Internship at the Children's Home in Jimbaran

As part of my academic studies, I was required to complete an internship. For a long time, I had been considering the idea of going abroad for an extended period—and this internship seemed like the perfect opportunity to finally make it happen. After extensive research, I came across a partner agency of Bali Internships and discovered a placement that resonated deeply with me.

The moment I read more about the children’s home in Jimbaran, I knew this was where I wanted to be. The program not only aligned with my academic goals but also offered the chance to immerse myself in a new cultural environment for eight full weeks—something I had never done on my own before.

The application process was straightforward, and before long, I received my confirmation. With growing anticipation, I began preparing for the journey—sorting documents, packing my suitcase, and mentally preparing for life thousands of kilometers away from home. It was the first time I would be away this long, and this far from Germany, on my own. The excitement, curiosity, and uncertainty all came together, marking the beginning of an experience I wouldn’t for

After a long journey, I finally arrived in Bali. At the airport, I was greeted by a driver from the partner organization, who took me directly to the student house where I would be staying during my internship.

From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed. The other international interns were incredibly supportive, helping me navigate the first few days and sharing useful tips for living in Bali. From where to eat, to how to adapt to local customs, their guidance helped me feel at home quickly.

One of the first challenges was getting used to riding a scooter—the main mode of transport here. Adjusting to left-hand traffic and navigating the busy roads took some practice, but with time, confidence grew. Before long, riding became part of daily life and gave me a sense of independence.

As I settled in, I found myself eager to begin my placement and meet the community I’d be working with. I was curious, open, and ready to embrace everything that this new chapter had to offer.

I’ll never forget my first day at the children’s home. As I approached the entrance gate, a young girl reached out her hand through the bars. When I took it, she gently led me inside. That quiet moment of welcome left a deep impression—it was simple, sincere, and spoke volumes.

Over the coming days, I began to ease into daily life at the home. I had brought a few toys from Germany, which I gave to the children as a small gesture. Their excitement and curiosity were genuine, and it helped break the ice as we began to build trust through shared routines and moments of play.

Outside of the placement, I had time to explore Bali on weekends. With our backpacks and scooters, a few of us would set off to discover different corners of the island—from coastlines to rice terraces, temples to waterfalls. These trips allowed me to experience Bali’s diverse landscapes and deepen my appreciation for its culture.

Throughout my stay, I was consistently met with kindness and openness. Bali offered not only new sights, but also a space to reflect, connect, and grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated.