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.
Teaching Volunteer Program in Bali - Ubud
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.
Highlights:
- Programs start every Monday
- Affordable fees from £324 for 1 week
- Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
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Share important English language skills with students
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Explore Bali’s ancient temples, rice terraces, and vibrant arts scene
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Stay with other volunteers on the scenic outskirts of Ubud
Key information
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.
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
- It is important to note, if a volunteer will be in Bali for less than 30 days and has chosen to join one of the add ons available such as the Introduction week, Adventure week or theYoga and Meditation Week, the volunteer will be able to join with a visa on arrival.
- Alternatively, all volunteers joining the Bali program must obtain the Social Cultural Visa (C6B). This type of visa is required to join the program, no matter your nationality or duration in Bali. The visa 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.
- 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.
Apply For FreeNot sure which program to join?
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
PC
Paula Cancino
17 Apr 2024
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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.
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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.
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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%!
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ZC
Zvikomborero Chitando
28 Sep 2022
The local team were incredible. Absolutely everyone - from the coordinators to the amazing cooks - were super friendly and welcoming. I always felt comfortable to ask questions and just talk to them and find out more about the Balinese way of life which is truly amazing. The meals were incredible and I loved the variety, there was something for everyone.
Seeing how happy the kids were when the got the pronunciations or questions correct was a favorite moment of mine. Their faces literally lit up like stars and it made me so happy to see them so proud of themselves. It really made me feel like I was making a difference. Seeing how enthusiastic the kids were to learn English and hearing about how much of an impact it will have on them truly made the experience out of this world. Their reactions and willingness to participate really warmed my heart and made me smile from ear to ear every day that I went out there to the school.
Allowing me to grow as a person was the biggest impact the volunteer trip had on me. This experience was completely out of my comfort zone and I enjoyed every second of it. I loved the fact that we were staying in one of the villages surrounded by local people. We got to truly immerse ourselves in the local culture. We got to talk to them and listen to their stories and it was incredible.
Funnily enough, I saw a video the day before I was supposed to fly to Bali that said that the more nervous you are about an experience, the more important it is for your growth. I was absolutely terrified about doing this entire programme because in the back of my head, I knew that it would push me out of my comfort zone and into a place where I would become a different person. The satisfaction that you get from the experience is worth more than all of the jitters and nerves - the experience is invaluable and truly life-changing.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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 credit
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 online
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.
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 £43 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
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 | £324 Equivalent to £46/day |
| 2 weeks | £478 Equivalent to £34/day |
| 3 weeks | £632 Equivalent to £30/day |
| 4 weeks | £789 Equivalent to £28/day |
| 5 weeks | £939 Equivalent to £27/day |
| 6 weeks | £1071 Equivalent to £26/day |
| 8 weeks | £1332 Equivalent to £24/day |
| 10 weeks | £1593 Equivalent to £23/day |
| 12 weeks | £1854 Equivalent to £22/day |
- Accommodation
- Meals
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Airport pick-up
- Personalised 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.
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately £277) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in GBP.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check and return to the airport when your program finishes.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Bali - Ubud generally find US$80-100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
Free-time experiences & tours in Bali
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Bali! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Bali 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.
£378
Bali Lovina Yoga and Meditation
Bali is identified by many travelers around the world as a unique place for reflection and contemplation. Balinese Yoga is about feeling and appreciating the spiritual nature. A good combination of Balinese Meditation and Yoga will make your body and mind feel more relaxed.
£353
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.
£353
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.
£378
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.
£353
Ubud Introduction Week
Learn more about the Balinese culture and tick off some must-do Bali experiences.
£302
Bali Lovina Yoga and Meditation
Bali is identified by many travelers around the world as a unique place for reflection and contemplation. Balinese Yoga is about feeling and appreciating the spiritual nature. A good combination of Balinese Meditation and Yoga will make your body and mind feel more relaxed.
£353
Lovina Introduction Week
Learn more about the Balinese culture and tick off some must-do Bali experiences.
£302
Check what's required to visit Bali
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
| 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.
Latest blog posts
Other projects you may be interested in
Sea Turtle Conservation in Nusa Penida, Bali
Health Education in Ubud, Bali
Construction and Renovation in Ubud, Bali
Childcare in Ubud, Bali
Teaching in Lovina, Bali
Childcare in Lovina, Bali
Environmental Education in Ubud, Bali
Health Education in Lovina, Bali
Sports Development in Lovina, Bali
Construction and Renovation in Lovina, Bali
