VOLUNTEER FLOW AND DAILY ROUTINE
The main focus of the Forever Learning Center VP Bali is to provide opportunities for our local communities. All year round we organize activities, workshops, training programs and skill training for and by our community.
We do want to offer the opportunity to international volunteers to experience these activities firsthand and to volunteer at our Forever Learning Center. Certain periods of the year we open our center for YOU as a volunteer to be part of our community. As a volunteer in the center you will be on the front row and you will be able to experience true Balinese life, in a Balinese village. Living on site will give you the opportunity to be the first to see what is happening around the center.
From Monday to Thursday your days are full of engaging with the community. In the morning you will attend activities, workshops and other cultural events whereas in the afternoon you will be teaching English to Balinese children alongside our local staff members.
During the weekend you get the chance to experience the beauty of Bali, travel around the island (at your own expenses), and explore the culture. But, for those who choose to stay in the center, we offer even more insights in what we are doing with our community.
Every single thing that you do at the center benefits the community 100%. Your stay, everything you consume, all activities you attend (in house as well as outside the center) is provided for and by the local community.
Can you imagine the impact you have on the Balinese people!
VOLUNTEERING IN A SAFE COMMUNITY
From the minute volunteers get off the plane at Ngurah Rai Airport, they are welcomed into the VP Bali Family and part of our Forever Community. Our trusted drivers, who are all members of our local drivers community, will pick you up and bring you to the center. No matter the time you arrive, you will be welcomed by our volunteer coordinator upon arrival. After a long journey you will be arriving in a warm comfortable environment where we have set everything up for you.
We provide an extensive two-day orientation where we will guide you around the center, explain all activities to you, introduce you to our local team, the community members and your co-volunteers. We will give you an introduction course about how to teach and how to work together with our local teacher aids. You will receive a detailed training about the Balinese culture, do’s and don’ts and we will show you around the village where the center is located.
The volunteer orientation means that you don’t need to stress about planning your first few days in Bali, we have it all sorted for you!
It is important to us that those giving their time have an enjoyable experience from day one and are aware of the surroundings of the center where they live.
During your stay at the center, everything is made easy for you. We provide lunch and dinner meal plans (at your own expense) where, again, you support our local community of farmers and local sellers. Our local team is available 24/7 in case of emergency and we have a large network of tour agencies, guides and drivers who will take care of you during your weekends.
Every member of our Forever Community is being taken care of while volunteering at the learning center. During your stay, you will be embraced and surrounded by our loving and hard working community and you will be part of a vibrant, inspiring, safe and empowering environment.
FOREVER LEARNING
Education, skill training and sharing knowledge is part of every fiber of our Learning Center. Everything we do, every activity that takes place at the center and every member of the community is focused primarily on these concepts.
Volunteering at the Forever Learning Center means you play a big role in increasing knowledge and education of our local community.
You will be teaching Balinese children in the afternoon. Our vision of education as a journey, not an end goal, is seen through the fun creative learning techniques we use in our classes. We believe in education as the greatest form of opportunity. Through our after school English classes, we want our kids to understand that education doesn’t need to just mean advancing to the next level or passing a vocabulary test. Educational games, dancing, and small competitions are some of the playful ways our students stay attentive, focused, and most of all have fun!
You will be teaching alongside our local teachers. Together with them you will encourages the students to bring home what they gain from the classroom, and also keeps them coming back every day eager to learn.
We want our classes to be something students look forward to every day, knowing that they gain much more than new vocabulary.
More specific details about the classes will be given to volunteers once they are in the center. Age of the children, level of English, course and teaching materials may vary per period of the year.VP Bali
BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING
While every volunteer has different motivations to give back and visit our island, our hope is that all of our guests walk away with more than the same life lessons and personal growth that come with volunteering abroad.
Immediately upon arrival, you are a member of the VP Bali Family. You are placed in an international environment where local Balinese staff are working together with diverse volunteers from all over the world. Exposed to new cultural norms, volunteers learn to collaborate, take feedback, and create solutions with different types of people, understanding the impact of team communication. Volunteers learn to quickly adapt to new environments outside of their comfort zone, while remaining respectful to unexpected “do’s and don’t’s” of traditional Balinese culture.
With so much western development in recent years, it is very easy to holiday in Bali without experiencing anything the island’s local culture has to offer. More than just temple visits, volunteering with VP Bali gives you the opportunity to assimilate with Balinese culture while experiencing the beauty of an international holiday destination. Our extended weekend schedule gives our volunteers the chance to explore outside of Ubud, while at the same time getting to call our tight knit community your temporary home.
