Indonesia, a Southeast Asian nation made up of thousands of volcanic islands, is home to hundreds of ethnic groups speaking many different languages. It is known for its beaches, volcanoes and jungles sheltering elephants, tigers and Komodo dragons. On the island of Java lies Indonesia’s vibrant, sprawling capital, Jakarta, and the city of Yogyakarta, known for gamelan music and traditional puppetry.
Overview of Volunteer Programs in Indonesia
WHY VOLUNTEER IN INDONESIA
Volunteering in Indonesia offers a captivating blend of cultural discovery and meaningful impact. This diverse archipelago nation is a canvas of natural wonders, from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to ancient temples and bustling markets. By dedicating your time to volunteer work here, you’ll contribute to vital projects focused on community development, environmental conservation, or education, directly improving the lives of local people while immersing yourself in Indonesia’s rich tapestry of traditions and landscapes.
Whether you’re involved in marine conservation efforts in Bali, teaching English to eager learners in Java, or assisting with healthcare initiatives in rural areas, your contributions will make a tangible difference. Beyond your volunteer responsibilities, you’ll have the chance to explore Indonesia’s captivating cultural heritage, witness breathtaking sunrises over volcanoes, and embrace the warmth and hospitality of its people.
HIGHLIGHTS OF VOLUNTEERING IN INDONESIA
Here are just a few of the best things about volunteer work in Indonesia:
- Volunteering in Indonesia allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions across the archipelago, fostering cross-cultural understanding and personal growth.
- Contribute to impactful projects that empower local communities, such as education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and sustainable agriculture, making a positive and lasting difference in Indonesian lives.
- Experience Indonesia’s natural beauty, from white-sand beaches and turquoise waters to lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes, providing a picturesque backdrop to your volunteer work.
- Engage in marine conservation initiatives, such as coral reef restoration and sea turtle protection, in Indonesia’s world-renowned underwater ecosystems.
Our Indonesia Volunteer Projects
Browse all of our volunteer projects in Indonesia below. If you can’t find a suitable volunteer program, check out our main program finder to continue your search for volunteering beyond Indonesia.
Culture Week Volunteer in Bali, Indonesia
Culture Week Volunteer in Bali, Indonesia
Bali boasts one of the most diverse and innovative performing arts cultures in the world, with performances at thousands of temple festivals, private ceremonies and public shows. Culture Week is packed full of exciting adventures, cultural excursions and interactions. It includes language lessons, visits to various temples around Bali, a walking tour of Ubud and the famous Monkey street, local art and cooking classes, traditional dance shows and flower arranging classes. During Culture Week, you will be participating in various activities and will get acquainted with the Balinese culture, studying the Balinese language and exploring Ubud and its beautiful surrounding areas.
You will see a tr
Community Engagement Volunteer Program in Goa, India
Community Engagement Volunteer Program in Goa, India
By lending your time and effort you would help in improving the quality of life of the local communities of Goa. This project is designed to provide basic informal education, life skills, arts and crafts. Participate in our endeavor to empower the local women to start up their own businesses. And provide them with proper materials and training to stand on their own feet. Join us in this project to inspire the less privileged and help the community to build on their own.
Teaching English Volunteer Program in Ubud town of Bali, Indonesia
Teaching English Volunteer Program in Ubud town of Bali, Indonesia
With Bali’s rapidly expanding tourism industry, the demand for local English speakers has never been greater. Children may have the opportunity to learn English at school, however this is usually taught by a local Balinese teacher and thus the children never really get to practice their conversational skills or hear native English speakers. Balinese children are extremely eager to learn and are an absolute joy to teach. On this project, you will be spending about one to two hours each morning preparing lessons and around three hours in the afternoon teaching at a local elementary or high school. It is entirely up to you what you decide to teach, however there is a general syllabus for you to
Environment Education Volunteer Program in Ubud town of Bali, Indonesia
Environment Education Volunteer Program in Ubud town of Bali, Indonesia
Bali is well known for its astonishing beauty and greenery. Unfortunately, due to rapid development and the rise in tourism, the local surroundings of Bali have experienced many negative consequences. Plastic water bottles and plastic food wrappers are of great concern and you will often see people simply throwing these on the ground, as food in Bali were traditionally wrapped in biodegradable banana leaves. The relationship between humans and the environment is an important part of the Balinese culture and the aim of this project is to instill environmental education in the children at a young age, imparting your message in a fun and dynamic manner. The emphasis is on hands on techniques, g
Healthcare Education Program Volunteer in Ubud town of Bali, Indonesia
Healthcare Education Program Volunteer in Ubud town of Bali, Indonesia
Our healthcare education initiative is in its infancy and requires the skills of both established medical and healthcare professionals and those who are interested in teaching basic first-aid and personal hygiene. This need for having project participants on either end of the medical spectrum arises due to the great extremes in hygiene and health practices. Apart from needing qualified professionals in order to conduct health camps and dental checkups, we also need participants who can educate people in the areas of basic first-aid and personal hygiene such as washing hands, brushing teeth and general cleanliness. This works towards the prevention of many avoidable health problems and easily
Turtle Conservation & Rehabilitation Volunteer in Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Turtle Conservation & Rehabilitation Volunteer in Nusa Penida, Indonesia
The Turtle Conservation project is located on the charming island of Nusa Penida, which is a 45 minute speedboat ride from mainland Bali. The project is in its early stage and you will work alongside a local team and help protect the endangered sea turtles of Indonesia. You will contribute to conserve the turtles by working at our turtle conservation center. Depending on the time of the year since turtles do not nest all year round, you may be identifying turtle species, collecting eggs, monitoring nests or seeing hatchlings get safely to sea.
