My placement in Bali

Name: Hollie Aston

Academic School and Year of Study: Business School-Economics, Second Year

Where did you go?
I did the Global Team Internship in Bali with Think Pacific

What type of placement did you complete (Study/Work/Volunteering/Research)?
Volunteering-Summer Placement

What motivated you to take up a Global Opportunity?
I wanted to travel and explore new cultures while also gaining some work experience for the future. The internship gave me the perfect opportunity to do both, allowing me to immerse myself in a different culture while learning practical skills that could help in my career. It was a great opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone by trying new things, and making friends for life.

What were your top 3 highlights from your time abroad? 

• the people I met- the homestay families were so welcoming and kind, and all the participants became close so quickly, I made friends for life, and our homestay family made Bali feel like a second home. Living with them was the best way to truly experience Balinese culture and learn about their traditions.
• pushing myself out of my comfort zone- The internship pushed me to try so many new things and challenged me in ways I hadn’t experienced before. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
• making an impact for the businesses and society in Bali- It was amazing to see the difference our work made for the businesses and communities in Bali. Working alongside NGOs and social enterprises, I could see firsthand how our projects helped the local community and made a real impact on society.

What was your biggest challenge? How did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges was my luggage not making my connecting flight and having a very short time to get to the next gate. Flying on your own can be stressful, so try to be prepared and just be adaptable when things go wrong!!

The admin and visa forms, as part of the application process, were another challenging part. There were lots of forms and background checks to complete, which at first felt a bit overwhelming, but the experience is completely worth the effort.  You can always get support from the Global Opportunities team when going through the application process.

How has your placement been beneficial to your studies at Cardiff University or your future career? 

Living in a traditional Balinese homestay was an amazing way to immerse myself in a new culture and really broaden my perspective. During the internship, we worked closely with local NGOs and social enterprises, holding weekly Q&A sessions with partners, giving weekly presentations, and collaborating in teams. This hands-on experience not only improved my understanding of global markets and business strategy, but also really strengthened my teamwork, cross-cultural communication, and presentation skills. It was a fun and practical way to apply what I’ve learned at university in a real-world setting.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you left?

• I wish I knew how fast the time would fly – say yes to every opportunity because the weeks go by so quickly!
• Don’t overpack clothes- everything in Bali is really affordable, so you can buy what you need while you’re there.
• The traditions and lifestyle in Bali are unique, so ask lots of questions and be curious- the Balinese people are really keen to share their culture.
• Plan your free weekends in advance to make sure you have time to fit in everything you want to see and do.

What would you say to a student that was unsure about spending a period abroad? 

I’d say just go for it, you won’t regret it!! It’s honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. You’ll meet amazing people and create memories that will last a lifetime.  I’d recommend doing a bit of research beforehand so you can choose a programme that suits you best and get the most out of your time abroad.

What are 3 things to do in your host destination? 

• Ubud has the main activity tourist attractions- rice fields, monkey rainforest, waterfalls
• Climbing Mount Batur, the sunrise was unreal and worth the 2 am start!!
• Canggu is a surf area, which is pretty cool, and where we surfed, as it’s good for beginners

Share your top tips for thriving in your programme destination 

• Clothes in Bali are quite cheap, so don’t overpack- you can buy lots of stuff while you’re there.
• Everyone travels on mopeds/scooters, which is a cheap way to get around, so make sure to have the Grab/Gojek app downloaded on your phone.
• Canggu is a surf area, which is pretty cool and great for beginners — it’s where we went surfing.
• Massages are so cheap and amazing!
• There are lots of temples to visit, and they’re really beautiful.
• Have cash on you, as many supermarkets are cash-only or have a minimum spend.
• Crossing roads in Bali can take a while, as there aren’t proper pedestrian crossings.
• The traditions and culture in Bali are very different, so be respectful and ask lots of questions — the Balinese people are happy to teach you about their culture. It’s respectful to have your knees and shoulders covered, which can get very hot in Bali’s high temperatures.
• Be prepared for Bali Belly and pack medication in advance.
• Make sure to have your visa sorted in advance-it means a much shorter queue when you land, so you can get through the airport faster.

Please sum up your experience abroad in one sentence
One of the best experiences I’ve ever had, with amazing people and memories that will stay with me forever.