The Bali International Education program combines meaningful classroom experience with structured global learning, allowing you to support English education in local communities while working towards a recognised Global Citizenship Diploma. Designed for participants who want more than a traditional volunteer placement, this program combines practical teaching experience, intercultural learning, and academic reflection into one immersive international experience.
International Education Program Highlights
- Contribute Towards The UN's Sustainable Development Goal No.4 - Education
- Complete a Recognised Global Citizenship Diploma & Gain 16 UCAS Points
- Gain Practical Classroom Experience Supporting English Education Across Bali
- Develop Skills in Communication, Leadership & Intercultural Collaboration
- Experience Authentic Balinese Culture While Living Within a Local Community
- Contribute Towards The UN's Sustainable Development Goal No.4 - Education
- Complete a Recognised Global Citizenship Diploma & Gain 3 US Credits
- Gain Practical Classroom Experience Supporting English Education Across Bali
- Develop Skills in Communication, Leadership & Intercultural Collaboration
- Experience Authentic Balinese Culture While Living Within a Local Community
- Contribute Towards The UN's Sustainable Development Goal No.4 - Education
- Complete a Recognised Global Citizenship Diploma & 20 ECTS Credits
- Gain Practical Classroom Experience Supporting English Education Across Bali
- Develop Skills in Communication, Leadership & Intercultural Collaboration
- Experience Authentic Balinese Culture While Living Within a Local Community
Why Choose the Bali International Education Program?
Education has the power to transform lives, and nowhere is this more evident than in Bali. As one of Southeast Asia’s most popular international destinations, English has become an essential skill for employment, higher education, and participation in the island’s thriving tourism industry. While English is taught throughout local schools, opportunities for students to practise conversational English with fluent speakers remain limited.
The Bali International Education program has been designed to provide participants with more than simply an opportunity to teach overseas. It combines meaningful classroom experience with structured academic learning, allowing you to understand not only how education supports individual development, but also the wider role it plays in economic opportunity, cultural exchange, and sustainable community development.
Throughout your program you will work alongside local teachers and community organisations to support English language learning across a variety of educational settings. At the same time, you will develop practical teaching techniques, strengthen your communication and leadership skills, and gain valuable insight into international education systems and intercultural learning.
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Every stage of the program has been designed to help you develop as both an educator and a global citizen, combining practical experience with structured reflection to create a richer and more meaningful international learning experience.
Your Global Citizenship Learning Journey
Unlike a traditional volunteer program, every participant follows a structured learning pathway designed to maximise both personal development and practical impact.
Prepare Before You Travel - Before arriving in Bali, you will complete online learning introducing key concepts in international education, child development, intercultural communication, ethical volunteering, and global citizenship. This preparation ensures you arrive with an understanding of the local context and the important role education plays within sustainable development.
Learn Through Experience - During your placement, you will apply your learning by supporting English lessons in kindergartens, community learning centres, local schools, and higher education settings. Working alongside experienced teachers allows you to build practical classroom confidence while making a meaningful contribution to students’ learning and personal development.
Reflect On Your Impact - Following your placement, you will complete guided reflective activities that encourage you to evaluate your teaching experience, analyse different educational approaches, and connect your time in Bali with wider global issues surrounding education, equality, and sustainable development. Reflection forms an essential part of the Global Citizenship Diploma, helping transform practical experience into recognised learning.
Background to the Bali International Education Program
English plays a vital role across both the formal and informal sectors of Balinese society. From schools, offices, and banks to the hotels, restaurants, and businesses that support Bali’s thriving tourism industry, the ability to communicate confidently in English creates opportunities for employment, education, and economic development. Bali has become not only one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations but also an important location for international conferences, business events, and cultural exchange.
The Bali International Education program provides participants with the opportunity to make a lasting contribution by supporting English language education within local communities. As tourism continues to grow across the island, conversational English has become increasingly valuable for young people seeking future employment and wider opportunities. While English is taught throughout Balinese schools, opportunities to regularly practise with fluent speakers remain limited, making international participants an important part of the students’ learning experience.
