My semester abroad in Bali with studiesNetwork
Preparation
My preparations for the semester abroad went without major complications. I signed up via the studiesNetwork.com website and created the short letter of motivation. This was followed by the selection process, which checked on site at the university whether participation was possible. When I received the approval, I was incredibly happy to finally be able to realize my dream of spending a semester abroad. The websites of studiesNetwork, Indojunkie and Auslandsemester-Bali were very helpful and helped me with planning and preparation. However, applying for a visa was the most time-consuming process.
There are different types of visas and it is important to check all documents carefully, otherwise the application will not be processed. In order to apply for the visa, you must first apply for the so-called Surat Rekomendasi. Many documents are required, both for the Surat Rekomendasi and for the actual visa application. The student visa is issued as a social visa and is valid for 60 days. It must be extended at least twice on site for 30 days each time. I therefore recommend that anyone planning a semester abroad start preparing and applying for a visa early on. However, it is also important to ensure that the regulations for issuing a visa can be changed frequently and at short notice. This is primarily due to bureaucracy in Indonesia. You should therefore constantly check the relevant offices for updates yourself.
Living
When it comes to studying in Bali and finding accommodation, there are numerous websites that provide helpful information. In order to get used to the climate, culture and traffic before the actual start of my studies, I had booked my outbound flight so that I arrived in Bali a week before the start of my studies. For this week I had opted for a so-called homestay, which had been recommended to me. This is a type of guest house on the property of a Balinese family, where guests can move into a room and share the swimming pool and kitchen with other guests. As a result, I had direct contact with locals right from the start and was able to exchange ideas with other travelers at the same time. This experience helped me to become familiar with the habits and everyday offerings of Hindu Bali culture from the very first day.
After the studiesNetwork welcome event, a number of fellow students got together to look for accommodation. On site, we were able to look at various homestays and villas, negotiate the price and see if we were getting along well with the owners. In the end, we opted for a homestay with an outdoor kitchen and swimming pool near Seminyak and lived there with French and Dutch fellow students.
Studying
One day before the official start of the semester, a welcome dinner was organized for all students on Jimbaran beach. The buffet with various food and drinks was accompanied by a fire show and live music. This evening was a perfect opportunity to get to know each other. Personally, I was lucky enough to get on well with my fellow student right from the start. In general, the group was very homogeneous and it was easy to talk to everyone, even though I knew almost no one from before.
The next day, the orientation session began, at which we were introduced to the Rectorate and the lecturers responsible for us. We were also given an introduction to Balinese life, a tour of the university and our schedule. As usual in Bali, there were sometimes small moments of chaos at the university, such as technical problems or failed lecturers due to important ceremonies. But after a short period of familiarization, you learned to master everyday university life and always remained relaxed.
Leisure
The start of life in Bali was super exciting for me. After just three days, I decided to rent a scooter because it was simply part of life on the island of gods and demons. Without a scooter, you are unfortunately very limited, as otherwise it is hardly possible to reach any place on the island. With the scooter, I was able to visit incredibly cool beaches, try out many different restaurants and also marvel at the seemingly endless expanses of the jungle or rice fields. Even though the university offered us courses and excursions four days a week, we had plenty of free time to explore the island, make new friends and go on trips to special highlights of the island.
However, not everything always goes as planned, because the clock in Bali is ticking differently. Life here is chaotic and it takes a while to get used to tardiness, traffic chaos and ceremonies that shut down all traffic. Nevertheless, life in Bali also has its good sides. Especially at the beginning, I was able to experience the friendly mentality of the locals when I was still a bit lost. However, one topic comes up again and again: traffic accidents and thefts, particularly in tourist areas. But there are also many positive experiences, as was the case with me. When you get involved in culture, language and everything Bali has to offer, you can meet great people, hear interesting stories and experience a completely different life in which family life and charity play a different role.
Conclusion
My semester abroad with studiesNetwork was definitely a time I will never forget. In the first week, I learned to love Balinese culture, nature and food. I’ve gone on countless scooter rides and fell in love with the country and its people. During my time at the host university, I had the opportunity to get to know different subject areas. The instructors were extremely supportive and I always felt welcomed and integrated into the class community. By exploring the island with my new friends, I was able to gain valuable experience and we had a great time together.
My stay in Bali and at the host university has influenced me not only professionally but also personally and I am very grateful for the many interesting people I was able to meet and share my experiences with.
