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Discover the Culture, Tradition & Change of the Real Bali
Embark on a three-week journey into the real Bali. Live in a traditional community, dive into rich culture, explore beyond the tourist trail.
Meet grassroots organisations and entrepreneurs tackling some of Bali’s biggest challenges. From women-led cooperatives, to start-ups turning plastic into eco-innovation, see how local people are driving change on an island where ancient culture meets modern-day changes.
From Sanur’s beaches to Ubud’s cultural hub, to the beauty of lesser visited North Eastern Bali. Experience village life in Gianyar, jungle camps, mountain hikes in Kintamani, and fishing communities.
This is a journey of discovery, connection, and global impact in a breathtaking country, where sustainability is woven into everyday life
Read more about Bali on the Think Pacific website
Hear more about Bali!
Bali at a Glance...
- Ultimate Immersion Programme: A student adventure exploring social enterprise, ethical innovation, culture & sustainability in the real Bali.
- Timeframe: 21 days
- Team Size: Max 16 students, plus local mentors and leaders.
- Accommodation Style: Eco-lodges + Jungle Camp + Hotel + Community Homestay
- Impact: Travel that supports local communities through our CARE approach
- Includes: Accommodation, most meals, excursions, domestic travel, 24/7 support
- Funding: Turing Scheme grants available… see our Funding Guide
Why Join an Expedition to Bali?
Open to all students whether you study business, sustainability, social sciences, or are simply curious about how enterprise can create impact, this expedition blends learning with culture, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.
- Experience – Dive into Balinese life, culture and sustainable enterprise.
- Career Exposure – Connect with founders, explore ideas, build your CV
- Adventure – Hike rice terraces, snorkel reefs, and explore Bali’s beauty.
- Impact– Discover how social businesses tackle local challenges.
- Skills – Boost confidence, creativity, teamwork, and adaptability.
- Memories – Unique cultural experiences, new friends and new perspectives.
- Global Outlook– Connect Bali’s innovations to global issues
Come with curiosity and an open mind and leave with new skills, lasting memories, and inspiration.
What you will experience
Dive into the world of social enterprise, meeting innovative founders and exploring how mission-led local enterprises drive positive social and environmental change.
Through site visits, experiential activities, discussions, action challenges, and hands-on activities, you’ll gain fresh insights into entrepreneurship, sustainability, and impact.
it’s a journey that expands your horizons, builds your confidence, and connects you to global perspectives you’ll carry into your career and life
Key Information
Programme Provider
Think Pacific
Dates
25 June - 15 July 2026 (allow for a day or two either side for travel).
Eligibility
Programme Cost
£2145 including a £195 registration fee.
Funding is available for eligible students to assist towards the above project cost.
Students from a *Widening Access and Participation Background will receive a higher rate of funding.
Your contribution will be:
£600 for most students (approx. - exchange rate and fees apply)
or
£200 if your household income is less than £25,000* (receipted expenditure will be required to cover travel costs up to a max. £905)
*you can check the full criteria for this higher Turing rate in the 'Widening Access and Participation' section below.
Flights
An additional scholarship of up to £1000 is available towards the cost of your return flights. This will be paid to students once flights are confirmed, and evidence (receipts) is provided.
You must ensure you have the funds to pay for your flights as you do not receive this scholarship in advance.
Programme Cost Includes
- Welcome & Orientation – Airport pickup, 2-day briefing and cultural orientation, plus a team-building camp in a rural setting.
- Accommodation – All accommodation provided, including homestays in traditional Balinese villages.
- Meals – Breakfast and dinner included daily (please budget £2–5 per day for lunch).
- Cultural Immersion – Welcome ceremony and feast, guided hikes, excursions to cultural sites, festivals, and community events.
- Learning & Development – Guest speakers, workshops, and exclusive access to Think Pacific’s partner network.
- Support & Safety – 24/7 guidance from Think Pacific leaders, in-country manager and Balinese project team, daily health check-ins, risk assessment, and pastoral care.
- Travel – All in-country transport in private air-conditioned vehicles.
- Preparation – Comprehensive online portal, pre-departure webinars, and personal planning resources.
Additional Costs
- Insurance – Budget £50–£100 (recommended policy provided).
- Tourist Visa – Approximately £30 (requirements vary by nationality; please check with the Indonesian Embassy).
- Vaccinations – Recommended Typhoid and Hepatitis A (budget £50; often free via NHS in the UK).
- Spending Money – Budget £200–£300 for lunches, drinks, souvenirs, and personal items
| Application | Submit your application |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 12 December 2025 |
| Interview | You will be invited to an online group interview if you are shortlisted at application stage. |
| Interview Guidance | If you require support and guidance to help you prepare for interview reach out to your Employability & Graduate Futures Team. You can request a 1:1 appointment via Handshake or contact the team via e-mail: graduatefutures@ulster.ac.uk |
Widening Access and Participation
You will be eligible for a higher rate of Turing Scheme funding if you meet one of the criteria below:
- You are in receipt of an Ulster University Access Bursary
- You are from an area of low higher education participation, low household income or low socioeconomic status (including those with an annual household income of £25,000 or less)
- You receive Income Support or Universal Credit and are financially supporting yourself or financially supporting yourself and someone who is dependent on you and living with them, such as a child or partner
- You are from a background of care
- You have caring responsibilities
- You have no living parents
- Your parents cannot be found, or it is not reasonably practicable to get in touch with either of them (estranged students)
- You are a refugee or asylum seeker
Proof of the above criteria will be required as part of your application.
Pre-Departure Information
If you are selected for this opportunity following successful application and interview, the following details will help you prepare for pre-departure:
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet the host country's immigration requirements.
This will vary depending on the type of passport you hold. Further advice on the visa application will be provided as part of the pre-departure process, but it is your responsibility to ensure your familiarity with this.
Please note, if travelling out of Dublin airport, students without a British or Irish passport may also need an additional Irish visa.
Ensure you read through the Government Travel Guidance Advice for Indonesia.
You will automatically be covered for emergency travel insurance and medical emergency cover through Ulster University’s Group Personal Accident and Travel insurance policy for the duration of this programme.
Review the cover thoroughly to check it's sufficient for your needs; if it does not cover everything, you will need to take out additional cover.
Ensure you read through the recommended vaccine requirements for the country you are travelling to.
There’s lots to think about before, during and after your programme.
Read the Pre-departure Guide thoroughly for advice on to how to prepare and what to expect from your experience abroad.
Once final candidates have been selected you will be invited to a number of mandatory pre-departure sessions to help you prepare for your programme.
This will be an opportunity for you to meet other students who will be joining you and it is a requirement of the programme that you attend.
As part of the pre-departure preparation, you will be asked to submit a mandatory travel preparation form and a medical disclosure form.
Both forms are required so we can assess that you are fully prepared for the programme and can provide you with additional support if required.