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Your Field Experience in Bali
Your field experience forms the practical foundation of the Bali International Education program. Working alongside local teachers, community organisations, and experienced coordinators, you will apply your learning through meaningful classroom activities that support English education across a variety of educational settings in Tabanan.
Your teaching experience will be varied and engaging, with opportunities to work in community learning centres, kindergartens, elementary schools, junior high schools, and hospitality students preparing for careers within Bali’s tourism industry. Every lesson delivered contributes towards improving students’ confidence in spoken English while providing valuable practical teaching experience within an international educational environment.
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You may also have opportunities to support English lessons within local elementary and junior high schools, where students benefit enormously from practising conversational English with fluent speakers. During university term time, participants may also visit Kaniva Hospitality University, supporting students preparing for careers within international hospitality and tourism through practical conversation-based learning.
Across every placement, your role extends beyond teaching vocabulary or grammar. By sharing your language, culture, and experiences, you help students develop confidence, broaden their global outlook, and build skills that can positively influence their future education and career opportunities.
Your Role & Typical Day in Bali
Your primary role is to support English language learning by creating engaging, interactive lessons that encourage students to build confidence using English in everyday situations. Working alongside local teachers and fellow participants, you’ll help deliver activities that develop speaking, listening and conversational skills through games, storytelling, creative exercises, music, sport and group learning.
Programs typically run Monday to Thursday, with optional activities available on Fridays. Teaching sessions generally take place during the morning and afternoon, with a break in the middle of the day. Depending on your timetable, you’ll usually teach two or three classes each day, either independently, with another participant, or alongside local teachers. Transport is provided to placements located outside walking distance of the Volunteer House.
No previous teaching experience is required. Local coordinators, teachers, lesson resources and weekly planning sessions provide ongoing support, helping you prepare engaging lessons that suit different ages and abilities. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute your own ideas while learning how education is delivered within a different cultural context.
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Throughout your field experience, you’ll develop practical skills in communication, leadership, adaptability, teamwork, lesson planning, public speaking and intercultural awareness. You’ll also learn how to adapt your approach to different classrooms, manage group activities and create positive learning environments that encourage participation and confidence.
Every day presents new opportunities to connect with students, collaborate with local educators and experience first-hand how education can create meaningful opportunities for individuals and communities. Your contribution not only supports English language development but also helps inspire greater confidence, curiosity and global awareness among the young people you work alongside.
Other Things to Consider While in Bali
Return Airport Transfer – Your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee. However, our local team can assist in arranging onward transfers to the airport or another destination. Making arrangements once you’re in-country allows for greater flexibility, especially as plans can often change, and some participants may share similar flight schedules. Alternatively, ridesharing apps are a common and cost-effective option. Many participants travel during their final days and may not return to the airport directly from the accommodation. Costs will vary depending on your chosen method of transport and destination, and they can often be split if you’re travelling with fellow trip participants.
Major Holiday Destination - Bali is our most popular tourist destination, and many volunteers take the opportunity to travel around Indonesia during their trip. Being in a more affluent and tourist-friendly location can sometimes make it harder to feel as deeply engaged with the project compared to more developing countries like Ghana, Tanzania, or India, where the need for international volunteers is more immediate. As a result, we recommend that you consider a shorter volunteering period to balance your travel experience, or if the project work is particularly important to you, think about volunteering in a location with a higher need for support.
Experience – Prior teaching experience is not required for the English Teaching program, as the presence of a fluent English speaker is invaluable. As long as you are creative, determined, and resourceful, you will have a positive impact on the children's educational development.
TEFL Course – We recommend that volunteers prepare thoroughly for their teaching program overseas. To maximise your impact, consider completing our convenient, affordable, and internationally accredited 60-hour Online TEFL Course.
Resources – On the teach English in Bali project, resources can be limited. We recommend that volunteers bring materials with them each day to enhance productivity and involvement. Preparing in advance will help you get the most out of your teaching English overseas experience.
Weekend Trip Opportunities
Discover Bali’s cultural heart with a three-day, two-night trip to Ubud, surrounded by rice terraces, temples, waterfalls, and hot springs. The trip includes transport, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, and a PMGY guide.
Getting There
• 2 hours by private bus
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included in trip price
Things to Do
• Temple Visits – Included
• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces – Included
• Mount Batur Sunrise Hike – Included
• Lakeside Hot Springs – Included
• Monkey Forest and Waterfalls – Included
Spend three days on Gili Trawangan, a tropical island with no cars or motorbikes, perfect for snorkelling, cycling along white sand beaches, and enjoying sunsets. The trip includes transfers, accommodation, meals, a snorkelling tour, bicycle hire, and a PMGY guide.
Getting There
• 4 hours by private bus and public boat
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included in trip price
Things to Do
• Snorkelling Trip – Included
• Bicycle Hire – Included
• Mini Golf – Included
• Sunset Tour – Included
Head north to Lovina for black sand beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and a magical sunrise dolphin tour. The journey includes scenic stops at temples, waterfalls, and rice fields, making it an ideal weekend getaway.
Getting There
• 3.5 hours by private taxi (about 30 GBP shared with up to 6 people)
Where to Stay
• Hostel Dorm – 5–15 GBP per night
• Guesthouse – 30–50 GBP per night
• Resort Hotel – 50+ GBP per night
Things to Do
• Rural Temple Visits – Up to 10 GBP
• Waterfalls – Up to 10 GBP
• Sunrise Dolphin Trip – 15 GBP
Located at Bali’s southern tip, Uluwatu is known for its stunning cliffs, beaches, surf spots, and the famous Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance. Its proximity to the airport makes it a popular final stop for many visitors.
Getting There
• 3 hours by private taxi (about 20 GBP shared with up to 6 people)
Where to Stay
• Hostel Dorm – 10–25 GBP per night
• Guesthouse – 40–60 GBP per night
• Resort Hotel – 70+ GBP per night
Things to Do
• Surf or Paddleboard Hire – 15 GBP
• Beach Clubs – 20–50 GBP
• Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance – 14 GBP
• Hatch Sunday Market – Free
Just 30 minutes by boat from Bali, the Nusa Islands offer spectacular beaches, snorkelling, and dramatic viewpoints. Nusa Lembongan is the ideal base, with easy access to Nusa Penida and Nusa Cenigan for day trips and manta ray encounters.
Getting There
• 3 hours by private taxi (9 GBP shared) and public boat (15 GBP return)
Where to Stay
• Hostel Dorm – 5–15 GBP per night
• Guesthouse – 30–50 GBP per night
• Resort Hotel – 50+ GBP per night
Things to Do
• Snorkelling Trip – 20 GBP
• Nusa Penida Day Trip with Guide – 30 GBP
• Paddleboard Hire – 7 GBP
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- Young woman enjoying sunrise mountain views, smiling during a peaceful outdoor adventure in nature.
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- Two women laugh with a playful monkey on their shoulder in a lush tropical setting.
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- Two women enjoy tropical beach drinks and coconuts during golden hour, soaking up the sun and relaxing seaside vibes.
Accommodation - Shared & Comfort Options Available
Volunteer House
During your time on the Bali volunteer program, you will stay in one of our Volunteer Houses, located in Tabanan. This traditional town offers a truly authentic experience, with local restaurants, convenience stores, and ATMs just a short walk away. Unlike the more tourist-heavy areas of Bali, Tabanan provides a unique glimpse into Balinese culture. You’ll share your accommodation with fellow PMGY volunteers from around the world, creating plenty of opportunities to make lasting friendships.
To ensure your belongings are secure, we recommend paying a small deposit for a locker key on arrival and storing your belongings securely. Volunteers are encouraged to pack lightly and bring only essential items for their volunteer work in Bali. Fridge space is available for keeping any food or drinks chilled.
The Volunteer House features several communal spaces where you can relax, bond with your fellow volunteers, or prepare lesson plans if you are teaching English. Conveniently, the house is situated next to our local team’s residence. While volunteers have their own private living area, the proximity to the host family ensures additional support and provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Balinese culture, connect with the local community, and practise your language skills.
