Looking for insight into the best internships in Asia? Intern Abroad HQ offers flexible and affordable internships in Bali! This unique Indonesian island is known for stunning scenery, diverse arts and vibrant culture. As an internship destination, Bali offers opportunities within a thriving tourism economy, as well as enhanced perspective into modern sustainability challenges.
Internships in Bali are available within the following fields:
Interns in Bali can choose a minimum duration of 8 weeks, up to 24 weeks, with start dates available every week. Let us take care of connecting you with a network of professional host organizations within your field, while also arranging your airport pick up, accommodation and providing comprehensive in-country support.
Contents
- What are some highlights of this internship destination?
- Is it okay to intern in Bali if I don’t speak the language?
- When is the best time of the year to intern in Bali?
- Do I need a visa for an internship in Bali, Indonesia?
- What should I do for transportation in Bali?
- What is the food like in Bali?
- What is the accommodation like in Bali?
- How can interns spend their weekends and what activities are a “must do”?
- What other recommendations are there for interns in Bali?
What are some highlights of this internship destination?
Bali has a particular vibe that everybody feels in some way. It’s usually described as comforting, freeing, and inspiring! We think this is the consequence of many factors: the sun, the friendly, welcoming people, and the enjoyment of everyday life! No matter where you are in Bali, you are always in close proximity to the ocean, and people in Bali seem to share an affinity for the outdoors and the natural environment.
A special highlight is the Balinese people - they are incredibly kind and caring. You’ll be greeted with daily smiles, laughing children, and generous locals. You come away feeling as if you have connected with the community, as you learn the names of those at your favorite local coffee stop, your closest corner store, or go-to street vendor.
We especially love the motivation with which international interns approach their internship. We love to see how many of them become a part of the host companies and organizations! They spend their free-time with their colleagues, are invited to spend time with their families, and they are totally immersed into the new culture and way of life.
We observe how interns are thankful to have the chance to experience a kind of simple life like this, and that they leave Bali just happier for having had the experience. International companies need international interns to help build and ignite projects and plans, and to create new innovative ways to connect to their audiences. Both sides benefit from the exchange of ideas!
“I had the time of my life and I will never forget my internship in Bali. Intern Abroad HQ helped with everything from the visa to insurance and accommodation. I had a great summer!” - Valentina Rasori, Event Management internship in Bali
Is it okay to intern in Bali if I don’t speak the language?
Of course! All internships hosted out of Bali are conducted in English. Interns should expect the occasional language barrier, as is expected when traveling anywhere new where English is not the first language. However, due to the strong tourism and hospitality sector in Bali, it’s easy for visitors to get by. Most Balinese are bilingual if not trilingual (or more).
When is the best time of the year to intern in Bali?
Year-round! Bali has a beautiful tropical climate. If you want to avoid the wet season, then schedule your internship during the months from May through September. However, these are peak season dates, so you’ll want to plan ahead and secure your spot in advance. There’s opportunity for interns year-round, so you can really plan a schedule that works for you. You might even secure more affordable flights if you travel outside of the peak-tourism period!
Do I need a visa for an internship in Bali, Indonesia?
Yes and you need to budget for this. All nationalities are required to obtain a visa in advance, in order to intern in Bali. We help interns with this, as you’ll be guided at every step. There is a cost of approx. US$425 for the Visa Agent Sponsorship and a stay up to 60 days. (This is sufficient for the minimum duration requirement of an 8 week internship). For internships longer than 8 weeks, the visa can be extended for another 60 days for an additional cost. (Visas cannot be extended more than twice).
“Intern Abroad HQ gave me the opportunity to see the world in a safe and affordable way! I couldn’t imagine my internship without this company, not only was the experience amazing but so was the support. I hope anyone who wants to intern abroad takes the chance to do so.” - Francesca Solano, Event Management internship in Bali
What should I do for transportation in Bali?
