Summer Volunteer Programs in Bali

This past summer I was lucky enough to go on a summer program to Bali. I did the Bali Global Health Initiative, which was where I was able to dive into the health care system in Bali, have hands on learning where we got to go into local people's homes and take their basic health information, and teach children in local schools about hygiene, eating healthy, and exercising. Not only was it incredible to meet the locals and also learn more about health, but also all the people on the trip were so amazing, thoughtful, and engaged. The friends and connections I have made on my trip will continue to last with me for a long time. Lastly, I was able to become more independent and learn more about myself and who I am as a person. GLA creates such an amazing opportunity for students to not only find their passions, but also learn more about themselves, how they can become better people, and what they can contribute to the world. This trip has changed me for the better in so many ways, and I recommend this trip to anyone who wants to learn more about a very different culture, handle medical gear, and make life-long friendships.

My daughter, now 16, has traveled with GLA the past two summers. Her first trip was the Galapagos program, and she did Bali this past year. She does not have enough great things to say about her trips, and when she got home from the airport after her trips, she could not stop talking about them for hours. Even still she tries to bring her trips into conversation whenever possible. As a parent, I was originally worried about letting her go, even though we had done significant international travel as a family before. We went to an alumni open house event before her first trip, and that solidified my confidence in GLA. She was able to talk to a girl who had gone on trips before, and her parents were able to speak to me about their experience. While she was abroad, we got frequent updates on the program blog, and seeing her smiling face in pictures reassured me. In Bali particularly, she fell in love with the lifestyle and the new culture she experienced. She has never been the type to work with children, but after volunteering in the Balinese schools, she has completely changed. She is much more patient with others, and has a newfound appreciation for education. Cannot say enough great things about GLA and the amazing opportunities they offer. She has found a new passion for travel, and is currently signed up for a third summer with GLA.

I travelled to Bali this past summer, in 2017, with Global Leadership Adventures, and truly had the best time. I had been on their Galapagos program the summer before, so I was not super nervous about the transportation, but rather I was excited!! It was awesome to be able to chat with some of the kids before the program even started, during the close to 22 hours of flying we had to do. My group was rather large, at 39 students, but we all bonded quickly. My mentors were super cool, and it helped that they were relatively close in age to us, making it really easy to relate, and have fun with them. All of our immersive activities were so meaningful, and it was clear that people in Bali truly love their island. Some of my favorite memories from my trip include: spending a weekend at East Bali Immersion, going on 2 beginner scuba dives, spending 7 meaningful days with the schoolkids of SD2 Kaliasem, and our ridiculously fun evening activities. Although the humidity was thick, and the sun was strong, I still managed to spend most of my time outdoors, and soak up the Balinese lifestyle. I absolutely adored my time in Indonesia, and would do it all again if I had the chance. I have a newfound appreciation for my schooling privileges, and I am much more conscious about the lack of resources in other parts of the world after returning home. Forever wishing I could have just one more day in Bali with the most amazing people.

My experience on GLA Bali is one I will never forget. The travel time was long and tiring, but the trip made it worth my time. One of my most memorable moments was when we were residing at Ahmed beach. It was absolutely breathtaking. On the first day we arrived, Noah, Josè, and I decided to go on an adventure alongside a cliff at the end of the beach. It was around 7:00pm and the sun was setting. We climbed to the top and decide to turn back and return to the resort, but not before we took a long gaze at the sunset. It was just an amazing view and I will always remember this story because it was a special one.

While I was reading the other reviews to get some inspiration about what to say, I realized all of them had one major similarity, being that every GLA trip whether you go to Costa Rica or Bali (like me), you will have an unforgettable experience that will change your life. And for most that unforgettable experience helps to propel you to do incredible things for the people and cultures that populate the world.

I had the chance to work side by side with people who I still love and care about, teaching amazingly talented and inspirational children. I got to learn the culture of the Balinese people and prayed with them in Holy Temples. I walked around the city of Ubud and made conversation with random strangers on the street, not to mention the GORGEOUS views. I learned from everything around me, and I made long lasting relationships that I hope one day will bring me back.

This trip, just like every other GLA trip will alter your life and way of thinking about the world. If you're even slightly considering going on one, you should stop considering and go.

My GLA experience in Bali was amazing and one I know I will not forget!

By being on this trip, I have developed leadership skills and better yet, friendships that will last a lifetime. Being a leader is not easy and can be a difficult task. However, on GLA's Bali program, each student was required to lead the entire group for one whole day. During the program, I realized that a leader must have deep convictions of his goals, be clear about what needs to be achieved, find the strength of each individual, and work with those strengths.

Being a leader was also very important in the classroom. On the first day of volunteering, we began with thirty students. And by the end, we concluded with almost ninety students. We taught English in meaningful subjects such as health, hygiene, body parts, animals, colors, numbers, and much more. Being a leader was important in the classroom to achieve the task at hand. We had to work with each other to create meaningful lesson plans. Meaningful lesson plans would then result in a transformative experience for the students we taught as it was just for me.

If you are thinking about joining GLA's Bali: Land of Discovery program, it is perfect for any person of any character. Bali is truly a land of discovery where you will always have a place in your heart for and a home to go to!

Bali is full of many fun activities to take part in and the staff will be sure that every student gets the most of their experience their! From getting off my flight in Denpasar, to going on an ultimate scavenger hunt in Ubud, to relaxing at a resort in Lovina, to taking a spider boat ride in the sunset, to going Scuba Diving for my first time in Amed, and most importantly volunteering at local schools in Singaraja, it was a fun and life changing experince I will never forget!

Last summer, I spent 3 weeks in Bali with GLA, and it was absolutely amazing! We got to travel around the entire island, experiencing everyday Balinese life while seeing some of the most amazing attractions the island has to offer! In addition, our time in the classrooms with the children was amazing and I have learned so much from it.

One of the best things about the program is the independence that it gives you. You are able to make your own decisions and experience everything for yourself, and it helped me become more independent and confident in myself.

As a Summer Search student I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Bali, Indonesia this past summerWhile in Bali, I worked with disabled children, attended religious ceremonies, and interacted with the community. Working with the handicapped children was one of the most rewarding things I have done.
I went to the school with the intention of teaching them some English, but as it turned out, the students taught the teacher. They taught me look at life in a new perspective, and that as long as one is happy, everything else will harmonically fall into place. The native people helped me truly experience the life of a Balinese woman, whether it was through riding motor bikes, eating their exquisite dishes, learning how to tie a sarong, learning their traditional dance, or making offerings for the spirits. Ever since, I feel more confident with the decisions I take, and more confident with myself all around