Service Learning Internship Teaching English in Bali

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!

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.

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.

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!

I have participated in teaching ESL with The Suwandi Foundation for two summers now. Every time it has been a delight. Filled with more connection, empowerment, and community than I could have imagined prior. Through this foundation, I align with their emphasis on building relationships, boosting confidence, and enhancing English skills. I would highly recommend this program to those who have a holistic view of developing lesson plans for students, are eager to explore, are open to new ideas/practices, are looking to join a community, and are looking forward to learning from your students.

Volunteering for Suwandi Foundation at Yayasan was life changing to say the least. It was a very well run program by Lily and Kaitlynn who are extremely passionate individuals that truly care for the community they serve for and for the volunteers they host. The Balinese culture is very special and this trip is a great way to immerse yourself and learn from the locals. Everyone was so kind, the kiddos are so cute, and the relationships you make while on the trip are lasting. I will 100% be coming back!

I have done this program twice and absolutely love it! It’s a perfect mix of learning about the local culture, volunteering, and fun activities! The accommodations are beautiful and the staff, both local and other, are so supportive. Two hours a day are spent at the school teaching English to the students, and outside of teaching hours they have different fun and educational activities as well as free time to explore. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone who wants to do an internship, work with kids, or learn about a different culture.

This is the best summer internship/overseas program I've been on so far. Not only do the founders of Suwandi foundation, Lily and Kaitlyn, deeply care and know about the local community, we also get to meet amazing community leaders in Tulamben and collaborate with them on building a future for the kids. There are many different actors whom you will get to meet on a daily basis: interns with expertise in all areas, volunteers who are eager to learn, accomplished teachers, and fellow local students with whom you will build a long lasting relationship with. Because it's a relatively small organization, you get to see how NGOs are built and maintained from the grassroots level. Everyone is always down to have open conversations about income inequality, the local tourism industry, Balinese Hinduism, the logistics of operating nonprofits, and much more. What's more, your opinion always matters. At the end of the day, you are not only teaching English, but also providing the program with your own input and along the way, becoming a more culturally adequate leader with global perspectives. I think it helps to know that many volunteers return to Yayasan LMU (the learning center) for its amazing people and to engage with the community long-term, which I hope to do one day as well.