The Suwandi Foundation

I went on the new years Service Learning trip with the Suwandi Foundation this January. It was full of incredible activities, cultural immersion, service, new friends, and so so much fun. My favorite part was teaching for the A2 and A3 class at Yayasan LMU, the English teaching foundation we volunteer at. The class of students were 13-15 years, and they were so much fun. They were so eager to learn every single day no matter how tired they already were from a full day of school and their many other responsibilities. They always greeted me with a big smile, questions, and readiness to practice their English. Additionally, we went on so many incredible activities such as a sunrise boat and snorkel trip, traditional balinese instrument class, making traditional balinese offerings, going to the Bali Art Zoo and painting, touring an incredible rice field, and many more. We also had reflection time as a whole group to connect with each other on a deeper level and share in our experiences. I highly highly recommend this trip!!!

I interned with the Suwandi Foundation in summer 2024 for their Social Impact Internship. Before the trip the Suwandi Foundation leaders were very helpful in working with me to develop a tailored internship that utilized by skills and desires for career development, while also fulfilling a need within their organization. I studied accounting in college and had also previously had experience doing multiple marketing internships in the past, so my internship with Suwandi Foundation was a mix of both accounting and marketing. For the accounting side of things, I helped develop easy to use financial statements for the English teaching foundation we taught at. I also created marketing materials for the Suwandi Foundations for their future volunteers to see and utilize. In addition, I taught at Yayasan LMU, the English teaching foundation, for the youngest class of students Moonshine class. Both the internship and teaching were incredibly enlightening, eye opening, rewarding, and honestly life changing for me. Bali is such an incredible community with rich culture, religion, and beauty everywhere you look. I highly recommend this program if you are looking for an internship aboard.

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.

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!!!

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.