Location
  • Indonesia
    • Bali
Length
3 to 12 weeks

Program Details

Language
Bahasa Indonesian
Age Min.
18
Timeframe
Short Term Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse
Groups
Small Group (1-15)
Travel Type
Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
763
Price Details
Our programs start at $762.50 per week. This is an all-inclusive pricing which goes beyond just covering the direct costs of your experience — it directly supports our mission by helping keep the community learning centers we partner with open and operating, while also ensuring fair, ethical wages for all local staff. We believe in responsible volunteering which is why all of our programs are a minimum of 3 weeks long. We believe this approach is crucial to ensure that both our volunteers and the community they serve equally benefit from the experience where meaningful and sustainable connections can be fostered. We require a $250 USD deposit to secure your spot on your desired dates, which fill up on a first come, first serve basis.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Equipment Meals Transportation Visa Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare SIM cards Travel Insurance
Nov 11, 2024
Oct 23, 2024
3 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

If you're passionate about supporting innovative development worldwide, we invite you to join us in northeastern Bali for a transformative experience. This program focuses on developing your personal identity and intercultural competency while making a positive impact on underserved children. Connect with local communities to experience real Balinese culture.

You will spend your afternoons teaching English at our partnered learning center, Yayasan Loka Mawa Upadhi, with some mornings dedicated to cultural immersion activities and assisting at the kindergarten. We only use local Balinese vendors for activities to directly benefit the communities you will serve.

We offer 3 types of programs year-round, designed for gap year students, university students, recent graduates, and career-break adults.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Bali while making a meaningful difference.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Teach English to students ages 8-18 at a locally-founded and run after-school learning center, Yayasan Loka Mawa Upadhi
  • Immerse in Balinese culture, engaging with students and local teachers to build lasting relationships
  • Prepare for an impactful journey with a virtual and in-country orientation focused on cultural awareness and teacher training
  • Nurture personal growth through guided reflections and intentional conversations
  • Experience Bali's wonders and rich culture during free weekends

Related Programs

Program Reviews

4.86 Rating
based on 14 reviews
  • 5 rating 85.71%
  • 4 rating 14.29%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4.85
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 14 reviews
Default avatar
Hawthorne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Suwandi Foundation

This program is made by/attracts the most kind, selfless, willing-to-help people. The co-founders and everyone involved in running it are insanely passionate and sweet people who are there to support their participants. The volunteers that a program like this attracts are just as cool, amazing people who love to learn more about their mission and share this experience. I learned so much about myself, new food, Balinese culture, and the people I was interacting with on a daily basis. If you’re considering this program, do it. You will experience the kindest local people, other travelers, and of course the lovely people who run it. This was the coolest kick-off to my gap year and I have nothing but good things to share (obviously). The program itself is very well thought out and the outreach/impact is clear, it is insanely rewarding and special to be a part of. Bali is the most magical place and I feel so lucky to have experienced meeting the most magical people as well.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice for figure participants on this program is to truly take it all in and show up for every moment. I learned a lot about myself and how I interact with certain aspects of my environment and I think that this experience was the best first stepping stone into figuring out my life outside of high school. I would suggest that all future participants try to engage in as much conversation as possible with as many people as possible, it made the experience that much better.
Pros
  • Incredible food
  • Passionate, kind people
  • Once in a lifetime experience
Cons
  • Occasional cockroach/spider
10 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Maily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best experience ever.

This was a life changing trip for me. Truly an eye opening and once in a lifetime opportunity. The kids, the community, the island, are all so special and I feel so much love and gratitude to have experienced what I did through Suwandi foundation. I could not have asked for a more professional, safe, fun, loving team of staff and amazing humans at Suwandi Foundation who truly care about you!! Everyone is so welcoming and I just cannot say enough positive things about my experience. If you’re thinking about going, GO! You won’t regret it!!!

