Bali Beyond Borders: Experience Immersive Study and Adventure
Experience Bali Beyond Borders – The No. 1 Educational Adventure Program in the Heart of Bali!
Bali Beyond Borders is not just a study program. It is a journey that challenges students to think critically, act strategically, and engage deeply with the world around them. By combining rigorous academic content with practical experiences in one of the most dynamic regions of the world, this winter program in Bali prepares participants to become global citizens and future leaders in their respective fields.
Spend your winter break doing something genuinely extraordinary. Bali Beyond Borders offers a unique blend of academic value and soul-enriching experiences that will expand your horizons and create lasting memories, all at Undiknas University, one of Bali’s most respected institutions.
Secure your spot today and join us for an educational adventure that goes beyond the ordinary, where every day promises new discoveries and personal revelations.
Program Overview
Program
Winter Program (21.12.2026 – 01.01.2027)
Max credits
5 ECTS / 3 US credits
Program content
Lectures, assignments, case studies, workshops and excursions
Levels of study
Bachelor and Gap Year
Fees
Study Fields
Culture, History, Sustainability, Environmental Management, International Business, Leadership, Economy, Management
UNDIKNAS UNIVERSITY
Most modern Campus in Bali
#1
best university in Bali in 2020
AACSB member
No.1 Educational and Adventure program in Bali
Program highlights
- Experience Bali's unique traditions firsthand and meet local spiritual healers.
- Learn to surf on Bali's world-famous beaches and kick off your journey with an exciting beach club welcome party.
- Enhance your fitness with personal training sessions and rejuvenate your mind and body.
- Visit a turtle conservation center and witness the awe-inspiring magic of turtle hatching.
- Attend university classes at Undiknas University and gain deep insights into Balinese culture, history, and contemporary issues.
- Explore Bali’s leading coworking space and learn from a top social media marketing influencer.
- Unwind and refresh with a serene yoga class in a picturesque Balinese setting.
Studying in the Bali Beyond Borders Program
The Bali Beyond Borders winter program offers an immersive and academically rigorous exploration of Southeast Asian business practices, cultural dynamics, and sustainable development. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Bali, this program is specifically designed for university students and gap year participants seeking to deepen their understanding of the ASEAN region’s economic landscape and to gain practical experience through direct engagement with local businesses, cultural institutions, and academic experts.
Participants earn 3 US credits (equivalent to 5 ECTS) through a comprehensive curriculum that combines classroom learning, company visits, cultural excursions, and a capstone group project. By the end of the program, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of Southeast Asia’s economic, cultural, and political complexities, with a particular focus on the Indonesian context.
Bali offers a study abroad experience unlike any other. The island’s combination of academic opportunities, cultural richness, and stunning natural surroundings provides a holistic learning environment. Undiknas University, one of Bali’s premier institutions, adds academic rigor and local insights to this unparalleled experience.
| WINTER 2026/2027* | |
|---|---|
| Semester dates | 21.12.2026 – 01.01.2027 |
| Orientation | 21.12.2026 |
| Application deadline | 22.11.2026 |
YOU MAY APPLY FOR SEMESTERS IN THE UPCOMING YEARS ALREADY.
*) SMALL CHANGES POSSIBLE / DATES ARE STILL TENTATIVE.
Program Benefits
- Academic Rigor: The program is designed to meet the academic standards required for university credit, ensuring that participants gain valuable knowledge and skills that can be applied in their academic and professional careers.
- Real-World Experience: Through company visits and interactions with industry professionals, participants gain practical insights that bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
- Cultural Immersion: The program offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Bali’s rich cultural heritage, providing a holistic understanding of the socio-cultural context in which Southeast Asian businesses operate.
- Networking Opportunities: Participants will have the chance to build a professional network with peers, business leaders, and academics, opening doors for future career opportunities in the ASEAN region.
- Personal Growth: The program’s blend of academic learning, cultural exploration, and personal development activities ensures a transformative experience that extends beyond the classroom.
By the end of the program, participants will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
- Critical Understanding: Acquire a comprehensive understanding of Southeast Asian economic and business environments, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities in the ASEAN region.
- Practical Application: Apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios through company visits and the group project, gaining hands-on experience in business strategy development.
- Cultural Awareness: Develop a deep appreciation for Indonesian culture, language, and societal norms, and understand how these elements influence business practices in the region.
- Collaborative Skills: Enhance teamwork and collaboration skills through the group project, learning to integrate diverse perspectives into a cohesive business strategy.
- Research and Analysis: Strengthen research and analytical skills by conducting market analysis, environmental assessments, and cultural adaptation plans for an SME.
