Volunteer in Environmental Education in Ubud, Bali

I was honestly scared when I first arrived in Bali. Everything was new, unfamiliar, and far outside my comfort zone. But choosing to push through that fear ended up being the best decision I could’ve made. This experience taught me real life skills no school or university ever teaches independence, adaptability, and gratitude. Living in a different environment made me appreciate what I have and showed me how much I’m capable of on my own. Bali didn’t just give me memories, it changed the way I see life, and I’m so grateful I took the risk and booked that flight!!

My week volunteering in Ubud was transformative in ways I never expected. While I pushed myself to travel solo, I never once felt alone - the incredible local team became like family, and I formed lasting friendships with volunteers from around the world. Teaching environmental education where language barriers existed taught me lessons in humility and empathy that will forever change how I approach my students back in NYC, especially those still learning English. The experience showed me new ways to connect and communicate beyond words. My advise to anyone hesitant? Just do it! This program strikes the perfect balance - you'll make meaningful impact while still having time to immerse yourself in Balinese culture and explore this beautiful region. The personal growth, global connections, and teaching insights you'll gain are invaluable, and the supportive community ensures you'll feel at home from day one.

My highlight on the program was during break time when one of the kids and I started playing the djembe together and rest of the kids and volunteers just danced around. My biggest block was the language barrier but in that moment we were able to freely communicate without any barriers and that moment was beautiful. Then another day, we asked the kids to draw their favourite objects on the playground and 7 girls just wrote my name all over the playground and I will never forget that moment of joy. It helped push me out of my comfort zone, especially since things had gotten a little stagnant for me since lockdown. It really pushes you to look deeper within yourself and offers a different perspective of new places and introduces you to people from different backgrounds. Volunteering gave me a new sense of confidence for travelling solo, as it offers a good balance of structure and freedom to explore (depending on your project, of course) It really is the best way to see a new place and immerse yourself in the culture while also receiving the experience of a lifetime and making a positive impact on the local community. Would 10/10 recommend to anyone who likes to travel, explore different cultures, engage in community work or wants to push their boundaries.

Volunteering with IVHQ in Ubud, Bali was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. It helped me see and understand another culture and its people while feeling a part of their beautiful community.I am very grateful for everything that I learned and saw and it was of course a real pleasure to have the chance teach such smart children. I will always remember those 4 weeks as one of the best experiences of my life.

My program with IVHQ in Ubud, Bali was honestly the most amazing opportunity and experience I've ever had. Though only two weeks, I truly felt like a different person leaving the program; I gained humility, understanding and an invaluable appreciation for balinese culture, however different it may be from mine. The other volunteers as well as the amazing local staff made me feel so safe, cared for, and welcomed--I will never forget them, not to mention the kids I taught, who by the end of two weeks had a special place in my heart. I cried when we had to leave them, and again in the taxi to the airport, overwhelmed with the thought that the most amazing experience of my life was now over. Though I am back in my home country now, the things I have learned and gained from this program I will long carry with me.