Bali is a destination that has become not only a hub for tourists from across the globe with its beautiful scenery and traditional authenticity, but is also recognized as an ideal location to hold international conferences and seminars. Therefore the ability to speak English has become essential as a language to learn for Balinese people to move forward in life and enable them to have direct contact with tourists and enhance the countries recognition and visibility on a global stage.
English is a key component in both the formal and informal industries that exist in Bali and the communication mediums that underpin them. This ranges from the schools, offices and banks to the shops and restaurants that makes up much of the booming tourist industry that exists in Bali today.
PMGY’s English Teaching Program gives volunteers the chance to really make a difference by opening up possibilities of developing English for local children in Tabanan. The explosion of tourism in Bali means the need to speak English has never been greater. Though English is taught in school by the local Balinese teacher, the opportunity to converse with a native, fluent English speaker is invaluable.
Balinese people are warm and friendly. You can expect the staff you work with, the local community and the children you teach to welcome you into their community with open arms. They will be excited to speak to you and hear all about your life! This program can benefit your future prospects as much as it does the people you teach. You will come away with skills that are easily transferred into the workplace such as leadership, time management and organisational skills.
This is an empowering and rewarding project which really makes a difference to those less fortunate in providing free afternoon English education to the children of Tabanan. Inspire through your methods and give these children the confidence to converse with tourists. This in turn will improve their future and that of their families.
With the heat and high temperatures that exist in Bali, shorter sessions split throughout the day are seen as beneficial all round and allows for volunteer energy levels to remain high with positive intensity in each morning and afternoon session. Volunteers are encouraged to use the lunch break in between to relax, refresh or plan future activities to maximize time at the project.
We encourage volunteers to prepare as much as possible for their teaching program overseas. You can make the most out of your time by completing our convenient, inexpensive and international accredited 60-hour Online TEFL Course for just £99.
Is it safe to travel to PMGY destinations?
Although our volunteers work in the developing world, we always ensure our host locations are safe. Each program has been extensively researched and has passed our strict vetting process. Our UK team undergo an extensive routine when establishing our in-country infrastructures and we continue to monitor our safety procedures on a regular basis. Furthermore, we monitor the stability of our volunteer destinations on a daily basis. Through our constant contact with consulates and embassies and our reports from our overseas teams, we are able to ensure that our volunteers are never placed in unstable regions.
The PMGY team have visited and participated in every program we offer and verified them based on our own independent criteria. We carefully inspect every little detail of our set-up. From inspecting the living conditions, checking out the neighbourhoods you’ll be staying in, to tasting the food you’ll be eating – each and every program we establish has gone through a lengthy and rigorous vetting process. Risk assessments have been written for all areas in which PMGY operate and our experienced local coordinators are always on-hand to manage any emergencies that may occur. Our UK team are always on the road reviewing our risk management procedures in the field and monitoring local conditions.
In emergency situations we have the necessary protocols and equipment in place and we are able to evacuate our volunteers from potential dangers. Our local coordinators are trained to deal with emergency circumstances.
When you join PMGY we will send you a Volunteer Handbook. This document addresses a range of issues such as health, safety, visa issues etc. Furthermore, our UK team are only ever a phone call away should you wish to discuss any aspect of your upcoming program. When you arrive in-country, you’ll be given a comprehensive safety briefing during your orientation course by our local coordinators. We will go through everything from emergency procedures, how to use local transport and cultural differences. You’ll also be given the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card, something we strongly suggest, so you’re contactable at all times. We will provide you with a full list of the important contact numbers that you’ll need to know.
All our local teams are experienced development professionals who have years of experience in hosting international volunteers. They are our representatives on the ground and will assist you 24/7 throughout your stay. Whether you need to call home, travel at the weekend or require urgent assistance – they are there to support you.
While we cannot guarantee your volunteer experience to be 100% trouble free we have taken all the necessary precautions to make sure each program is as safe as possible.
What date should I arrive and leave?
You should arrive into Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar (airport code DPS) on the selected Sunday start date. Programmes start on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. You will be met at the airport by one of our local staff or an appointed driver who will be holding a named sign. They will take you to your accommodation where you will spend the rest of your day at leisure.
The program ends on the Saturday of your final week and you should depart the accommodation on this day.