Certification ceremony - the end of spring semester 2013

Feels just like yesterday when the students had their orientation days. Needless to say this 4 months have passed fast. This semester has been full of experiences, making new friends and learning about Asia and about oneself. All the things that you would expect from your study semester abroad. The last week of school was also the final exams week. Hard work was rewarded on Wednesday evening when everyone, the students, lectures  and the new just elected dean, gathered at the Denpasar campus for the certification ceremony.

The welcoming dance

For the ceremony students were asked to wear their traditional outfits, the same ones they bought during their first weeks of the semester. The ceremony, like every other official gathering started with a traditional welcoming dance, followed by a short speech from the BIPAS coordinator Pak Rajeg. This semester at the ceremony we also had a great opportunity to show the new dean how our program here at Udayana University is like. For the students the most anticipated part of the ceremony is obviously receiving the individual  certificates and the announcement of the AsiaExchange Role Model scholarship. 

This semester the AE Role Model scholarship went to Johannes Rofner from Austria. The Role Model is chosen together with the students, the host university and AsiaExchange. In his speech the message was clear "This has without a doubt been the best experience of my life". Inspired by his 4 months in Bali he also made a video that he showed at the ceremony 'causing laughs and awws in the audience.

Watch his video on youtube here: Studying in Bali by Johannes Rofner

AE Role Model student spring 2013, Johannes

After the formalities of the ceremony Udayana had organised a traditional balinese buffet for everyone to enjoy. Dining together and sharing memories was a nice way to conclude what the semester had to offer for both students and the staff at Unud. And also time to take some last minute photos.

Congratulations! Class of spring 2013

The ceremony behind it was time for the students to let their hair down and get ready to  party. Villa Uma Sari had invited everyone over for a get together before hitting the party scene in Kuta. The students had also invited fellow exchange students from the IBSN program to join the celebration. Villa quickly packed up with students from all different countries, new and already familiar faces, smiles, great vibes and of course bintangs! A perfect ending for an unforgettable semester here in Bali.

From somewhere you'd rather be ;)

Final greetings to you from our students this spring

"Best decision of my life!"
"What are you waiting for? Do it, do it now!"
"Everything I expected and so much more!"

Now are you ready for the experience of a lifetime..? :)

Interview with our students Heta and Tiina from Finland

• Only 2 more weeks of the spring semester 2013 left. Here's what our two Finnish students have experienced so far!
  
  Tell us about you
  
  I'm Heta Länkä 24 years old and I'm from Somero and now I'm living now In Turku Finland. I study Beauty Management in Turku University Of Applied Sciences.
  

  
  

  And I am Tiina Linna and I am 23 years old. I come from Askola, but I study in Turku. I also study Beauty Management in Turku University of Applied Sciences.
  
  

  

  Tiina (left) and Heta (right) at the Bali Zoo

  
  What made you decide to come here to do your semester abroad?

  H: I got the idea to come here from my friend Miraz who was in same exchange program before in 2011.
  
  
  

  T: I got the idea for student exchange in Bali from a friend of mine, who's friend had done a semester here before. It was kind of a sudden decision.

  
  
  

  How do you find the university? What's your favorite course?

  H: Udayana University is very good and teachers and employes are very nice and helpful. Everyone can speak very good English so it's easy to come here to do your exchange. I think that my favorite course is Literature. Teacher is the best! Campus area is pretty nice also and the food from the canteen is also very good, my favorite food there is nasi soto.
  
  
  

  

  Excursion to Besakih temple

  T: Udayana University is good, the teachers/employees and other students are also nice. All the teachers can speak good English and they are helpful. My favorite course is Bahasa Indonesia because I like language studies and it is always interesting and useful to learn the local language.

  
  

  Has the semester and life in Bali been what you've expected? 

  H: Yeah its been so good i haven't missed home at all!! We have meet so many nice people and have lots of new friends and its pretty good to live in a  Villa with a Pool  Weather is amazing here in Bali and Balinese people here are nice and the culture here is so unique. Didn't experience a big culture shock but i was a little bit afraid of the traffic but now i drive everywhere with my scoopy (scooter).
  
  

  

  Balinese temple. Hindu culture is everywhere.

  
  

  T: The semester abroad has been amazing! School is going well and everything has been what I've expected and more! I have made lots of new friends and learned about culture and history here in Bali. I have not had any culture shocks or been homesick, okay maybe sometimes I miss my mommy, daddy and three cats!  I have also grown so much as a person here and gained confidence.
  
