Volunteering Programs by Volunteer Programs Bali

Name: Volunteering Programs by Volunteer Programs Bali
Brand: Volunteer Programs Bali
SKU: 31508
Rating: 4.91 (235 reviews)

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4.91 Rating

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Location

Indonesia
- Bali

Length

2 to 12 weeks

Project Types

Arts Community Development Family Conservation Environmental Conservation Education Teaching Computer Literacy Disabled Care

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Program Details

Language

English

Age Min.

Age Max

Timeframe

Year Round

Housing

Host Family Hostel

Groups

Medium Group (16-30)

Pricing

Starting Price

300

Price Details

Please visit the "Program Fee" section of our website's volunteer page for more detailed information regarding volunteer costs.
Included in your volunteer fee:

* Shared home stay accommodation with breakfast included.

* Airport pickup.

* Orientation prior to beginning your volunteering placement.

* Wi-Fi access onsite at the home stay.

* 24 hour local emergency number (Volunteer Coordinator).

* Support from Volunteer Coordinator and local English teachers.

* Volunteering Certificate

* Experience of a lifetime!

What's Included

Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Some Meals SIM cards Transportation Wifi

What's Not Included

Some Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Some Meals Travel Insurance Visa

Last Updated: Oct 29, 2019

Last Reviewed: Mar 12, 2020

Wish List

55 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Here at Volunteer Programs Bali, we believe that education can change a child’s destiny. More than just an international volunteer program, we provide opportunities to empower local Balinese communities through free English classes, recycling events, workshops. Furthermore, we also provide scholarship program, paid-internship, and continuously encourage local business owners to create job opportunities for our students. These opportunities give our students the tools they need to achieve their fullest potential in an ever-changing society, while holding on to the values and respect for the vibrant culture that makes Bali so unique.

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Program Impact

Every volunteer’s experience, empowerment, and growth is equally as important as anyone else in our family. We hope that the personal development and lessons learned during your time with us stay with you long after Bali, and ultimately inspire you to empower those in your own communities.

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Program Reviews

4.91 Rating

based on 235 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Volunteer Teach

5 rating 91.49%
4 rating 8.09%
3 rating 0.43%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Impact 4.75
Support 4.85
Fun 4.8
Value 4.85
Safety 4.95

Benefits 4
Support 5
Fun 5
Facilities 4
Safety 5

Good for Solo Travelers, Students, Adventure travelers

Showing 129 - 136 of 235 reviews

My time with VP Bali has been an experience like no other. I booked two weeks with VP Bali and I can honestly say this was not long enough! You get attached to the students, staff and get emersed in the culture. Teaching these children open my eyes to the endless possibilities for them, its was an absoloute pleasure being apary of the VP Bali family and I woild reccomend this program to anyone looking to make a differencefbh

Before starting the program, the only mindset I had was to teach the children I was fortunate to teach. Once I entered the program and put my skills to the test, it was far beyond what I expected it to be. It was more than just teaching the basics and writing content on the board, more than just creating activities for all the children to be apart of, but an eye opening experience. I realized how much all of the children were so eager to learn. I come to class with smiles from the students who not only love to learn but also build a strong teacher-student relationsip that reassure me that I am in a safe and comfortable environment. Every volunteer should always feel welcome and that is exactly what VP Bali was able to give me. From the homestay owners to the program staff and local coordinators, I knew I chose the right program. Because of the resources VP Bali offered, there was never a time I questioned my journey to such a diverse island and beautiful culture.

I had a very very good time here with vp bali.
I got to know so many nice people from all around the world. I really loved teaching because the students were so lovely. Especially my younger ones were the cutest children I have ever seen and I will miss them.
The stuff of vpbali is very nice and if I had a problem I could always ask them.
I had very much fun and maybe i'll come back.
Thank you vpbali!!

I couldnt be happier that I decided to join the VP Bali team this summer, and now I actually wish that I had signed on to do a longer time volunteering! The children are so inspiring to teach, it makes you so excited to come back every day and continue to help them develop their english and I genuinely believe that the programme will have a lasting impact for the kids. The staff do an amazing job and have such a great relationship with all the students. The staff aswell as the local co-ordinaters ensure that the whole programme is run so smoothly and the kids could not be in a better, more positive and helpful envioronment for them to learn! Id recommend the programme to anyone that is up for an inspring and fun experience where you will learn alot and that is keen to have a true impact on the childrens learning.

