Studying in Bali - Intro

Studying in Bali is exciting, fun, inspiring, challenging, fascinating and to make it short - simply amazing.

My name is Jana, i‘m from Germany and I‘ve been studying and living in Bali in the Spring Semester 2013 with Asia Exchange at the Udayana University in Jimbaran. And its easy to say that it has been one of the best and most enriching experiences in my life.

I came to Bali New Years Eve 2012 with my friend Iben, whom I‘ve been studying with the last 2,5 years in Denmark. I have been studying Anthropology at the Aarhus University and took my study abroad as the last semester in my bachelor degree.

After arriving in Bali we spent the first nights in a hotel in Kuta area and had a couple of days before the studies started. That time we used to fnd a suitable accommondation for us, which we found in a 2-bedroom villa in Kerobokan. The place was not too big, but really cozy and we were amazed by the luxurious villa we could afford to live in. We had our own small pool, one bedroom each with bathroom and an open kitchen-livingroom area. Next to our villa the owner had 3 similiar villas, where luckily 5 of our fellow students from Finland lived during the semester.

From the first day at the university it felt good and comfortable to start my semester abroad in Bali. All the other exchange students, if traveling alone or in groups were really open to get to know the students and it was really easy to get to know each other. The students come from many different studies and were somewhere between 18 and 30 years old.

During my semester abroad I learned a lot about Bali and Indonesian culture in general, both through the lecturers and through my daily life in Bali. Living in Bali is mostly easy and fun, due to the kindness and helpfulness of the local people. Everywhere you go you will be welcomed with a big smile and a warm atmosphere. Traveling around Bali is really easy - just take your bike and drive. You can see a lot in just one weekend.

Bali is the perfect combination of incredible nature, rich culture and a touristic adventurers  You can find everything from the whitest sandbeaches, perfect surfspots, beautiful green shining ricefields, hidden villages, bright colorful ceremonies, crazy nightlife, endless shopping opportunities, fun adventures, stunning sunsets, great local food, and many other things.

Studying abroad - anywhere in the world - is an experience which everyone should make in their lifetime. You will not only learn about the country and people, you learn a lot about yourself and maybe even have time to think about what you want in life.

After my study abroad and after falling in love with the country and the people, I've decided to stay for another 6 months in Bali and work as an intern for Asia Exchange and the Udayana Univeristy, where i will work until the end of january 2014. The purpose with this blog is to share my experiences about studying and living in Bali with you and inform you about what you can expect if you choose to study abroad with Asia Exchange in Bali. That will be about the student life - as the university and workshops - and living in Bali - as traveling, partying, but also about safety and other topics while living here.