  It's almost the end of the semester. What are your favorite memories?

  
  
  

  

  Road trip! There's so much more to see than just beaches

  
  H: I have so many good memories this has been my best spring ever!! For example trips to Gili islands, trip to Cambodia, pool parties, amazing beaches (nikko beach), surfing lessons and great people (locals and other travelers). I'm sad to be going home but i'll definitely come back here after christmas  After  the graduation we're planning to go to Mengjangan island to snorkel and sun bath  We have still 3 weeks to go.

  
  

  T: My favorite memories here are the trip to Gilis (where I snorkled for the first time - loved it) and the many crazy parties in Kuta. I have never before travelled so far away from home, so everything is new and exciting to me! Hard to pick just a few memories. Surfing lessons have been a great experience although I am not good at it  We also did a road trip with a car, with no travel plan - it was fun and spontaneous! 
  

  
  

  

  Valentine's pool party at Beach Lounge

  
  Anything you'd like to say to people considering participating in this exchange program?
  
  

  H: Yeah people should definitely come here amazing island and culture  Sun, surfing, beach, people, villas, traveling, no stress.
  
  T: To the people who are considering coming to study here in Bali I want to say - DO IT!  The experience will be so amazing and unforgettable! I have not regretted any moment here. 
  
  

• 

  Girls favorite beach, Nusa Dua beach

  
  

Helping the ones in need - Student charity in Bali

As a student often living on a low budget you might not be able to do charity as much as you'd like in your own country. In Bali you'll have a great opportunity to help those in need if you choose to. There are multiple things that will make a difference, charity that even a student can afford to do. It's a great way to get rid off some of your old clothes or get your hands dirty. 

15 million rupiahs. In Bali you can be a millionaire!

Bali is considered as a cheap holiday destination and definitely is that for most western people earning western money. The other side of the coin isn't quite that shiny. For example the average wage for a maid is 500 000- 800 000 Rupiahs per month that's around 60 Euros. Sales person can earn up to 1,5 million rupias per month that being approximately 120 Euros. To give you something to compare that with the average tourist in Bali spends around 120 Euros per day! 

Here's some of our previous students' favourites of what you can do to help:

Giving away your no longer needed clothes. When you're finished with your semester here and it's time to head home you might notice that your luggage has doubled since you arrived. It has become a tradition for our students to collect all of their no longer wanted clothes, shoes, bags and donate them to one or two orphanages where these kinds of necessities are highly appreciated. A lot of these orphanages also seek for volunteers to teach the kids english. Good idea if you have some time after your studies!

Visiting the Seeds of Hope orphanage 

BARC (Bali Dog Adoption Rehabilitation Centre) is situated in Ubud, Bali. This organisation helps to rehabilitate and afterwards adopt dogs to good families. Running a completely  donation based organisation is hard work anywhere but especially here in Bali. For a student it's easy to donate old towels or even if you know you're going for a visit the centre email them before and ask what they might be lacking at that time. Getting a group of students to make some purchases can make a huge difference! Even without donating it's a place worth visiting just for the experience. BARC is also always looking for volunteers to help out at the centre. Get more information here http://www.balidogrefuge.com/

BAWA (Bali Animal Welfare Association), like BARC they rescue injured animals and rehabilitate them. This association has more staff and therefore more capable of reaching more injured animals. They help all animals but also teach the people and owners what to do different with their pets and how to take care of them. BAWA is always looking for volunteers as well. Read more about BAWA on http://www.bawabali.com/

This injured puppy was rescued by Bawa

There are ways to make even more of a visible difference for example just going to the beach with your friends and picking up all the rubbish in a certain area. This is an easy way to help and also encourage other people to do so through your example. Not mentioning a great way to spend a day on the beach and why not get a tan while at it. 

Like with many other things in Bali such as finding accommodation or finding your favourite surf spot you need to keep your eyes and ears open. Same goes with charity work and helping out those in need whether it's a person or a group, a dog or the beach it's good to be active, share your findings and maybe get your friends involved too. 

You can make a difference :)  

Nyepi - The day of silence

Nyepi is a one of a kind new year celebration celebrated by the balinese hindus. Nyepi consists a whole week of ceremonies some preparing for it, Nyepi day itself and ceremonies after the sacred day of silence. This is a busy week for the balinese people but gives a great sneak peek to the rest of us of how balinese hinduism that controls a major part of the islands life is actually like. Indonesia is the biggest muslim country in the world it still recognises it's hindus and has one public holiday for all its citizens during Nyepi week. Luckily for those who live in Bali it's a unique holy week that the islands visitors have a special opportunity to witness. This week has an impact to everyones lives staying on the island even the casual tourist will have to respect this ceremony week. This year Nyepi landed on the 12th March same time as the students mid-semester break.