Every volunteer’s experience, empowerment, and growth is equally as important as anyone else in our Forever Community. 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. Read more about our volunteer experiences: click here
THE HEADQUARTERS OF OUR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteering with VP Bali means that while you are building bright futures for Bali’s youth, you are also immersing yourself into the true daily life and traditions of the Balinese people.
The concept of our volunteer accommodation is very unique. Yes, it is the accommodation for our international volunteers. But the thing that makes it unique is the fact that it is a training site for our local trainees. Students who are in hospitality school learn their practical skills here! So your bed will be made by one of our students. Win-win, you have a neat bed and our students are trained to be professionals!
Our volunteer accommodation has all the basic facilities that volunteers need. The rooms are spacious, clean and built with natural materials. There is a cozy living room, a dining area (also a training place for our students!) and lots of spots to relax, enjoy the activities of the center or to connect with community members.
*As of July 2020 the accommodation is still under construction. Stay tuned for updates on our Social Media channels or contact us for more info.
What is provided at the accommodation?
- Shared bedrooms with one other volunteer (separate beds)
- Private bathroom with clean western style toilet and hot water shower
- Air Conditioned rooms
- Towels and bed sheets
- Free onsite Wi‐Fi access. Please feel free to bring your laptop.
- Daily breakfast
- Laundry service in town (at volunteer’s cost)
- Toiletries (soaps, shampoos and others) are not provided.
ADVANTAGes
The local team has built strong relationships with businesses in the area for you as a volunteer to enjoy memberships of a gym, tour and travel packages and other courses on a very discounted rate.
COURSES AND WORKSHOPS
At the learning center we organize a great number of courses and workshops for our volunteers. These workshops serve several purposes. On one side we want to offer our volunteers an experience where they can learn Balinese skills such as making offerings or handicrafts like wood carving. But also Indonesian language skills, cooking courses, yoga and other sports and so on. But at the same time we want to provide opportunities for our local community to offer their services and by doing so create a sustainable income.
MEALS
We work together with local farmers and food sellers to provide you with meal plans to order for lunch and dinner (at your own expense), easily ordered through our in-house system and delivered on your doorstep.
Through this concept we can provide a sustainable income for members of our local community and at the same time we provide you with healthy, delicious and affordable meals!
GROCERIES
We have designed an easy way for you to purchase your daily needs with an in-house grocery service. No need to go around to shop at the market, everything is available for you to be delivered. Prices are according to local standards and by ordering your groceries you support local families with a sustainable income.
THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMUNITY
The Forever Learning Centers bring people together to make the best out of themselves. This is the only way to ensure change from the inside out.
The classes
The Forever Learning Center has 6 spacious classrooms, which are all multifunctional rooms and also being used for workshops and educational events. Each class can accommodate about 30 children. The classes all breath serenity and calmth, which is one of the reasons our kids feel so inspired and motivated.
The classrooms have a lot of natural light and a large area outside for kids to play and learn.
Community vibes
Imagine yourself walking around the center. Everywhere you look, every corner you go is filled with happy faces and warm vibes. The center is build in a way that everyone feels welcome, safe and inspired. From the moment people enter the center, they are absorbed in the community vibes. Kids can walk in and out the library, where they can sit and relax together while enjoying some reading books.
There is a large playground, an organic farm where our students and community members learn all the tricks about organic farming (and this is where part of your healthy meals come from!).
The big event atrium will be used very regularly for events and workshops. Therefore, there will be a vibrant routine of community members coming in and out to attend activities, to work, to practice skills, to pick up their kids and to meet and connect other members.
Location & surroundings
The Forever Learning Center VP Bali is located in a small village, about 5 km south of Ubud, central Bali. The site of the center is surrounded by nature, with the comfort and safety of the local village members around the corner.
Less than a minute walk will bring you to a very special and auspicious water spring, where the Balinese village members often come to pray and to take the water which is considered holy and is being used for religious ceremonies. A short stroll around the village will introduce you to the local Balinese village life, where you will very quickly feel right at home. And you know what is even more fun? You will be one of the only foreigners around so you’ll feel very special!
The center is located approximately 1,5 hours from the airport. The touristic pittoresk village of Ubud is only 15 minutes drive and a perfect destination to enjoy a spa day or some shopping during your weekends.
