Bali: Journey of Arts and Service 
Journey to the magical Indonesian island of Bali this summer. Bali, also known as the Island of the Gods, is one of the most peaceful, beautiful places on earth. Immerse yourself in a land where spirituality and ecology blend together to create a unique and peaceful culture. You’ll engage with inspirational community organizations, explore off-the-beaten path places and enjoy the rich and vibrant local culture.
During the program, you’ll live in the GLA Home-Base in Ubud, a town known for its arts community, and where Elizabeth Gilbert from Eat, Pray, Love finds paradise. Your days will be filled with adventures that include: working with local organizations on issues affecting Bali, leadership training to integrate your learning, and cultural activities to get to know the local traditions, practices and people. On the weekends you will embark on voyages such as white-water rafting, snorkeling in the most beautiful waters in the world, and boat rides at sunrise to see dolphins!
Highlights:
- Volunteer with inspirational organizations and help teach English and other skills to youth
- Dine with the Prince of Ubud and learn about his leadership of the town
- Witness the sacred temples and ceremonies of the Balinese culture
- Enjoy a day of white-water rafting down the Ayung River
- Learn about the Balinese arts of Gamelan music and Legong dance
- Take a sunrise boat trip to watch dolphins
- Trek to remote temples and work in rice paddies with local farmers
- Bask in the sun at the beautiful beaches all across the island
- Visit remarkable Balinese visionaries, royal families, healers, and women activists
- Intensive hands-on leadership development focused on effective communication, collaboration, and strategic problem solving
Community Service
Projects include teaching English and computer skills to Balinese youth at an educational training school, working at a local clinic, or participating in environmental campaigns against plastic. Community service will be your opportunity to interact with the local people and get a closer look at the culture and daily life of the Balinese.
Hands-On Learning
Not only are there spectacular views, green rice paddies and vivid temple sites, Bali’s rich culture has much to teach about community and living sustainably. We will learn about the intersection of traditional spirituality and ecological sustainability and how that intersection is expressed through the arts. We’ll do hands-on workshops on Balinese Gamelan music and mask-making and also meet with community leaders to learn more about issues facing the community.
Adventure
The entire Bali journey will be an adventure. The Balinese culture is based on living harmoniously with the natural world, and you will get a “behind the scenes” tour while you trek through luscious rice paddies, visit remote temple sites, snorkel through the coral reef with dolphins, and raft down the beautiful Ayung River overlooking massive canyons. On weekends we will take time to explore this unique island and all of its breathtaking sites. We’ll end the 21-Day Flagship program with a farewell dinner at the palace of the Royal Family of Peliatan.
Lodging
We will be staying in Ubud, the cultural arts capital of Bali. This fascinating village has all the comforts of home, but has a distinct essence that draws people from all over the world to witness its serenity, beauty and power. We will all be staying together in local lodging near rice paddies and village activities.
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