Volunteer teaching English in Bali to help students develop valuable skills and reach their future goals. Practising with fluent, native speakers boosts their English abilities, an essential skill for securing future jobs. English has become a crucial language for Balinese people to progress in life, as it opens doors to direct communication with tourists. This, in turn, increases Bali’s global visibility and recognition.
Teaching Volunteer Program Highlights
- Support The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 Through Education
- Build Teaching Skills With A Secure & Social Experience Ideal For First Timers
- Teach English & Support Local Children Through Creative Learning Activities
- Explore More Of Bali With Organised Weekend Trips To Gili Islands & Ubud
- Experience Balinese Culture Through Temple Visits, Markets & Local Life
Background to the Teaching Program
English plays a crucial role in both the formal and informal industries across Bali, as well as in the communication that supports them. From schools, offices, and banks to the shops and restaurants that are central to the island's thriving tourist industry, English is essential. Bali has become not only a popular destination for global tourists, with its stunning landscapes and traditional culture, but also a prime location for international conferences and seminars.
PMGY’s volunteer teaching English abroad program offers volunteers the opportunity to make a real difference by helping local children in Tabanan improve their English skills. With tourism in Bali booming, the ability to speak English has become more important than ever. Although English is taught in schools by local teachers, the chance to practice with a native, fluent speaker is priceless.
Balinese people are known for their warmth and friendliness. You’ll find that the local community, the staff you work alongside, and the children you teach will welcome you with open arms. They’ll be eager to chat with you and learn about your life. Your volunteer work in Bali will not only benefit the people you teach but will also enhance your own skills. You’ll gain transferable workplace skills such as leadership, time management, and organisation, all of which will be valuable in your future career.
Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples
As a volunteer teaching English in Bali, your schedule will be varied and engaging. You'll be involved in different projects that offer free English lessons to children in Tabanan, with the primary placements organised through the Akasa Foundation. Additionally, the PMGY Bali volunteer program runs numerous English teaching projects throughout the year. This ensures that your time spent volunteering will have a lasting impact on the local community. Here are a few examples of where you could be teaching:
Akasa Kindergarten English Class - The Akasa Foundation runs a Community Learning Centre, founded by Ketut in 2011, where volunteers teach English at the Akasa Kindergarten project. Initially held in Ketut's family home, the centre now has a permanent location just a 5-minute walk from the Volunteer House. Ketut, who has lived in the Tabanan community all her life, noticed that children from less privileged backgrounds lacked educational opportunities. This inspired her to establish the Foundation and invite international volunteers. As a volunteer teaching English in Bali, you’ll play a key role in supporting these children’s education. The centre's goal is to offer essential early education to preschoolers from low-income families and to provide additional support to children already in school.
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Akasa English Course – As part of the Akasa Foundation, the local team runs an extracurricular English course for village children. This program gives students the chance to improve their English in the afternoon, building their confidence with Volunteers in Bali. Originally a part of the Akasa school, this program is now run at the Akasa Learning Centre, just a 2-minute walk from the Akasa House. The students range in age and ability, providing an opportunity for you to get creative and offer exciting after-school lessons that inspire a love of learning and English.
Elementary and Junior High School Program – As a volunteer teaching English in Bali, you’ll visit several elementary and junior high schools in the region. Each year, we partner with around 12 schools to provide English lessons, with volunteers teaching for around 3 hours per week. These schools are typically located 10-25 minutes by bemo from the Volunteer House. While Balinese teachers cover general English, students benefit greatly from practicing with native speakers. The children are eager to learn, and their teachers often join in the lessons to improve their own teaching skills. It is a rewarding experience, and the students’ gratitude will warm your heart, often shown when they touch your hand to their forehead as a symbol of receiving wisdom.
Kaniva Hospitality University – During term time, you may have the chance to visit Kaniva Hospitality University, where students are training for careers in the tourism industry. These students are eager to improve their English in preparation for working in hotels or the cruise industry, with dreams of moving abroad to places like Dubai or Japan. Volunteer lessons help them gain exposure to different accents and boost their confidence in speaking English with tourists. Lesson topics will be provided, and students are encouraged to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations. Your experience will inspire them to pursue their goals and immerse themselves in learning English.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day
As a volunteer in Bali, your main role will be to share your time, knowledge, and skills with local communities. By helping students build confidence in their spoken and conversational English, you’ll be opening up a world of opportunities for their future.
Your volunteering abroad programs run from Monday to Thursday, with Friday being optional but encouraged. The morning sessions typically run from 8am to 12pm, and the afternoon sessions from 1pm to 4pm. Your specific timetable will depend on your individual schedule. If your project is not within walking distance, transport is provided by bemo, usually taking no more than 20 minutes.
When you teach English in Bali, you may be leading the class on your own, working alongside a partner, or part of a small group. Volunteers typically teach two or three classes per day, with timetables often split between two of the placement locations. The Akasa Foundation program is usually the main teaching project.
