Volunteer experiences
Faculty of Behavioural Management & Social Sciences | University of Twente
Enschede, in the Netherlands:
"On behalf of the tutors of the minor Crossing Borders of the University of Twente we would like to thank you and the WINS organizations for hosting our students. The students’ reflection and field study (research) reports indicate that their period abroad has been a valuable experience and that they have learned a lot, not only from an academic point of view, but particularly also from a personal development perspective.
Marie Golovko from Germany:
"I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this experience possible and unforgettable. I wish them and the children all the best for the future!"
Age: 21
August/September 2024
During my internship in Bali, I had the privilege of working with highly experienced therapists who were not only skilled but also open to new ideas and eager for input. This created a dynamic and collaborative learning environment.
We were quickly given responsibility and had the opportunity to conduct therapy sessions with the children. However, we were never left alone, there was always someone available to answer questions and provide guidance.
The children were usually very motivated, which made working with them both enjoyable and fulfilling. In the first week, it took some time to adjust to the daily routines of the school, but the introduction was well-organized, and the children were incredibly helpful. They are confident and independent, often happy to assist with anything needed.
The meals and drinks provided at the café and homestay were delicious and prepared with great care.
Additionally, we learned a lot about Balinese culture and were even included in celebrations during holidays. This gave us the chance to experience the traditions as if we were locals, which was truly special.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this experience possible and unforgettable. I wish them and the children all the best for the future!"
Ferran from Spain/the Netherlands:
"Bali, the children, and the WINS Foundation left an unforgettable experience, and I am grateful to have been a part of it"
Age: 21
Oktober 23/January 2024
“Embarking on a 15-week journey with the WINS Foundation in Bali from October 2023 to January 2024 through the 'Crossing Borders' minor program was truly transformative. As a mechanical engineering student, the experience provided a unique avenue to leverage my technical skills for a meaningful cause. My focus was on the installation of solar panels. The objective was clear – to address energy challenges and aid the foundation to a more sustainable future.
During my field study, I had the rewarding experience of teaching special needs children, focusing on general subjects, and simultaneously providing English language lessons to underprivileged/orphan children aged 10 to 14. Collaborating with Indonesian teachers, I facilitated lessons in English grammar, conversational skills, and covered essential life skills. This dual role allowed me to hopefully contribute to the overall education and well-being of both groups, witnessing their growth and improvement during my time with them.
In addition to the teaching responsibilities, my study delved into enhancing learning outcomes. My focus shifted towards the installation of solar panels as a sustainable solution. Being able to help in such project and work together with the foundation was extremely rewarding. It added a layer of fulfilment to the entire experience. In essence, the journey went beyond the confines of traditional academic pursuits. It was about embracing a new culture, making a tangible impact through mechanical engineering expertise, and expressing gratitude for the chance to be part of a cause that extends far beyond the classroom. Bali, the children, and the WINS Foundation left an unforgettable experience, and I am grateful to have been a part of it."
Indy from the Netherlands:
"The impact you can have on both the children and yourself is immeasurable, and the memories and lessons learned will stay with you forever."
Age: 21
November/December 2023
“My time at the WINS Foundation was fantastic, as I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at Yayasan Widya Guna, a Learning Center, dedicated to assisting special needs children.
During my time there, I witnessed the dedication and passion of the staff for providing education to each child. It was also truly inspiring to see how excited the children were to learn and participate in various activities.
As a volunteer, I had the chance to actively participate in various educational and recreational activities aimed at enhancing the lives of these children. It was touching to witness the joy on their faces as they achieved milestones, no matter how small. It also feels really meaningful to be able to make a positive impact on their lives.
The living arrangements at the homestay, which was very close to the school, also allowed me to indulge in Balinese culture. The warm hospitality and kindness of the owners of the homestay made me feel really welcome. It is lovely to live together with volunteers from all over the world, as we were able to share our experiences, learn from each other, and form valuable friendships. At the weekends, we went on a lot of fun trips and explored the beautiful sights of Bali together. From hiking to waterfalls, visiting ancient temples, or snorkelling with turtles and dolphins, there was never a dull moment. I created memories that will last a lifetime.
