Teaching English in Bali – my experience report

Arrival & living

As soon as I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by the project staff and local community members. The volunteer accommodation is beautifully situated with a relaxed atmosphere. The accommodation was basic but cozy and provided everything I needed during my stay.

Work in the project

Lessons took place in a small school. The students were between 6 and 12 years old and had different levels of English. Some of them could already hold basic conversations, while others were just beginning to learn the language. I had a great mentor at the school, was able to accompany various teachers and was later able to give individual lessons myself.

As a volunteer, I was supported by the local teachers who already had teaching experience. Together we developed a curriculum that focused on the basics of the English language, such as the alphabet, numbers, colors and basic sentences. We designed the lessons to be interactive and game-based to facilitate and motivate the students to learn.

The students were incredibly enthusiastic, open-minded and motivated to learn English and asked many questions. It was inspiring to see how they struggled to improve their language skills. The progress they made during my stay was clearly visible and it was a fulfilling experience to be part of their learning process.

leisure

Apart from the classes, I also had the opportunity to take part in other activities in the village. I helped organize games and fun activities for the children and got involved in community projects like planting a vegetable garden. In the afternoons and weekends, I used the time to chill on the beach or go on excursions with other volunteers who were there with me.

Why RGV?

Throughout my stay I felt well looked after and supported. Both the RGV office in Munich and the team in Bali were always helpful and available for questions and concerns. I think it's particularly great that we always had the feeling of being integrated into the local community.

Overall, my experience as a volunteer was awesome and I already miss this incredibly beautiful country. It was an enriching experience where I not only expanded my knowledge but also made new friends and gained deep insights into Balinese culture. I can recommend this project to anyone interested in education and intercultural exchange!

Field report by David, volunteer in the project "Teaching English in Bali", March 2023