An internship in Bali isn't just another line on your CV. Above all, it's a human and cultural adventure, a complete immersion in one of Southeast Asia's most inspiring islands. To live and work in Bali is to take advantage of an exceptional living environment, where lush green rice paddies rub shoulders with sandy beaches, where age-old traditions mingle with an international dynamic.
Every year, many students choose Indonesia to combine academic learning with a balanced lifestyle. Bali attracts students for its professional opportunities in a variety of sectors (tourism, digital, communication, humanitarian), but also for its gentler pace of life and unique natural environment.
But beware: going to Bali is not something you can improvise. Behind the idyllic image, there are steps to anticipate, choices of location to make, a budget to organize and cultural adaptation to plan for. Well-prepared, this internship becomes an unforgettable experience.
Preparing for your departure: visas, agreements and support
Doing an internship in Indonesia requires a few essential steps. It all starts with an agreement signed by you, your school and the host company. For most foreign students, a B211A socio-cultural visa is required. This visa, intended for temporary stays, can be extended and ensures that you remain within a legal framework.
To avoid administrative errors and save time, many students choose to go through a specialized organization. Organizations such as Intern Indonesia, Stage Bali or Bali Interns accompany students from A to Z: internship search, visa procedures, accommodation, airport pick-up and on-site follow-up. This solution allows you to concentrate on the essentials: making a success of your internship and enjoying the Balinese experience.
Where to live in Bali? Finding your place and managing daily life
Where you decide to live will have a big influence on your daily life. Each area of Bali has its own atmosphere. Canggu has become the capital of freelancers and creatives, with its "digital nomads" cafés, coworking spaces and very active social life. Seminyak, more peaceful, appeals to those seeking comfort and balance. Legian, finally, is an ideal compromise for students: a stone's throw from the beach, close to tourist areas but more authentic and affordable.
When it comes to accommodation, local guesthouses rented by the month remain the most economical option: for €200 to €300 a month, you'll get a room often equipped with air conditioning, access to a swimming pool and housekeeping services. Long-term Airbnbs also offer interesting solutions, especially if you negotiate directly with the owners. Finally, Facebook groups for expatriates and interns in Bali are a real goldmine for finding a flat-share in a villa or sharing a room at a reduced price.
With a budget of between €700 and €1,000 per month, a student can live comfortably in Bali. The trick is to go for local warungs, small traditional restaurants where a full meal costs less than €2. For shopping, supermarkets like Pepito or Frestive Market are convenient, but traditional markets remain unbeatable for fresh fruit and vegetables. For day-to-day activities (sports, coworking), some organizations offer student discounts: don't hesitate to ask once you're here.
Working and adapting to Balinese culture
Work experience in Bali differs from Western standards. Local companies, often of modest size, value versatility and initiative. Interns are not confined to secondary tasks: they play a real part in the life of the company.
However, integration requires a good understanding of cultural codes. Punctuality and respect for hierarchy are essential, but you also have to accept local specificities. Some days may be devoted to religious ceremonies, and the pace of work may differ from that in Europe. Adaptation, patience and open-mindedness are the keys to making the most of this experience.
Balancing training and leisure: surfing in Legian with Bali Ocean Surf
After a day's work, Bali offers an infinite range of activities. Yoga, hiking in the rice fields, visiting temples, diving at Amed or Nusa Penida, or climbing Mount Batur at sunrise... the island is a land of endless discoveries. But the most emblematic activity remains surfing.
At Legian Beach, conditions are ideal for beginners and advanced surfers alike. This is where our school is located: Bali Ocean Surf. We offer semi-private lessons and especially discounted packages and sessions, as well as packages specially designed for students and expatriates who want to surf regularly during their stay in Bali. Special discounts are also available for long-term trainees, so you can learn or improve without breaking the bank.
Beyond the sport itself, surfing lessons are also an opportunity to meet other young people from all over the world. It's a space for sharing, exchange and conviviality, which perfectly complements the professional dimension of the course.
Develop your network and enhance your experience
An internship in Bali is also a great springboard for building an international network. The island attracts entrepreneurs, freelancers, NGOs, local and international start-ups. People meet naturally, in coworking spaces, at professional events or simply over a coffee... or even in the water, during a group surf lesson.
These interactions enrich the experience and can open doors: some students choose to return to Bali to work, others extend their stay or develop an entrepreneurial project on the spot. What's certain is that the Balinese experience remains a strong asset on a CV and a source of inspiration for the future.
Conclusion: an internship in Bali, much more than an academic experience
Choosing Bali for your internship means combining professional learning, cultural discovery and quality of life. It means learning to adapt, to work in a different context and to enrich yourself through contact with other cultures. But it also means taking advantage of an exceptional natural environment and balancing work and leisure through activities like surfing in Legian with Bali Ocean Surf.
👉 If you're planning a course in Bali and want to make the most of it, don't hesitate to come and meet the Bali Ocean Surf team right on Legian beach. We offer student, expat and long-stay packages to suit all levels. Because in Bali, an internship is as much about the office as it is about the water, with a surfboard on your feet and a smile on your face.
