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I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Ubud, Bali, with IVHQ. Although only taking part in a 2 week stay, this experience exposed me to an entirely different culture and way of life, and enabled me to visit fantastic places and meet some great people. The orientation week prior to beginning the volunteering scheme was fascinating, I was able to go to some main attractions in the local area, as well as learn about the local culture, language, and food. This week was very well organised by the coordinators who all ensured each volunteer experienced as much as they could. My week of volunteering was doing construction and renovation for the community centre in Pejeng Kaja, the village in which we were based. The program was well organised, and the volunteers worked with a coordinator for the project as well as one local construction worker. Hard work was encouraged, and despite only being on site for one week, some fantastic progress was made. This volunteering opened by eyes to the tangible difference that can be made, and by doing construction in particular it was brilliant to know I could make a physical difference to the community, and give back to the people of the village. This whole experience, made possible by the brilliant organisation of IVHQ, has made me not only want to volunteer again, but to travel further afield post-university - it has given me an opportunity to experience and do something different from the monotonous activities back home - and made me more open-minded and aware of the different cultures and customs that exist around the world. If you are looking for a beautiful place to go, with genuinely humble and friendly locals, exotic attractions and a safe and warming environment whilst making a difference for the community, Ubud is fantastic, and with IVHQ you are in safe hands in terms of accommodation and organisation.

Before getting there I didn't know what to expect exactly. We had this guide we had to read to learn more about the Indonesian population and culture and I was like Wow I had no idea that was how they live over there. So many beliefs, does and donts that I had to learn before starting the program. The day I got there I instently met tons of amazing people that were here to help the Indonesian people in a variety of ways. During the first week we got to learn about the balinese language and culture by having language classes, visiting temples and rice fields, walk around the center and many more. It was a cultural shock for me and it was amazing learning so much in so little time. I was mostly amazed by how kind and welcoming the Balinese were. Despite the difficult conditions they live in the Balinese are some of the kindest people I've ever met. I am so happy and so glad I did these two volunteering weeks. Two very short weeks indeed but I am definitely looking forward to doing it again!

I was so nervous travelling alone for the first time to a foreign country where I didnt know the language or anyone. Im so happy I volunteered with IVHQ because first day I forgot about my fears and worries and have already made life long friends. From accomodation to food to resources and helpful tips IVHQ never fail to disappoint. There was never a dull moment plenty to see and do. Loads od free time and flexibility. Teaching kids in Ubud was such a rewarding experience. The children are so eager to learn and I had so much fun teaching, playing games, and even painting. IVHQ was with me every step of the way. Don't worry about anything and just go! You won't be disappointed. Terima Kasih IVHQ Bali!

When I left home, I was worried, it was my first time traveling alone and going to Asia. I didn't know what to expect, I researched, read a lot, saw videos and tried to prepare myself for this trip.
Arriving to Bali changed all of the information I had in my mind, I can't even begin to explain what I felt, so much emotions all in one. I arrived to one of the best house, Tini house became my home away from home. I loved everything about it, now I even have the picture of the statue of Ganesh that was in the house entrance in my phone wallpaper.
In the same room I lived with another 5 girls. Those girls became my sisters, and we complemented each other so well. Being away from home is difficult but here I met people that made this a lot better.

I feel that Bali is such and amazing place to listen, learn, meditate, forgive, heal, and work on yourself. Being surrounded by nature makes you feel recharged with positive energy.
I chose the Kindergarten project and let me tell you at first it was a little hard for me, but after a couple of weeks I feel in love with my kids, they are the purest souls there are, they are kind, smart, loving and accepting.

In Bali there's always things to do, so don't worry about being bored or alone, hahaha believe me you won't be. I recommend you visit Ubud, which you will because it's the nearest town to Penestanan. Also visit Uluwatu, Canggu, Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan, Seminyak and Kuta.

Take a surf lesson, visit waterfalls, go to all the temples you can, make friend with a local, go to ceremony, take a yoga class in Yoga Barn, meditate, eat at various warung, try nasi goreng, mie goreng and banana desserts, if you are old enough drink a Bintang of the beach, visit Jungle Fish, Sundays at Single Fin are a must, eat a Nalu Bowl, Go to Motel Mexicola or La Favela in Seminyak. take a run along the rice fields, take a massage, snorkel, dive, go cliff jumping, walk around in the village, take a dip in the pool in the hotel near the village.

One of my favorite memories is celebrating Nyepi Day in Nusa Ceningan, one of the parts of the celebrations is Silent Day in which we didn't have any electricity, but that night we laid outside of our hotel by the ocean, and watched the stars, I saw the most stars and shooting stars that I have ever seen in my life, laying down with my roomies, playing good music, and meditating, is an experience that I will never forget.

