Volunteering Programs by Volunteer Programs Bali

I had a really amazing time volunteering for this program. The people you get to work with and the kids you get to teach are all very kind and helpful. This was my first time volunteering overseas and VP Bali made it a nice and easy experience. I came without much experience, but my co-volunteers were very helpful in helping me adjust to the curriculum. Working for this program also gave me enough free time to explore Bali.

The reality of teaching English isn't as easy as you think, but it can be made easier and be a lot of fun if you just put in some of your own effort instead of relying solely on the program itself. When I first arrived, initially I thought the program lacked structure because there is no real training of how to teach if you don't know how to teach. But, admittedly, that was before I really got to know how the program was run. Later I found out that they really do give back to the community and locals, and everything you do is for a good cause. The structure is there; you just may not see it because there are so many people doing the work behind the scenes with and for you before, during, and after you go or not go. However, you will see if you go. This is a credible program.

From my two month experience, I learned to create lessons that followed the curriculum, but also tailored to my own interest. For instance, my degree was in art education, and personally, I enjoy being in a hands-on-teaching environment. So say we were on a food lesson. We made restaurant menus, so they could draw the food items, write the english food vocabularies down, and if they wanted, they could add their own Indonesian meals to the menu. We practiced conversations with restaurant role play. The students used the leaves and flowers from outside as pretend food. This experience is as much as you want to make out of it. In hindsight, I feel lucky that there is a full staff that speaks English well, with rotating translators and other students to help out when we need the help.

I think two months if a really good amount of time to learn how the program works, put in your own effort, make new friends, and make a connection with the students. Although it felt like I was there for a long time, if I had more time to spare, I would have extended my Visa and stayed longer to set new goals and try new lesson plans. This was not your Eat-Pray-Love story, but probably better, because education is so powerful that it can make you find what you may feel is missing in your life (as corny as it sounds.) I would say go for this, especially because this amount of money you'll spend will be well worth your time and experience. It's no phony vacation package to only teach once a week or here and there. There is a four day teaching routine each week for about four hours or so each day, plus a driver who takes you to and back from school on time. The rest of the time and weekends are yours, and you can plan trips away to the other islands. Just apply for this if you are in the midst of wondering what to do with your life or if you're looking for a new adventure. I would recommend staying for more than two weeks to really get to know the kids.

I as sick for already 2 weeks so I didn't come to school. So one of my students wanted to come to the homestay to visit me, so sweet! In the end she didn't come because nobody tought it as a very good plan. But still it was a very sweet plan! VP Bali is like a family. Everyone loves eachother and cares for eachother. My stay here was one of the best things I ever did in my life. I will be back next year!!

I have done this program for eight weeks with my friend. Already on the first day it felt like home. The children welcome you as if you knew them already. When the days pass, you will get to know them better and better which is why you can teach them better also. My English wasn't that great when I arrived, but still much better then the students. But because I taught them, my English improved as well. I also noticed I became more creative during this program. Not only the teaching is fun, you also have a lot of free time. In this free time you can explore Ubud where there is always something to do. Also I met so many nice other volunteers, we often did trips together which I really enjoyed. I am so happy I was able to have this amazing experience, I would definitely do this program again!

I'm delighted with my last-minute decision to do a month's volunteering with VP Bali. The programme itself is brilliant but what stood out in particular for me was the support I received throughout the time there. Weekly group meetings and constant contact with the co-ordinators and fellow volunteers meant that any issues or concerns were addressed and dealt with immediately, and I never felt short of advice and direction when it came to the classes themselves (that's coming from a first-time "teacher"!)

The kids are just gorgeous and so eager to learn, which is always a plus, and the general atmosphere amongst the volunteers was really encouraging and social. Couldn't recommend this programme any more highly.

I am so grateful for this experience. I have meet so many wonderful people from around the world whom have come together for a common goal, to teach English to the children of Bali. I wish I would have known about this program sooner. The children are amazing and come to class eager to learn. We teach them in a fun and creative manner which keeps them coming back day after day. I am inspired not only by the children but also by the various volunteers. We are each so different as some of them are students on a gap year to others which are making a career change. I wish that I could have stayed longer than two weeks because I have formed such a strong bond with my students and my new VP Bali family. I wasn't ready to leave, but I hope to be back soon!

A career break, is a big change, a big step in life. I felt I needed to find more sense, to start giving instead of continuously being in a 'taking mode' - as you can be in most of Western countries. Therefore, I decided to come to Bali and to attend the VP Bali volunteering program in Ubud. It has been a great experience for me: not only for the inspiring and peculiar location of Ubud and Bali in general, but specially for the involvement with the local people and the community. On the one hand you teach English,but on the other you help kids and local villages to get scholarships and to adapt to different type of people (and accents) as teachers are from all over the world. You really feel you can make the difference!! Playing with the kids, singing with them, praise them is a 'two-way' exchange which I will never forget and that no words / written review will ever explain, indeed. You should just go for it!!!!

I loved this program and everything it has to offer. Everyone was really wellcoming and helped in everything I needed. The classes were well organized and it was not that difficult to start on the first day. The children are so cute, they make leaving very difficult. I came with my boyfriend and so I can say it is also good for couples. We always felt integrated with the group, although we came together. We did some activities with the group of volunteers that we will never forget. I truly recommend everybody to join VP Bali.