2 months in Ubud

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.