Please stay as long as you can't you wont regret it.

This trip for me was 2 weeks long and consisted of a 1 week stay in Ubud (just outside the city center) and 1 week on the beautiful island of Nusa Penida.
This trip over all was amazing and beautiful. Although the orientation week wasn't really tailored to my program specifically that was the turtle conservation, it was a really cool way to see some good spots of the country. Also VERY inexpensive to live here and eat well and go lots of activities.

When in UBUD: If you're looking for down time, good food, and/or a relaxing massage then the monkey temple forest Rd. is the place to go! When staying in Ubud we got to stay in a small village just outside with a 4$ cab ride or a 20 minute walk to the city center. Here is where I had alot of fun getting to interact with locals, try some foreign cusinines and do some shopping at the market (which is huge if you're a flea market junkie).

when in NUSA PENIDA: This island is MUCH more isolated than the city of ubud. Hot water doesn't exist unless you're drinking tea so prepare yourself for that! Working with the turtles here was the best part of my trip and I don't think 1 week was enough for me! The 1 week orientation takes up alot more time of your trip than you think so take that into consideration for when you get to the actual project. This island is also beautiful! There is so many look out points and places to go that everyday there is something to do after work. The uniform of "covering shoulders and wearing pants below your knees" also doesn't apply at this program! I made the mistake of strictly packing with the guidelines. You do alot of beach clean up and going into the tanks so you get hot and wet and bathing suits, shorts and tank tops are totally acceptable.

I wanted to travel out of my depth, on my own and as far away as possible... I wanted to escape my ordinary routine and day to day activities by stepping out of my comfort zone completely. I live in England and Bali has always been a mere dream however this year I decided to make it my reality.

Firstly, the IVHQ volunteer Facebook page gave me the platform to chat to other volunteers and before I had stepped foot out of my hometown, I had made friends for life. I planned to travel alone, however I made arrangements to fly with another IVHQ volunteer I met on the Facebook page who I ended up living with during my stay in Bali. So, my first tip to you... you should use social media to its advantage and be confident to talk to new people, it’s where my volunteering story began.

Bali welcomed me with open arms; from the minute I stepped off the plane (from a long 27 hour journey) I was greeted by my transport, on time too! When I arrived it was the middle of the night, therefore my journey from the airport into Ubud centre was dark and a little daunting. However, my driver spoke good English and he made me feel very safe.

Let’s talk about my accommodation. Now, I have known a fair few people that have volunteered with different programmes all over the world and I have to say I had build up an imagine in my mind of where I would be sleeping... let’s just say it wasn’t pleasant. Nevertheless, when I arrived at Tini House (my house name) in the middle of the night, jetlagged and hoping for the best, I was pleasantly surprised. My accommodation was absolutely stunning and bursting with Balinese culture. Mrs Tini, our house owner, was a lovely lady who made me feel welcome from the get go. She spoke about how she wanted to keep the volunteers safe in her local town and if we needed anything night and day she would be at hand. I did feel very much at home, I have to admit. I was sharing with 5 others in my bedroom but in total 18 in our house, which at first was daunting however after a couple late night chats in the front garden, quickly we became a family.

Tip: if you meet people in your house that you get on really well with and feel you would like to volunteer with them on your programme, don’t be scared to ask. I asked to teach with a friend that I lived with and the co-ordinators are more than happy to put people that get on well together, together in the classroom.

The orienteering week for me was absolutely fantastic. It gave you the opportunity to see the best of Bali. The rice fields, temples, traditional dancing and so much more. On reflection they gave you the opportunity to live like a local while getting to know your peer volunteers from all over the world. As a student art teacher at home... I personally loved getting involved with local Batik painting; we were even allowed to keep our design. (which made an amazing souvenir by the way.) This week was packed with energy and all the volunteers were buzzing, we were able to mingle in the cafes and meet local people that lived in Penestanan village. Its true what they say about the local people being friendly and accommodating, they are happy to help you with whatever you may need during your time volunteering.

Tip: If you are travelling from England, the exchange rate for British Pounds is higher than any other currency you are recommended to take. Get your money changed over there instead of prior to your trip, the ATM’s are really close by and easy to access money too. The closest ATM was located at the BINTANG MARKET, around a 20 minute walk from the village.

As I student teacher at home, teaching the kids at Sabatu school was a dream. It was challenging if I am going to be honest, the kids struggled with English speaking and the language barrier proved to be difficult at times however with help from the co-ordinators you soon feel comfortable being left alone with them. A quick tip; don’t plan a lesson each day to fill the full two hours you are teaching in the classroom, the kids get bored quickly after a long day at school so plan some games, prepare to have fun and don’t be scared to get involved, they love it! We played games such as; Simon Said, Duck Duck Goose and Heads up Thumbs Down.