As the center is located very centrally in Bali, all tourism objects are reachable from the center. Day trips are easily organized by our driver community and you will come home to a warm nest after a day full of sightseeing.
Must-do:
– Walk around the village and high five the local kids
– Go down the water spring and climb up to Titi Batu Club where you can swim or workout at the gym.
– Rent a bicycle and cycle to Ubud during the weekend for a nice foot massage
– Watch the stars at night (the advantage of living in a secluded area!)
VOLUNTEER DONATION AND INCLUSIONS
Volunteers are welcome to join us and be part of our “Forever Community’ during certain periods of the year. We welcome volunteers in blocks of 4, 8 or 12 weeks.
*The volunteer dates for 2021 will be open as soon as possible once the situation with COVID-19 stabilizes.
The program fees for 2021 will be available soon.
What is your impact?
BY THE NUMBERS
What does your program cost include?
- Onsite 24/7 emergency contact and support from VP Bali staff, administration costs, communication costs with volunteers and travel costs for program inspection.
- Airport transport to center upon arrival (If you choose to travel to other destinations in Bali before your placement starts, you are requested to organise and provide for your own transport to either the airport or the center, at your own cost).
Please note that our driver will only pick up new arriving volunteers from Bali Denpasar Airport. - Shared volunteer accommodation during your volunteering placement. Learn more about the headquarters of the volunteers here.
- Daily breakfast is provided daily at the center. Lunch and dinner can be ordered in house at a local price through our meal plans and grocery plans. Read more about that here.
- Wi-Fi access on site (please note that this is Bali, and we do suffer from disrupted internet connections from time to time!).
- 2 Day orientation program on the days prior to the beginning of your volunteering placement. Volunteers also receive our exclusive VP Bali Volunteer Prep-Kit before arrival, providing you with all the information you need before coming to Bali (think: do’s and don’ts, what to bring, what to do in Bali and health and safety tips).
- Daily program supervision in the center during your placement by our local team.
- Certificate from Volunteer Programs Bali once you have completed your volunteering period. This is handed over to you on your last day at the center.
What does your program cost not include?
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- airfares
- All transportation around the island (except pick-up from airport)
- Travel and health insurance
- Visa costs for Bali/Indonesia (and possible visa extensions)
- Vaccinations
- Personal expenses such as lunch and dinner
- Transport to the airport at the end of your volunteer placement.
(The cost from Ubud to the airport is approximately IDR 300,000)
* Please note that our fees are non refundable. For more information please see our terms and conditions
*Important note: You will need a passport valid for at least six months following the date of your arrival in to Indonesia. If your passport is not valid for the full 6 months your entry into the country will be denied.
The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.
William Shakespeare
LIVING IN BALI
Bali is one of the 16.000 islands of Indonesia and is located between Java and Lombok.
With around 85% of the population being Hindu, Bali is known as the Hindu island of the Indonesian Republic. Known as the “The Island of the Gods”, for its cultural richness and exquisite natural sites make it a unique destination for people all over the world.
People come here to surf, trek through its many mountains and volcanoes, enjoy the peace and quiet, as well as the island’s many delicious fruits and foods. Despite being one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, the island does have a less fortunate side not always visible from the tourist surface. Due to the increasing western development, it is very easy to visit Bali without experiencing the local culture. VP Bali offers a great opportunity for volunteers to integrate with local culture and communities while using weekends to enjoy everything the island has to offer.
Bali Culture
In Bali people live with their (extended) families in one compound. Brother/brother-in-law, sister/sister-in-law, mother & father, uncle & aunt all reside in the same complex. Within the compound you will find the family temple, a communal area, several rooms for sleeping only (Balinese live mostly outdoors), several kitchen blocks (each ‘small’ family has their own), vegetable gardens and livestock (such as chickens and cows- depending on the location and the wealth of the family).
Bali’s culture is based on a form of Hinduism called “Hindu Darma”, which plays an important role in the family customs and community lifestyle. Its influence expands extensively into the arts, creating a beautifully unique and different atmosphere than the rest of Indonesia. Through art, dance, music, and dedicated daily tradition, the Balinese have managed to preserve their culture despite the ever-increasing tourism industry on the island.
Upon arrival in Bali, you will daily notice little packages of flowers, candy and cookies placed on the ground with burning incense on top. These offerings are one of the many ways in which the Balinese honour what lies in between heaven and earth. They believe that giving daily offerings and holding regular ceremonies will please their Gods and demons.