Thus, my stay at Yayasan Widya Guna was a truly enriching experience. The dedication of the staff, the determination of the children, and the spirit of collaboration among volunteers created a positive environment. And, of course, a special thank you to Ann for her guidance and support throughout my time at the WINS Foundation.
The foundation stands as a symbol of hope and inclusivity, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this remarkable community. And I would advise many others to consider volunteering for WINS. It is a chance to make a difference in the lives of these incredible children and contribute to a cause that truly matters. The impact you can have on both the children and yourself is immeasurable, and the memories and lessons learned will stay with you forever."
Franzi and Leona from Germany:
"We can say that we experienced the time as one of the most challenging but also edifying times of our lives."
Age: 23 and 24
January 2020
“We really enjoyed the time in the learning center and working with the special needs children. Especially the children and the teacher will always have a place in our hearts”
We worked for three months in the learning center for special needs children which was located in Bedulu. Our tasks were to assist the local teachers during their lessons. We can say that we experienced the time as one of the most challenging but also edifying times of our lives. We were allowed to fully experience a totally different culture while teaching the special needs children. It was nice to get creative with the children and the happiness they gave us can not be expressed in words. They actually taught us a lot of positive things as well.
All in all, it was the time of our lives. We experienced a lot during the three months which we do not want to miss.
We would say that we learned a lot about ourselves and we can just recommend going abroad and doing some voluntary work.
We will never forget this time.
A special thanks goes to our supervisor Ann, who was always there for us. Due to her, we felt like home on the other side of the world. "
Hannah from Germany:
"I really enjoyed working with the children because they were so thankful and always happy."
Age: 22
January 2020
"I stayed seven weeks in the learning center in Bedulu as my minor during my psychology studies. Overall, the experience was very positive and I would not want to miss it. It made me realize how different educational systems but also cultures can be. My activity as a teacher was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed working with the children because they were so thankful and always happy. I was always supported by the local supervisor and teachers which made my activity much easier.
In general, I was always guided and supported by the organization. I loved the fact that everybody tried to introduce me into the Balinese culture within my seven weeks. At the end of my stay, I felt like I am already part of it. I will definitely come back and I will be happy to help again at the learning center. "
Lieke from the Netherlands:
"I especially admire the children and their parents, who are so positive everyday. They will have a special place in my heart forever.""
Age: 23
May 2019
"My name is Lieke and I am a Dutch medical student. Being a volunteer at Yayasan Widya Guna through VIP International has been an amazing experience. From the moment I entered the school, I thought it was so special that the children have a place where they are fully accepted and where they have the opportunity to learn. I went there for four weeks to teach the special needs children about social boundaries. With the wonderful support and help of VIP International and the local staff, I was able to successfully finish my project. I especially admire the children and their parents, who are so positive everyday. They will have a special place in my heart forever."
Carolin from Germany:
"It was a great team work and beautiful atmosphere between all of the volunteers, staff and helpers."
Age: 32
August/November 2019
"I have spent the most memorable three month of my life with Yayasan Widya Guna. I am beyond grateful for this experience and the amount of love I have received.
I am a Physiotherapy student from Germany and I have mainly been taking care of the children in the wheelchair. It was a pleasure and joy to work with each individual – they are all so wonderful in their own way. Even though the Physiotherapy in the morning was vey hard and challenging for them, they all seemed to be very happy and grateful for it, which made the therapy even more enjoyable. They all had a big smile in their face every day and we shared many laughter’s together.
The school is small, but Yayasan Widya Guna is eager to expand it more and more, to offer the children a wider range of facilities and activities.
Bless all the wonderful people who are supporting and helping the school to grow and are having an impact on the children`s life. It really makes such a difference. Its`s a wonderful project!
It was a great team work and beautiful atmosphere between all of the volunteers and helpers. There was so much support from all sides. I had a great place to stay just 3 minutes away from the school and they even provided three delicious Balinese meals for me a day.
