Why Us? We’re Not Like Other Programs.
A Nonprofit at Our Core.
We are driven by purpose and impact and have worked with local communities since before we started volunteer programs. When you volunteer with us, you’re joining a mission to provide education to children who need it most. Though your time volunteering may be temporary, our impact is not.
Discover how the Suwandi Foundation is different:
COMMUNITY-LED APPROACH: Programs designed in partnership with the Tulamben community to meet their expressed needs and empower children.
REAL RELATIONSHIPS: On our trips participants will directly connect with local families, inspiring children to dream bigger and shape their own futures.
SUPPORTING LOCAL GROWTH: 100% of program costs benefit the Tulamben community, with over 75% invested in local initiatives, businesses, and fair wages.
BREAKING BARRIERS: Volunteers help children gain skills like English and computer literacy, paving the way for stable careers and breaking poverty cycles.
Teaching immersion
Spend 4+ weeks in Bali connecting with the community and creating lasting change. Perfect for gap-year students or long-term travelers, this program combines classroom involvement with cultural and adventure activities, with just the right amount of free time to explore Bali on your own! With more time and flexibility, you’ll gain independence while building deep, meaningful connections and making a lasting impact.
SOCIAL IMPACT INTERNSHIP
Combine academics and hands-on experience in this nontraditional internship. You’ll work with our nonprofit team to design and implement community-based projects, alongside volunteering in classrooms and participating in immersion activities. Ideal for university students eager to develop real-world skills while making a tangible impact. Explore our available internship positions below!
Service Learning
A 3-week program for those who want to get involved and fill their schedule daily. Work alongside local teachers teaching in the classroom, bond with fellow participants over group reflections, and dive into cultural and adventure-packed experiences. Ideal for university students on summer break and working professionals who want a new perspective on life.
CUSTOM GROUP TRIP
Have a group from home that wants to travel to Bali together? We can tailor your experience, designed especially for your group. Whether you’re a group of moms planning an impactful yoga retreat or teachers looking for a vacation and wanting to share your skills, this option blends classroom volunteering with community activities that match your passions. Create a meaningful trip that’s as unique as your group. Contact us directly to get started!
110+
Participants Joined
25+
Programs Run
+35
locally run activity options
4.9
Rating on Go OVERSEAS
GAP YEAR / LONG TERM VOLUNTEERING
Teaching Immersion
Experience what it is like to be a foreigner living in Bali while making a sustainable impact. Our number one program for gap year students who want to mix structure with independence. This program is truly a great way to learn about culture and a longer stay in Tulamben allows you to build connections with the local community to truly see the impact of the Suwandi Foundation programs.
2025 4+ WEEK PROGRAM
Select a start date and decide how many weeks you’ll stay!
FALL START DATES
September 13
October 11
November 8
FINAL DEPARTURE DATE: December 5
2026 NEW 8 WEEK COHORTS
Join a cohort and enjoy a longer stay with us!
SPRING 2026
January 31 – March 27
March 28 – May 22
FALL 2026
September 5 – October 30
Teaching Immersion Program Overview
Service
Serve others by volunteering as an English teacher for students in our local afterschool learning center Monday–Thursday. Additionally, assist with basic childcare in a local Kindergarten when asked.
Activities
Engage in Balinese culture and learn how to be a sustainable traveler through community-designed immersion and adventure activities and dedicated free time to gain your own new perspectives.
Schedule
Enjoy a flexible schedule and relaxed pace with personalized guidance from staff giving you time to explore. Create a bigger impact and enhance your connections with a 4+ week stay in Bali.
Who Should Join
Ideal for gap year students, recent graduates, and career-break professionals comfortable with independence and seeking long-term immersion in a beautiful location.
UNIVERSITY STUDENTS / SHORT TERM VOLUNTEERING
Service Learning
Get a glimpse into the Tulamben community, this shorter trip packs a punch with a busy schedule, more participants, and lots to be learned. Split your time between the classroom, the community and our volunteer base engaging with other travelers and seeing the real side of Bali. Be ready to focus on learning about Balinese culture, creating community, sharing perspectives, and seeing the beauty of the island, all while learning about how to do it a sustainable way.
3 WEEK SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM
Pick a group date and join us for an amazing 3 weeks!