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Event
• Arrival in Bali: Check-in to the hotel and settle in.
• Optional: Evening Meeting at Canggu Beach Club – relaxed, informal meet-up to get to know fellow participants.
Day 2: Orientation, Introduction to Balinese Culture and History, and Building a Business Strategy for SMEs in the ASEAN Market
• Orientation Session 1: Overview/Introduction – Welcome to Bali! Learn about the program structure and what to expect.
• University Class: Introduction to Balinese Culture and History – Explore the fascinating history and cultural dynamics that shape modern Bali and Indonesia. A comprehensive overview of Indonesia’s historical evolution, cultural diversity, and socio-political structures, providing essential context for understanding the business environment.
• Orientation Session 2 / Project Introduction: Building a Business Strategy for SMEs in the ASEAN Market (Group Project) – Begin working on business strategies that align with the ASEAN market.
Day 3: Introduction to Bahasa Indonesia, Doing Business in ASEAN, Tourism in Bali, and Group Project Work
• University Class: Introduction to Bahasa Indonesia – Learn the basics of the local language to help navigate your experience in Bali. Introduction to Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia, aimed at equipping participants with basic communication skills.
• University Class: Doing Business in ASEAN – Gain insights into ASEAN’s economic framework and the opportunities for businesses. An in-depth analysis of the economic integration and development of the ASEAN region, highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced by member states.
• University Class (New): Social and Economic Impacts of Tourism in Indonesia and Bali – Adapted from the WISE course Tourism Development in ASEAN (sessions on the Social and Cultural Impact of Tourism and the Economic Impacts of Tourism). Examines how tourism has shaped Indonesia’s economy and society, and the trade-offs playing out in Bali specifically.
Source: WISE41B02 – Tourism Development in ASEAN, Warmadewa University.
• Group project work: Continue developing your SME/ASEAN business strategy project.
Day 4: Go-to-Market Strategies, Visit to Krisna Oleh-oleh, and Kecak Dance at Sunset
• University Class: Lifestyle System and Social Organization in Bali – Learn about the social structures that underpin Balinese life and society.
• University Class: Go-to-Market Strategies and Innovation in ASEAN – A look into go-to-market approaches and innovation strategies unique to Southeast Asia, with a focus on market entry, competitive dynamics, and innovation.
• Company visit: Krisna Oleh-Oleh – Visit a company that embodies Balinese business practices.
• Free time in the afternoon for group project work.
• Optional: A visit to Uluwatu Temple, followed by a traditional Kecak Dance performance, offering insights into Bali’s spiritual and cultural practices.
Day 5: Recruiting and HR in ASEAN, and Visit to a Hotel to See How HR Strategies Are Applied in the Hospitality Industry in Bali
• University Class: Recruitment and HR in ASEAN – Explore human resource practices across ASEAN and how recruitment strategies differ in the region.
• Company visit: Hotel – See how HR strategies are applied in the hospitality industry in Bali. Afternoon free for group project work.
Day 6: Political Dynamics in Indonesia, Sustainable Tourism, and Academic Case Discussion
• Morning Class: Political Dynamics of Indonesia – Delve into Indonesia’s political systems and how they influence the region.
• University Class (New): Sustainable Tourism, Local Wisdom and Future Development – Adapted from the closing discussion of the WISE course Tourism Development in ASEAN, on the path ahead for Indonesian tourism: continued economic growth versus a more sustainable, community-rooted approach. Connects directly to Bali’s own environmental and business themes.
• Group project work and academic case discussion – Continue your group project and begin a structured academic debrief and synthesis session.
Day 7: Environmental Aspects of Business Operations, Visit to Bali Pulina, and Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• University Class: Environmental Sustainability and Business in ASEAN – Understand the critical role environmental sustainability plays in the ASEAN business landscape.
• Company visit: Bali Pulina – Learn about sustainability initiatives from a local company working on eco-friendly projects.
• Academic debrief / group project work – Continue synthesizing your group project findings.
• Optional: Tegalalang Rice Terrace – Tegalalang Rice Fields is situated in a valley that offers extraordinarily scenic lookouts over the terraces and surrounding green landscape.
Day 8: Final Academic Synthesis, Group Project Presentations, Rare Cultural Experience with Ubud-Ubud/Ketut Liyer, and Farewell Dinner
• Final academic synthesis – A structured wrap-up connecting classroom learning, company visits, and cultural experiences from across the program.
• Group project presentations – Present the business strategies you’ve been working on throughout the program.
• Optional: Experience with Ubud-Ubud/Ketut Liyer – Visit Ubud-Ubud/Ketut Liyer for a rare cultural experience.
