I learned so much about myself, another culture, and was able to get a clearer vision of what I want to go back to grad school for. I met so many amazing friends and had the best experience on my volunteering trip. It was life changing to be able to experience and learn about a different culture. My favorite part of the trip was being able to get to know all my students and teaching them English in a fun and immersive way. Every day I was so excited to go to school and see the little ones. After my first day of volunteering my heart was so full and happy and that really helped me decide to go back to school to pursue a career in educational psychology.
Teaching Volunteer Program in Bali - Ubud
Purpose
Improves access to quality education
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+, families
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer houses
Program fees
From $385 for 1 week
What's included
Find out here
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Creative and proactive volunteers who enjoy inspiring children to learn or who want to become teachers. You’ll need to speak fluent English but no previous teaching experience is required as you’ll be supported by qualified local staff. Some relevant training like a TEFL course would be helpful.
Project details
Excited to teach in Bali - Ubud? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching project places volunteers in after-school classes where they can gain experience as teachers while helping to improve English language education in the local community. Balinese students are keen to learn from fluent speakers of English as it leads to opportunities for further education and opens up job possibilities in Ubud’s thriving tourism industry.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Workers who can speak English well are in high demand in the booming tourism industry in Bali. Because of this, locals are keen to learn and value the opportunity to learn from and speak with a fluent or native speaker. The better their English skills, the more likely they are to get a better job and be able to support themselves and their families.
As a teaching volunteer you’ll be running after-school English classes for elementary students. You may teach with another volunteer or by yourself and get creative with your lesson planning. Using games, sport, music and art are great ways to engage children. There is an informal curriculum and examples of the work of past volunteers that you can use to help plan your lessons.
Day-to-day teaching volunteer work varies, but generally consists of:
- Teaching English to elementary school students
- Providing pronunciation and language guidance
- Lesson planning
- Setting up educational games and activities
Important dates to note for 2024:
- 13th to 17th of May 2024 - School Exams: During this time, the standard volunteer work is not available. Volunteers instead participate in the Childcare project.
- 9th of September to the 13th of September 2024 - Midterm School Exams: During this time, the standard volunteer work is not available. Volunteers instead participate in the Childcare project. 23rd of September to 5th of October - All projects closed except Construction and Turtle Conservation - During this time, the standard volunteer work is not available. Volunteers instead participate in cleaning, repairs and renovation activities in local schools for approximately 4 hours a day and have the remainder of their time free to enjoy the festivities.
Why do Teaching volunteering in Ubud with IVHQ?
When you volunteer to teach English in Bali - Ubud, you’ll be helping out the local community while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to education in Bali - Ubud
- Helping students learn English
- Getting experience teaching English
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching abroad experience
- Immersing yourself fully in Balinese life
- Exploring Ubud’s rich culture and natural environment
Volunteer requirements
- All volunteers joining the program must obtain the C6B Social Cultural Visa. This type of visa is required to join the program, no matter your nationality or duration in Indonesia. The visa has additional costs and can typically take up to 15 working days to process and once registered you will be provided with instructions on how to apply for this visa.
- An exception to the above applies if a volunteer will be in Indonesia for less than 30 days and opts to participate in the Introduction Week, Adventure week, or the Yoga and Meditation Week, along with one or two weeks of volunteering. In this scenario, the volunteer can join with a tourist visa, which can be obtained upon arrival, for most nationalities.
- To respect the local culture and customs in Bali, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Bali photo gallery
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Health Education project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Environmental Education project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Health Education project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Health Education project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Health Education project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ volunteer Introduction week
IVHQ volunteer Introduction week
IVHQ volunteer Introduction week
Yoga and meditation add-on in Ubud, Bali
Yoga and meditation add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Adventure week add-on in Ubud, Bali
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Rice Terraces during the weekend
Exploring Nusa Pendia during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud Markets during the weekend
Exploring Monkey Forest during the weekend
Exploring Uluwatu during the weekend
Group of IVHQ volunteers in Bali
Exploring Water Temple during the weekend
Exploring Nusa Penida during the weekend
Exploring Monkey Forest during the weekend
Exploring Resorts during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Ubud Markets during the weekend
Exploring Ubud during the weekend
Exploring Uluwatu during the weekend
Group of IVHQ volunteers in Bali
Exploring Mt Batur during the weekend
Exploring Pandawa Beach during the weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
SW
Samantha White
27 May 2024
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PC
Paula Cancino
17 Apr 2024
I got to live this transforming experience at 17 years old, and I feel very proud to have taken that step. Bali definitely transformed me and gave me the best experience, the best friends and the best memories of my life. This volunteering inspires me to continue seeking to spread positivity and seeds of change in every environment around me.