There is no question about it, I will surely be back in the future to give my love and support to the children and families. I got you in my heart. Bless you all!
David Allen from Australia:
"I have made some life long friends and had the slap in face I needed to remind me what’s really important in life."
07/05/2018
"Homeward bound, after spending six weeks with this fantastic organization Yayasan Widya Guna, its time to go home.
I can’t begin to explain what these kids have given me I love each and every one of them, I’ve seen the kids development grow thru the hard work of the Organizations teaches, interns and volunteers.
I have made some life long friends and had the slap in face I needed to remind me what’s really important in life.
I have experienced so many things living in Bedulu village from going to a village Wedding, attending a religious ceremony, doing a home visit of one of the boys under my care... there is simply to much to mention.
On my last day the kids sang you a song to say thank you, they have been dealt a crappy hand in life and on top of this they just have the bare minimum to get buy, and yet they are the ones saying thank you !"
Jelle Vogels from the Netherlands:
"The kids and the staff made me so happy, each day again."
Age: 27
07/08/2016
"Three weeks in Widya Guna went so fast. I'm really looking back to a great experience. I have been helping out with the special needs children and they stole my heart!
The positive energy radiates in this place!
The kids and the staff made me so happy each day again.
Three weeks is only a short time, but I hope I've made a small step forward for some of the children. I had a small, but positive contribution as a child physiotherapist.
I asked Putu Ita what her biggest hobby was, she said: WALKING!!!!!
So I helped out with the first step: Standing up from her wheel chair!
It was heartwarming to see how grateful the children, staff and parents were for the things we did together.
My personal take home message is that the best way to help people is to search for what they really need instead of what we think is the best.
I'll save the positive energy in my heart and will come back again. Thanks everyone who was a part of this great experience and some special thanks to Ann and WINS foundation, who helped me out with the preparation and coaching to make the best of these weeks."
Simone Ryaard Olsen and Kirsten Hermann Noehr Larsen from Denmark:
"Once in a lifetime experience!"
Age: 25 and 24
13/07/2016
"We spend two months in Bedulu working with the special needs children, doing our internship. This is an amazing place and we learned a lot from our time there. The kids are so fantastic and gave us the best time and we felt so loved every time we came in the morning and in the afternoon.
The teachers made us feel at home, and where such a big help for us, especially when we needed to translate games, songs, rules or whatever our theme was that day.
We lived at the house of the brother of the manager of the Yayasan, which was so beautiful and very close to Ubud, so of course, we spend a lot of time there too.
The kids at Yayasan Widya Guna taught us to appreciate the small things in life, because they were always so happy and appreciated everything we did with them.
The biggest challenge at this Yayasan, was the kids very different diagnoses. This could sometimes be a challenge, which would force us to think out of the box and make us reevaluate the activities we planned to do.
Although we had an amazing time there, every day after school we needed a nap. We think it’s because you’re always “on” when you’re at the Learning Center, you never have a quiet moment there, always busy with the children.
But in the end we still loved being there and it was a once in a lifetime experience!"
Emma Cardol from the Netherlands:
"When it was time to leave, I had no desire to go yet!"
Age: 17
14/06/2016
"Although my time at the organization was only short, 3 weeks, I thoroughly enjoyed myself! Everyone was very friendly, so I felt right at home, and everyone was very welcoming. This also applies to the town, where everyone was polite and greeted you when you passed them. When I had an accident and I needed to go to the first aid, everyone helped me, which I truly appreciated, since I had no idea what to expect. The school and the children were great too, the children were all very kind, and seemed to like learning too. Because we got no fixed schedule, we were free to do with the children what we wanted to, which caused a very creative and relaxed atmosphere. When it was time to leave, I had no desire to go yet, I could have stayed a lot longer. I surely have intentions to come back when I finish school, and for a longer period. All in all it is safe to say I had a wonderful time in Bali and with the organization."
Ellen from Holland:
"My dream came true!"
Age: 64
21/04/2015
"I was volunteering for 7 weeks at the Learning center Yayasan Widya Guna.
