Teach Abroad for Summer in China

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.

first ever au program for me went so well and smooth, no complaints, the agency really helped me with all documentation and organization and have been super supportive all the way through. i am so happy i decided to join masons au pair and not any other agency. the community is so friendly and warm, found a lot of international friends!! loved the whole atmosphere of the city, it is super safe and convenient. the prices are repetitively low. thank for this wonderful experience that really helped me to evaluate many skills. would 100% highly recommend!!!!!!!!!

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!

I spent a full year in China through Mason's Au Pair Agency and their au pair program. During that time, I had the opportunity to travel to Shanghai, Beijing, Lanzhou, Chongqing, Jiuzhaigou, Zigong, and many smaller cities around Chengdu. The agency also organized monthly events where all of us could get together, spend time together, build friendships, and meet people from different countries. I made some amazing friends and got to try so many delicious foods. The agency was always supportive of my choices and boundaries and helped me throughout my entire stay. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend!

I spent four months in China through Masons Au Pair Agency, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. They were amazing every step of the way — from helping me prepare for the journey to supporting me throughout my time in China whenever I needed anything at all. I met wonderful people, got to experience what it's like living on a completely different continent, and immersed myself in Chinese culture in a way I never expected. It was such a rewarding and eye-opening experience that I genuinely don't understand why anyone wouldn't want to try it. I don't regret going on this program at all — if anything, my only regret is not finding out about it sooner.

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.

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

After delaying it for a few years due to COVID and university studies, I finally decided to take a gap year to be an Au Pair… in China! Now, after 7 months of experience, I can finally sit down and explain what makes being an Au Pair such a great choice — and especially why doing it through Masons Au Pair Agency was the best decision I could have made. At the end of August 2025, I started researching agencies and came across many different options. Initially, I wanted to find one with placements in Hangzhou, but I soon realized that those large agencies managing programs across many cities don’t really take your preferences or interests into consideration. Most of them only ask for a quick 10‑minute call where they repeat information already written in their messages, and immediately start looking for a host family without considering what you actually want — such as the number of children, location preferences, or your personal interests. Masons Au Pair stood out right away. Their replies were fast, and within a couple of days we scheduled a long, detailed video call. During that conversation, I got to know the agency properly, and they got to know me. They immediately started thinking about families that matched my personality and needs, and were completely honest and straightforward about both the positives and possible downsides of each option — for example, things like how far the house was from the school. Everything moved quite smoothly: in less than two months I had collected all paperwork and obtained my visa. I only waited to wrap up some commitments at home before flying over to Chengdu. Jason and Nadya picked me up directly at the airport. For the first two days, I stayed at a hotel while they guided me through everything I needed to know for daily life: how to use apps like Meituan and Taobao, rent shared bikes, or pay with QR codes everywhere. They also gave me practical training and advice on teaching English to children, as well as how to navigate misunderstandings or differences coming from different cultures. Since the agency office is right next door to their Chinese language school, I quickly met other au pairs and students. My fear of struggling to meet people or build a social circle disappeared very fast! I am happy to say I built meaningful friendships with both foreigners and locals, bonds that will last long after my leave. Beyond the support I found among friends, the agency itself was always there. Whenever I needed help, they were just a message or call away — day or night. I got sick a few times during my stay, and every single time they stepped in immediately to help me sort things out. I truly always felt safe, supported, and never alone. Then there is Chengdu itself — a city that completely won me over. People here are warm, kind, and welcoming; daily life is comfortable and easy to get used to; and not to mention the highlights: Taobao, Meituan, the endless bubble tea shops, and how affordable everything feels compared to back home in Italy. When I first started looking, I was drawn to Chengdu, but I seriously considered famous coastal cities like Shanghai or Shenzhen instead. I thought living near the sea would be better for me. But looking back, I am so happy I ended up exactly here — it turned out to be the perfect choice! Chengdu balances modernity and history perfectly: you have all the convenience and services you could wish for, yet tradition and heritage are still visible everywhere. It is also an amazing base for traveling — you are very close to places like the Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, and many other fascinating towns and natural sites across Sichuan. I also love how distinct this region feels. China is such a vast country, and Sichuan has its own unique culture, history, and character that sets it apart from other parts of the country. Masons Au Pair works with many different families, so every experience will be different and personal. I myself changed host families after three months, and I was even happier with my second placement — so much so that I am still in close contact with them and planning to visit very soon. I think this flexibility and care is what truly sets this agency apart, or makes going through an agency better than arranging things privately: with Masons, you will never find yourself abandoned or left alone in a foreign country. Overall, if I were to embark on such a big adventure on the other side of the world all over again, I would make sure to choose an agency that is truly reliable, transparent — and I really mean it, there are absolutely no hidden costs — and friendly. Luckily for me, I found exactly that right from the start in Masons Au Pair Agency. P.S. Be careful! Jason and Nadya, as well as the teachers at the language school, are so friendly and easygoing that you will probably end up becoming friends with them during your stay!

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.