The rice terrace house was accommodating to plan lessons with plenty of books, two computers and a photocopier, so don’t worry you aren’t left to your own devices. What I would say is don’t be afraid to get attached to the kids, you build a relationship with them that changes your life, they appreciate everything you give to them and in return they give back by making you smile. Leaving them is hard, for sure, but it makes you feel like your time volunteering has been worth it.

You are given the option with IVHQ to be in a school teaching or to teach kindergarten. I wanted to teach as this is my career prospect however with teaching comes restriction as you are travelling to the school and teaching from 1pm- 5pm, I didn’t mind this as I was there to teach however this factor caused issues with other volunteers wanting more spare time to see the island. Kindergarten starts very early in the morning and ends around 10.30am. If you are unsure, you can change programmes while you are there or you can do both during your time, even better!

The food at the canteen gave you a taste of Balinese culture. Each day was something different, some days you might like it, other days you might not but don’t expect western meals as this was not on our menu. It was nice to try new things and I certainly did, there is always something you can eat so don’t worry about that. But, if you prefer to eat out, there are local cafes in the village that have amazing local and western dishes for real cheap too. A walk into Ubud centre, which is filled with restaurants and always buzzing from morning until night, is around 30 minutes from the village and you can always find something you like to eat there.

I was lucky enough to meet fantastic people and make friends for life, we all shared a common interest and that was to explore the island. On weekends we visited Gili Air, Ulu Watu and Nusa Lembongan, along with doing activities such as; visiting the rice terraces, white water rafting, snorkelling, visiting food festivals and doing Mount Batur sunrise trek. You seriously can’t be robbed for the price you pay to do fantastic things in Bali that at home would cost you an arm and a leg. The memories that you make here are built into the weekends, there's nothing better than experiencing new things with a group of people who are there to have fun just as much as you are. Also, quick tip; get a massage in Penestanan, they are fantastic.

I loved every second of my time in Bali; you are able to experience the different ways of life to Bali by living away from the beach in an area packed with culture however the option to travel at the weekend is there for you too. I can honestly say you will be welcomed into the community by the locals with grace and appreciation for your kindness to volunteer which makes the experience worthwhile. So, finally I hope I have been as helpful as I could be to new volunteers, I hope you have a fantastic time in Bali or with any IVHQ volunteer programme and stay safe!

Jenny Anderson

Teaching healthcare classes in a district called Lovina for a week took me plenty of energy, but the experience was soooo rewarding that I didn't feel tired at all when I was back home! Probably it's what it meant by feeling pumped?!

The kids I was assigned to teach were second to third graders, who were all eager and humble to learn. It took me a bit of time to get used to their pattern, like they might be so excited during the class that they put off their shoes and ran around; and you could also from their tiny brown teeth that they had not been brushing them very properly. Well, I guess that's why they need better healthcare education (including the basic stuff like how to wash hands and shower) and that's what makes the volunteering extra meaningful. Another fun thing is that they only had limited proficiency in English - so we had to communicate in the very basic English, a bit of Bahasa Indonesian and a lot of body language. No worries though, through games and laughter, everybody's able to get along well very quickly. The most encouraging moment to me was that, after each class, kids would come to you one by one to thank you for the efforts made (by putting your hand gently to their foreheads).

As for the accommodation and meal, of course you can't expect to have 5-star services, but you can definitely feel the most original, exotic kind of lifestyle there, with the local staff there trying their best to ensure everything is clean and safe. The transit transport from airport to the hostel offered by IVHQ is also a plus to me!

Bali has always been a truly Asia country with its own unique practices and believes. As for me, Bali was the first country I have visited alone after 23 years. The first country that actually makes my journey smooth, makes me feel safe and builds my confidence. I never had any expectations from the beginning of the program as I did not know what was coming. But trust me! The moment the program started, I've gained numerous amount of friends from locals and foreigners. They treated me like a family and I did not feel any less than home. It was also a great opportunity to learn about their culture and country. During my 2 weeks of stay, I chose healthcare education. There were about 25 to 30 kids aged 6 to 12 years old in my class. Yes!! they can be really a pain in your butt but when comes to education, they are very much eager to learn. The respect and love, you receive from them is inevitable. I was left in tears on my last day when the kids came hugging and said goodbye. Even saying goodbye to the locals and other friends I've met was really hard and sad. I cannot express my feelings but I can surely say that it made a huge impact on my perspective towards life when I left Bali. Embrace the needs whenever you can. The smallest act of kindness is the road to victory. Dear future volunteers, have the least expectation and you'll have the best time of your life.
After returning from Bali, I reminisced all the moments I had in Bali and really looking forward for my next visit.
Thank you to everyone who was part of my journey.