What was your funniest moment?
Playing sherades with everyone at dinner!! Such great bonding!!
Pros
  • everything!! the people, the atmosphere, the energy, the food, the community, the excursions, the kids!!
Cons
  • none. genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better trip
18 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jordyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience

I have been looking forward to attend this program for years and it was everything I expected and more. The pure dedication, heart, and passion that each person puts into this program made this experience all the more rewarding. The Suwandi Foundation has so many fantastic people working together and it truly makes it feel like one big family. From an enriching cultural experience to connecting with people in the Bali community, this program is something I will stay connected with for years to come.

What was your funniest moment?
Genuinely the funniest and most favorite memories were created during the volunteer dinners. We would sit and unwind the day and recall the most hilarious moments from the learning center, driving in the backseat of Agus' car, one of our many excursions, and more. If I had to pick my favorite, it would be when the group hiked a volcano and came back with MANY stories to tell..
Pros
  • Family/connection
  • Resources (medical, safety, etc)
  • Cultural immersion
Cons
  • none
  • none
  • none
17 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alexa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Bali

This experience was so amazing. Getting so immersed in the culture was definitely one of my favorite parts. When I would go on walks everyone would wave or say hi. Every person I met was so so kind, especially the staff. The kids were also amazing, so eager to learn and to grow. They were very fun to teach and the teacher for moonshine 1&2 was an amazing part of my experience. She helped me grow so much as a teacher of my own. Overall a really great experience and great job by everyone involved.

What was your funniest moment?
When we went on a hike to see the sunrise and half the people didn’t make it to the top. Then when we got to the top it was cloudy and you couldn’t even see the sunrise.
Pros
  • The people you meet
  • Learn a lot
  • Grow as a person
Cons
  • Missing home
  • Repetitive food
16 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Most Amazing Experience!!!!

Honestly can say that this was one of the most amazing and eye opening experiences for me. It was so awesome to see how excited the students were to learn! Ive never had seen such well behaved and polite kids. The staff involved in the program are also some of the sweetest people I have ever met. Everyone in Bali was so happy and welcoming. Volunteering in Bali was a once and a lifetime experienced and I couldn't be happier that I was able to do it. One downside was I wish I had stayed for longer!

Pros
  • Amazing and Supportive Staff
  • No experience needed (just good vibes!)
  • Kids are so excited to have you there!
Cons
  • leaving at the end of the trip :(
47 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Avyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible Experience

Truly one of, if not the most amazing experience of my life thus far. I was excited prior to the trip, but once I was there, I realized my expectations were blown out of the water. Everyone on this trip, the Suwandi Foundation staff, the teachers and students, and all of the local people, were so incredibly kind and welcoming. I felt so at home in a place across the world. When I was teaching English courses, the students taught me so much in return. I was able to pick up some Indonesian words and phrases in only two weeks, and also learned so much about Balinese culture and lifestyle.

Pros
  • amazing community
  • cultural learning experience
  • expand leadership skills
Cons
  • my only con was how sad I was when I had to leave!
56 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jack
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience

My close friend offered for me to go on a trip to Bali to help young kids learn English at an after school program located in a rural part of the Indonesian island. I thought this was a perfect fit for me and knew it would be a great experience so I did it. Lily and Kaitlynn the creators of the organization were great and very helpful to cater to our experience there. I couldn’t have asked for better guidance and support. I would totally do it again I have zero regrets about the experience. Definitely made me a better student and way more open to learn about different parts of the world and how they do school.

Pros
  • Hiking Mount Batur (Sunrise)
  • Educated On Tradition
  • Feeling Safe All The Time
52 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Matthew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Stellar Experience

My 2 months with the Suwandi Foundation included some of the best experiences of my life. The social atmosphere was so welcoming with everyone(other volunteers, staff, locals, and the kids) showing me just how kind the Balinese culture is. I spent time exploring the island both with the foundation and on my own time, and I truly valued every moment I spent on the island(especially every minute with my students). I would recommend this to any student/young adult and will definitely be returning!

Pros
  • Good accommodations/food
  • Well structured program
  • Kind and welcoming staff
49 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers