Intern Guidebook: Bali
The white sandy beach lined with coconut trees under warm sun and light breeze is the image that Bali would bring to most people’s mind. As one of the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia and the world, Bali has continued to prosper and develop. With an internship in Bali, you will gain many valuable work experiences while enjoying the beautiful nature.
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Visa and Accommodation
For an Internship in Bali, you will need a Social Culture Visa. You have to apply for this visa in the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country. This visa is valid for 60 days after arrival in Indonesia and can be renewed 4 times, each for 30 days maximum. To obtain this visa, you will need a sponsorship letter and the sponsor’s ID card from the company where you will intern in. After obtaining this visa, you must arrive at Indonesia within 90 days of your visa issuance. One thing to remember is that, with this visa, you are not allowed to receive any payment during your internship.
For accommodation, remember that Bali is a tourist heavy city. It means that there are all kinds of accommodation, but the ones closest to the touristy area, such as Kuta and Seminyak, will be more expensive and crowded. For budget options, you can choose Rumah Kost, a type of boarding houses where you can rent a room with a monthly fee, or homestays. You can find your housing options from online sites, like AirBnb. Most properties will be listed online, as they are catering to many foreign tourists. You can also walk around your internship company’s area and look around, as some Rumah Kost will put up a notice upfront. There is also the option to go to a local real estate agent who will do the search for you, especially for those properties not listed online.
Internships Placements
Bali’s economy depends heavily on its tourism industry, as it is the top tourism destination in Indonesia. Therefore, an internship in fields such as ecotourism and hospitality are the most popular choice. Both the ecotourism and hospitality industry in Bali are highly developed, and there are a lot of opportunities to learn. Moreover, if you have an interest in journalism and photography, Bali is also one of the best places to have an internship in. With the high demand of travel publications and tour offers, Bali has a dynamic journalism and photography industry. You can also find some internship position in NGOs, where you can do many volunteering works. Furthermore, Bali is also famous for its start up project, thus there are lots of start up companies that are happy to welcome interns from all around the world. Why not being part of the coolest start-up on earth while working from the beach house or bamboo house surrounded by nature and has a view of the rice paddy fields!
Working Condition
Balinese are known for their religious and collective culture. Therefore, Balinese workers tend to put religion and community before their jobs. Taking days off for ceremonies or other family matters are common place in Bali. Respecting this culture is the utmost importance if you want to get along with your Balinese colleagues. In communication, try not to be too direct. A bit of small talk is highly recommended as to not be considered rude. Also, Balinese society is very hierarchical, especially as they still recognize Hinduism’s caste system.
Language barrier in Bali should be minimal, as most Balinese can speak English – one of the benefits of being a tourist heavy city. However, during your internship in Bali, be sure to learn some Indonesian. When you are able to speak Indonesian, even just some simple words, you will garner more respect from your local colleagues.
Life in Bali
Living in Bali will be a bit different from any other cities in Indonesia. For one, most Balinese are Hindus. They are known to be deeply religious and devout to their belief. Hindu incense and offerings in small square woven baskets will be found all over Bali to ward off evil, as of the local belief. If you find yourself in Bali during the Nyepi, the Day of Silence, you will find the whole island shut down. All businesses, institutions, and even the airport will close their operation on this day. No one is allowed to go outside and no fires are allowed to be lit for 24 hours. If you are staying in a hotel, you can resume normal activity inside the hotel.
There are no comprehensive public transportation in Bali currently, and the best way to go around the city is by car or motorcycle. Car and motorcycle rentals are available all over the city and you can even hire a private driver with it. Getting a taxi is another alternative to get around local area, especially with the emerging online taxis and “ojek” (motorcycle taxis).
Having an internship in Bali will definitely give you the skills and abilities necessary for your future international career. If you want to know more about Internship in Bali, contact us!