The life of a Balinese is marked in stages by ritual ceremonies known as Manusa Yadnya. The first ceremony of Balinese life takes place even before birth. The first major ceremony takes place halfway through the baby’s first Balinese year of 210 days. After that, there is the famous ‘tooth filing ceremony’, which marks the transition into adulthood. Wedding ceremonies are also held in high regard, with colorful outfits and loads of food to create a truly remarkable occasion.
The end of a Balinese life is marked by a cremation. Balinese cremations are often spectacular events, with crowds of people, colorful parades and loud music. Since a big cremation can be very expensive, less wealthy people may take the opportunity of joining in at a larger cremation, honouring their own loved ones at the same time.
Because we value and respect the Balinese culture and its traditions deeply, we ask all our volunteers to behave in an appropriate manner. That is why we send out our VP Bali Volunteer Prep-kit before arrival, and introduce the do’s and don’ts of Balinese culture during Volunteer Orientation. We also ask volunteers to sign a code of conduct before arrival.
Offerings and Religious Ceremonies
Climate
Bali’s location just a few degrees south of the equator creates a hot and humid tropical climate, where the sun rises around 6am and sets at 6 pm every day of the year. This means that the temperature variation is very small, it’s always around 26- 30 degrees Celsius. Bali only has a “wet season” (usually from September to February) and “dry season” (February to August). During the peak of the wet season, it’s not uncommon to have 30 minute to 2 hour rain showers in the afternoon, with the rest of the day being dry with warm temperatures.
Despite the tropical climate, we recommend bringing a sweater as nights in Ubud can get particularly cool. Most importantly, Bali’s location near the equator means that it’s quite easy to get sunburned and dehydrated from the heat. Make sure to pack sunscreen lotion and drink lots of water and yummy coconuts!
BALI MUST SEE TIPS
Bali is a beautiful island and guaranteed to make you have a lot of fun and enjoy amazing experiences. On your days off you will want to explore! Here are some of our past volunteers’ favorite places and activities:
1. Be part of a local ceremony
When in Bali, you shouldn’t leave the island without having joined at least one ceremony. Show respect by dressing appropriately in the traditional clothing, and let it all happen. You will probably not understand most of it, but that’s okay. Balinese impressive temple ceremonies are probably unlike anything you have experienced before! During your placement, there is a high chance you will be able to to join a ceremony at one of our schools or in the community.
2. Climb Mount Batur
One of the most beautiful experiences you can do easily from Ubud is climbing the Mount Batur at night so that you can watch the sunrise from the top. Discover that Bali’s nature can surprise you over and over again with its beauty and diversity. You won’t know where to look first! Whilst eating breakfast on the top of Mount Batur you can enjoy the amazing views and take incredible photos in the light of a new day.
3. Boat Trip to the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are three small, but widely loved, paradise islands only two hours away from Bali by boat. Each island has a different vibe depending if you are looking for a party, or just a little peace and quiet. You can also go island hopping between the three and enjoy it all; crystal blue water, white beaches, no cars disrupting the relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful restaurants along the beach for unforgettable sunsets. There you can jump from giant swings into the water or lie in the comfortable hammocks. Enjoy your evenings with good music, and take part in snorkel trips around the islands where you will see shoals of fish, corals and sea turtles.
4. Escape the Crowds Up North
If you have some time to spare, how about making a road trip up to Northern part of Bali? For a less touristy experience than the south, explore the North for streets lined with temples, waterfalls, lakes, and impressive mountaintop views. You may even see monkeys sit on the side of the road! If you make it all the way up to Bali’s northern coast, you can go dolphin watching in Lovina (If you can wake up early enough!). For a more relaxed atmosphere, explore the nearby hot springs or kick back at one of the restaurants along the beautiful black volcanic beach.
The rice terraces of Tegallalang:
For an easy activity doable on a weekday morning, a short 10-15 minute drive away brings you to the infamous rice terraces of Tegallalang. While rice fields are common to Ubud, when you get to Tegallalang you may wonder if you’re looking at a postcard or image in real life. Enjoy the scenery while drinking a cold fruit smoothie in one of the cafés along the hillside terraces.
5. Hit the beach!
Bali has some amazing beaches – whether you’re looking for surf, sunbathing, or diving/snorkeling, we’ve listed just a few of our favorites here.
Canggu
Dubbed the “Brooklyn of Bali”, Canggu is known for surfers and sunsets. Start your day with avocado toast and a smoothie at one of the famous organic cafes; finish it at one of the beachside bars for a sunset cocktail. Canggu is a great place to enjoy nightlife outside of the chaotic and built-up area of Kuta.
Uluwatu
A bit different than Canggu, Uluwatu’s “beaches” boasts cliffside views along coastal rock formations rather than places for swimming and sunbathing. Grab an Airbnb with an infinity pool, and watch some of the best surfers in the world enjoying everything the Bukit Peninsula has to offer.
Padang Bai
The main gateway for people who want to go to Lombok or the Gili Islands, Padang Bai is where you’ll find both public ferry and the fast boat terminals. However, this area of east coast Bali has beautiful white sand beaches less crowded than those on the south coast. Blue Lagoon Beach is a small bay, perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing or a nice lunch. Pantai Kecil is another great choice, where you’ll often find more palm trees than people actually there.
For more travel tips and tricks: click here
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”
Muhammad Ali
The application process will take 2-3 days.
* Please note that as of July 2020 our programs are closed due to the global pandemic of COVID-19. We are currently not accepting any new applications.
STEP 1: COMPLETE OUR APPLICATION FORM:
The first step is to complete our online application form.
Try to fill in the form as thorough as possible and provide us with as many personal information as possible so we have a good idea of who you are and why you want to come volunteering with us.
STEP 2: RESPONSE TO YOUR APPLICATION FORM:
After receiving your application we will review your application and we assess your suitability. If selected you will be placed for your volunteer placement at our Learning Center in Bali. Acceptation depends on availability and needs within the center. A short interview via Skype may be requested prior to your application being approved.
STEP 3: PLACEMENT INFORMATION:
After accepting we will contact you by email with your complete placement information. This information concludes all practical and logistical information, a Volunteer Prep Kit with information for you to prepare your volunteer placement and all the payment information.
STEP 4: PAYMENT OF PROGRAM FEES:
All the fees are required to be paid within 7 days after confirming your placement. The payment is required to be made by bank transfer to the account of our main organization Volunteer Programs Forever.
STEP 5: PREPARE YOUR STAY:
Now you can start preparing your stay with us! With all the information we have provided you can start purchasing your flights, start packing your bags, get all your health checks and so on.
STEP 6: KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US:
Please keep in touch with us if you have any questions. We will email you regularly with updates and we stay in touch with you.
Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information regarding program fees, refunds, and other steps volunteers must take before arrival.
We offer the opportunity to volunteer at our Forever Learning Center in Bali for certain periods of the year. We can only offer limited placements, as our main focus for our Learning Center is to accommodate and provide for our local community. Therefore our manpower, our funding and focus is going straight towards our local community activities.
However, we do want to offer a once-in a lifetime experience to selected volunteers to be part of our Forever Community and to experience the activities firsthand.
As we mentioned, places are limited and we have set certain requirements in place.
Requirements to volunteer with us at our Forever Learning Center in Bali:
- Age: we welcome volunteers in the age range of 18 to 35 years old. Exceptions on the age restrictions are possible after further discussion, a video call with the management team and in case of under age volunteers a permission letter from the parents.
- Skills & Experience: Good level of the English language is required. In case of doubt, we will conduct an online interview with the applicant.
Background checks should be available upon request.
Patience, independence, adaptability, flexibility, and personal initiative are keywords at all the programs of Volunteer Programs Forever.
Travel experience is an advantage, but not required. Given the fact that you will be living in another culture, we strongly encourage you to prepare yourself by reading our prep-kit and our code of conduct.
Volunteer experience is not mandatory, but highly recommended. Previous experience in working with children is also an advantage. - Insurance: All applicants must purchase Travel Insurance for Southeast Asia prior to their arrival in Indonesia.
- Duration: We only welcome volunteers on the set dates as per the application form. and for set duration periods. For the dates and duration periods for 2021, please see here.
*As of July 2020 we are not able to open up the dates for 2021 yet due to the global pandemic of COVID-19. As soon as we can we will open up the dates. Meanwhile, you are welcome to apply through our online application form here and we will keep your data in our database and contact you as soon as dates are open for 2021. - Payment of fees: All the fees are required to be paid in advance in full by bank transfer. For more information about the cost of your stay and what is included, please see here.
Note that the fees are 100% non-refundable. For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions here.
*As of July 2020 the fees for 2021 are not yet available due to the global pandemic of COVID-19. As soon as we can open the dates for 2021, we will update the fees accordingly.
STEPS TO OBTAIN THE SOCIAL/CULTURAL VISA
- Volunteer applicant is approved by Volunteer Programs Bali.
- Four to eight weeks before the volunteer placement starts, the volunteer is requested to send a copy of their valid passport to Volunteer Programs Bali by email.
- An invitation letter will be sent from our local organization which the volunteer needs in order to apply for the Indonesian Visa.
- Volunteers have to apply through their local Indonesian Embassy/Consulate for their Indonesian Visa. The cost is approximately USD $45. However, the exact cost may vary, depending on your local Embassy/Consulate. All application costs are for volunteer’s expense.
- The Indonesian visa application is approved after approx 3 – 5 business days after their submission. This does vary per embassy and we suggest you to check with your local embassy before submission.
- Volunteer arrives in Bali/Indonesia and their initial 60 day Social Visa starts.
- If a volunteer’s placement exceeds these 60 days (8 weeks), their Social Visa needs to be extended. The Social Visa can be extended 4 times, each time for one month up to maximum stay of 180 days. Each monthly visa extension costs around IDR 950,000.
*Please note that these fees are the current fees and immigration can change these fees on a regular base. Volunteer Programs Bali is not involved in these costs but we will update you on the latest changes upon arrival.
*Note: You are not required to leave Bali/Indonesia to extend your Visa
**Note: Your Social/Cultural Visa is a single entry visa. If you leave Indonesia during your placement, your visa is no longer valid and you will have to reapply for the visa at an Embassy or Consulate outside Indonesia with a new invitation letter.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR SOCIAL/CULTURAL VISA
- Your Passport (valid for more than 6 months after returning from Indonesia)
- Passport contains at least one blank visa page. Amendment and endorsement pages cannot be used for visa purposes.
- Two recent color photographs (passport size) on photo quality paper with clear background.
- Roundtrip Itinerary (inbound and outbound flight for Indonesia) (note: the Embassy / Consulate or immigration officer at the airport may ask the copy of the original airplane ticket)
- A duplicate copy of the invitation letter.
- A color copy of the K.T.P (Indonesian ID Card) of your sponsor
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR SOCIAL VISA SPONSORSHIP
You will be sponsored by our local non-profit organization. This means that we are responsible for you during your stay in Bali. Therefore we will ask you to sign a waiver stating that our local organization is not responsible for you if you get involved with any criminal activities according to Indonesian Law. We do expect you to behave according to our Code of Conduct and to follow this. If you violate this, legal actions will be taken and Volunteer Programs Bali reserves the right to terminate your Social Visa sponsorship. More information about this will be given during your orientation program.
To extend the visa you will need to ask permission from Volunteer Programs Bali. If you want to travel after your volunteer placement, you need to contact VP Bali prior to this and ask for permission to extend the visa. Without this, it is not possible to extend and please note that your visa is only extendable in Bali and not in other parts of Indonesia.
If you will be traveling around before starting the program, we will ask you to sign our waiver prior to your arrival in Indonesia.
You are legally not allowed to volunteer or work for any other organization whilst being sponsored by Volunteer Programs Bali. If you want to be involved with other organizations after your volunteer placement with VP Bali, you will have to leave the country first and come back on another visa. At that point your sponsorship from Volunteer Programs Bali will be terminated.
For further details on Indonesian Visas click here
Gaurav, (18)
I’m just getting done with a chapter in my life that I’d like to say is new, but I already feel home here. From this 4 week long program that I have been a part off, I take back so many lessons and learnings that I would have never experienced anywhere else. Volunteering as a teacher at VP Bali has to be one of the most real experiences that anyone can be a part off in the present day and age. Teaching the kids here and understanding the Founders’ vision for the program makes you explore the flip side to the greedy, money driven society that we all live in! Here, it’s just about loving and helping someone else stand up on their feet. That according to me, is the biggest learning that I take back. If you ever get a chance to get away from your busy schedules for maybe even 2 weeks or even a month or longer, this is where you need to be. I’m gonna miss home at VP Bali!