I am 64 years and retired in october 2014 as a human resource manager in a big prison in Holland. I always had a dream to work as a volunteer after my retirement.
In the morning I helped out with disabled children.
In the afternoon I was teaching photography to a group of 15 years old girls.I was deeply touched by the eager for knowledge for learning to take pictures. It's my hobby and they used my reflex camera. They made beautiful pictures for instance of portraits, the river and flowers. The girls really loved to make pictures of themselves. They also improved their English.We had a lot of fun.
I recommend VP International, the personal introduction was very well organized.
I learned a lot about the culture of Bali. VIP gives you the opportunity to use your skills and to do what you really like, which gives the best results for the children but also for yourself.
Also I would recommend to do volunteer work to experience the culture of Bali. Bali feels very safe."
Annique from Germany:
"Living in this incredibly culture is very enriching and broadened my horizon
and thanks to the WINS Foundation and my
host family."
Age: 23
October 2023/January 2024
Melanie from Germany:
"Besides giving lessons and having fun, becoming a part of a family and feel like home, made the two months very enjoyable."
Age: 23
November 2018/January 2019
"Staying for two months in the Learning Centre in Seraya was definitely one of the greatest experiences I have made in my life. Together with another volunteer, I gave English lessons to children for two hours a day. At first, most of the children were rather shy to talk in English but after only a few lessons everyone was actively involved and enthusiastic. It was great to see that the children had fun and really wanted to learn something new. Also, the communication between the children and us volunteers was surprisingly good. In some cases, we used a translator and both the children and the volunteers had fun to learn new words in either English or Bahasa Indonesia. Besides the vocabulary and grammar, we sang and danced a lot or playing games like “Bingo” or “Stop the Bus”. I really enjoyed the whole experience in the Learning Centre, I laughed a lot and felt like home.
Also, I felt welcomed in the beautiful village of Seraya. The local people are very friendly and interested and I had a lot of enjoyable conversations with them. With this, it was easy to get
to know the Balinese life and culture and to get information about what you should have seen in the area of Seraya. Besides giving lessons and having fun, becoming a part of a family and feel
like home, made the two months very enjoyable."
Isabel from Germany:
"The whole experience affected me, as I learned how joyful the small things can be and that communication, interaction and respect are so important in this world, which we tend to forget sometimes."
Age: 24
November 2018/January 2019
"My volunteering in Seraya was all in all a wonderful experience, which I would like to share with others! The students in Seraya are precious, they enjoy their life and love to do things that involve creativity and thinking as equal parts. All of them were coming voluntarily to the additional lessons and enjoyed the English class.
However, their development throughout my stay was huge. In the beginning it was hard to communicate with the students but after a few weeks
I had so much joy spending time with them, to see their advances, to talk to them about their life (which almost every time required gestures and circumscriptions). I love to see what happened during my stay in Bali with the students, they increased their understanding of the English language and by learning with musical materials, the relationship to the language was tightened and the students understood the importance of educating themselves.
Also, the village is very beautiful, a breakout from the busy city life, with unbelievable nature and views!
The locals are friendly and accepted the volunteers as part of their family, which made me feel comfortable. The whole experience affected me, as I learned how joyful the small things can be
and that communication, interaction and respect are so important in this world, which we tend to forget sometimes. "
Lola from the USA:
"Volunteering with the WINS foundation is hands down the most influential and impactful experience I have had in my life."
Age: 17
18/1204/2017
"Volunteering with the WINS foundation is hands down the most influential and impactful experience I have had in my life.
Wayan welcomed me into his family with open arms. The children also welcomed me warmly into their school environment.
In Bali I made life long friends and experiences. I will never forget the feeling of driving down the hill in Seraya and seeing all of my students running alongside the car screaming my name.
I met the most motivated artistic and enthusiastic children. They are all so wonderful, the WINS foundation gives people such a unique opportunity.
Seraya was also so beautiful. My room overlooked the ocean and I woke up every morning to the most beautiful view.
On my last day Wayan and his family prepared a traditional Balinese dinner for us. It was so delicious and the perfect way to end such a beautiful incredible month.