...
CP
Catherine Perry
14 Jun 2023
A highlight from the volunteer experience was making immediate friends who invited me to go on a waterfall hike with them, despite me being the new person in the group. The impact my volunteering trip had on me was realizing how important knowing English is for children in Bali, since tourism is such a large source of the economy on the island. My advice is Do it!!!!!!!!! I was TERRIFIED and almost chickened out the day before I left. Best decision I've ever made to go to Bali!!!! I want to go back every day.
...
JG
Jodie Green
07 May 2023
IVHQ were more than helpful, the 12 step preparation list saved me SO MUCH time and effort, and it had everything in there I needed. I couldn’t ask for better. The local team were all extremely friendly, made you feel at home and part of a family. There are lots of highlights to chose from, but I would say seeing how empathetic and caring the children are for each other, and how respectful they are. Some kids had no food and they would literally give their last bite to eat. I’ll cherish my time here forever. The biggest impact my volunteering trip had on me was that it grew my confidence, being someone with social anxiety I wanted to overcome it and this has helped me in great amounts. What I would you say to someone still hesitant about volunteering abroad is stop thinking and just do it. I have absolutely no regrets and would do it again in a heartbeat.
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AS
Ana Maria Scott
20 Apr 2023
I had many favorite moments! I was always so pleased when an activity that I'd chosen for the children was a big success. Like jumping while repeating new words alongside flashcards. I couldn't stop the kids from doing the jumping course we'd laid out! They were jumping solo then in pairs then in three's! The biggest impact my volunteering trip had on me was self discovery. I learned a lot about myself. Things I didn't think I could do, I accomplished. Fears I had, disappeared. I learned that I enjoy teaching as long as I can be creative and make the learning experience fun for the children. Volunteering in Bali will be one of the top experiences of your life.
...
AK
Aliya Karmali
08 Dec 2022
A highlight for me was revising the material covered over the course of the teaching program and having them remember what I have taught them. That was definitely a sense of achievement when that happened. The biggest impact my volunteering trip had on me was to be grateful for what you have. Open your head and heart for new experiences. Get out of our comfort zone. The program allows you to learn a lot about yourself and your limits. I recommend it 100%!
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
Location
Set among lush rice paddies and ancient temples, IVHQ’s Ubud program will send you back in time. The 14 villages that make up the historical town of Ubud have streets lined with statues and ornate temples that ooze old-world charm. Ubud is also known for its artistic flair, with countless art galleries, artists’ workshops, craft shops and markets to explore.
Arrival and orientation
The Bali volunteer program orientation begins every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Bali on the Sunday before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport (DPS). Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are in Bali prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Ubud or Denpasar on the day before your program orientation.
It is important to note that due to high capacity during the period from May 27th to September 7th, 2024, the local team requests that volunteers only arrive on Sundays to receive an airport pick-up. As the volunteer house cannot accommodate additional nights for early arrivals before Sunday. If you happen to arrive earlier, you are welcome to arrange your own accommodation until Sunday when you can meet the local team at alternative pick-up locations. This also applies after the program, as check-out is scheduled for Saturday.
There are two options for orientation for the Bali - Ubud Program:
1-day Orientation:
The 1-day orientation begins on your selected start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program. You will have an introduction to the IVHQ Bali - Ubud Program and the local staff, Indonesian customs, rules, expectations, and safety. This will be followed by a project-specific meeting with the project preparation you’ll need to complete for the following day. Volunteers on the Turtle Conservation project choosing this option will need to arrive into Denpasar International Airport (DPS) on the Sunday before 1pm. As you will be transferred straight to Nusa Penida for your one-day orientation the following day.