I had such a lovely time at VP-Bali. I really enjoyed the classes and the teaching. The kids were so sweet and they really wanted to learn. The staff and the people from the school were really helpful. I also had such a good time together with te other volunteers, and I really gonna miss them and the kids. The volunteering was a ones in a lifetime experiece and I would definitely recommend to everyone to voluenteer at VP-Bali!!

What would you improve about this program?

The program could be improved by getting more volunteers, just so we can give them an even better education.

From the first day it was easy to get into, the kids and the other volunteers are warm and embracing. Despite having had no teaching experience, the programme was welcoming and the children are so grateful for anything it makes it a pleasure to play even the smallest game. The programme allows time for socialising and teaching, not restricting you to one or the other and making VP Bali perfect for anyone looking to travel, go on holiday, or in fact gain valuable teaching experience. The children are ao much more loving than I expected and it makes the volunteering that extra bit funner and easier. As for teaching experience, having two classes, each of different ages, allows for two intensities and a wide spectrum of experience. I would 100 percent recommend VP Bali for anyone looking to occupy some time in Bali or to teach.

That was the first time I did volunteer and that was a really good trip. Teaching was a good experience, even more with kids like this, they are really kind. First I thought that would be a difficult trip but at my arrival I totally changed my mind. The homestay is really nice. I discovered the balinese culture, and this is really interesting one. I travelled around Bali, to kuta, seminyak and gili, visiting temples, beaches and waterfalls. I travelled a lot and this is one of the best place I went, and encountered a lot of nice people, in Vp Bali and outside. I recommend this trip, because all of those reasons.

I spent 4 weeks here and I had a very good time. The program is very well organized and seems efficient, so is the staff. The local coordinators were very helpful and very pleasant.
One the the main thing I appreciated is that we have the same class for the whole volunteering, which makes our work more efficient.
The children are really sweet and eager to learn, they deserve from the volunteers a serious work and a real attention.
This volunteering was a very good experience, and I hope I brought something.

Questions & Answers

Which program has the most volunteers at a given time?

Ubud!

By Jordan Lee on October 3, 2016

Did anyone have experiences with being transferred?

Hi Juliette! As far as I know volunteers only get transferred if there is a case of illness or cancelation, and only if it otherwise means that a certain class doesn't have a teacher. When I was volunteering I did not see anyone transferred, they are very well organized and try to accommodate everyone's wishes.

By Raphaël Escande on July 6, 2016

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Is it possible to learn Bahasa Indonesia with VPBali?

Hi Rowan, From my experience I can tell you that during your classes you can pick up a lot of Indonesian very quickly. If you want to go more into debt you can always follow an extra course which can be found easily.

By Raphaël Escande on July 6, 2016

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What type of visa do you need to do these programmes?

Hi Cathryn, a social/cultural visa is needed for this program. More information here: http://volunteerprogramsbali.org/placement-info/indonesian-visa/

By Mallory Meiser on January 25, 2016

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you pick this program?

I chose VP Bali because it is located right in the centre of Bali, in Ubud, which is a town known as the major cultural and arts centre of the island. I planned to go to Bali to research about the traditional music there, but I also really wanted to volunteer as a teacher too during my one-month stay.

The program seemed really appealing to me on the website and Facebook page, and after reading really great reviews about it I knew it would be the perfect program to apply to. It is very inexpensive too, which is really great for students!

What is the most important thing you learned abroad?

One important thing I learned abroad was not to be afraid to follow your dreams (no matter how scary they seem!) and know that you can do something really great on your own. My experience teaching in Bali was a real self-esteem booster for me; I gained a huge amount of independence and confidence, and not to mention lots of amazing friends!

Two other important things I learned were how important family, connection and community is to leading a happy life, and to always remember that your actions affect everybody around you. I have never been so happy as I was in Bali, the Balinese are so kind and friendly and always ready to laugh or to point you in the right direction if you get lost on your moped!

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What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?