You must be prepared for a more basic standard of living on the island, with fewer shops and attractions available (bearing in mind the beach is pract
Construction and Renovation Volunteer in Ubud town of Bali, Indonesia
Construction and Renovation Volunteer in Ubud town of Bali, Indonesia
In this program, you would be participating in laying bricks, doing carpentry, painting, laying tiles and landscaping/gardening. A local coordinator will provide guidance and training alongside local families.
Through participating in this social project, you will make a difference to the local community by helping in improving their living conditions. You would be in an artistic and relaxed environment where you are in charge of renovating and creating drawings and paintings in several kindergartens and primary schools around Ubud. This activity is fun and it would support your creativity during the process.
For all programs, it is imperative to remember that any money raised to help your p
Kindergarten Program Volunteer in Ubud town of Bali, Indonesia
Kindergarten Program Volunteer in Ubud town of Bali, Indonesia
We work in over 15 kindergartens in Ubud and its surrounding villages. Moreover, we have our own kindergarten for 4-5 year olds, who can attend it for free. The kids are right at the start of their school careers and the chance to start learning English since such an early age will prove invaluable for them further on.
Like in kindergartens throughout the world, the teaching is informal as the children will want to play with you more than to be taught. However, simply by getting them enthused about coming to school, giving them some very basic English phrases such as simple greetings, you may well have sown the seeds of a lifelong learning habit.
The children will all be excited to see you a
Location
About Bali
Dubbed the Island of the Gods, Bali is one of the more than 17,000 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago. Due to its location off the coast from the mainland and unique culture and religion from the rest of the country, Bali is often treated as a destination of its own, “if you’ve only been to Bali, you’ve never been to Indonesia”. With its pristine beaches, its unspoilt waters ideal for surfing and diving, its lush mountains, its never-ending rice terrace and volcanic hillsides, its spiritually-infused culture and more, Bali has quickly become a must-visit and it often makes its way on everyone’s bucket list.
Dates & costs
The World Endeavors Volunteer in Indonesia program is flexible in duration, and can be tailored to last between 1 to 12 weeks. Admissions are rolling, and World Endeavors volunteers can choose when they would like to start their program. Due to holidays, traditional vacation schedules, and seasonal work availability, there might be better times than others to volunteer at a specific location or in a specific project.
When you are ready to start planning your volunteer trip to Indonesia, contact us. Our experienced advisors will help you sort through any timing considerations unique to your destination or your volunteer project.
Please wait until after you are accepted into the program and you have received the confirmed arrival and departure dates before you book your flight.
Eligibility
- Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, though exceptions to this age requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis.
- Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in the culture.
- Keep in mind that all countries have different visa restrictions for varying types of passports.
Housing
Volunteers stay in a shared volunteer house and stay in shared rooms by gender. Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. Indonesian food is tasty and diverse and you can expect to experience a myriad of flavors and meals during your stay. Typical dishes included Mie Goreng (fried noodles and vegetables), Nasi Goreng (fried rice and vegetables) or Gado Gado (mixed vegetables with a satay sauce). For those who do not eat meat, Indonesian cooking uses a lot of tofu and tempeh (soybeans), some western dishes would also be available.
Every World Endeavors Volunteer Project Includes
Our carefully designed international volunteer programs encompass everything necessary for your success and well-being while abroad.
YOUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
- Volunteer project customized to match your interests and goals and meet community needs
- Year-round program availability
- Flexible durations from 2 to 12 weeks
PEACE OF MIND
- Comprehensive travel medical insurance
- Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
- 24/7 emergency travel assistance
ACCOMMODATION
- Host family or shared volunteer house, depending on destination
- Vetted and hand-selected with quality and safety in mind
- 2 to 3 meals per day included
PREPARATION AND SUPPORT
- Airport pickup
- Pre-arrival and on-site orientation
- 24/7 local support
TEAM OF EXPERTS
- Dedicated one-on-one advisor
- Local on-site coordinator
- Volunteer project supervisor
RE-ENTRY AND CAREER INTEGRATION
- Re-entry handbook and support
- Assistance with resume updates
- World Endeavors Alumni Network
HEALTH & SAFETY
When you feel safe and respected abroad, you will flourish. World Endeavors participants are transformed through enriching, rewarding and safe experiences around the world. We meticulously monitor travel recommendations and will only facilitate programs where we can ensure our participants’ safety.
We take key steps to ensure our participants’ well-being, including providing a pre-trip success guide, 24/7 local support, in-country trained staff, pre and post-arrival orientation, comprehensive travel medical insurance, and Mental Health First Aid-certified staff. Please contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.
WHAT TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME IN INDONESIA
In your spare time in Indonesia, there are numerous activities and experiences to enjoy. Here are some suggestions:
- Visit Ancient Temples: Discover Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage by visiting ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan in Yogyakarta, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Experience Volcano Trekking: Engage in volcano trekking experiences, such as Mount Bromo in Java or Mount Rinjani in Lombok, to witness breathtaking sunrise views.
- Try Indonesian Cuisine: Indulge in the diverse and delicious Indonesian cuisine, sampling dishes like nasi goreng, satay, rendang, and gado-gado to savor the country’s unique flavors.
- Embrace Traditional Culture: Attend traditional dance performances like Balinese dance or Javanese wayang kulit puppet shows to experience Indonesia’s vibrant cultural expressions.
Available Volunteer Project types
Here are the available Volunteer Abroad project types. Don’t panic if you don’t see your preferred project type listed! Our advisors are proud of their ability to find great volunteer projects in interesting locations and will be able to match you to the best project. Contact World Endeavors today to find out more.
How to choose the best volunteer program
Choosing your volunteer program is easy when you evaluate your priorities. Follow these steps to guide you toward your ideal program.
Explore a New Career
Interning abroad offers a great opportunity to explore your professional and personal interests, and help define your career path. Peruse our internship fields and past examples to find the best fit.
Choose Your Dream Destination
Finding a meaningful way to combine interning and travel to your dream location is a big incentive. Carefully consider which destinations suit your interests and international internship goals.
Improve Language Skills
Immersing yourself in a language-rich environment is the ultimate method for developing fluency. If language-learning is your goal, favor destinations that use your language of choice.
Fit your budget
Explore scholarships and financial aid to determine if these may impact your destination options. Consider the overall cost of the program and cost of living in-country to identify the optimal match.
Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.
Recent Volunteer Abroad Testimonials
Indonesia FAQs
Is Indonesia an Island?
Yes, Indonesia is an island nation consisting of over 17,000 islands. It is located in Southeast Asia and is the world’s largest archipelago.
Is Indonesia Safe?
Indonesia is generally safe, but caution is crucial. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen in tourist spots. Protect your belongings and avoid showing valuables. Stay informed about potential political or natural issues. Stay vigilant, follow local rules, and be aware of a safe and enjoyable visit.
Do Indonesians Speak English?
While English is not the official language of Indonesia, it is taught in many schools and is widely spoken in major cities. English is also a requirement for many jobs, so many Indonesians can speak at least a basic level of English.
Is Indonesia a Developing Country?
Indonesia is classified as a developing country because it has a large population and a relatively low economic development. Most of the population lives in rural areas and relies heavily on subsistence farming, while most people in urban areas are employed in the informal sector.
Is Bali in Indonesia?
Yes, Bali is an island in Indonesia located between Java and Lombok. It is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its beaches, lush jungles, and rich culture.
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World Endeavors volunteers support communities in several destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Our programs are located in a variety of sites, including urban and rural, economically developed and developing, and English-speaking and non-English speaking.
How to apply for a Volunteer Abroad Program
You’ve decided to volunteer abroad – congratulations! Applying for your World Endeavors program is easy and stress-free. We can’t wait to get you on your way!
STEP 1
EXPLORE & ASK
Research and compare. If you can’t decide on a program, we can guide you toward the best fit.
STEP 2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Fill out our online application form to share all your relevant details with our team.
STEP 3
ENROLL & PREPARE
Receive your official acceptance and enroll. We’ll give you all the info you need to get ready!
STEP 4
START YOUR ADVENTURE!
You’ve researched, planned and saved. Now you’re ready. It’s time to PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!