We always make efforts to place interns in accommodation that’s as conveniently located as possible. Traffic in Bali is usually congested and you can expect to see scooters and motorbikes everywhere. We strongly recommend that interns use taxis (instead of scooters), as the safest mode of transport. Taxis are not hard to find, they are affordable, and there are handy apps you can use on your phone to coordinate them. For example, for transport (and much more) you can download “Go Jek” on your smartphone and use this app for ordering rides, meals, and other services. “Grab” is also the Uber equivalent in Bali and takes passenger safety seriously.
It is normal to expect a commute to and from the internship placement. The average commute time (between accommodation and the internship placement) is approximately 20 minutes and should not be more than 60 minutes (depending on traffic). Expect to budget approximately US$40 per month for this.
What is the food like in Bali?
Internships in Bali do not include meals and it is common (and affordable) to eat out. Food from local establishments is hearty, healthy, and can cost as little as US$2-3 per meal. Just chat with colleagues at your internship placement for advice on recommended eateries. They’ll be all too happy to help!
Delicious Balinese cuisine typically features rice in every meal. This may be accompanied by vegetables and meat or seafood. Beef is rarely consumed. Common spices and seasonings may include galangal, ginger, shallots, garlic, turmeric, and lime. We recommend that you avoid street food and eat hot cooked food. Staying hydrated is a must and bottled water should be consumed only (it’s fine to brush your teeth with tap water but don’t drink it).
If you go to beach resorts or tourism-targeted restaurants, it will be easy to spend a lot more. The supermarkets, restaurants and cafes aimed at travelers are comparatively more expensive.
What is the accommodation like in Bali?
Interns in Bali are conveniently accommodated in the desirable touristic areas of the island. This may include the southern beach resort areas of Seminyak and Canggu, or the artistic and cultural epicenter of Ubud. The internship accommodation is designed to offer proximity to the various amenities of Bali, such as shopping, cafes, restaurants, wellness studios, tourism operators, and more. Taxi services may also be utilized within these central areas.
The accommodation typically features shared living facilities. However, interns can expect to have their own bedroom and bathroom for privacy. Kitchenettes are not common but if they are provided, they are quite basic, featuring just a bench, refrigerator and/or stove.
Accommodation includes WiFi but the speed can sometimes be slow (compared to what you might be used to at home). The cost of electricity is also included with the accommodation.
If you want to participate in the program alongside friends, this is no problem - arrangements can be made to ensure you’re accommodated together.
How can interns spend their weekends and what activities are a “must do”?
During the weekend, interns have spare time to relax and explore! Day trips can be facilitated by the local team, such as a Penida tour (including speedboat ticket, tour and trips), a North-Bali tour and mountain hike. Other trips may be facilitated upon request, depending on personal interest.
It’s wise to get an idea of what you’d like to do in advance, so you can budget accordingly for activities. If you need advice ahead of time, just let us know!
Bear in mind that attendance at your internship placement is mandatory - you should only travel and book tourism excursions on your days off (which will in most cases be during the weekends). You can plan longer trips and travels for the time before or after your internship period.
What other recommendations are there for interns in Bali?
Be open, flexible and try to enjoy every single bit of it! Be aware that most companies where interns are placed are small or medium-sized, which creates a warm and family-like atmosphere. Responsibilities may shift depending on the current projects and priorities, and you may have the opportunity to realize a project of your own during the internship duration.
Bring new ideas and be innovative! Most of all, interact with your local host company team. We’re all here to help and welcome ideas and communications. The great thing about international internships is that everyone brings a unique perspective with different talents and skills to share. We believe that cultural exchange, and the exchange of knowledge and ideas, is an essential aspect of the internship programs and professional development.
“I feel that I have grown a lot personally in terms of being more independent, culturally aware and being more open to new ideas and proactive at everything I do.” - Elizabeth Lo, Media & Communications internship in Bali
I’m ready! How can I start planning my internship in Bali?
Found your ideal opportunity yet? Check out our amazing range of internship opportunities offered out of Bali!
Submit your interest via our online application form (for free). We’ll review your application to confirm you’re a good match for your chosen internship program and that there is availability for the dates you’ve requested. We can then accept you into the program.
Once you’re accepted, you can reserve your place by paying a deposit of $499 USD. This confirmation allows us to reserve your desired internship dates while we arrange your placement and customize your internship. Then let the adventure begin!
