Service Learning Trip

Bali Service Learning Trip (Jan 2027)

Program Schedule
2 - 9 Jan 2027
Bali, Indonesia
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Apply by 27 Sep 2026 11:59pm
Enquiry

Vicky Ng (vicky.ng@ust.hk)

UN Sustainable Development Goals
HKUST CONNECT SDG GOALS
HKUST CONNECT SDG GOALS
HKUST CONNECT SDG GOALS

Bali is world-renowned for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture. However, beyond its popular the tourist attractions, many local communities face pressing challenges such as educational inequality, poverty, and limited opportunities for youth and individuals with physical disabilities, particularly in underserved rural areas. 

Following our successful visit in January 2026, HKUST Connect is continuing its partnership with VIA (Volunteers in Asia ) to launch the second Service Learning Trip to Bali in January 2027.

In this service learning trip, you will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference—supporting children and youth in rural areas through the Suwandi Foundation, and empowering individuals with physical disabilities at Cahaya Mutiara Ubud. This experience goes far beyond sightseeing; it’s about connecting deeply with the local community and driving positive change.

As a participant, you will:

  • Inspire Indonesian children and youth in remote areas through workshops and interactive activities
  • Support individuals with physical disabilities by working alongside them to foster mutual understand and social inclusion 
  • Engage in cultural activities to gain a deeper understanding of Indonesia
  • Accelerate your personal development through reflection and hands-on service
  • Share your experiences upon returning to foster care and empathy within the HKUST community

If you're interested in joining the trip as a member of the Organizing Committee, please refer to this page for more details. 

Join us on this transformative journey—not as a tourist, but as someone committed to creating positive change.

Program Schedule
Activity (Note 1)
Date
Time
Workshop 1
20 Oct 26 (Tue)
6:30 - 8:30pm
Workshop 2
10 Nov 26 (Tue)
6:30 - 8:30pm
Workshop 3
24 Nov 26 (Tue)
6:30 - 8:30pm
Workshop 4
29 Dec 26 (Tue)
2:30 - 5:30pm
Sub-team Meetings & Preparation
Oct 2026 - Jan 2027
Suggest each sub-team meeting weekly or biweekly, based on progress and availability
Sub-team Consultation Meeting (in person)
16 - 20 Nov 2026
Approx. 1 hour for each session, actual date & time is subject to the availability of each sub-team
Sub-team Consultation Meeting (in person)
21 - 24 Dec 2026
Approx. 1 hour for each session, actual date & time is subject to the availability of each sub-team
Bali Service Learning Trip
2 - 9 Jan 2027
Description

Note 1:
To ensure the quality of service activities and to foster a positive team experience, students are expected to attend ALL pre-trip activities, including workshops and consultation meetings. Priority will be given to those who can commit to full attendance. Requests for absence due to academic course-related examinations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The organizer reserves the right to terminate the participation of any student who fails to meet the above requirements, and the program fee will not be refunded.

Program Fee

HK$7,900  (Actual cost is HK$11,130, 29% subsidy provided by DSTO)

  • Participants will receive an additional subsidy of up to HK$1,400 upon satisfactory completion of the entire service program. This additional subsidy will bring the total subsidy provided by DSTO to 40% of the program cost.
  • There are also other subsidies available for application.  Please refer to the "Subsidies" section for more details.

Includes:

  • Round-trip flights to Bali 
  • Local transportation
  • Accommodation
  • Meals during program activities 
  • Entry fees for visits included in the official program
  • Travel insurance

Does NOT include:

  • Personal expenses and expenses outside the official program
  • Travel document/visa application
  • Additional travel and medical insurance
Subsidies

1) All participants
 

1A. Subsidy for trip participants (No application needed)

Participants will receive a subsidy up to HK$1,400 upon satisfactory completion of the entire service program. (Note 2)

1B. Connect Overseas Learning Experience Sponsorship Scheme (OLESS) (Details)

Students with financial need may apply for the Scheme to receive a subsidy to cover part of the program fee on a reimbursement basis. Apply for Connect OLESS here by 2 Oct. 

2) Recipients of the Tertiary Student Finance Scheme (TSFS) government grant & loan


Pre-approval of Connect OLESS (Submit “Notification of Result” of TSFS in OLESS online application)

To alleviate the financial burden on government grant and loan recipients who are required to pay the full program fee upfront, TSFS Grant recipients can obtain pre-approval for the Scheme and only need to pay the remaining portion of the program fee:

TSFS grant awarded Fee payable
>75% of grant HK$1,580
50-75% of grant HK$3,950
<50% of grant HK$5,925

Please follow the procedure to submit an OLESS application by 2 Oct.


Note 2:
Satisfactory completion of the entire service program includes attendance, high level of engagement in group preparation tasks, workshops and during the trip, and submission of a reflection report. The amount of subsidy received by OLESS recipients will be prorated based on the program fee paid. The total amount of subsidy received should not exceed 80% of the program fee.

Application & Deadline

Application

  • Please complete the online registration form.
  • Interviews will be held 29 Sep - 2 Oct 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be notified via email.
  • Participants are required to travel to and from Bali with the group. No separate travel will be entertained.

Deadline: 27 Sep 2026 (Sun)
 

Award

Awards for Social Good

Your Service Learning Trip venture could form a part of your social good journey and achieve the Social Good Builder. Check out the Awards information here.

Additional Information on Collaborator in Indonesia

VIA (https://viaprograms.org/)

VIA began in 1963 when then Dean of Freshman Men at Stanford University, Dwight Clark, organized a summer volunteer project with Stanford students serving refugees in Hong Kong. The summer reshaped many of these students’ personal and professional goals. They so valued the benefits of their cross-cultural experience that they recruited others for similar projects. In 1966, these programs were incorporated under the name “Volunteers in Asia” as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization.

Today, VIA offers a wide range of cultural exchanges, professional training, internships, and fellowships throughout Asia and Silicon Valley. By fostering curiosity, humility, and compassion, VIA empowers people to tackle pressing social challenges.