Location
  • Indonesia
    • Bali
Length
4 weeks

Program Details

Timeframe
Academic Year Fall J-Term Maymester Year Round
Housing
Hotel
Language
Bahasa Indonesian
Age Min.
17
Qualifications
  • Must submit a certified background check

Pricing

Starting Price
450
Price Details
Our Teaching Immersion Program is $450 per week with a minimum commitment of 4 weeks. Each additional week costs $350. We believe in responsible and ethical volunteering which is why we require a minimum commitment of 4 weeks. We believe this approach is crucial to ensure that both our volunteers and the community they serve equally benefit from the experience. By having a minimum duration, we can foster more meaningful and sustainable connections between our volunteers and the local community. This is an all-inclusive pricing, except flights (see details for what's included below). You may start your program on the first Saturday of any month.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation Travel Insurance Visa Wifi
What's Included (Extra)

- 24/7 pre-departure and on-the-ground support
- 3 day pre-trip virtual orientation and training focused on TEFL and intercultural competency

What's Not Included
Airfare Some Meals SIM cards
What's Not Included (Extra)

- Weekend meals are not included -- can be provided at accommodation for $2.50 USD/meal
- Certified background check

Jun 06, 2024
Aug 05, 2024
2 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

If you're passionate about supporting innovative development worldwide, we invite you to join us in Bali for a transformative experience. This program focuses on developing intercultural competency while making a positive impact on underserved Balinese children.

You will spend your afternoons teaching English at our partnered after school learning center, Yayasan Loka Mawa Upadhi, with some mornings dedicated to immersion activities and others free for you to expand your cultural awareness. This is a perfect program for gap year students or recent university graduates seeking a live-abroad experience. You have the opportunity to engage in a personalized internship project, where you put your passions to use for good while collaborating with our local staff.

Use your skills to support quality education efforts and contribute to sustainable community development. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Bali while making a meaningful difference.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Immerse in Balinese culture, engaging with students and local teachers to build lasting relationships
  • Prepare for an impactful journey with a 3-day virtual orientation focused on cultural awareness and teacher training
  • Nurture personal growth through intentional conversation and optional internship project advising
  • Experience Bali's wonders and rich culture during free weekends
  • Start dates year round

Related Programs

Program Reviews

4.85 Rating
based on 13 reviews
  • 5 rating 84.62%
  • 4 rating 15.38%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4.95
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 13 reviews
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
5 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
5 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
7 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 :(
36 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!
48 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
44 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
42 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lilly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Service Learning Internship

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.

Pros
  • Invite others to join and make a difference for children in Tulamben.
  • Believes in the vibrancy of connection, empowerment, and education.
  • They've set up after-school learning centers to boost confidence, improve English skills, and increase high school graduation rates.
Cons
  • There are too few cons to remember them!
  • The foundation's focus appears to be on positive educational initiatives and community development.
  • Thank you!
47 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers