Bali Service-Learning program

  Indonesia

• Bali: 
Denpasar

Term: Summer 
Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: please contact us for more info.

Description: Join VIA for a two-month service-learning experience in Bali, Indonesia. This is a cultural immersion and service program geared towards college undergraduates and other adults who want to gain a hands-on, multi-faceted perspective on a unique land.

What is it?

The VIA Bali Service-Learning program is an 8-week group cultural immersion and service opportunity. Volunteers will live with Balinese families, learn about the community and culture, and engage in service projects at the invitation of local groups.

What do the volunteers do?

Living:
The island of Bali, known for its verdant rice terraces and unique form of Hinduism, is a magnet for beach-seekers, anthropologists, volcano-climbers and art-lovers. VIA Bali volunteers will gain insight, through hands-on experience, to many facets of the island. After pre-departure training in San Francisco and off-site orientation upon arrival, Bali Service-Learning volunteers will move in with their host families in Denpasar [map] and stay with them until the end-of-program evaluation. The host community is an energetic one and participants will have plenty of opportunities to get to know their neighbors and gain insight into the daily flow of life. In addition to group field trips, volunteers will have the time and encouragement to independently explore Bali's many attractions, including temples, museums, coral reefs, quiet villages and craft classes.

Learning:
The study component of this program includes two portions. The first is an intensive Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian) language class taught by a local language instructor. Indonesian has been designed to be easily acquired. Participants who have studied in advance will improve upon their abilities, while those brand new to the language will gain some of the tools to relate to their neighbors in the national language.

The second portion, entitled "Socio-Cultural Change in Bali," will introduce the history, culture, and society of Bali through readings, guest speakers, field trips and discussions. Special attention will be paid to the role of village, temple and other traditional structures and forms of cultural expression, and to the current processes of modernization of Balinese culture and society.

Service:
The community service component to the Bali Service-Learning Program also has two parts. These will help participants integrate the knowledge gained from the study portions through hands-on work in the local community and with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Whereas some service programs determine what kind of 'help' will be given from afar, VIA works with local Balinese communities to see what kind of collaboration is desirable for all. The main focus of the service portion this year will be a team-facilitated language and literacy project. Volunteers will teach English and help compile a literary journal with children and adults from the neighborhood, who have a keen interest in improving their English.

VIA will also facilitate individual service/internship projects among VIA participants. Depending on your level and area of interest, we will work with our local connections to try to supplement the literacy project with your individually-designed collaboration with an appropriate community organization.

Throughout the program, volunteers and staff will engage in frequent reflection discussions and planning sessions to share insights, reflect on developments, and propose and discuss appropriate adjustments to the program as necessary.

Highlights:
* Eight weeks in Bali: known for its beauty and unique culture
* Live with local families
* Volunteer with your Balinese neighbors
* Intern at an NGO
* Small group setting (6-10 participants)
* Housing, insurance, classes and group activities included in low program fee
* Study and use Indonesian language (one of the easiest languages to learn)
* Field trips (may include: temples, volcanoes, beaches, non-profits, art galleries, and more)
* Readings and group discussions help you integrate experiential learning
* Training in US and orientation upon arrival
* Personal attention from staff and direct involvement with program design

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: Open to US residents 18 or older. The program is designed for college undergrads, but any adult may apply.

VIA welcomes all adventurous US adults who can be flexible and work well in a small group setting. Applicants with a demonstrated interest in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: Bali/Indonesia; volunteerism or service-learning; Asian arts and religion; cultural anthropology; tourism studies; English teaching; non-profit/development work.

Cost in US$: USD 1700 (for undergrads) - USD 2200 (other adults)

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Motivated to learn; Flexible and open to surprises; Works well in small groups

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel to Indonesia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6 to 10

Scholarships are Available. VIA offers financial assistance to reduce the program fee for those who qualify.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

VIA (Volunteers in Asia)'s Mission Statement: VIA-Volunteers In Asia is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization dedicated to increasing understanding between the United States and Asia through cross-cultural exchange and service programs. Since 1963, our Asia Programs have provided US residents with the opportunity to work and live within an Asian culture while meeting the needs of Asian host institutions. Our Stanford Programs offer a wide range of short-term, international study programs between Stanford University and various Asian universities. The goal of all of our programs is to enhance cross-cultural understanding through the exchange of people. Our deep commitment to service and education drives our work and motivates students, volunteers and staff. We envision a world where people on both sides of the Pacific are appropriately equipped to build durable solutions to global problems through mutual understanding and cooperation. VIA programs have given thousands of Americans and Asians the tools and cultural literacy to help achieve this vision.

Year Founded: 1963