The founders’ goal and vision for the kids in VP Bali was an eye opener for me. It acts as a reminder that in this selfish, money driven rat race called society, there are elements of true love and care that are willing to provide for the needy without expecting anything in return
Maria, (26)
Nadine, (20)
VP Bali provided me a platform to expand myself in what I’m passionate about— teaching and learning about cultures & languages. I came alone to a place i had never set foot before yet I left considering Ubud my second home and all the volunteers & workers at VP Bali as my family. Volunteering here was no doubt the best experience of my life. 3 weeks was not enough and definitely will be back soon for more! 💕
Ilze, (36)
I volunteered for 6 weeks and truly enjoyed giving something more to those kids, this project is not only about learning, but also about sharing and simply giving, about being present and opening your heart. Since I was staying for six weeks, it really gave me the opportunity to get to know the kids better and bonding with them. And they could bond with me – that opened up also their willingness to listen and learn even more. The program also gave the volunteers the chance to learn about the local culture through dance and language. It is fun and very special because it all happens at school, together with the kids. It was a wonderful experience, full of joy, laughter, learning and being present in the moment. My personal biggest lesson was to be there, to be open, to have fun and to understand more without words.
Ann-Marie, (27)
I spent the last 6 weeks volunteering at VP Bali and it was the best decision I ever made. My only regret was not staying longer. My experience exceeded my expectations in every way possible. There are so many amazing parts of the program that set it apart from other volunteering programs so I will try to break it down:
Accommodation:
At VP Bali all of the volunteers stay at the same homestay with the most welcoming, friendly local family. The homestay is located in central Ubud, on the most charming street. Everything you could ever want is in walking distance- Indonesian restaurants, western restaurants, yoga studios (including yoga barn) the Ubud art market, boutiques, spas (full body massage for under $10 usd!) The fact that the homestay is right in town is so important. I met people who were volunteering with other programs and were 20 minutes outside of town and had to take a car every time they wanted to eat or explore. The homestay truly feels like home and after going away to different parts of Bali on the weekend I always loved coming back to my little home in Ubud.
Teaching:
The teaching takes place in the afternoons which leaves your mornings open for exploring Ubud- waterfalls, epic Bali swings, rice terraces, etc. Also enough time to sleep in, go to yoga or the gym, or spend the morning at a pool before school. You only teach Monday- Thursday which leaves 3 day weekends to travel around Bali- so awesome!!! However, you end up missing the kids and look forward to seeing them on mondays! You teach two classes at school, starting with the younger class and and older class after. The kids are amazing- They have so much energy and are so eager to learn. The teaching style is upbeat and different every day and the students love learning with games. The founder, Kim, is at the school every day and is so involved and hands on- she’s also one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met and truly leaves an impression on you! It’s true what they say- you are teaching the students but in return you learn so much more from them. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to teach and meet all of them.
Overall experience:
I can’t say enough how much of a positive impact this program has had on my life. Living with a local family in a homestay really allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and see Bali from a different perspective. All of the volunteers quickly become family and you make life long friends from all over the world. Bali is such a special place and everyone who comes understands. I 100% recommend this program and wish I could explain more but you won’t know until you try it yourself!
Cristian, (34)
First of all, I’ll tell you about the program.
It is perfectly organized, from the moment they pick you up from the airport, the transport to the school, class schedules, meetings and farewell.
You know where your money goes. You will see that the helpers, drivers and the homestay family, all Balinese benefiting of the program. The founder is always there, she’s an amazing person that will inspire you every day.
Im 34 years old and it is scary to leave everything behind and go volunteer in Bali, I came with no expectations rather than to give my heart to the kids. It was one of the best choices of my life! At the end they taught me more than I could ever imagined. At the end my fellow volunteers became my friends, my family. I just can’t imagine my life before them.
I volunteered for 2 months, if you are thinking to volunteer, go for it.
Bali is home and VP Bali will be your family. 🙂
May, (23)
I have been in Bali for 3 months, having the privilege of teaching English and all that I can say I learned more than I taught!
I was around amazing children and incredible people that today I call family!
Bali is a wonderful place, with a totally different culture, that made me feel more at home than at home, and living there I could be who I really am.
I am very grateful for this opportunity and the unforgettable memories and for all the changes and growth that happened to me also.
Paulina, (20)
This was one of the best experiences in my life! Teaching these amazing, lovely children is so fun. You meet so many interesting people from all over the world and learn so much about the Balinese culture. School is really fun, the local staff is great. You’ve got enough time to do trips on the weekends and explore this beautiful island. I’ve been here for 1 month and could stay much longer! 100% recommendation ❤️
Seb, (24)
Being on the program is mainly about volunteering. But it’s also about learning about a new culture, weekend trips away, meeting new people and becoming a family.
I can’t speak highly enough about Vp Bali and the experience I’ve had. I’ve loved every moment and if your thinking about doing it then there’s lots of positive things about Vp Bali and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time like I did!