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The Akasa English Course runs four different sessions throughout the week: Kindergarten (4-6 years), Kids (7-9 years), Elementary (10-12 years) and Middle (13 – 17 years). These sessions take place at the Akasa Learning Centre, which is conveniently located near the Volunteer House. Depending on volunteer and student numbers, you may work in smaller groups or even teach one-to-one to ensure the students get the most from the free tuition.
Preschool years are widely regarded as the most crucial for language learning, making the Kindergarten classes especially important. Here, you’ll focus on introducing basic English vocabulary, such as colours, shapes, and animals. As a volunteer teaching English in Bali, you’ll need to be creative and patient, though a local teacher will be on hand to guide you. The Beginner’s class builds on this by introducing simple sentence structures alongside familiar topics.
PMGY’s advanced community classes aim to make learning English a fun experience, especially after the children have had a long day at school! Get creative and teach through songs, art, and sport. You’ll usually teach alongside another volunteer, working as a team to make the lessons even more engaging.
The Akasa Foundation program typically sees around 60-100 children per day across all classes, ranging from 3 years old to young adults. The more preparation you do, the more rewarding the experience will be for both you and the children. We always ensure local coordinators and teachers are present to support the project and assist with classroom management.
Balinese children are enthusiastic learners, but this excitement can sometimes lead to a little chaos! It’s important to maintain control of the class to keep everyone focused. This is a highly rewarding project that provides free English education to children in Tabanan, giving them the confidence to engage with tourists and improve their future prospects.
The presence of an English-speaking volunteer can greatly enhance the children’s pronunciation and help local teachers who may benefit from additional support in their own teaching. As a volunteer teaching English in Bali, we encourage you to make your lessons as interactive as possible. Use fun educational games like word searches, Hangman, or quiz competitions to keep the students engaged. Songs, art, sport, and music are also excellent tools for making lessons more enjoyable. The volunteers provide the children with a unique insight into other cultures, offering them a global perspective that is both valuable and enriching.
What you teach when you volunteer in Bali is up to you, though there are syllabuses and past volunteer materials available for inspiration and guidance. We also have a resource library at the PMGY office for volunteers to use, and the children are provided with exercise and learning books. Additionally, the local team runs weekly lesson planning sessions, giving you the chance to share ideas, discuss strategies, and prepare for the week ahead.
Given the heat and high temperatures in Bali, shorter, split sessions throughout the day are more effective for everyone. This allows volunteer energy levels to remain high, ensuring that each morning and afternoon session is filled with positive energy. We encourage you to use your lunch break to relax, refresh, or plan for future activities, so you can make the most of your time at the project.
Other Things to Consider Teaching Children 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 in Tabanan. This traditional town provides an authentic experience of everyday Balinese life, with local restaurants, convenience stores and ATMs just a short walk away. Away from Bali’s busier tourist areas, Tabanan provides a great base for experiencing local culture while living alongside PMGY volunteers from around the world.
The Volunteer Houses have communal spaces where you can relax, spend time with other volunteers or prepare lesson plans if you are teaching English. Free Wi-Fi and fridge space are available, while bedrooms have air conditioning, bed linen and mosquito nets or curtains where required. Lockers are available for storing personal belongings, with a small deposit payable for a locker key on arrival.
Our local team lives close to the volunteer accommodation, allowing volunteers to enjoy their own living space while having support nearby. This setup also provides opportunities to learn more about Balinese culture and connect with the local community during your stay.
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 by minivan or private car, with the cost included in your Program Fee.
During busier periods, we operate multiple Volunteer Houses within Tabanan. Each provides the same core facilities, although there may be some variation in location, room layout, amenities and capacity. Due to the popularity of our Bali programs, specific Volunteer Houses cannot be requested, although we can accommodate friends and small groups together where possible.
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
Our Shared Option offers a social living experience and is a great way to get to know other volunteers during your time in Bali. Rooms are same sex and accommodate up to 8 volunteers in bunk beds, creating a friendly communal atmosphere within the Volunteer House.
Bathroom facilities are shared with other volunteers and include showers and western style toilets. Shower water is typically cold, which is common locally and can be refreshing in Bali’s warm tropical climate.
🔒 Comfort Option - Private Room Upgrade 150 USD100 GBP120 EUR210 AUD170 CAD Per Week (Recommended for 26+ Year Olds)
For volunteers who prefer more personal space, our Comfort Option provides a private bedroom while still allowing you to enjoy the social experience of living alongside other PMGY volunteers. Comfort rooms can accommodate a solo traveller or up to 2 participants travelling together, typically with a double bed.
Bathroom arrangements depend on the individual room and availability. Some Comfort rooms have their own private ensuite bathroom, while others have access to shared bathroom facilities. Bathrooms include showers and western style toilets, with shower water typically cold. The main benefit of the Comfort Option is the privacy of your bedroom, with a private ensuite bathroom an additional benefit where available.
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.