Some volunteer projects are within walking distance of the Volunteer House, while others are further away. For placements that are not walkable, PMGY provides daily transport via minivan or private car, with the cost of this service included in your Program Fee.
During busier periods, we operate multiple Volunteer Houses within Tabanan. Each house provides the same core facilities, although there may be slight variations in location, amenities, or capacity. Due to the popularity of our Bali programs, we are unable to accept specific accommodation requests. However, we are always able to place friends and small groups in the same accommodation.
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
The Volunteer House offers basic yet comfortable facilities, including free Wi-Fi. Rooms are single-sex and feature bunk beds accommodating up to 8 people per room. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, mosquito nets or curtains for protection, and bed linen. Bathrooms are shared, with a shower and western-style toilet. The water is typically cold, but this is usually refreshing in Bali’s hot and humid climate, making it a small adjustment if you volunteer in Bali.
🔒 Comfort Option - Private Room Upgrade 150 USD100 GBP120 EUR210 AUD170 CAD Per Week (Recommended for 26+ Year Olds)
If you prefer a private room option, you can upgrade to the Comfort Option when you register with us. Comfort rooms will accommodate a solo traveller or up to two participants travelling together, with a double bed. Rooms have an en-suite bathroom and are located in a second volunteer on the same street. This offers the chance to enjoy the social atmosphere but also retreat to your own private space. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, mosquito nets, and bed linen. Bathrooms have a western style toilet and shower, the water is typically cold, but this is usually refreshing in Bali’s hot and humid climate, making it a small adjustment if you volunteer in Bali.
Wi-Fi
Yes (Free)
People Per Room
Up To 8 (Shared) or 1 (Comfort)
Single Sex Rooms
Yes
Western Bathroom Facilities
Yes
Airport Transfer
1 Hour 30 Minutes
Nearest ATM & Shops
5 Minute Walk
Meals
During your volunteer trip to Bali, you will enjoy three freshly prepared meals each day. Meals typically feature traditional Indonesian cuisine, with delicious dishes such as fried rice and noodles. Rice is a staple in Balinese cuisine, and chicken is the primary meat used. Vegetarian options are always available.
Tabanan offers a wide range of restaurants and local warungs (authentic food stalls) serving traditional Balinese cuisine, which is often vegetarian and packed with flavour. Occasionally, a western-style meal may be provided at the Volunteer House, and there are restaurants offering western dishes within a 20-minute walk.
* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Here’s an example of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast
Toast, Cakes, Fruit, Tea/Coffee
Lunch
Mixed Rice, Vegetables, Curries, Salad
Dinner
Fried Rice, Fried Chicken, Noodles, Spaghetti
Program Location
FAQ's
PMGY welcomes teaching volunteers in Bali of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 17, with no upper age limit. Additionally, all volunteers need to have good English, although it does not need to be your first language. While it’s not necessary to speak the local dialect, you’ll find that learning a few local words during your time in Bali will go a long way in building connections and enriching your experience.
As a Bali teaching volunteer, you must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering with us abroad. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children and communities we work with. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept anyone with previous criminal convictions.
In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required to join the teaching projects — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation!
Volunteering overseas can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. It can be physically and mentally challenging, so all participants must be fit in both areas. If you have any medical or mental health conditions that may affect your participation, these must be disclosed to us during your online application. This ensures we can best support you and assess the program’s suitability.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your eligibility or suitability for the Bali teaching program, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program. Our team is always happy to assist you in making an informed decision and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
For your volunteer trip to Bali, you should book your flights to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport (airport code DPS) to arrive on the designated Sunday start date. This is the official arrival day for the program, ensuring a smooth and well-organised beginning to your experience as a Bali teaching volunteer.
Please check out our Chaperoned Flight options for group flights from London Heathrow on selected start dates.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by a member of our local team or an appointed driver. They will be easy to spot, holding a sign with your name to ensure you feel welcomed from the moment you land. From there, they will escort you to your accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day to relax, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The program officially ends on the Saturday of your final week. This means you will need to vacate the accommodation on this day to make way for new participants arriving for their own life-changing experiences. Our local team will be available to assist with arranging transport to the airport or providing guidance for any onward travel plans you may have.
