Yordie in Indonesia

My story

I did a 10-week internship in Indonesia. Before I started my internship I was quite nervous, because it was the first time I was making a long-haul trip on my own.

When I arrived in Indonesia I had quite a culture shock. People just started greeting me and wanted to know all sorts of things about me, which I wasn’t used to back home in Holland. I soon started making contact with the local people and made friends really easily.

During Ramadan the schools were closed and I didn’t really know what to do with myself. A new manager had started working at The Power of Sports, and he asked if I wanted to go to Jakarta with him and his friends for a few days. At first I hesitated because I didn’t know him yet, but in the end I decided to go. The best decision I’ve ever made! They gave me a real taste of Indonesian culture and we became really good friends.

While teaching, I was amazed at how grateful and enthusiastic the children were. They listened really well during the lessons and were always keen to take part in the sports sessions. This taught me that we should be truly grateful for everything we have. Children in Indonesia don’t have much, but they are always happy and friendly and they never complain about anything.

I loved teaching. Especially the basketball sessions, because basketball isn’t very popular in Semarang. I taught the children to play basketball for the first time and saw great progress.

I’m really glad I made the choice to go on my own. Because of it I met lots of local people and made wonderful friendships, which I’m still in touch with to this day!

I would definitely recommend Indonesia! The people are super friendly and respectful. It’s really fun teaching the children because they are so grateful. And the food is of course a bonus too!

I’m definitely going back in the future to visit my friends again!

What advice would you like to give future interns and volunteers?

Go on your own. Of course it’s nerve-racking, but that’s how you learn the most. Step out of your comfort zone, that’s where you learn and grow as a person!