I also had the ability to discover and explore other parts of Bali and the surrounding islands while I was not teaching. I got to snorkel, climb volcanos and explore waterfalls.
I would love to one day come back and see how my students have grown."
Ottilie from The Netherlands:
"Best experience ever!"
Age: 23
19/04/2015
"Together with a friend I was looking for a volunteer project in Bali. We got in contact with WINS foundation, VIP-International.
Before we left, the foundation helped us arranging everything, our visa, transport, place to sleep, etc.
We stayed in Bali for 2 months. It was the best experience ever. We were helping out with the English teaching in Seraya.
You're free to choose what you want to teach and how you are going to do it. The experience of educating the children and getting to know each other, is amazing.
We stayed at a wonderful family and had our own rooms including bathroom. The family brought us to different ceremonies and explained us everything about the culture of Bali
We did not experience difficulties, because we could always call people from WINS or our own Balinese family. They will always help."
Odyle from The Netherlands:
"The kids are eager to learn!"
Age:21
23-04-2015 till 23-06-2015
"I loved being a volunteer in the Yayasan in Seraya. I think it is amazing help out and doing activities with the children to improve their English, in the playfull and fun way we did, because that is the best way for them to learn. Especially the roleplays, they loved that as well. The kids themselves are enthusiastic and eager to learn, which makes it great to be their teacher.
The guesthouses and the family where we stayed, were great as well. The last four weeks of our stay, we slept in the new guesthouse. The view there is amazing. You can fall asleep with the sound of the sea!
My experience with WINS/VIP as an organization is very good. Everything is well arranged, we haven't had any troubles and had a good introduction the first weeks."
Desiree from The Netherlands:
"Beautiful, I really felt at home and liked the family.!"
Age: 47
22/04/2015
"I really liked my experience in Seraya, far from the tourist center.
Wayan, the manager is a very smart man and the children were so nice and enthusiastic.
I really felt at home and liked the family.
I wouldn't change anything, but it is good to take initiative by yourself and already do some preparing before. Do what you are good at and combine this with English.
There is in Seraya not so much to do. So it is good if you can make your day and enjoy the daily life there."
Simone Ryaard Olsen and Kirsten Hermann Noehr Larsen from Denmark:
"It was an amazing experience and we would love to do it again!"
Ages: 25 and 24
13/07/2016
"We spend three months in Seraya and had the time of our lives!
When we first got to Seraya we had to get used to the location of the school being so far away from everything, but after a day or two, we fell in love with this place. The scenery around the school and where we lived, was breathtaking.
Wayan and his lovely family treated us like an extra part of their own family and in the class we taught, were the sweetest kids ever.
There were good and bad days in Seraya, but mostly good. Bad days, could be days where everything you planned somehow couldn’t work out, or days where the kids just wouldn’t listen to what you wanted to teach them, but this wasn’t very often that happened. Another thing we had to get used to is how differently things can be. For a foreigner, the structure that rules on Bali can be really difficult, and this was one of our biggest challenges while we were there.
The good days though, were amazing because we had so much fun with the kids when we played games with them or when we were just hanging out with them. This was also a good opportunity for us and them to learn about each other’s cultures, the differences and the similarities.
Sometimes Wayan and his family took us to different ceremonies and we were so lucky that we also got invited to a Balinese wedding.
So over all, it was an amazing experience and we would love to do it again!"
Omar from the Netherlands:
"If you want to spend as much time as possible with Balinese people and get to know the culture, go to Samsaman! The people are so pure and kind and the nature in the area is wonderful."
Age: 21
23/01/2023
"I had the opportunity to volunteer in a learning center in Samsaman, Bali through the WINS foundation. The contact between me and my WINS supervisor was very smooth and clear. My supervisor even guided me through getting my VISA!
