Long-Term Volunteer Program in Indonesia

For more than 40 years, VIA has worked with adventurous adults interested in living in one of the world's most diverse and rewarding countries: Indonesia. We currently offer one- and two-year volunteer opportunities in Indonesia as well as a short-term summer program in Bali.

As a VIA volunteer, you will receive extensive training and be placed with an under-served institution that is eager to receive you as a colleague. VIA works hard to cultivate strong and long-lasting relationships with non-profit organizations and secular and Islamic high schools and universities in Indonesia. Our independence means VIA staff and volunteers -- not the mandates of outside agencies -- determine which Indonesian institutions are most in need and best suited to receive a volunteer.

Building on a History in Indonesia

Started in 1968, the volunteer program in Indonesia is VIA's oldest and most varied. Volunteers are currently witness to not only the country’s internal transformation, but also its international voice for a moderate Muslim perspective. In the world’s fourth most populous country, and largest Islamic nation, volunteers enjoy the sense of cooperation and community that is fostered by living and working in one place as well as the excitement of occasional travel throughout the islands.

The Volunteer Work

There are two general types of positions you may work with as a VIA Indonesia long-term volunteer:

English Resource (ER) Positions: Volunteers in English Resource positions serve as English language assistants at Indonesian non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These posts offer the opportunity to become involved in a grass-roots organization as a member of their staff. Volunteers have worked at environmental protection, rural development, organic farming, and women's reproductive health organizations. English Resource work has included writing and editing grant proposals, project reports, and journals. ER volunteers are also involved in upgrading staff English skills, designing and implementing community training modules, acting as liaisons between staff and international funders, translating project reports and conducting research.

To read more about potential posting, please visit the VIA Indonesia Long-Term Posts page.

How it Works

Extensive Training: Long before your arrival in Indonesia, you will be working closely with VIA to prepare to make the most of your time there. The application deadline is in February and by March we are helpling accepted candidates prepare for their upcoming time abroad. In early April, all new VIA program participants are required to come to our Spring Orientation in the Santa Cruz mountains in California for an initial weekend designed both to allow volunteers and staff to grow acqauinted and to get started preparing for the upcoming adventure.

 In July, all new Long-Term volunteers travel to Chiang Mai Thailand for three weeks of continued training, including training in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and English Resource training sessions (for those going to ER posts).

After training in Thailand, volunteers travel to Jakarta to begin in-country orientation at the Indonesia field office in early August. The second half of orientation takes place in Yogyakarta (Central Java) where volunteers are roomed with local families for the remaining two days of orientation and two and a half weeks of Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian language) study. Bahasa Indonesia is a relatively easy and accessible language and volunteers usually find they can carry on simple conversations after the first month of study.

Living Arrangements: In late August or early September, volunteers travel to their host towns to begin their volunteer service. Host institutions provide a monthly stipend which covers the costs of room, board, and local transportation. Volunteers generally have a full range of housing options, including living with a family, living in a boarding house or dormitory, renting a simple house alone or with friends. Depending on the arrangement, volunteers eat with their host family, cook for themselves, or eat out in inexpensive food stalls and restaurants.

In-Country Network: By the time VIA Indonesia volunteers begin working at their posts, they have developed strong bonds with each other and with VIA staff. Volunteers often stay in close contact with each other as they adjust to their new living arrangement.

VIA Indonesia Resources: The Indonesia Program has a full-time Program Director based in the US, and a full-time Field Representative based in the Indonesian capital city of Jakarta.

On-Going Support: Each December, volunteers gather together with the Field Representative and the Program Director for the Indonesia program’s annual conference. While the conference is a chance for volunteers to socialize and catch up with one another to reflect on their experiences in-country, it is also an opportunity to set future program priorities and direction. For decades, VIA Indonesia has relied on the insight and judgment of volunteers to help make important decisions about opening new posts and program management.

Indonesia is an amazing country and VIA will do its best to help you have a great experience living there. Former volunteers frequently stay involved both in Indonesia and with VIA, creating a strong network of people with similar experiences. Depending on your own career direction and interests, your relationship with VIA may well extend beyond the next couple years.

Learn More!

Still have questions? Check out our FAQ and Why VIA? pages. Financial information can be found on the Program Fees and  Fellowships & Financial Assistance pages. The How to Apply page includes a list of important dates and a detailed application. If you still have unanswered questions, feel free to email Jon Palmer, the VIA Indonesia Program Director.