I think, just go for it! You have nothing to lose; it really will change your life forever! You learn so much about the world, about others and about yourself.

I have never met anybody who regretted going abroad to travel - you can see amazing landscapes, learn about other cultures and languages, become independent, and study what you love. It expands your mind and brightens your personality, and I think going abroad makes you really appreciate your own family and what you have back home. And, of course, you will always have amazing stories to remember for the rest of your life!

What was the hardest part about going abroad?

The hardest part about going abroad for me was worrying about my studies at university, and that what I would be doing in Bali wasn't really related at all to my studies. I also worried about getting the right flights and navigating my way around the airport in Hong Kong, about luggage going missing or that the VP Bali driver might not be waiting for me at the airport. I suppose I was thinking about the worst-case scenarios as I hadn't travelled that far before, which wasn't a good idea!

Thankfully the journey went smoothly, and my time in Bali has really helped my studies since as I arrived home much more motivated and inspired!

What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?

I think climbing Mount Batur to see the sunrise was one of my favourite experiences in Bali. We had just a couple of hours sleep before waking at 2:30am and being driven to the foot of the volcano to climb and see the sunrise at 5:30am. It was pitch black, and we were given torches and two Balinese guides to help us hike. I remember, about halfway up, looking back down and not being able to see anything except a long path of torchlights going all the way back down, it was so magical!

Once we eventually had arrived at the summit (1,717 metres!) we waited for the sunrise. It was incredible, and so colourful, I remember everybody cheering and then becoming silent and just watching. There must have been almost fifty people up there with us.

On the way down we were taken into bat caves and to see monkeys, and to see hot steam rising from fissures in the volcano. On the way home, we were so exhausted that we decided to visit a coffee plantation. Needless to say after sampling every type of Balinese coffee that exists we were ready for a day of teaching!

Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home.

On my last day there was a ceremony at our school in Ubud celebrating Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, wisdom and music. We all wore Balinese ceremonial dress, and took part in the whole ceremony as special guests of the school.

After it had finished we had rice on our foreheads and chests, lotus flowers in our hair and were all smelling of incense. Some of the students played instruments and danced throughout the ceremony; it was just beautiful and the perfect last day of an amazing month.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

On your weekends off, hire a moped and explore the whole island as much as you can!

What made this trip meaningful to you, or how did this trip change your perceptions or future path?

I studied a lot of traditional music and the relationship between music, community and religion. The experience has made me think about studying Ethnomusicology after graduation next year, and I will hopefully be exploring more of SE Asia with a funded research program which I am excited about!

I made amazing friends from all over the world, not just Bali, and learned that I absolutely love teaching! I will never forget the experiences I had there.

How much does it cost to stay in Bali?

It is very cheap to live in Bali. Meals cost about $2 - $3, and accommodation for one night is about $8! I went to Bali with just £150 for the whole month, after paying the program fee (which included accommodation).

Also, don't be afraid to haggle prices with the local Balinese! And definitely try street food.

Elizabeth Waugh

Jerome Nun

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

VP Bali allows me to put my skills and experience to use for a greater cause. For once, I'm actually working for an organization that is not about revenue and sales, but making a real impact in communities.

Working closely with Kim (the founder), local staff, interns, and volunteers from all over the world taught me to be agile and able to adapt to many different kinds of situations.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose our volunteer program because it's much more than just gathering volunteers, interns, and staffs from all over the world and conducting free English courses to local Balinese kids.

We provide an opportunity to exchange cultures and experience different perspectives, a great personal development and life-changing lesson for those who come with an open mind and an open heart.

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What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

In VP Bali we strongly believe that we can help make the world a better place by enriching the community, providing free English Courses, preserving local Balinese culture, exchanging local and foreign ideas to learn from one another. This is just a bit of what we do daily to help our community.

I'm especially proud of my team when I see progress - in the kids, in the volunteers, in my fellow local staff , and in myself. Also when we learn something new together and master it.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

When the company puts their people and their people's growth first (just like at VP Bali) it's very unlikely for the company to not strive and succeed.

Ni Wayan Tutik Kastari Devi

Local Coordinator

Eka Saputra

Coordinator

Ni Komang Ayu Sukaningsih