From Family Holidays to Volunteering: My First Solo Trip to Bali as an English Teacher.

When I first decided to join a volunteering program in Bali, I knew it would be different from a regular holiday. I’ve been to Bali many times with my family since I was seven years old, but this time was different. It was my first solo trip, my first time traveling without my parents, and my first time stepping into a role where I wasn’t just a tourist. I came here to contribute, to learn, and to live more like a local. What I didn’t expect was how much this high school volunteering program in Bali would change me.

I joined an NGO high school in Kuta, and from the very first day I felt welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm. The staff and students greeted me not as an outsider, but as someone who belonged. The school itself doesn’t have many resources; classrooms are simple, supplies are limited but the passion and dedication of the teachers amazed me. They care so much about their students’ futures and their well-being, and you can feel that energy the moment you step inside.

Every lesson, every activity, carried a sense of purpose. Being part of this environment reminded me that education is not only about books or equipment; it’s about people who believe in each other. This was a powerful lesson for me as a young volunteer.

As part of my volunteer placement in Bali, my role was diverse and flexible. Some days I assisted in the classroom, helping the teacher explain or prepare materials. Other days I worked one-on-one with students, giving them tutoring sessions in English or helping them with specific subjects. I also got to support extracurricular activities, from small projects to casual conversations that turned into meaningful exchanges.

Sometimes I even had the chance to lead lessons or share input on topics, which at first was intimidating but quickly became one of my favorite parts. The students were always curious and eager, even if shy in the beginning. As the weeks passed, I watched them grow more confident, and I felt proud to have played even a small part in that transformation.

Volunteering taught me patience, creativity, and adaptability. Not every lesson went as planned, and sometimes the simplest explanations worked best. It forced me to think differently about communication, to slow down, and to appreciate small victories; like when a student finally understood a concept or dared to speak up in English for the first time.

Out of the classroom, this experience marked my first solo trip abroad. Before coming to Bali, I had never traveled by myself. I was nervous, of course traveling alone at my age felt like a big leap. But from the beginning, I felt supported. Bali Internships provided guidance and answered my questions, my host family (especially Rima, who I lived with) made me feel at home, and I had friends around who I could count on.

That safety net gave me the confidence to embrace independence. I navigated daily routines, figured out transportation, and learned to manage my own time. It was challenging at times, like dealing with traffic or feeling nervous around street dogs, but each challenge added to the sense of adventure. Instead of feeling lost, I felt more capable with every passing day.

Living in Bali as more than a tourist gave me a whole new perspective. I wasn’t staying in a resort or rushing from one tourist spot to another. I was commuting to school, eating local food, hanging out with students, and chatting with neighbors.

This immersion into “real Bali life” was one of the best parts of the experience. I got used to things I had never thought about before: sharing meals with my host family, adjusting to the rhythm of local traffic, noticing the daily offerings placed in front of shops and homes.

I also built friendships with locals and other volunteers. At one Bali Internships gathering, I met my co-volunteer in Kuta and even another Swiss girl. After weeks of speaking only English, suddenly hearing and speaking German again felt both shocking and comforting.

These moments, laughing over food, playing games, sharing stories, showed me how quickly connections can form when people are open to each other.

Another thing I appreciated was the balance of structure and freedom in the program. At school, I had responsibilities, but outside of that, my time was flexible. This allowed me to do something I love: surfing. Almost every day, I spent time in the ocean, and it gave me energy to return to class with a clear mind.

Bali’s central location made it easy to explore on weekends. From Kuta, I wasn’t far from Ubud, or from different beaches and cultural sites. I also reunited with friends who lived nearby, which made the experience even more special. The program allowed me to combine purpose with enjoyment I was contributing my time and knowledge, but also living a lifestyle full of adventure, freedom, and connection.

Out of the classroom, this experience marked my first solo trip abroad. Before coming to Bali, I had never traveled by myself. I was nervous, of course traveling alone at my age felt like a big leap. But from the beginning, I felt supported. Bali Internships provided guidance and answered my questions, my host family (especially Rima, who I lived with) made me feel at home, and I had friends around who I could count on.

That safety net gave me the confidence to embrace independence. I navigated daily routines, figured out transportation, and learned to manage my own time. It was challenging at times, like dealing with traffic or feeling nervous around street dogs, but each challenge added to the sense of adventure. Instead of feeling lost, I felt more capable with every passing day.

Looking back, I see how much I’ve grown. I came to Bali as a curious high school student and am leaving more confident, independent, and aware. Volunteering showed me that education is powerful even with limited resources, dedication creates opportunities. Stepping out of my comfort zone to teach, travel alone, and live in a new culture was deeply rewarding. What began as a few weeks abroad became a defining chapter of my youth.

If you’re young and considering volunteering abroad do it. Traveling, meeting people from different cultures, and contributing to something meaningful is worth every challenge. Yes, the flight is long and being far from home can feel daunting, but once you’re here, you realize it’s more than a trip, it’s real growth, kindness, and discovery.
I’ve visited many Indonesian islands, but Bali remains special. This time it wasn’t about beaches or temples, but about students, friendships, and daily life and that’s what made it unforgettable.
The Bali Internships team made the journey smooth and supportive, allowing me to focus on teaching, learning, and living fully.

Finally, if I had to describe this journey in three words, I would say: spiritual, loving, adventurous.

Spiritual, because living in Bali means seeing culture and tradition woven into everyday life. Loving, because of the warmth of the people, teachers, students, host families, and friends. Adventurous, because every day brought something new, whether in the classroom, on the surfboard, or in the streets of Kuta.

I leave this program not only with memories but with a renewed sense of purpose. I now understand how community-led education can change lives, and I feel inspired to keep contributing in whatever way I can. For anyone considering this path, I highly recommend it. It’s not just about volunteering; it’s about becoming part of a community, challenging yourself, and discovering who you are along the way.

Volunteering at the high school in Kuta was, without doubt, one of the best decisions I’ve made. It combined my love for Bali with my desire to grow, and it gave me stories and lessons that I will carry far into the future.