoided in the past. Teaching large groups of university students in a completely different cultural setting pushed me well outside my comfort zone and showed me that I am capable of communicating effectively, even in unfamiliar situations. I developed stronger communication, adaptability, leadership, and teamwork skills, while learning to remain calm and respond positively when plans changed unexpectedly. These are skills that will benefit me throughout my career and have undoubtedly made me more confident and employable. I would wholeheartedly recommend this programme to anyone looking to challenge themselves, build confidence, and experience personal and professional growth.

This has genuinely been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I am so grateful that I took the leap and signed up, because it has given me memories, friendships and confidence that I will carry with me forever. Before coming to Vietnam, there were so many things I never imagined I’d be brave enough to do. Over the past two weeks I’ve pushed myself outside my comfort zone in the best possible way. From trying amazing new foods, exploring a completely different culture, riding on Grab scooters through busy streets, and going out in the evenings with the wonderful friends I made, every day brought a new adventure. I met so many incredible people from all over the world, and I truly never expected to form such genuine friendships in such a short time. The teaching itself was the highlight of the entire experience. Spending time with the children was incredibly rewarding, and seeing their enthusiasm, curiosity and confidence grow made every moment worthwhile. It reminded me how meaningful even small acts of kindness, encouragement and patience can be. Having the opportunity to complete my TEFL certification alongside the placement made the experience even more valuable and has given me skills and confidence that I’ll carry into the future. This programme has changed me for the better. It has helped me become more confident, more independent and far more willing to embrace new experiences instead of being afraid of them. More than anything, I learned so much about myself: what I’m capable of, how strong I can be when I challenge myself, and the kind of person I am and can be. It showed me that I’m far more resilient than I ever realised and gave me the confidence to trust myself in situations that once would have terrified me. I returned home with a newfound confidence, lifelong friendships, a deeper appreciation for different cultures, and memories I’ll treasure forever. It was truly life-changing. I also want to say a huge thank you to Haley and Aaron. They were both absolutely fantastic throughout the programme. They were always supportive, approachable, encouraging and happy to help with anything we needed. Their enthusiasm, kindness and reassurance made such a difference, and knowing they were there meant we always felt supported from start to finish. I honestly couldn’t recommend this opportunity highly enough. If you’re even thinking about applying, do it. You never know how much it might change your life until you experience it yourself. I’ll definitely be recommending it to all of my friends and encouraging them to sign up, because it has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I will always be grateful for this opportunity and for everything it has taught me.