New: ⛩️ Japanese Exchange with Local Kids 🌸
The experience
This program offers a community-based cultural exchange in Kertasari Tourism Village, where participants connect with local children through games, songs, and outdoor activities. Instead of formal teaching, the emphasis is on introducing Japanese naturally while building meaningful relationships. Participants also get to experience village life, helping create a supportive and interactive learning environment.
What you offer
18 hours of help per week
Child Care:
Caring for, playing with, and spending time with children.
Social Work:
Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.
Teaching Languages:
Teaching a language to the host, guests, or local communities.
Additional fee required
Amount:
US$ 30
Per day
Fee pays for:
Benefits for travelers, Materials for volunteer activities, and Donation to project
Description:
The $30 daily contribution helps cover essential operational costs including a private room and three simple daily meals. If you prefer, you're also welcome to plan everything yourself—I’ll gladly recommend the best places to stay
What you get
2 days off per week
Private Room:
You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Breakfast:
You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.
Lunch:
You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.
Dinner:
You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.
Get free drinks or beverages.:
Drink up! Get free and tasty drinks for yourself.
Certificate:
Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.
Requirements
Intermediate Japanese and Intermediate English
Between 18 and 35 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
Be from outside Indonesia
European Union Passport
United States visa or citizenship
Travel insurance
What's not included
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
Program Details
This community-based program in Kertasari Tourism Village, West Sumbawa, centers on meaningful interactions with local children. Instead of formal teaching, you’ll introduce Japanese naturally through games, songs, and outdoor play, creating a fun and relaxed learning environment alongside local tutors.
Beyond activities with children, you’ll become part of village life. You can join community events like weddings and sports days at no cost, and immerse yourself in local traditions through weaving, wearing traditional attire, and visiting farms to see coconut oil production, seaweed cultivation, and cornfields.
For those seeking adventure, the village offers plenty of experiences. You can try spearfishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, or canoeing, as well as explore the area through hiking, beach hopping, and visiting nearby waterfalls.
By living and sharing daily experiences with residents, you’ll gain meaningful insights into rural culture while supporting local education. This immersive journey is more than volunteering—it’s a chance to build genuine connections and create lasting memories.
Activities & Shift
Typical Day & Weekly Schedule
2 Days per Week: School & Japanese Sharing
07:00 – 09:00 | Breakfast with your host family
09:30 – 11:00 | Activity-based Japanese sessions with local children
11:00 – 13:00 | Lunch and free time
13:00 – 15:00 | Village walk or outdoor games with children
15:00 – 17:00 | Rest and personal time
17:00 – 18:00 | Light community activities
18:30 – 21:00 | Cultural exchange and dinner preparation
21:00 – 22:00 | Dinner together
Saturday: Community Engagement
Morning | Free time
Afternoon | Join Laskar Cinta Alam (local community group) to interact with children
Sunday: Nature & Social Activities
Morning | Outdoor class with Laskar Cinta Alam
Afternoon | Social activities and bonding with local children
3 Days per Week: Full Free Time
Enjoy full days to relax, explore the village, or discover the natural beauty of West Sumbawa.
Optional Adventures
Snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, hiking, island hopping, or canoeing
(Note: Optional activities are not included in the program fee.) 🌿🌊
Rules
• Participants must follow all instructions from program coordinators and local tutors.
• Respect for local culture, customs, and community members is expected at all times.
• As the program takes place in a Muslim community, participants are required to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially during community activities.
• Participants should be mindful of local religious practices, including prayer times and cultural norms.
• The use of alcohol or drugs during program activities is strictly prohibited.
• Participants may not leave activities without prior permission from coordinators.
• Any issues or concerns should be reported immediately to the program team.
• Polite, friendly, and supportive communication is expected in all interactions.
• The program reserves the right to suspend participation if these guidelines are not followed.