Volunteer Programs in Ubud, Indonesia

I loved my experience in Bali Indonesia and booking through IVHQ! It was the best trip getting to meet people from all over the world and travel around Bali learning about the culture and trying so many new things. I worked on the Health Education project teaching students in local schools. It was so easy to book this two week trip and navigate the site to find a program that was right for me and connected to my major of dietetics/nutrition and find a location that I was excited about that had it all. I would definitely book through IVHQ again and I’m so excited to think about the next possible program I’ll go on or the new people I’ll meet in the future!

This was my first volunteer experience and the team at IVHQ went above and beyond my expectations. I was well supported and kept up to date with all of the programs ins and outs. They were easy to contact and quick to reply, and offered endless guidance from the moment I signed on. The program was well organised and I met so many new people which was so daunting as a solo female traveller in her 40s. I cannot wait to book another experience with IVHQ!

It was an incredible trip. I had a wonderful time volunteering….the people were so lovely, and the children are truly amazing. Working with the kids was especially rewarding; they were always excited to see us, eager to learn, and incredibly creative. It was a very fulfilling journey, and it certainly won’t be my last. The team were amazing, very accommodating and always helpful. The accommodation was comfortable, and the food was very good most of the time.

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!!

The trip was incredible!! I learned so much about myself and was able to do so much more than I anticipated I could. I enjoyed meeting people from other countries and forming friendships. I honestly could have stayed longer !!! The local team were fabulous, so welcoming and inclusive. The food was amazing, I really enjoyed the food, the meal times for lunch and dinner were a bit too early but otherwise exceptional. Accommodation was fine, I didn’t expect anything great, so it was exactly as expected. I would have liked more communication about what the program actually included, what exactly I would be teaching, who I would be teaching. For example, I was placed to teach by myself in classroom and had no idea about the syllabus I was meant to be teaching until I arrived.

Involvement Volunteers International responded to this reviewSeptember 11, 2025

Thanks so much for your time and dedication to the project! :D

Volunteer teaching in Bali was a wonderful experience and I would recommend this location for anyone planning a first time teaching adventure. The program coordinators are always present during prep time to answer questions, supplies are provided for teaching, and the coordinator is present at the school for any issues that may arise. Transportation is organized for you by the coordinator as well, so no extra worry or effort required. Orientation to the program includes Bahasa lessons which are valuable in lessons with the children, or for when you adventure out in your free time. I participated in the offered cultural week, activities included Batik painting, cooking lessons, visits to the Monkey Forest and the Holy Water Temple. I spent free time in Ubud and took private tours to temples, waterfalls, rice terraces, and snorkeling excursions. Everyone is approachable, friendly , helpful , and spoke fair to very good English. A Very productive, adventurous, and memorable 2 weeks. I highly recommend the Bali Ubud program!

This was an excellent learning and teaching experience. I learned about Balinese food, language, religion, and history; toured - a coffee plantation, a park with a water fall, and a monkey forest; watched a fire dance, visited numerous temples and even went snokeling at Blue Lagoon. The rice terrace was really interesting, while teaching grades 2-4 students English was a lot of fun! I would recommend a visit to Ubud, Bali via IVWQ and a stay at Green Lion.

I spent 4 months in Bali as a volunteer on a construction project, where we built a daycare center for the local community. Working on-site taught me teamwork, resilience, and the joy of seeing something take shape with my own hands. Beyond the project, Bali itself was unforgettable — the landscapes, traditions, and warmth of the people made every day special. I had the chance to immerse myself in the culture, enjoy the vibrant energy of the island, and create memories that I will carry with me forever.

I think IVHQ set me up really well for my program and gave me all the resources I needed. From my experience volunteering in Bali, I gained a much deeper sense of cultural awareness, adaptability, and appreciation for the resilience and curiosity of the kids I worked with. Teaching health education in underserved schools taught me how powerful small contributions can be. Whether it was helping a child understand a basic hygiene practice or simply creating a safe and fun space for learning. I also developed confidence in communicating across language and cultural barriers, which strengthened both my teaching and interpersonal skills. For someone hesitant about joining this program, I would say that stepping outside of your comfort zone is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. It’s natural to feel unsure, but the relationships you build, the perspective you gain, and the positive impact you can make far outweigh the initial nerves. Go in with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and the understanding that you’ll get just as much out of the experience as you give.

Volunteering was one of the best experiences of my life. I'll definitely do it again and recommend it to friends. I saw new places, learned so much, met incredible people, and had so much fun. I wish I could have stayed longer. I can't wait to do a similar experience again. It truly makes you realize how lucky we are to live our lives and how important our help can be to others.

These three weeks have been the best part of my summer. I feel like I've grown a lot as a person. I've learned a lot about a culture completely different from my own, and that has also opened my eyes in many ways. If I had to give any advice, it would be: don't be afraid to go alone. There are many people just like you, and it's a way to open up more. Of course, you'll make many more friends, and the connection you'll have with them will be very strong and unforgettable.

This journey has been so much more than I expected, not only was it deeply educational and eye-opening, but it also allowed me to meet incredible people from all over the world, exchange cultures, and grow personally and professionally. Every day spent teaching, learning, and connecting with the local community reminded me how powerful education and kindness can be.

Going into this volunteering project I didn’t know what to expect of it. I was exposed to a new culture, a new way of life and there wasn’t a better way to do so. I now look at the world from a different perspective since the locals are the sweetest and kindest people and the local team was ever so helpful. With such an amazing group of people by my side, i am so grateful to have experienced such an amazing trip.

Volunteering with ivhq was the best decision I ever made in my life. First off ivhq makes it very clear on what to expect when in Bali when it comes to the housing and living situations. Everything about my accommodation was great and exceeded expectations. Honestly I have never been more pleased with a. Travel experience then this one. Not only did I see the most amazing and beautiful things, do the coolest activity’s, and get Immersed into the local culture, I was able to make friends all around the world that will last for the rest of my life. The people I met wether that be the locals, coordinators , or other participants were the best and I’m so grateful. I was so sad when I had to say goodbye to everyone.

This experience changed the way I viewed the world and myself. I grew in so many levels and I healed on even more levels. The culture, the locals, the energy of the people just give you new perspectives on how to be thankful about life. I’m eternally greatful about this experience it’s definitely happening again.

The night before leaving, I was adamant I had made a massive mistake; I was 'too old' to be doing something this, and other 'helpful' thoughts like that. But I can say wholeheartedly, that this experience was life-changing for me. Alongside working with the amazing coordinators, I made friends with people from all over the world, had experiences that I never thought would be possible. If you have doubts about doing this, ignore them! It will be the best decision you will ever make!

This experience has highlighted the privilege I have in my own life and how simply being born in a different geographical location can completely change your chances of receiving a good education without intervention. It has given me more confidence in my abilities and I sincerely enjoyed meeting so many different people from all walks of life! I have definitely gained life-long friends from this experience. I would tell someone who is hesitant about joining this program that stepping outside your comfort zone is necessary for growth and that I wouldn't have traded these past few weeks for anything. There's beauty in immersing yourself in a completely different culture and opening your heart and time to others who need it.

The was genuinely the best trip of my life I’ve never had more fun, and seen the more beautiful things. I would recommend it to everyone and I think everyone should go to Bali. I met the best people ever and I’m so sad the trip is over I want to go back. Meeting the kids and volunteering was life changing and so amazing I feel like a new person.

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.

It was a great experience and it was very fulfilling and met many great people. The local team was very helpful and supportive throughout the stay and bonding with them and teaching the kids was great. IVHQ was great in coordinating the experience and made the whole process very smooth.