Melasti - cleaning ceremony on the beach

Melasti the cleaning of the statue, usually takes place 3-4 days before Nyepi, is a ceremony about cleaning all natures content to help the people become more closer to the gods. God statues from all the village temples are taken down to the river in a colourful parade to be washed, purified. Melasti ceremony is performed in Pura Segara which means near the sea. 

Tawur Kesanga, the day before Nyepi, balinese people return to their own villages to spend the rest of the week with their family and relatives. The streets fill up with big demonic looking statues called ogoh-ogohs that demonstrate the evil spirits. After these evil statues have been taken around the village the Ngrupuk ceremony takes place where the ogoh-ogohs are burned to get rid off all the bad spirits. This is the last preparation before Nyepi.

Ogoh-ogohs being carried around Denpasar

Nyepi, the day of silence, is exactly what it means. There's no one out on the streets anywhere in Bali, not even tourists are allowed to leave their hotels nor villas. Only pecalangs, the traditional balinese security men are allowed to be outside, walk around making sure everyone obeys the rules of this sacred day. The no moving outside rule also includes all traveling during Nyepi. This means there are no flights no boats no transportation coming in or going out of Bali. Also electricity such forms as lights are kept to minimum and no television or radio is allowed. Hotels offer special Nyepi packages that can be an interesting option for those who don't want to go all in to this balinese tradition. For many students living in villas will need to go by the given rules. It's an experience that doesn't come around often.

Hotel's guide to its guests for Nyepi 2012

The main purpose of Nyepi is to hide from the evil spirits that were burned to ashes the previous day during Tawur Kesanga. Staying quiet in the dark not making any extra noise is a disguise for the evil so it will fly past Bali thinking there's no one there. It's also a day for deeper thinking into those values one wants to carry with them in the future. 


The day after Nyepi is Ngempak Geni which is a day about forgiveness and letting old bad things go in all levels both people and societies. Balinese people go for visits in other villages and friends and families to let go of the past and focus on those values they have decided to carry with themselves from now on.

Nyepi day - no one is allowed to go outside 

Interesting fact about Nyepi: The day of silence is said to reduce the power consumption of the island by 40-60% compared to normal

Interview with Johannes Rofner from Austria

Always smiling Johannes

Tell us about your self

My Name is Johannes Rofner, I am from Austria and I study Tourism Business Studies at the MCI – Management Center Innsbruck in Innsbruck, Tyrol.

What made you decide to come to Bali to do your exchange period?

I wanted to experience a different culture and a different way to live, something different to the western world. Another big reason for me to come here was that Bali has some of thebest surf spots in the world, and I have always wanted to learn this great sport. Back home I go snowboarding as often as possible and it is a big part of my life but I wanted to try something new and now surfing is probably the greatest sport that I have ever tried.

How is it different to study here than back home?

Good surf!

The difference isn't actually as bigas i thought it would be. The only real difference is that we have a dress code at University. We need to cover our knees and shoulders just like the local students and it can get pretty hot sometimes. Otherwise the quality of the studies is really good. The lectures are good and also the lecturers are very passionate about their subject and they try their best to help us students as much as possible.

What’s your favourite subject? Why?

I would say that probably the language courses are my favourites because they make the everyday life in Bali so much easier. Being able to communicate even a little in bahasa Indonesia is much appreciated here.

What are your favourite things in Bali?
There are so many things that i like about Bali. I don't even know where to begin. But one of the best things is definitely that I get to know so many nice new people here from all over the world. My absolute favourite thing to do here is definitely surfing. I try to do it at least once a day.

What places would you recommend to visit?

I think there is not really just one place you have to visit. The whole island is worth to see. Ubud is known as the culture capital of Bali and is very popular yoga destination. Gili islands are a quick get away from busy Bali just an hour boat trip to these paradise islands where there is no cars or motorbikes! But if I have to recommend a place i would say: go to Uluwatu, southern tip of Bali and watch the sunset at SingleFin restaurant! Or watch it while you are sitting on your surfboard somewhere in the 28degree water.

View form Single Fin, Uluwatu

What would you say to those people who are thinking of doing their exchange in Bali?