2025
NEW YEAR’S: January 4 – January 24
SUMMER 1: July 5 – July 25
SUMMWE 2: July 26 – August 15
2026
NEW YEAR’S: January 10 – January 30
SUMMER 1: July 4 – July 24
SUMMER 2: July 25 – August 14
Service Learning Program Overview
Service
Work with a partner serving others by volunteering as an English teacher working with students in our local afterschool learning center Monday–Thursday.
Activities
Your group will spend time engaging in cultural activities, visiting innovative projects in Bali, participating in guided group reflections, and develop community building skills through intentional group bonding.
Schedule
This is a much more intensive program with a focus on community building and connection with your fellow participants. With less time in Bali, and so much to learn, you will stay busy and have fun!
Who Should Join
Perfect for professionals or university students wanting to make an immediate impact while joining an action-packed experience with enhanced guidance from our team!
APPLIED ACADEMICS / DEEP INVOLVEMENT
Social Impact Internship
Spend your summer doing something different. This is a non-traditional internship where you will work on developing impactful projects alongside our team and a group of interns. Similar to our Teaching Immersion Program, you will balance; service, cultural immersion activities, and skill-building experiences. Beyond this, you will have dedicated time to working on your project with a first-hand view into the inner workings of both the Suwandi Foundation and our local nonprofit partner, Yayasan Loka Mawa Upadhi.
APPLY FOR A 1 MONTH INTERNSHIP
Apply for any internship position (or design your own) by emailing us directly info@suwandifoundation.org.
2025
May 24 – June 20
2026 DATES
May 23 – June 19
Social Impact Internship Positions
Education
TEFL Development
Community Engagement
Marketing
Social Media Content Creation
Video Production
Intercultural Research
Cross-Cultural Religion Research
Cultural Anthropology Research
Nonprofit Development
Nonprofit Grant Writing & Fundraising
Nonprofit Administration
THE SUWANDI FOUNDATION
PROGRAM PRICING
4 Weeks
2025
Teaching Immersion
$3,400
+$590 for each additional week
* ALL PROGRAM FEES ARE IN USD AND ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE
8 Weeks
2026
Teaching Immersion
$4,900
* ALL PROGRAM FEES ARE IN USD AND ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE
3 Weeks
2025/2026
Service Learning
$3,400
* ALL PROGRAM FEES ARE IN USD AND ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE
4 Weeks
2025/2026
Social Impact Internship
$3,400
* ALL PROGRAM FEES ARE IN USD AND ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE
INCLUDED
Cultural Activities and Excursions – Number of activities included depends on the program type
Shared Room Accommodation – Basic living quarters + private room available for extra cost
3 Home Cooked Meals Daily – Made to order by local chefs / provided by activity vendors
Indonesia Volunteering Visa C6B – Mandatory and provided as a part of your program fee
1-2 On the Ground Group Facilitators – Living with participants providing basic guidance + care
24/7 Pre-Trip + On The Ground Support – Small and dedicated team to help you 24/7
Intercultural Competency Training – Designed to ensure you are prepared to enter Bali with an open mind
Airport Pick Up + Drop Off – Shared with other participants to limit our carbon footprint
EXCLUDED
Flights – All participants must arrive to DPS International Airport on the Saturday start date and depart on a Friday
International Medical Travel Insurance – Required for all participants, must have coverage in Indonesia
Free Time Activities + Transportation – Drivers + weekend travel packages available at extra cost
Volunteering Visa Extension – Only necessary if you are staying in Indonesia more than 60 days
Save on Your Program: Discounts and Scholarships
$400 Off
Submit your enrollment forms and deposit within 2 weeks of your consultation call to lock in this discount.
$200 Off
Complete your enrollment and deposit within 4 weeks of your consultation call to claim this offer.
Up to 50% Off
Scholarships are need-based and limited! Apply early for the best chance at funding. If awarded, you’ll have 2 weeks to accept and enroll.
Ready to commit?
Follow our easy enrollment process:
Step 1: Set up an Interview Call with Our Enrollment Team
Learn more about our program options and get all your questions answered on a personal one-on-one call. We want to get to know you and help you find the best fit.
Step 2: Fill out Enrollment Paperwork and Pay $250 Deposit
After you’ve selected your program and confirmed with our enrollment team, just complete your online enrollment forms and submit your deposit to secure your spot in the program.
Step 3: Finish Pre-departure Requirements and Fly to Bali
Complete your pre-departure tasks, intercultural competency training, visa application and online orientation, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience in Bali!