I had a great time volunteering at the Eka Chita Learning Center in Samsaman. The people are so pure and kind and the nature in the area is wonderful. The manager of the learning center takes good care of the volunteers. She guided me by familiarizing me with the village and its surroundings. Pretty soon, Samsaman felt like home. Teaching at the learning center was great fun! The students are super sweet and excited to study. I spent a total of two months in the village. During this period I also had the opportunity to witness all kinds of Balinese festivals. These are experiences I will never forget. Furthermore, the room was clean and comfortable. The learning center does not get a lot of volunteers due to its rural location, however, if you want to spend as much time as possible with Balinese people and get to know the culture, go to Samsaman! There is also a beach very close by where you can surf!
Isabelle from the Netherlands:
"I would definitely recommend to volunteer in Samsaman.
Especially when you want to experience to Balinese culture from very close."
Age: 21
22/02/2019
"On the 14th of October I left the Netherlands to become a volunteer in the Learning Center Samsaman. The first 3 days I got a ‘welcome’ workshop from Ann. This workshop was a good preparation for my volunteer work the coming months.
This was my first time in Bali and also the first time I traveled alone. I did not immediately end up in the overwhelming Balinese culture, but gradually became prepared for what was coming due to the workshop. After the 2 days staying in Bedulu, I left to Samsaman, where I stayed for almost 3,5 months.
I had a really nice time, even though there were few volunteers. The manager Ibu Ketut is a very kind women. She will help you with all your questions and is also very enthusiastic to introduce you into the Balinese culture. I experienced a wedding ceremony, a cremation ceremony and an anniversary ceremony. I thought it was very special that I was allowed to experience this. Besides the ceremonies, Ibu Ketut also wants to show you nice places in Bali.
On the other hand, I liked to volunteer and do my internship in Samsaman.
In the beginning I thought: ‘Do I have to stay here for 3,5 months?’. Because the learning center is very remote and quiet.
But due to the children who are very happy, other volunteers and the open attitude of Ibu Ketut and her family, I had a very nice and wonderful stay in Samsaman."
Yannis from Greece:
"I hope that my work there enriched the lives of the kids as much as they enriched mine."
Age: 25
28/01/2019
"My volunteering placement in the Learning Centre in Samsaman was one of the best experiences I have had in my life. Those two months I spent living in this small Balinese village and interacting with the locals are unforgettable. The Balinese people are very hospitable and friendly and always eager to share their culture and make you feel welcomed. In Bali, I experienced a different and unique way of viewing the world and shared my own culture with the local children who were very interested and thirsty to learn. The staff of the WINS Foundation does a great job in helping those wonderful kids create a better future for themselves and I am happy that I was a small part of this. I hope that my work there enriched the lives of the kids as much as they enriched mine."
Ibrahim from the Netherlands:
"If I could do it all over again, I most certainly would, without even hesitating a split second. "
Age: 26
31/01/2018
"Doing voluntary work in Bali, the Samsaman Kaja village in the Tabanan region, is one of the, if not the best experience I have had in my life so far. I feel privileged for having had the opportunity to do so, for it has been a cherished dream of me for a long time. I have learned a great many things that cannot be learned in books. Teaching English to kids varying from 8 to 16 years old is what I did aside from the field study, but it was I who ended up learning a lot from the kids as well, I learned a lot of life lessons. I learned how to appreciate the smaller things in life even more so than I already did. I ended up smiling so much that my cheeks hurt for half of the first week. It does not take much to wear a smile, but it does mean much to most people. Being in a country with a complete different culture has made me cross borders on many levels. I witnessed ceremonies and traditions first hand as local people and families took me in as one of their own, welcoming and offering me what little, in some cases, they have. This experience has left a huge impact on me and my life, I hope to go back some time to see the families and children again. If I could do it all over again, I most certainly would, without even hesitating
a split second. "
Lukas from Germany:
"I would definitely recommend an internship at the Learning Center Samsaman Kaja, if you are interested in delving deeply into the Balinese culture and their people, this place will be perfect for you. "
Age: 24
10/02/2018
"With Crossing Borders, I was able to live for 3 ½ months on Bali, Indonesia. Most people know Bali as a touristic paradise, everyone has a friend that spent some time there and go “it was soo amazing”. After coming back to the cold Enschede Winter, all I can say is: “It is that amazing”. Bali is a tremendous, tropical island with exceptionally beautiful nature, welcoming people and quite the pompous culture. Go ahead and google or have a look at the pictures below.
