Gotoco is a small social enterprise committed to promoting cultural exchange between China and the English-speaking world. Social enterprises are businesses committed to helping improve local, national and global communities and reinvest any profits into their social mission. Our aim is to introduce more Western university students to China and its diverse culture. We seek to improve tomorrow’s international relations by allowing the next generation of leaders to engage with one of the most economically, politically and culturally important countries of the 21st century. Our programs are unique because we do not charge anyone to take part. Many programs similar to us impose significant fees on students--we do not do this to ensure as many people as possible can go and explore this fascinating country.
In summers 2016 and 2017, we helped over 500 students from universities across the UK and USA visit China and teach English to Chinese children in summer camps spread around the country. We now want to expand this opportunity to more students at University of Virginia. Through our programs, students can spend a month or two teaching in picturesque and exciting parts of China, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Yangshuo. While inspiring the next generation of Chinese children to learn English, the students would also take part in Mandarin lessons, cultural trips and travelling. We make it our policy not to charge students to go to China so that as many people as possible have the opportunity to take part. Students only need to pay for their flights and visas, then they get accommodation and food provided free of charge at their schools. We also guarantee every volunteer a week’s accommodation in Yangshuo, Guangxi--one of the most beautiful and exciting parts of the country--at the end of their summer camp.
Project Description:
Explore China for free with Gotoco! (www.go-to.co/)
Are you looking for something meaningful to do this summer? Are you interested in traveling and teaching in China? Whether or not you speak any Chinese, consider traveling to China with Gotoco, free of charge!
Gotoco is a small social enterprise committed to promoting cultural exchange between China and the English-speaking world. The aim is to introduce more Western university students to China and its diverse culture, allowing the next generation of leaders to engage with one of the most economically, politically and culturally important countries of the 21st century.
In summers 2016 and 2017, Gotoco helped over 500 students from universities across the UK and USA visit China and teach English to Chinese children in summer camps all over the country. Now they hope to expand this opportunity to students at UVA!
Where?
Gotoco has programs in over 60 locations across China, including large urban centers like Beijing and Guangzhou, smaller cities including Hangzhou, Qingdao and Shantou, and scenic rural areas around Guangxi, Yunnan and Gansu.
China has very diverse and impressive natural environments, as well as bustling metropolises, and we encourage you to travel and explore as many as you can when you come to China with us!
When?
Most programs run from the beginning of July for 4-6 weeks. However, there are also a number of programs in May, June and August. Programs run for a minimum of 2 weeks, with the longest lasting 8-12 weeks. Apply today to find the right program for you.
Why?
Gotoco makes it its policy not to charge students to go to China to enable as many people as possible to have the opportunity to take part. There are no fees for participation, and accommodation and food are provided free of charge for the duration of your stay.
- Visit a diverse, fast-growing, culturally-rich country
- Inspire the next generation of Chinese children to learn English, and earn a Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate.
- Learn or practice your Mandarin
- Explore historical and cultural centers
- See stunning scenery, including the Karst mountains around Yangshuo, Guangxi
- Enjoy 5-days free accommodation at Gotoco’s base in Yangshuo at the end of your program
How?
We hope to boost the numbers of UVA students taking part in future, so are reserving 10 positions for any UVA students that apply with this link http://www.go-to.co/apply-now/?reserved_for=UVA
Go to www.go-to.co for more information or email richard.lloyd@go-to.co (Gotoco USA Director)