• Farewell Dinner at Bale Udang Mang Engking Ubud: Celebrate the completion of the program with a farewell dinner at one of Ubud’s renowned restaurants.
Day 9: Departure
• Morning Free Time – Spend the morning as you wish, reflecting on the program or enjoying Bali one last time.
• Check-out and Departure
Project Title: “Building a Business Strategy for SMEs in the ASEAN Market”
Objective:
The capstone of the academic component is a group project, where participants will dedicate 12.5 hours to developing a comprehensive business strategy for an Indonesian SME seeking to expand into the ASEAN market. This project requires the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical insights gained throughout the program.
Project Components:
- Market Entry Strategy:
- Objective: Analyze an ASEAN market where the SME could potentially expand. Develop a market entry strategy that includes a detailed analysis of consumer behavior, competition.
- Tasks: Conduct a SWOT analysis, identify potential local partners, and design a go-to-market plan tailored to the chosen ASEAN country.
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact:
- Objective: Create a sustainable business model for the SME that addresses a specific environmental issue in Indonesia or the target ASEAN country.
- Tasks: Propose a sustainable product or service, assess its environmental impact, and develop a strategy for integrating sustainability into the company’s core operations.
- Cultural Adaptation:
- Objective: Develop a cultural adaptation plan to ensure the SME’s successful integration into the new market. This includes adapting products, marketing strategies, and workplace practices to align with local cultural norms.
- Tasks: Research cultural norms and values, identify potential cultural challenges, and propose strategies to mitigate them.
- HR and Workplace Culture:
- Objective: Design an HR strategy that enhances workplace culture and employee engagement in the new ASEAN market.
- Tasks: Design HR practices such as training and employee wellness programs, and ensure the strategy aligns with ASEAN cultural values.
- Marketing and Promotion:
- Objective: Develop a marketing campaign to promote the SME’s products or services in the market while taking into account the culture of the region the product is promoted in.
- Tasks: Design a marketing strategy that effectively communicate the SME’s value proposition.
Final Presentation:
Participants will present their business strategies in a formal academic setting, demonstrating their ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges. This presentation will be evaluated by a panel of experts, providing feedback to enhance students’ understanding and skills.
Bali Beyond Borders Tuition fee
Tuition fee:
Application fee:
See what’s included in the fees.
What’s Included
- All academic activities
- Cultural immersion
- Company visits
Earn 5 ECTS / 3 US credits from Undiknas University.
Course Structure (3 US Credits / 5 ECTS)
- Orientation: 2 hours
- Lectures: 15 hours (10 sessions, 1.5 hours each)
- Company Visits: 6 hours (3 visits, 2 hours each)
- Group Project Work: 12.5 hours
- Academic Case Discussion / Final Presentation: 3.5 hours
- Cultural Excursions: 6 hours
- Total Contact Hours: 45 hours
Who Can Apply
- Minimum age of 18 years
- A high school diploma or equivalent certificate
- Sufficient English skills — no official language test required
See the additional requirements.
Required Documents
- An official transcript of records, or if not currently enrolled at a higher education institution, a copy of your high school diploma. Preferably in English, but we also accept German, French, Finnish, and Spanish.
- A copy of the identification page of your passport, valid for 12 months after the end of the program.
- A passport-size color photo (4 x 3 cm), taken wearing a collar shirt, without glasses, neutral face — different from your passport photo. See example.
Application Instructions
Apply to study abroad at Undiknas University
DOCUMENTS
Get the required documents
APPLICATION
Fill out and submit the online application form together with the required documents
CONFIRMATION
You’ll get a confirmation of your study placement within 1-7 days
Flexible application:
- You can apply even if you’re not yet certain of your plans. Cancel at no extra cost up to 1 month before the semester starts.
- When you apply for two semesters: 100 EUR discount on the second semester
- Get access to comprehensive information materials such as an Asia Exchange Guide and an interactive orientation webinar after you apply
INSTRUCTIONS
- Scan the required documents (1–2) to your computer.
- Finally, fill out the online application form below and submit it with all the documents.
- Uploading and submitting the attachments
- Please upload the attachments in PDF format.
- If possible, please submit all the attachments together with the application. If you’re missing some attachment(s) when you first apply, you can later send the missing document(s). However, please note that we won’t process applications without any attachments whatsoever.
- All attachments must be sent to us by the application deadline at the very latest, preferably as soon as possible.
- You can submit all the documents electronically. Please don’t send anything via regular mail.
- There is a late application fee for applications or attachments submitted after the application deadline.