When I was not admiring the surroundings, I was typically working at the Learning Center Samsaman Kaja, located in a village of the Tabanan Regency. The organizations WINS and YEAH both work with that Center, aiming to solve the local poverty problems through free education.
Samsaman Kaja is a small village, far away from bigger cities. Accordingly, people live a very rural life, mostly living from farming and small shops opened at the side of the road. Due to the rural location, the education is severely lacking, the local middle school did not have an English teacher during my stay. This means that teaching English to the local children adds a lot to their education and is highly values by everyone around. I also did research regarding the attitudes people hold towards foreign volunteers, coming to teach. The results speak for themselves, everyone seems to be very fond of people coming to help.
Working and living in Samsaman Kaja has a lot of perks and some drawbacks. Samsaman Kaja is far off, while most of the island is reachable with a scooter, you will have to keep in mind that you will be living in the jungle, without the benefits of big cities. If that is something you can tolerate and embrace, you will be rewarded with a very nice family, doing everything they can so you enjoy your stay. The people living nearby are very interested in you, they will happily let you join local ceremonies and traditions, so you will be able to look behind curtains, most tourists will never get to open. Paddy fields ad rice terraces are 2 minutes away by foot, a beautiful beach with a few typically Australian tourists is 25 minutes away by scooter.
While there are typically not too many other volunteers around, the local children and their warm smiles will typically brighten your day.
I would definitely recommend an internship at the Learning Center Samsaman Kaja, if you are interested in delving deeply into the Balinese culture and their people, this place will be perfect for you.
However, if you are looking for a more touristic experience, you should consider looking at the other Learning Centers of WINS. "
Matti from Finland:
"I feel so lucky I had this opportunity to do my internship in Samsaman.
Me and my family had really amazing time . It was unforgettable for us!"
Age: 34
18/05/2017
"When I arrived to Samsaman, I really felt welcome end that was really important.
Ibu Ketut is a really warm person and she helped me really much during my stay.
Intan, the local teacher, is a great person also and she helped me a lot too. We had long talks about their culture, etc.
I didn´t know what to expect about teaching before a got there. When I started teaching, I realized that the children were ready to learn and they were motivated too.
I was surprised that there was a big difference of children´s level of English. That was a little bit challenging from a pedagogical point of view. I realized that usually in their local school they sit and learn in an old fashion way. My goal was to motivate children to learn. I used a lot of teaching methods, where they had to use language in class, like lots of discussion in small groups games, etc. When I did sports I wanted to offer fun games and something new too. I included math into sports and English lessons. I planned to teach computer skills.
I feel so lucky I had this opportunity to do my internship in Samsaman.
Me and my family had really amazing time . It was unforgettable for us.
Thank you for all the support you gave me and my family".
Evita from the Netherlands:
"WINS Foundation offered a great volunteering program, and gave us the opportunity to do research, which was obligatory for our study".
Age: 21
18/02/2017
Why did I decide to go to Bali?
In the first half of my third year of my study Health Sciences, I got the opportunity to fill in my own program. I soon decided that I wanted to go to Bali. WINS Foundation offered a great volunteering program, and gave us the opportunity to do research, which was obligatory for our study.
What is it like to teach at WINS Foundation?
In the morning, the children attend regular school, in the afternoon the children come to the learning center. I taught kids who ranged from age eight to fifteen about English, hygiene and general responsibilities in life.
Where did I stay during my time on Bali?
During my three months on Bali, I stayed at the guesthouse next to the learning center. This guesthouse is brand new, me and my friend were the first who stayed there. In this guesthouse there are two rooms, each with two beds and its own bathroom.
What is Balinese culture like?
Most people on Bali are Hindu and this really defines their way of life. Because Hindus believe in karma and reincarnation, most people are very kind and willing to help.
Do I have enough time to see the country?
We taught the children during the week, in the weekends we were off and able to travel the country. Bali is a small island, thus in three months you are able to visit all the recommended places."