VP Bali will always hold a special place in my heart.
Sofie, (20)
From the moment we got here, we felt like a part of a family. The program is amazing. It is VERY transparrent, so you know exactly where your money goes and so on. It is an amazing non-profit organisation and the children are the best! We had so much fun teaching and playing with them, and I even learned some Bahasa in return (also we got so much love it was unreal)! I would definitely do this again if I get the chance. It has been one of the best times of my life.
Lidia, (21)
I can say safely that my time here were the thirty happiest days in sequence of my whole life. no one of them I wanted to be in another place, with other people or more material goods. Staffs, local people, homestay’s people, the children, other volunteers… everyone is very nice, with a big heart and disposition to do the best in this program. Along the time, you start to see that the program is more than providing English classes, is also a big idea able to empower everyone that is evolving by one way.
Felipe, (32)
VP Bali is more than just a volunteer program. It’s a full immersive experience that allows you to connect with a beautiful project located in the paradise that Bali is. And this paradise has many challenges to overcome of which education is a key factor. The infrastructure and design of the program made me feel so welcomed and supported, even though I never taught English to children before, that I will highly recommend it to everybody.
Gonzalo, (26)
This NGO is immersed 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.
Marilisa, (34)
Amazing experience to know about the culture, people, and real life. It’s a big immersion. The children are lovely and they like learning and enjoy with us. We are teaching them English, but they give us more than this, they give attention, love and happiness.
Helena, (21)
I had an amazing time with VP Bali. All the staff is very kind, helpful, and motivated. You always had fun with the kids and playing educational games helps them to learn English in funny way.
Fiona, (23)
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. I can only recommend this wonderful organization to anyone wanting to make a meaningful contribution and at the same time, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the magical place that is Bali.
Mariya, (30)
Signing up for the program was one of the best decisions I’ve taken. The kids were such an inspiration! Every day I just couldn’t wait to come to school so that I could see the smiles on their faces. This was true fulfillment and experience that is so empowering.
Chess, (19)
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.
Giuliano, (24)
You go to Bali with the idea to give something, to help the local community and teaching English to the Balinese kids. However, when you leave you realize that you have just received from them, especially from the kids.
What courses are taught?
We teach English according to the ESL curriculum. In our classes, we incorporate sports, arts, music, and crafts.
How many classes are there?
In Ubud we have 15 classes daily. Each volunteer will teach 2 classes everyday (Monday – Thursday).
What is the level of English of the students?
In general, the level of English of the students is very basic. Although most of the students have English classes at their regular school, most of them still struggle to be self-confident by using the language, being able to speak and have conversations as well as being creative their vocabulary.
By the time, they are in the Advanced English class, these students can conduct simple conversations and ask proper questions in English.
Should I bring books and learning material with me?
All materials in regards to the ESL curriculum is provided by VP Bali. Worksheets, class material and other recourses are available. However, extra donations of learning material, posters, books, and art supplies are always welcome!
What can I do to prepare my volunteer experience?
After we have accepted you in our Program, we will send you the VP Bali Volunteer Prepkit with everything you need to know about Bali, volunteering, and teaching at VP Bali.
You will also be allowed to join our closed Volunteers of VP Bali Facebook group to contact your fellow volunteers. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for daily activity updates and extra teaching tips and ideas.
What is the average age of the volunteers?
We accept volunteers in the age range between 18 and 35 years old. The average age of the volunteers is between 18 and 22 years old.
What is the duration of the volunteer placement?
Our volunteer placements can be from 2 weeks up to 3 months. The average duration our volunteers are staying is between 4 and 6 weeks. We always suggest our volunteers to stay as long as you can as it will make your experience even more memorable.
What is the age of the children that I will teach?
The age of the children is between 6 and 18 years old. Most children start to join the program when they are in first grade of elementary school (around 6 years old). They usually continue the program until they are finishing senior high school (18 years old).
Do I need a visa to enter Indonesia?
For more information about the visa, please contact us directly as the visa information can change per country and depends on the duration of your placement.
*Important note: You will need a passport valid for at least six months following the date of your arrival in to Indonesia. If your passport is not valid for the full 6 months your entry into the country will be denied.
Can I bring donations to Bali?
Yes! That is always very much appreciated! Have a look at our kids’ wishlist to see what items we need most. Our program is for 100% depending on donations so we are always super happy with donated school materials.