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From Berlin to Bali: A Cultural Exchange Through Education and Internship
"We wanted to explore a new culture, understand a different educational system, and have the chance to work in a social field abroad. Bali offered the perfect setting for this" Sara & Luisa, Medical School Berlin, Soziale Arbeit.
Participating in a volunteer teaching internship in Bali offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, educational experience, and personal growth. Sara and Luisa, two social work students from Berlin, share their insightful journey as they take part in the Bali Internships program, volunteering at an NGO high school in Kuta. In this article, they discuss their motivations, the support they received, and how this internship has enriched their personal and professional lives. If you're considering a similar adventure, read on for their firsthand experience and valuable recommendations!
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Why We Chose This Program
We decided to participate in this program as part of our university requirements. In our fifth semester of social work studies, we needed to gain practical work experience. However, we didn’t just want to complete this requirement in Germany. We wanted to explore a new culture, understand a different educational system, and have the chance to work in a social field abroad. Bali offered the perfect setting for this. Additionally, we heard about the lack of education in areas such as psychology and mental health in Bali, and we felt it was important to share what we’ve learned with students here who might not otherwise be exposed to these topics. We were introduced to this program by two former students from our university who had done the internship with Bali Internships and spoke highly of the experience.
Our Role and Day-to-Day Activities
During our time here, we’ve been given a lot of opportunities to engage with the students and teach. Our main tasks include assisting the class teachers during their lessons, helping students with English after school, and organizing some extra-curricular activities. We also had the chance to teach our own mental health classes, which has been incredibly rewarding. The school is a high school with around 229 students in total, spread across 7 classes. Each class has between 15 and 34 students, which provides a dynamic teaching environment. We initially started by observing lessons, but over time, we’ve gained more responsibility and even taught on our own. The language barrier was initially challenging, but the teachers were always there to help translate, and it’s been really fulfilling to see the students becoming more comfortable speaking English.
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Cultural Experience and Travel
One of the best parts of this internship has been the opportunity to connect with Balinese culture. Outside of work, we’ve traveled to nearby islands such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Lombok. We've also visited several temples and beaches, engaging with local people to learn about their way of life and religion. This exchange has made our experience even more enriching. In addition to our work, we’ve had the chance to practice yoga and meet people from all over the world, which has greatly expanded our horizons.
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Support from Bali Internships
Bali Internships has been fantastic in supporting us throughout this journey. From the start, we had a contact person available for any questions or assistance we needed. Whether it was help with finding accommodation, traveling, or simply figuring out how things worked in Bali, Bali Internships have been there every step of the way. They also organize social events, which gave us the chance to meet other interns and build friendships. The get-togethers organized by Bali Internships have been a great way to connect with others, enjoy some delicious food, and participate in games that help everyone bond.
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By Billy Bagus
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