What are you hesitating? Do it! I’ve been here for 2 months now and it has been pretty much the best time of my life, and the best thing is that it's not over yet. I’ve gotten to know so many amazing people, fell in love with a sport and just enjoyed every second I’ve beenin this wonderful country. In fact I could not imagine that there is a better place to do your abroad year than in Bali.

Traditional balinese dancing workshop

Let's keep Bali clean

When thinking about Bali most people imagine the island of gods to be all about the beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunsets and world class waves surrounded with unique balinese people and culture. This is definitely a big part of Bali's attraction amongst most students and tourists traveling to Bali. Unfortunately there is also a down side to the buzzing entertainment and life that we are offered here that is disregarded by most visitors, garbage that is. Especially plastic bags, water bottles and cigarette buds that fill the streets and eventually end up in our precious ocean. Surfing the east coast during rain season can be a gross experience since you end up paddling though plastic waste including everything from diapers to rubbish bags.

What can we do then? 

There are many things that just an individual or a small group can do to prevent this problem getting worse. We have collected 5 most used tips that previous students have come up with in order to do their share to keep Bali clean and attractive to further visitors.

1. Tote bag

For every purchase even for a bottle of water they offer you a plastic bag here. Easiest way is to keep your own reusable tote bag in your scooter so it's always there when you need it!

2. Aluminum water bottle. 

Almost every villa here offers a refillable water tank. Fill up your water bottle from that and you don't need to get a plastic bottle every time you get thirsty.

3. Rubbish bins

Always take your rubbish from the beach including cigarette buds. Even if you see others or locals leave their litter around doesn't mean you should do that. Pick up a rubbish a day is a great principle to follow here. One easy step to help keep Bali beaches clean

4. Recycling

Recycling is almost invisible in Bali. There's hardly any places around where you could separate your garbage. Luckily that doesn't mean it doesn't exist here! You can often see locals collecting used bottles both glass and plastic. Also aluminum cans can be recycled. Locals get paid 9000rp (80cents) per kilo and although that sounds like nothing to most people in western countries, here in Bali some people truly make a living out of it. Living in a villa you can easily organize either your cleaning lady or just someone you've seen collecting bottles to come  over weekly to pick up your empties.

5. Bicycle vs. scooter

The most common way of transportation here is a scooter. It's often the quickest way to move around different areas but every year traffic gets busier and you can hardly take in a breath of fresh air while stuck in a traffic jam on the main roads. Bicycle is a safe and pollution-free option to get around short and even a bit longer distances not to mention a healthy option. If you need to take your scooter consider taking just one and ride with your friend!

With these easy tips you can do your best to help the current situation and encourage others to join you :)

Special insight to balinese living: Workshops and excursions

As an addition to the lectures students get to experience balinese culture and living through different workshops and excursions. Workshops give the students a hand on perspective to the daily routines of balinese people such as making ornaments for the ceremonies and learning the unique balinese writing. Workshops are a great way to get to know little secret bits of the amazingly rich balinese culture. Learning the proper dress codes and what different ornaments are for will ease the integration to the new surroundings. Especially in Asia where manners and traditions are valued high. 

This week students hit the Denpasar market to test their bargaining skills and buy them selves their own ceremony clothes! Traditional outfits are worn to every ceremony and can be worn by tourists even when just visiting a temple. The traditional outfits are different for men and women. Mens' outfit is build from 6 parts the head-cloth (udeng), a collar shirt or a safari jacket (kuaca), an inner sarong (kamben and an outer sarong (saput), a sash (selempot) and a pair of sandals. Women wear a lace top (kebaya), underclothing a top or a corset (kutang), a sarong (kamben), a sash (selempot) and a pair of heal sandals.

Spring 2013 students in their traditional outfits

During excursions students have the opportunity to access plenty more places than a typical tourist in Bali. Being invited to a traditional balinese house and compound, getting a sneak peek into Bali's most prestigious hotels and visiting a local handcraft factory that exports products around the world. These excursions are free of charge to our students and sometimes the only way to access some of the destinations. 

Balinese handcraft factory

Help is often wanted when organising an event or just helping out with a lack of staff. Being active and participating in excursions can help you find some independent volunteer work or just some special activities outside school hours. International students with their good english skills and open minded attitude are a wanted resource around the world but specially here in Bali. Sign up for an event and experience what happens behind the scenes. For example last autumn semester 2012 students had the opportunity to work as a volunteer at the annual Nusa Dua Fiesta. Tasks varied between information and guiding the guests all the way to body painting modelling! 

Nusa Dua Fiesta 2012

Always keep your eyes and ears open! 

You never know what adventure is waiting for you around the corner!