Marlies from the Netherlands:
"It was an experience that I will never forget and I can recommend it to everyone!"
Age: 24
25/01/2017
"I had a great time at Samsaman.
I stayed there for seven weeks with three other Dutch volunteers.
In the afternoon the children came to us and we taught them English. We gave different kind of lessons to teach them English in different ways. Like drama,
games, songs or plays.
They made very funny plays, it was nice to watch!
To practice with English we let the children write something about themselves, their family and their religion.
We taught the children how to complement each other. All the children had twinkles in their eyes when they read the complements, it was so great to see how proud the children were!
I really enjoyed the lessons and the children, they were always so kind, sweet and cheerful.
I stayed at a guesthouse and the people there were amazing and so thoughtful! They made me feel like I was at home. I am really thankful for the great time I had at Samsaman and when I’ll get the chance, I’ll go back immediately. It was an experience that I will never forget and I can recommend it to everyone!"
Adinda from the Netherlands:
"I'm grateful for the chance I got to help at the Yayasan and I wish all the children a beautiful future!I
Age: 29
28/11/2016
"When I arrived at Learning Centre Yayasan Eka Chita Pradnyan in Samsaman, it was so different than anywhere I have been during the week before! As we (driver and I) drove from Canggu to Samsaman, the people on the road changed from tourists to locals. And as we drove further it seemed like Uluwatu and Canggu were areas on a whole different island, even though it’s only a one hour drive away from Canggu.
It was a great pleasure meeting the children from yayasan Eka Chita Pradnyan as well as the family where I stayed.
Because you live next to the Learning Centre, you experience the environment en people from the village in its purest form.
The manager of the place, Ibu Ketut Sunarmi and her husband (Made) are nice and warm people, so I immediately felt at home.
There are approximately 70 children who come to this Learning Centre (34 children are still looking for a sponsor!), but they are divided in groups by age. So in total there are four groups and there are two groups per day.
I'm grateful for the chance I got to help at the Yayasan and I wish all the children a beautiful future!"
Barbarien from the Netherlands:
"I will definitely try to go back to Samsaman and recommend it to everyone who would like to do volunteering work!"
Age: 24
20/06/2016
"I stayed for one month at Yayasan Eka Chita Pradnyan in Samsaman, founded by Stichting Indonesië 2007. VIP-International really helped me preparing for my stay and during the two introduction days we talked a lot about the culture differences.
I had a great time in Samsaman! I mainly taught the children English. It was fun to think of ways to make it easier to remember for the children; for example by using songs or playing games. I had to be creative and it never gets boring! The children are also eager to learn and everyday again they are waiting for the lessons to start.
The surroundings of the village Samsaman are beautiful and the backyard basically consists of rice fields! Living in the village is the best way to experience the Balinese life. I could join Ibu Ketut, Made and Trudy (owners of the Yayasan and Dutch founder) to ceremonies, which was really nice and interesting. Made taught me how to ride a scooter so I could go to other cities and to Balian Beach which is only 20 minutes by scooter!
I will definitely try to go back to Samsaman and recommend it to everyone who would like to do volunteering work:)"
Philip from Australia: "
An absolutely exhilarating experience!"
Age: 67
15/04/2015
"My volunteering experience has been an absolutely exhilarating experience. As a retired director of a construction company, I was looking for something rewarding, I found it!
I have been helping out teaching the children English. The children range in age from eight to 15 years old. Some speak English relatively well, some are absolute beginners.
However, they were really inspiring and it was an absolute pleasure being part of their lives.
I have found that every day I was learning more, connecting with the children.
My stay in Samsaman was pretty much what I expected, the promises Wins made, they kept.
My homestay at the Centre was a big surprise, very comfortable, bed, and excellent bathroom facilities. Ketut ( the director of the centre) is an excellent cook, she also arranged a motor bike from the local bike shop.
Volunteering while you travel can be hugely rewarding. I would encourage you to find something that fits with your skills. Contact Antoinette and talk about your options.
Give it a go and have fun! "