When Monia looks back on her semester abroad in Bali, she doesn’t just describe a study experience; she describes one of the best decisions she has ever made. What began as a long-held dream of studying abroad turned into a transformative chapter filled with independence, personal growth, and unforgettable memories.
Why Monia Chose to Study Abroad
“I had always wanted to study abroad, and then I chose a degree where going abroad was required, so it felt like the perfect opportunity.”
For Monia, the decision felt natural. What started as an academic requirement quickly became something much bigger.
“Looking back, it was honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve learned a lot, grown a lot as a person, and had so many great experiences along the way. Overall, it has been an amazing and valuable time.”
Arriving in Bali: Excitement and New Beginnings
Arriving in Bali was both exciting and intense.
“Arriving at my destination was an exciting and unforgettable experience. Everything felt completely new, and it was my first time being so far away from home and surrounded by a different culture.”
Like many students going abroad for the first time, the beginning came with mixed emotions.
“While it was a bit overwhelming at the very beginning, that feeling quickly turned into excitement and curiosity. I adapted faster than I expected and soon started to feel comfortable in my new environment.”
The Biggest Surprises: Everyday Life in Bali
What stood out most to Monia wasn’t just the beaches or the travel opportunities; it was daily life itself.
“What surprised me most were the everyday differences that you only really notice once you live there, like the culture, the climate, and especially the traffic.”
Living in Bali gave her a new perspective on how different lifestyles can coexist in the same place.
“In Bali, the contrast between the lifestyle of locals and that of tourists was very striking and quite eye-opening. It made me more aware of how differently people can live in the same place.”
There were pleasant surprises, too.
“Another positive surprise was how affordable many things were, which made daily life easier and more enjoyable.”
A Typical Day as a Student at Udayana University
Daily life quickly found its rhythm.
“A typical day usually starts with riding my scooter to university. I mostly had two classes, with a coffee break in between at the campus café.”
After classes, there was always something to look forward to.
“After that, my friends and I would often try a new place for lunch, which was always something to look forward to.”
Afternoons were often spent enjoying Bali’s natural beauty.
“The afternoons were different every day but usually involved relaxing by the pool or going to the beach.”
Evenings and weekends brought more shared experiences.
“In the evenings, we often ordered food or went out for dinner, sometimes at a local warung, and on weekends we liked to go out with friends and enjoy the nightlife.”
A Highlight She’ll Never Forget: The Komodo Tour
Out of many incredible moments, one experience stood above the rest.
“There were so many amazing moments this semester, but the Komodo tour really stood out.”
Spending four days exploring Indonesia’s natural beauty became one of her most treasured memories.
“Spending four days on a boat with my friends, exploring beautiful islands, seeing incredible wildlife, and just enjoying the atmosphere was unforgettable. It’s definitely a memory I’ll carry with me forever.”
How Studying Abroad Changed Her
Beyond the travel and social life, studying abroad had a lasting impact on Monia personally.
“Studying abroad has definitely made me more independent; just the experience of flying alone to the other side of the world was a big step.”
The experience strengthened her confidence and adaptability.
“I feel like I’ve grown a lot personally and become more confident in handling new situations. I’ve also become much more open to meeting different people and embracing new experiences.”
More than anything, it broadened her perspective.
“Overall, it’s given me a broader perspective on the world and a greater willingness to step out of my comfort zone.”
Her Advice to Future Students
For students who are unsure about leaping, Monia’s advice is simple:
“I’d say don’t overthink it or stress too much, just go for it.”
She acknowledges that uncertainty is part of the journey.
“You can’t know everything beforehand, but that’s part of the adventure. You’ll learn so much along the way, and the most important thing is to enjoy yourself and have fun while doing it.”
Why Monia Chose Asia Exchange
When researching her options, Asia Exchange stood out to her immediately.
“When I was researching study abroad options, I came across Asia Exchange and was drawn to their programs since they offer amazing locations and opportunities.”
The support system was equally important.
“I also really appreciated the help and support they provided. You always know who to contact, and there are plenty of ways to read about other students’ experiences, which makes the whole process much easier and more reassuring.”
Studying at Udayana University
One thing that left a strong impression on her was the university’s reputation.
“One thing that really stood out to me about Udayana University is how highly regarded it is locally. It seemed to be the biggest and most respected university in the area; whenever I told locals I was studying there, they were immediately impressed.”
The environment also made it easy to settle in.
“The professors were really friendly and approachable, and international students even had their own building, which made it easy to connect and feel at home.”
What She’ll Miss Most
As her semester came to an end, it wasn’t just one thing she would miss – it was everything combined.
“I will definitely miss the people I met there and all the friends I made along the way. I’ll also miss the great weather, the beach, and living in such a beautiful environment.”
Exploring the country became part of her routine.
“Exploring new places in the country every weekend, meeting friendly locals, and enjoying all the delicious food are things I’ll truly miss as well.”
In the end, it was the full experience that made it unforgettable.
“Overall, it’s the combination of the people, the place, and the experiences that made this semester unforgettable.”
Thinking about starting your own journey?
Explore our study abroad opportunities in Bali and take the first step toward your own unforgettable semester here!
