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Schedule a meeting now! Get advice from our admission expert Katharina. Request a spot in our meeting hub and we will call you back!
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Schedule a meeting now! Get advice from our admission expert Katharina. Request a spot in our meeting hub and we will call you back!
Refer a friend - Save 100€! Refer a friend, enroll together for this summer school, and save both 100 Euro! Refer a friend!
Schedule a meeting now! Get advice from our admission expert Katharina. Request a spot in our meeting hub and we will call you back!
Refer a friend - Save 100€! Refer a friend, enroll together for this summer school, and save both 100 Euro! Refer a friend!
A Journey of Culture, Nature and Learning
upskill study's Welcome Week of Tropical Coastal Ecology & Community Based Management Semester 2025
Thrilled to welcome upskill's undergrad students of Tropical Coastal Ecology & Community Based Management program. Our participants this year come from Van Hall Larenstein University in Leeuwarden, Netherlands and University of Salzburg. For a total of five days starting from March 3rd to 5th, our team provided an introduction to Balinese culture, environmental conservation, and community engagement.
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The Upskill Welcome Week – March 2025 provided a comprehensive introduction to Balinese culture, environmental conservation, and community engagement, setting a strong foundation for students as they began their academic journey. Over five days, students explored traditional markets, participated in cooking classes, visited Balinese homes and temples, engaged in coral restoration efforts, and set out on outdoor adventures. Through hands-on experiences such as crafting canang sari offerings, scuba diving at Biorock coral reefs, and stand-up paddling along Bali’s coastline, they developed a deeper understanding of sustainability, cultural heritage, and personal growth.
The welcome week was designed to align students with their purpose in Bali, emphasizing that knowing is caring, and knowing is understanding—an essential mindset for engaging with local traditions, communities, and environmental initiatives. By experiencing the daily rhythms of Balinese life firsthand, students not only gained insight into the cultural and social fabric of the island but also recognized the importance of their studies in relation to the local community and Upskill’s initiatives. The program cultivated cross-cultural connections and experiential learning, equipping students with a broader global perspective and a meaningful appreciation for Bali’s traditions, people, and environment.
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Day 1: Visiting Taro Village
The program commenced in Pemulan, Gianyar, where participants were warmly welcomed by our experienced guide, Bli Wayan. The day’s itinerary included a visit to the traditional market in Taro, where students were introduced to a variety of tropical fruits and indigenous spices. The market tour provided a sensory experience, as students sampled local produce such as sapodilla and enjoyed godoh (fried banana), a staple Balinese snack traditionally served with coffee.
Following the market tour, the group proceeded to the designated cooking venue, a picturesque setting surrounded by lush vegetation. Under the guidance of local culinary experts, students engaged in an interactive cooking session, preparing traditional Balinese dishes such as jukut urab (vegetable salad), tempe manis (sweet tempeh), chicken curry, and sate with sambal matah. The session emphasized sustainable food practices, as students harvested fresh ingredients from the venue’s organic garden. The culinary experience concluded with a communal meal, fostering camaraderie and deepening appreciation for Balinese gastronomy.
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Day 2: Visiting Payangan Village
On the second day, students visited the residence of Ibu Sastra, a respected member of the local community, where they were graciously received with traditional Balinese cakes and herbal ginger tea. The visit encompassed a guided tour of a traditional Balinese home, including an in-depth explanation of its architectural elements and spiritual significance.
A key highlight of the day was the discussion on Balinese Hindu practices, during which students posed insightful questions about lineage, temple inheritance, and the concept of reincarnation. Ibu Sastra provided comprehensive explanations, offering cultural perspectives on these fundamental aspects of Balinese spirituality.
Additionally, students actively participated in the creation of canang sari (daily offerings) and gebogan (fruit offerings), learning the symbolic meaning behind each element. The day concluded with a communal lunch, reinforcing the values of hospitality and cultural preservation.
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Day 3: Visiting Pemuteran Village
A four-hour journey brought the group to Pemuteran, where they were introduced to the pioneering efforts of Yayasan Karang Lestari in coral restoration. The session commenced with an informative presentation by Mr. Komang, an esteemed environmentalist with over two decades of experience in marine conservation. The discussion covered the history of Biorock technology, its implementation in Pemuteran, and its role in addressing climate-related challenges affecting coral ecosystems.
Following the presentation, students participated in a Discovery Scuba Dive (DSD) session, where they explored artificial reef structures designed using the Biorock method. This hands-on experience provided invaluable insight into the practical applications of marine conservation. The day concluded with a Megibung dinner, a communal dining tradition that fostered meaningful dialogue between students and local conservationists.
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Day 4: Sunrise Hike and Temple Visit
The fourth day commenced with a sunrise hike at Batu Kursi Hill, offering panoramic views of Pemuteran’s coastal landscape. Although weather conditions obscured the sunrise, the excursion provided an opportunity for mindfulness and appreciation of Bali’s natural beauty.
Following the hike, an optional Balinese cleansing ceremony was offered to students, providing a reflective conclusion to the cultural workshop from the previous day. The ceremony underscored the spiritual and ritualistic aspects of Balinese Hinduism, allowing participants to engage in an authentic cultural practice. After the ceremony, students prepared for departure, returning to Denpasar with a deeper understanding of Bali’s environmental and cultural landscape.
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Day 5: Visiting Pantai Kelan, Sunset Cruise and Tumpeng Dinner
The final day of the Welcome Week was dedicated to recreational and reflective activities. Students gathered at SUP Priority for a stand-up paddling excursion along Bali’s southwestern coastline. The route encompassed prominent coastal landmarks such as Tegalalang Cliff, Balangan Cliff, and Dreamland Beach, offering students a relaxing and engaging experience on the water after the busy and packed activities during the welcome week.
We conclude the day with a farewell session and a traditional Nasi Tumpeng meal, symbolizing gratitude and communal celebration. During the closing discussion, our team and the students shared their reflections on the program, highlighting key learning experiences and personal growth. Conversations ranged from environmental sustainability to global socio-political perspectives, showcasing the program’s impact beyond cultural immersion.
Stay connected for more updates on upcoming Upskill programs and experiential learning opportunities!
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By LK
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