Whether you’re just arriving or bidding farewell to Bali, our team is here to ensure your transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Your time as a Bali teaching volunteer will leave you with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a lasting impact on the communities you’ve helped.
You can apply anytime for most of our programs, including the Bali teaching volunteer program. However, we highly recommend applying soon to secure your spot. Some of our programs have limited capacity, and spaces can fill quickly, especially during our peak travel period from June to August. If you plan to join us during this time, applying early is even more important to avoid disappointment!
When you embark on this experience, you must be 100% committed to joining the program. To apply, locate the “Apply Now” button on the individual project page. This will guide you step-by-step through our online Application Process. We’ve made it as straightforward and user-friendly as possible so that you can easily secure your place.
Based on feedback from previous Bali teaching volunteers, we’ve found that 4-6 weeks is the ideal amount of time to fully immerse yourself in the experience of volunteering in Bali. This duration provides ample opportunity to integrate into the local community, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to your chosen project. Over this time, you’ll be able to make a lasting positive impact while having plenty of time to explore Bali’s incredible sights and culture during your weekends.
Many of our Bali teaching volunteers who joined us for just 2 weeks often expressed that their time was too short. They leave wishing they had stayed longer to further engage with the projects they’ve grown passionate about. If your schedule allows, we highly encourage you to consider a longer stay to make the most of this life-changing experience!
While our programs are available for longer durations, volunteers can initially sign up for a maximum of 12 weeks in each destination. In the past, we’ve found that some volunteers commit to extended placements but later wish to adjust their plans for independent travel or to join another program. Please note, however, that Program Fees are non-refundable once committed. If you arrive and find yourself loving the program (as many do!), you are more than welcome to extend your placement. Extensions are subject to availability at the time of your request, but our team will do their best to accommodate your desire to stay longer and continue making an impact.
For those considering an even more adventurous journey, we recommend exploring our Encounter Programs. These unique opportunities allow you to experience 2-4 week stays across 3-10 destinations, offering a perfect balance of travel, cultural immersion, and volunteering.
At PMGY, we understand the importance of safety, especially for first-time travellers, and we work diligently to ensure that all our programs, including those in Bali, provide a secure and enriching experience. Our programs are carefully designed to balance structure and independence perfectly. This means you’ll enjoy a guided and supportive environment while free to explore and immerse yourself in local culture. For further details, please refer to our Safety & Wellbeing page.
Volunteer safety in each destination is a top priority and is monitored regularly. A member of our International Team has thoroughly inspected every PMGY program to ensure it meets our high standards. We also stay current with advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. Through constant communication with our local teams, we ensure that our volunteers are always placed in secure and stable regions.
Our International Team has personally visited and participated in every program we offer, paying close attention to every detail—from the living conditions and local neighbourhoods to the food you’ll enjoy. These meticulous checks ensure that all aspects of your stay meet our rigorous standards. Additionally, our local teams are experienced professionals with years of experience hosting international volunteers. They serve as PMGY’s trusted representatives, offering 24/7 support to all volunteers throughout their stay. To further enhance your safety, PMGY provides a 24-hour international emergency line accessible at all times. In-country staff also maintain connections with local medical professionals, ensuring that immediate assistance is available should it be required during your placement as a Bali teaching volunteer.
Before you embark on your journey, you’ll receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which covers key topics such as health, safety, visas, and dress codes. If you have additional or specific questions, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist. Furthermore, on a monthly basis, PMGY hosts an Introductory Webinar and a Safety Webinar. These interactive sessions offer invaluable information about our projects and practical tips for staying safe abroad.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll participate in a detailed orientation session. This introduction will cover the general volunteer program and your specific project, including essential safety advice tailored to your destination. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card — a step we highly recommend to ensure you remain contactable at all times. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers to keep on hand during your stay.
While no travel experience can ever be guaranteed 100% trouble-free, PMGY has taken every precaution to ensure that your time as a Bali teaching volunteer is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We strongly suggest following the local team’s guidance and advice to ensure your safety throughout your journey.