5-day Introduction Week:
The second option is Introduction Week, hosted by our Bali team in Ubud. The Introduction Week begins on the morning of your chosen start date and runs for the first five days of your stay. It is an awesome way to kickstart your volunteer abroad experience and it covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Bali, plus you’ll learn more about the culture and get to tick off a must-do Bali experiences! The Introduction Week will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
While volunteer schedules depend on the particular projects and placements, a typical day might look like this:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer house |
| 9:00 AM | Volunteers spend 1 to 2 hours planning for their projects. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Volunteers head to their placements. |
| 5:00 PM | Work at the project usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to their accommodation, go sightseeing, or do some shopping. |
| 5:00 - 6:30 PM | Dinner at the volunteer house. |
Weekends
Whether you’re into arts and crafts, ancient history, exploring nature or after an adrenaline rush, there’s plenty to satisfy you in and around Ubud. You can fill your weekends with statues, museums and temples, hiking to the summit of Mt Batur, seeing waterfalls, snorkeling, white-water rafting, art galleries, shopping at markets or visiting small farms and rice paddies.
Ubud’s central location also makes it easy to get to other places in Bali like the capital city of Denpasar and the glorious beaches and villages that line the southern coast - all less than an hour away by taxi.
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll be staying in a volunteer house, located about 15 minutes’ drive from central Ubud. The volunteer houses are set in small villages, which it’s a great way to see typical Balinese life.
Living conditions are comfortable and all volunteer houses have fans in the bedrooms. Volunteers can expect to share a dormitory-style room with up to seven other volunteers. These bedrooms are separated by gender. The bathroom is shared with a hot water shower and western toilets. There is a large outdoor dining area for volunteers to socialise and enjoy their meals together.
WiFi is available at the volunteer accommodation and there are great internet cafes in Ubud if you would like to access a higher speed connection.
Each volunteer house has a security guard at night and there is 10:30pm curfew every night at the volunteer accommodation, please be considerate and reduce noise.
If you wish to arrive a day earlier than your recommended arrival date or spend a few extra nights after finishing your program, we can arrange extra nights of accommodation for you at $72 per person per night, including meals, subject to availability. You will be able to book extra nights via your profile after you register.
Private room upgrades are also possible for an additional cost. These are subject to availability and once you have registered you will be able to request an upgrade. These are located a 3 - 5 minutes walk outside from the main centre.
Meals
Volunteers are served mainly Balinese style dishes and should expect light vegetarian meals like:
- Rice, fresh vegetables and occasionally tempeh/tofu
- Nasi goreng (fried rice and vegetables - often considered as the national dish)
- Mie goreng (fried noodles and vegetables)
- Gado gado (mixed vegetables with a satay sauce)
Western meals may be served during the week. Breakfast can include fresh fruit, toast, and eggs. Tea, coffee, and toast will be available throughout the day. Purified drinking water is also available in the volunteer house; we do not recommend that you drink the tap water.
On weekdays you’ll get three meals a day, but during the weekend only breakfast and dinner are provided. If volunteers wish to eat out in Ubud, there are a large number of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply so that we can make arrangements for you. However, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home and need to be as flexible as possible. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of.
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation balcony
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical upgraded accommodation
Typical bathroom
Typical bathroom
Typical upgraded bathroom
Typical upgraded bathroom
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately $329), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately $329) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $385 Equivalent to $55/day |
| 2 weeks | $567 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 3 weeks | $749 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 4 weeks | $936 Equivalent to $33/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,113 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,270 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,579 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,888 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,197 Equivalent to $26/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately $329) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Bali - Ubud generally find US$80-100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Transport to and from your volunteer project
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Free-time experiences & tours in Ubud
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Ubud! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Ubud program.
Bali Adventure Week
We highly recommend the Bali Adventure program on your Bali trip! The Bali Adventure week is the perfect way to experience the adventurous side of this beautiful little island. Go on a cycle tour, visit an active volcano, tread into spice plantations and rice fields, hike into the mountains and take part in Turtle conservation. The program will unleash the adventure in you.
$449
Bali Yoga and Meditation Week
Many people travel the world to experience Bali as they believe it is a unique place for reflection and contemplation. In fact, they take this a step further and say Ubud is a sanctuary within Bali, an idyllic environment in which you can experience true tranquility. Thus, this program shall help you to get rid of stress, anxiety and physical ailments by engaging in Yoga and Meditation.
$419
Ubud Introduction Week
Learn more about the Balinese culture and tick off some must-do Bali experiences.
$358
Check what's required to visit Bali
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Denpasar |
| Population | 4.22 million |
| Languages | Bahasa Indonesia |
| Currency | Indonesia Rupiah (IDR) |
| Time zone | UTC+08:00 |
Weather and climate
Bali has a tropical climate with year-round warm weather and an average temperature of 30°C (86°F). High humidity can be expected during the wet season from October to April. The dry season is between the months of May and September and has the lowest humidity.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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