PMGY - Volunteer in Bali from $330

I have just returned from 2 weeks with PMGY in Bali on the English Teaching programme. I had never done anything like this before however, I can honestly say that 2 weeks just wasn't long enough in such a beautiful part of the world. The support and knowledge you receive before leaving the country completely puts your mind at ease. Josh and Phillip respond to any questions you may have and the whole process ran so smoothly. I knew Plan My Gap Year were a reliable company to go with as my cousin had previously used them to go to Sri Lanka. Once you have booked, you will receive your volunteer handbook which literally has EVERYTHING you could possibly need to know from information about the country, culture and people to a check list of everything you need to bring with you. Bali is a new programme with PMGY and from my short experience, I just know it will become so popular. Ketut, the in-country coordinator was amazing. Her whole family are so caring and protective of all the volunteers and just want you to have the best time possible. You are located in Tabanan which is inland and is very different to other touristy parts of Bali. You are fully immersed into their culture and you will understand why the help of volunteers is needed in this particular part of Bali. The volunteer house is separated into same sex bedrooms with bunk beds housing approximately 8 per room. You are provided with linen, a mosquito net and a set of lockers so you can keep your valuables safe. I was on the English Teaching programme and we would teach primary school age. We would work Monday to Thursday and have Friday, Saturday and Sunday to travel. A typical day on the programme would consist of us getting to school for approximately 9:30am (this would differ) and teaching for around an hour/an hour and a half. We would then return to the volunteer house for lunch before the group of children would come to the house in the afternoon to be taught. The children are so enthusiastic to learn and you can really see the difference that the volunteers make. For anyone wanting something completely different and exciting, choose PMGY Bali! You honestly won't regret it! You are looked after from start to finish so there is really nothing to worry about at all.

I am a 52 year old female and this is the 2nd time I have volunteered with PMGY, don't let age ever stop you from doing the things you want in life. The planning and organisation pre-departure is great, the staff are friendly and available to answer any questions. Whilst on the project they are available 24/7 so the overall security is reassuring. Most people would have trawled the net for good deals and I can honestly say that PMGY is value for money.
Bali was absolutely incredible, Ketut, Rush and family are fantastic people, very helpful and what they have done for the children of Tabanan is very humbling. Rush is an architect and designed the volunteer house, home from home, hot & cold showers and air con.
The after school club is held at the homestead, which is beautiful, even down to the mezzanine library above. The children supposed to come at 2pm but most days they are eager and come early. The mornings the volunteers teach at the school, unlucky for me, as they were on holiday the first week so that gave me and other volunteers chance to spend time exploring Bali.
There are so many things to see in Bali, no where is too far. From a trip to the Gili Islands to para sailing and snorkelling in Sanur, Bali is stunning. It's worth a trip to Ubud to the artisan market and the monkey forest, the rice terraces and various temples Bali is a must for anyone.
The average age may only be 19, there wasn't the opportunity like there is today, so don't ever let that put you off.
I'm definitely planning another trip in 2018

I had an incredible time teaching English in Bali for two weeks this summer. The support from PMGY before leaving for Bali was great - every question was answered promptly. When we arrived in Tabanan, where the volunteering is based, we were looked after warmly by Ketut and her family who could not have done any more to ensure that we settled in smoothly. The only drawback was the location which was very remote, and I therefore ended up spending much more money to travel around the amazing island than I had anticipated. However, this was certainly outweighed by the reward of teaching children who desperately needed input and guidance from native English speakers. Overall, despite some hanging around at points during the day I would definitely recommend Bali, as it is a wonderful place and everybody I met doing the volunteering had an amazing time!

Tabanan, Bali, where I volunteered for one month, the best month of my life by far. Being in the first group of volunteers to start the Childcare project I was a bit nervous and didn't know what to expect. However, the pre-departure support was brilliant and the volunteer handbook provided more than enough information on insurance, visas, what to pack, where to go.. absolutely everything you needed!
I was picked up from the airport by a driver and taken to the family home in Tabanan where I was welcomed by the loveliest family - Ketut, Rush, Indra and Krisna. Us volunteers stayed in a room with bunkbeds, and had access to our own bathroom and a kitchen downstairs if we wanted to cook extra food - but there was really no need. Ketut made the most amazing food, and plenty so you'll never be hungry haha.
In the mornings I would teach English to 6-9 year old kids at the nearby school, starting at 8:30 - 10:00. Then in the afternoons I would look after kindergarten children, of around 3-4 years old from 14:00-15:00 . There was also an afternoon club at Akasa (a school set up by ketut in the house you stay), where the kids would come for extra curricular activities and it was so much fun 14:00-15:30. We organised arts and craft days, had a sports day, taught a wide rage of subjects in English and played games. It was so lovely to see the progress that the children made.
When we weren't teaching, Rush and Ketut would help us organise trips at the weekends, so we could really see all of Bali. We visited Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud all in one weekend and had such a laugh. Spending the day at the beach and going for drinks at night, was bliss. We also went to the Gili Islands which i highly recommend. Although we were away for the weekends, Ketut was always available via facebook or phone if we ever needed any advice. She was brilliant.
In the evenings after teaching, Ketut and Rush also made sure we had plenty to do. Rush would take us to see local sights, like the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple in Tabanan which is beautiful, swimming in the Gitgit waterfalls and bathing in hot springs. We went to an art festival in Denpasar and attended 2 of the family ceremonies, so you will really get a chance to learn about the culture too.
Basically, if you're considering Bali with PMGY... Do it! It was such an amazing experience, in such a beautiful country with so much to do and see! Ketut, Rush and their family are the most kind hearted people who really go out of their way to make sure you have a brilliant time. I highly recommend going!
If you search #pmgybali on Instagram some of my pictures are up from the trip :)

I've just arrived back from spending an amazing month in the new project in Bali and absolutely loved it. It was my first time travelling on my own and the pre-departure support and handbook meant all my questions were answered and I knew exactly what I needed and the type of work we'd be doing which was a great help. I was picked up at the airport and brought to the volunteer house and stayed with the most amazing family, who went above and beyond to make sure we got to see and experience Bali. Ketut and her family took such great care of us and were a great help. We taught in different schools in Tabanan and also at the Akasa school at the house which Ketut herself set up. It was amazing to be able to work with the children and see them improve and grow in confidence. Ketut and Rush also gave us great advice for our weekend travels and helped organise our taxis and advised on certain trips. They also went out of their way to bring us to local temples, waterfalls, festivals and ceremonies during the week in the evenings so we were constantly seeing and experiencing the Balinese culture. I met some amazing people and had the best time in Bali and would highly recommend it to anyone. A beautiful country with beautiful people!