Educate. COnnect. EMpower. 

Volunteer Differently.

Step beyond typical volunteer programs. Teach, connect, and immerse yourself in the community, creating meaningful change while discovering the real Bali.

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.

Discover how the Suwandi Foundation is different:

Discover how the Suwandi Foundation is different:

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK

Discover how the Suwandi Foundation is different:

Discover how the Suwandi Foundation is different:

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.
Designed For You

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS

REQUEST A BROCHURE REQUEST A BROCHURE

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

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.

JOIN US ON ANY OF THE START DATES

SPRING 2025: Jan. 25, Feb. 22, Mar. 22  END DATE: May 23

FALL 2025:  Sep, 13, Oct.11, Nov. 8   END DATE: Dec. 5

Minimum stay of 4 weeks. Weekly extension possible until end date.



Request More Information

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

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. 

JOIN US ON ANY OF THE START DATES

SPRING 2025: Jul. 5 – Jul. 25, Jul. 26 – Aug. 15, *Aug. 16 – Sept. 5

Service Learning Programs are maximum 3 weeks. *Our August trip is ideal for new gap year students and can be combined with teaching immersion program for a longer trip and bigger impact.  



Request More Information

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 

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 AN INTERNSHIP

SUMMER 2025: May 24 – June 20

SUMMER 2026: May 23 – June 19

Apply for this position by making an account on Handshake using the link below, or by emailing us directly info@suwandifoundation.org



Set Up a Zoom Call To Apply

Social Impact Internship Positions

Education

TEFL Development

Community  Engagement 

Education

TEFL Development

Community  Engagement 

Marketing 

Social Media Content Creation

Video Production

Marketing 

Social Media Content Creation

Video Production

Intercultural Research

Cross-Cultural Religion Research 

Cultural Anthropology Research 

Intercultural Research

Cross-Cultural Religion Research 

Cultural Anthropology Research 

Nonprofit Development

Nonprofit Grant Writing & Fundraising 

Nonprofit Administration

Nonprofit Development

Nonprofit Grant Writing & Fundraising 

Nonprofit Administration

THE SUWANDI FOUNDATION

PROGRAM PRICING

PROGRAM PRICING

4 Weeks

Teaching Immersion

Teaching Immersion

$2,600

$2,600

+$590 for each additional week

* ALL PROGRAM FEES ARE IN USD AND ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE

JOIN THIS PROGRAM
3 weeks

Service Learning Program

Service Learning Program

$3,400

$3,400

* ALL PROGRAM FEES ARE IN USD AND ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE

JOIN THIS PROGRAM
4 weeks

Social Impact Internship

Social Impact Internship

$3,800

$3,800

* ALL PROGRAM FEES ARE IN USD AND ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE

JOIN THIS PROGRAM

INCLUDED 

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

SCHOLARSHIPS 

The Suwandi Foundation Empowerment Scholarship is put in place to open doors on new opportunities for all people. We recognize the power of international travel and cultural immersion and we want to ensure equal access to this unique experience. The Empowerment Scholarship will help subsidize the cost of our programs costs up to 50% for passionate change makers who want to dedicate their time and skills, but who may lack the resources to do so.

Please speak to our team during your interview to learn more or request a scholarship application.

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

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Suwandi Foundation Empowerment Scholarship is put in place to open doors on new opportunities for all people. We recognize the power of international travel and cultural immersion and we want to ensure equal access to this unique experience. The Empowerment Scholarship will help subsidize the cost of our programs costs up to 50% for passionate change makers who want to dedicate their time and skills, but who may lack the resources to do so.

Please speak to our team during your interview to learn more or request a scholarship application.

SERVICE + IMPACT 

Your Volunteer Position: Yayasan Loka Mawa Upadhi

A space where students can dream big.

Yayasan Loka Mawa Upadhi is a locally started and run Indonesian nonprofit with the mission of: assisting the local government in addressing social challenges, provide education to children, and preserve the cultural integrity of the community.

Our Pedagogy: Creating activity based, beyond the desk, explorative lessons.  

Our volunteer programs exist because the Tulamben community asked for help. Our team sits down and talks to the people we serve, and parents and students are requesting your support. They have seen how volunteers empower children to dream bigger and take control of their futures—and so have we. This is why being in the classroom is a key aspect of this program. Alongside a local teacher, you will teach 2 classes of 13-18 students from 1st – 12th grade. We encourage you to think big and bring your passions into the classroom to inspire students, and most importantly, have fun!

SERVICE + IMPACT 

Your Volunteer Position: Yayasan Loka Mawa Upadhi

A space where students can dream big.

Yayasan Loka Mawa Upadhi is a locally started and run Indonesian nonprofit with the mission of: Assisting the local government in addressing social challenges, provide education to children, and preserve the cultural integrity of the community.

Our Pedagogy: Creating activity based, beyond the desk, explorative lessons.  

Our volunteer programs exist because the Tulamben community asked for help. Our team sits down and talks to the people we serve, and parents and students are requesting your support. They have seen how volunteers empower children to dream bigger and take control of their futures—and so have we. This is why being in the classroom is a key aspect of this program. Alongside a local teacher, you will teach 2 classes of 13-18 students from 1st – 12th grade. We encourage you to think big and bring your passions into the classroom to inspire students, and most importantly, have fun!

PROGRAM LOGISTICS

PROGRAM LOGISTICS

Your Home Away From Home: Khrisna Sunrise Homestay

During the program, you’ll stay at Khrisna Sunrise Homestay in Tulamben, Karangasem, a less-touristy area of Bali facing economic challenges, including limited access to education and low literacy rates.

The homestay fosters community, reflection, and fun, with amenities like air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, a rooftop deck, and a fully equipped kitchen. Cards, board games, and musical instruments are also available. A dedicated team of six staff members ensures delicious meals, cleanliness, and a comfortable stay.

Health and Safety

Suwandi Foundation, as a member of the Cornerstone Safety Group, is dedicated to ensuring participant safety and support. This partnership grants us access to over 80 years of expertise in international program design, along with services like 24/7 on-call medical directors and mental health advisors.
 
To further ensure the wellbeing of participants, every program is guided by at least one on site Volunteer Educator who is equipped with knowledge to help you adjust to cultural norms, handle logistics and guide and support the group. All staff are trained in emergency protocols and are prepared to address mental and physical health concerns.
 
Together, our collaborative team ensures the highest standards of safety and well-being.
reviews

Stories From Previous Participants

Gain insight into our trips through the firsthand experiences of our participants.

“This opportunity is one you should not pass up and I have no doubt in my mind that if you go once you will return. Going to Bali and teaching English has changed my life and added such a wonderful passion for this community.”

Allison Coward

Intern, Social Impact Internship 2024

My time spent in Bali this summer was nothing short of incredible and so meaningful. Going to a place so far away from home to learn about a completely new culture and lifestyle really broadened my perspective immensely on how I see the world and live my daily life. Every person I have met in Bali has been beyond kind, generous, caring, and willing to share their wisdom and advice. 

At Yayasan LMU, I taught the Moonshine 1 & 2 classes and was accompanied by the local teacher I Luh and many Indonesian volunteers who attended a research program down the street. I so enjoyed making so many new connections and learning so much of the language from them. My class of kids were always so joyful to come to class to learn, even after already being in school all day before. Everyday they so kindly welcomed me and would continue to also teach me their own language.

While it may sound intimidating to teach English to students who speak a language you don’t know, the language difference does not pose a barrier to their learning. You just have to be willing to put in the effort to brainstorm how to communicate the message, whether that be through acting out, direct translation, games, etc.

Leaving this group of kids after teaching them for a month was so difficult for me, but I can leave knowing I will return to see and teach them again. 

This opportunity is one you should not pass up and I have no doubt in my mind that if you go once you will return. Going to Bali and teaching English has changed my life and added such a wonderful passion for this community.

“Everyday I had a new opportunity to immerse myself into the culture whether it was a cooking class, dance class, a Hindu lesson, or my personal favorite when we had traditional dinners.”

Brooke Harrington

Participant, Summer Service Learning Trip 2023

Having the opportunity to visit Bali and volunteer was truly an unforgettable experience. The first morning I woke up in Tulamben I was amazed by its beauty. I was greeted by the most welcoming people, it didn’t even feel like it was my first time there. Everyday I had a new opportunity to immerse myself into the culture whether it was a cooking class, dance class, a Hindu lesson, or my personal favorite when we had traditional dinners. With my time spent teaching at Yayasan LMU the students always had a smile on their face and were so happy and eager to learn. By the end of my two weeks I couldn’t believe it was over. Bali is such a special place and I hope to go back soon! 

See More Reviews on Go Overseas

Frequently Asked Questions

While the majority of our volunteers range between 18-30, we welcome people of all ages to join us in Bali. If you are a minor, we have policies and procedures in place that involve your guardian.

Our pricing is for fully-inclusive, planned trips. We encourage you to download our brochures to read through the full program cost breakdown. In short, the program cost goes directly to supporting the learning center we partner with, the administrative tasks associated with organizing your trip, the safety team and measures in place including insurance, and the direct costs of your trips such as the volunteering visa, accommodation, food, activities, transport, and on-the-ground staff. 

We would love to add you to our mailing list, so you can stay up to date as we roll out new programs moving forward. Sign up below! 

Please refer to the Health and Safety section above for details on our partnered safety organization, Cornerstone Safety Group. If you would like more information and specifics on what safety procedures are in place, please contact us!

Beyond personal savings, you can start your own fundraiser or apply for scholarships and grants to fund your trip. Additionally, our organization has scholarship opportunities that any participants can apply for! Please read more in the scholarships section above.

Every participant will complete a virtual orientation the week before they arrive in Bali. This includes a synchronous Zoom session to meet your cohort members and two asynchronous modules focused on English teacher training and intercultural competency training. This orientation is in place to provide participants with a basic understanding of concepts that will likely reappear during their time in Bali. Participants will also be required to utilize Duolingo to practice the Indonesian language. Beyond these components to the mandatory orientation, you may refer to your Welcome Packet for tips on how to prepare for your time in Bali including a packing list and recommended vaccination list.

You will join the growing network of previous participants who have been impacted by their time in Bali and be added to our newsletter list. We will also share resources and ideas on how to stay involved at home such as reflecting on your experiences, sharing those reflections, and holding fundraisers to make direct impacts on the communities you worked for. 

Engage with the community, listen to their needs, collaborate with local community members, and follow guidelines in place to promote ethical volunteering. During and after your trip, reflect on your experiences, share your gained knowledge with others, and continue your impact from home!

Of course! We encourage you to schedule a meeting with us, so we can best help you make an impact from afar! There are many ways you can help fundraise to transform the lives of children and community members in rural Bali.