Program Reviews

This NGO is inmersed quite deeply in the local community. Volunteering with them not only brings volunteers the experience of giving back and working with children but it also provides a deep understanding of the local culture and it makes the experience much better overall.
On my first week we got invited to a wedding and I, personally, got invited to the cooking ceremony the day before the wedding. These kind of ceremonies are only for men and for me it was an unforgettable experience that will for sure made me think differently of local food!
I don't know if I was just lucky with the timing or if it Always like this but I had so many cool things to do every day, two weeks flew so fast!
Housing was very good in terms of facilities and the local family was able to provide many different organized activities.

I had an amazing time volunteering at VP Bali. I really like the transparency about where the money goes and of course all the incredibly dedicated staff behind the scenes who make it all happen.The children at the school are so full of life, friendly and all have a desire to learn like I have never seen before. I will miss them very much and they will have a special place in my heart forever. I can only recommend this wonderful organisation to anyone wanting to make a meaningful contribution and at the same time, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the magical place that is Bali.

I decided to join this program as I am passionate about helping young children learn- I am currently training as a teacher so I thought this would be good experience and it certainly has been. The staff here are extremely helpful and the local staff especially really care about the ethos of the program. There is support with regards to travelling also- as this is my first time coming to Asia I felt very cared for and supported. I felt that by joining this prgram I was certainly able to make a difference.

One of my students shared a story of her life with me recently in class. She Told me how her father passed away because of cancer and how her mom has to work hard to make the living. I was so touched that she trusted me. This girl always has a big smile on her face, she is eager to learn, she would run to me when i come to school, so she can give me a hug first. I really wish that when she grows up, she will still remember me. And i hope that i helped her and the other students improve their language.
Coming here to volunteer was one of the best decisions i made. And i will always remember my students and the girl (not mentioning her name on purpose).
I wish them all the best.

Lots of love,
Albina

As i first came here, i didnt know anything about teaching or how to handle kids; However, vpbali made it very easy and smooth thanks to the staff. They were always supportive and there whenever we needed something. i had a very good connection with the students. They are so adorable and loving and most of all they appreciate the small things you do. I applied for 3 weeks although i wasnt very much attentive to classes, but i can tell you this was the most rewarding and experience ive ever had. what made it easy was that there was a curriculum that you can follow. a very simple one depending on the class level. and this is very beneficial for first timers such as me. I loved the overall experience and i will definetly do it all over again.

My time at VP Bali has been such a lovely experience as I havé met such a range of people which i hope to stay in contact with. The children who attend VP Bali are a delight to teach and everyday bring a smile to my face. Their passion and dedication to learn english amazes me as I havé never met children so willing to improve.
VP Bali on a whole is a great charity and has great intentions for m the future of thèse children who attend daily out of their own will.

I am only staying in Bali and doing a 2 week placement so last week-end I was able to venture out of Ubud and visit Seminyak. We stayed in a hostel over the week-end and also visited Cenggu and Tanah Lot. During the week I havé been to the rice fields, trekked up Mount Batur, visited the market and done lots of yoga and sunbathing in the mornings.

First off, Bali is an absolutely amazing place. The homestay is located in central Ubud, o you are able to experience the full thrill of the city. Everything is very close in distance here, so the farthest beach is only about two hours away. Wayan and his family are extremely nice and hospitable at the homestay. They are always willing to drive you and a group of people to any destination you are curious about. Not to mention, they make some killer banana pancakes! The homestay has a beautiful courtyard, and it makes interacting with the other volunteers easy because everyone is located in the same place. The rooms are all very different so the accomodation varies for everyone.

The children were really sweet. I am especially grateful for the Wena Homestay family and local staff, such as Tutik and Wayan. They are very special people and because of them, I enjoyed my experience here. I love how the program offers scholarships to select students and supports families within the community. I see this as one of its greatest strengths.

One thing I feel compelled to mention: volunteers are expected to write these reviews on the last day of the program, under the supervision of a staff member. A volunteer might not feel free to express their honest opinion under these circumstances. I feel that there would be greater transparency in these comments if volunteers posted their reviews independently.

I stayed here 2 weeks. It has been an intense experience that made me get in contact with the local culture and youth in a way that would have not been possible by traveling on my own. Kids are amazing and they enrich your days, from the moment you arrive at school and hear your name shouted to the excitement of stickers time (end of the lessons). I recommend this experience to any traveler or curious individual who wants to discover not only an amazing country but a lively and dynamic population. Honesty is perfect as it is located in the center of Ubud and offers tours all around Bali. Other volunteers and program coordinators help you and support you through the whole journey and you feel safe at all times. I can't wait to come back, this time for longer!

A presto!

Luca

My experience with vp Bali has been a good one. This has been my first time out of Europe and Bali has been a good place to start, the home stay owners have been really helpful and would do anything for you. I felt safe staying at the home stays and going to school. The children are really enthusiastic and always ask after volunteers. It is easy to communicate with the children as there are local staff that speak Balinese and English, so they can translate to the children.