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Julia's Volunteer Work in the Jimbaran Children Home
For her studies Julia needed to complete an internship. In order to combine her dream of going abroad with this internship, Julia decided to support the children home in Jimbaran for 8 weeks.
Why I Chose to Intern in Bali: Julia’s Story
As part of my university program, I was required to complete an internship. Since I had been considering spending a longer period abroad, I thought why not combine both and complete my internship internationally?
After extensive research, I came across a Studentsgoabroad's partner agency of Bali Internships and found a placement that aligned with both my interests and academic goals. The project involved supporting a community-based children’s home in Jimbaran for eight weeks. Although the role was unpaid and classified as a volunteer-based program, my university recognized and accredited the experience as a formal internship.
Once I received my acceptance, things moved quickly. I gathered the necessary documents, finalized preparations, and began packing my bags. It was an exciting and slightly nerve-wracking moment—this would be my first time living abroad on my own for such an extended period, and so far from home in Germany.
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Arrival and First Impressions in Jimbaran
After a long flight, I finally arrived in Bali. At the airport, I was met by a local contact who welcomed me and drove me directly to the volunteer house. From the start, I was warmly received. Over the next few days, the other international interns helped me settle in, introducing me to the essentials of everyday life in Bali.
One of the first skills I had to learn was how to ride a scooter, an absolute necessity for getting around. It took a bit of adjusting, especially with the left-hand traffic and the sheer volume of scooters and cars, but with time and practice, it became second nature.
I was especially eager to begin my placement and meet the children at the home in Jimbaran. I still remember the moment I arrived: a little girl stood at the gate, reached for my hand, and gently led me inside. That simple gesture was incredibly moving, and from that moment, I felt a genuine connection to the place.
The children’s home is modest in size, caring for eight children between the ages of one and ten. I chose this particular placement because of its close-knit, familial environment—it offered the chance to spend meaningful time with each child, and to be part of a space where care was built on trust, attention, and presence.
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Daily Life, Shared Moments, and Reflections
During my time at the children’s home, our days were filled with a variety of activities. We played games, created crafts, repainted parts of the house, and went to the beach every Thursday—a highlight the children looked forward to each week.
From the very beginning, I felt a strong connection not only with the children but also with the caregiver who runs the home, Ibu Ine. We shared many thoughtful conversations, and her commitment to the children deeply impressed me. Despite her full-time responsibility caring for the kids, she also found time to support families in nearby underserved communities. On several occasions, I joined her in delivering clothes and supplies to those in need. Her resilience, warmth, and dedication left a lasting impact on me.
Outside of my placement, I had the opportunity to explore Bali during weekends. We often set out with scooters and backpacks, discovering different parts of the island, from peaceful rice terraces to lively local markets. Each journey revealed new landscapes and deepened my appreciation for the island’s diversity.
Bali offers not just natural beauty, but also a spirit of openness and hospitality that is felt everywhere. For those interested in community-based internships and working with children, the home in Jimbaran provides an environment that is both welcoming and meaningful.
by Bali Internships Team
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