- Confirmation, official acceptance letter and visa
You’ll get a confirmation of your study placement in 1-7 days, starting from when your application is complete with all the required documents. You’ll receive the electronic official acceptance letter approximately 1,5 months before the semester starts. You need to print the official acceptance letter for your student visa application.
Fees
The application fee invoice will be sent to you soon after the initial acceptance letter. This fee will be due within 10 days of receiving your confirmation. The application fee is non-refundable even if you decide to cancel (see below). You’ll receive the invoice for the tuition fee about 2.5 months before the semester starts.
Cancellation
If you’re unable to participate in the study abroad semester, you have the right to cancel your participation up to 1 month before the semester starts with no extra cost (the application fee will not be refunded, however). Let us know about your cancellation by writing us an email at info[ at]asiaexchange.org. Cancellations notified via phone, SMS or by any other means will not be considered. For more detailed information on our cancellation policy, please see the terms and conditions for cancellation. We also reserve the right to cancel your participation if any of your fees becomes overdue. For more information, please see our terms and conditions.
Travel insurance
You are required to have valid accident and health insurance from your home country for the whole duration of the program. The university may request a copy of the insurance certificate at the beginning of the semester. See our recommended travel insurance providers.
CO2 OFFSETTING
Unfortunately, traveling by plane to study abroad increases the carbon footprint of each student. Over the past years, it has become more apparent than ever: we face a climate crisis and air transport is responsible for up to 10% of humankind’s contribution to global warming. But should students stop pursuing their dreams of studying abroad and sacrifice their future goals? We don’t think so!
We see it as our responsibility to preserve our environment, live a sustainable life, and minimize the carbon footprint of each of our students. Consequently, Asia Exchange has chosen to work with Atmosfair, a non-profit organization that actively contributes to CO₂ mitigation and offers Co2 offsetting. You can now easily donate a free amount of money to Atmosfair’s projects dedicated to offsetting Co2 emissions. During the application process for your study abroad program, you have the opportunity to donate and mitigate your flight emissions.
Simultaneously, Asia Exchange will support your efforts to reduce their carbon footprint when studying abroad by doubling your donations and contributing equally. Let’s make this world a better place!
Click here to find out more about offsetting your flight emissions
Explore virtually – interactive destination tour
Most frequently questions
STUDIES & SCHEDULES
Q: Are there mandatory courses? A: Yes, the program is set entirely and has no optional elements.
Q: How does the weekly schedule look like? A: The program schedule is set in the “detailed itinerary” section. Day 1 is a Sunday.
Q: When do the exams take place? A: There are no exams in this program.
Q: What kind of costs are there regarding study materials? A: All educational costs are included in the program fee
EVERYDAY CONDUCT
Dress code: You should always cover your shoulders, belly, knees and toes when on campus. Please bring enough proper, lightweight clothes with you from home as it can be difficult to find especially bigger clothes or shoes in Bali.
During company or site visits, dress code is more casual, however, should be respectful (no bikinis or surf shorts)
VISA & TRAVEL
Q: What type of visa do I need for Undiknas University?
A: You can enter Bali with a Visa on Arrival.
Q: When can I apply for my visa?
A: You can apply and pay for your visa directly at the airport in Bali.
ACCOMMODATION
Q: Should I book accommodation in advance or after arriving in Bali?
A: It is completely up to you. As the program duration is short, we recommend staying in a hotel.
TRANSPORT
Q: Do I need an International Driver’s License to drive a scooter in Bali?
A: Yes. If you do not yet have one, order it from your national car union’s website. Driving a scooter in Bali requires a motorbike license, without one, you may have problems with your insurance in case of an accident.
HEALTH
Q: Which vaccinations do I need?
A: We recommend MMR, Tetanus-diphtheria, and Hepatitis A and B. Bali is not a malaria-endemic zone.
Q: Can I bring prescription medicines to Bali?
A: That should not be a problem if you bring the doctor’s prescription with the medicine.
Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Yes. Valid accident and health insurance is required for the whole duration of the program. See our recommended travel insurance providers.
Q: How are the hospitals in Bali?
A: There are many international standard hospitals in Bali, including BIMC, Siloam, and Kasih Ibu. Ask your insurance company for their preferred partner hospital in Bali.
COSTS
Q: Should I prepare for additional costs?
A: In addition to the program fee, budget for flights, accommodation, and everyday living costs.
DOCUMENTS
Q: I need my learning agreement signed. What should I do?
A: Please fill out the document and send it to info@asiaexchange.org.
Q: When will I receive my Official Acceptance Letter?
A: The electronic official acceptance letter will be delivered approximately 1 month before the program starts.
Q: When will I receive my participation certificate?
A: You will receive your participation certificate at the end of the program.
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