Bali Summer Service-Learning Program

UPDATE! Application Deadline Extended. Apply by March 31, 2008.

Join VIA for a two-month service-learning opportunity like no other in Bali, Indonesia. This is a cultural immersion and service program geared towards college undergraduates and other adults who want to gain a hands-on, multi-faceted perspective on a unique land. The program complements academic study but can also stand on its own as an introduction to the changing social, cultural and political issues facing Bali. The eight weeks in Bali will include both academic and community service components and participants will live with Balinese families for the majority of the program.

The academic component of this program includes two portions. The first, entitled "Socio-Cultural Change in Bali," will introduce the history, culture, and society of Bali. Special attention will be paid to the role of village, temple and other traditional structures and forms of cultural expression, and to the current processes of modernization of Balinese culture and society. The second portion will be a Bahasa Indonesia language class taught by a local language instructor. Focus will be on the acquisition of the contemporary language for use in specific interactive situations.

There is also a community service component to the Bali Service-Learning Program. This will help participants integrate the academic segment with hands-on work in the local community and with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Whereas some service programs determine what kind of 'help' will be given from afar, VIA works with local Balinese communities to see what kind of collaboration is desirable for all. The main focus of the service portion this year will be a team-facilitated language and literacy project, in which volunteers work with a community very much interested in receiving native English speakers in Denpasar. We are also planning to facilitate individual service and/or research projects among VIA participants. Depending on your level and area of interest, we will work with our local connections to try to supplement the literacy project with your individually-designed collaboration with an appropriate community organization.

Program Dates: In 2008, the Bali Service-Learning Program will run from June 20 to August 18 (not including dates of travel.)

Program Fee Includes: Pre-departure training, visa, medical and evacuation insurance, local ground transportation, all accommodations, summer program coordinator, and home office support.

Eligibility: Applicants must be currently residing in the U.S., speak English with native fluency, and are required to attend the pre-departure trainings. Download an application here. The application deadline has been extended to March 31, 2008, but we are encouraging applicants to send in their applications early. There will be a limited number of openings for the Bali Summer Program (8-10).

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact Nathan.