At StudyAbroad.com, we believe the most powerful stories come from the students themselves. Brenley, a two-time study abroad participant, recently completed our Business & Culture program at Undiknas University in Bali—and her experience was full of unexpected lessons, authentic connection, and eye-opening adventure. From navigating cultural differences to gaining confidence as an independent traveler, Brenley’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of global education. Read on to hear her journey through Bali in her own words!
From Denver to Denpasar: My Bali Study Abroad Adventure
Before heading to Bali in December of 2024, I didn’t know much about ASEAN business—or Indonesia, to be honest. I just knew I wanted to experience something new, challenge myself, and study in a place that felt completely different from home, and completely different from my previous study abroad experience in Barcelona. I found that and so much more through the StudyAbroad.com program at Undiknas University!
Even before I left, the support from StudyAbroad.com made a huge difference. My advisor was incredibly helpful in preparing me for what to expect, especially around cultural norms and the visa process—which can be confusing! The cultural norms and expectations in Bali are far different than they are in Colorado where I’ve lived my whole life, so having that preparation from someone experienced really helped me feel a lot more confident stepping off that plane in Denpasar.
When I arrived, the in-country coordinators were kind and welcoming, although there were a few moments where they didn’t have all the answers we needed right away. It led to a little confusion, but nothing that couldn’t be figured out with patience and flexibility. That’s part of travel, right? By the end of my trip, I was so thankful for these moments because they pushed me to become more adaptable and resourceful. They taught me how to navigate uncertainty, trust my instincts, and lean on the support of my fellow students. In hindsight, those little bumps along the way made the experience feel even more real and rewarding!
The academic portion of the program was focused on ASEAN business, which was super fascinating—especially because I knew so little about it beforehand. While the original course schedule changed a bit once we arrived (we ended up having fewer days of instruction than anticipated due to the New Year holiday), the classes we did have were valuable and highly engaging. Plus, getting to ring in the New Year in Bali was unforgettable—fireworks over the ocean, live music, and celebrations unlike anything I’d experienced back home! The professors were incredibly insightful, and the topics we explored were highly relevant to international business and cross-cultural understanding. One of the best parts was the small class size—there were only about 12 of us—which made it easy to build a comfortable, collaborative atmosphere. We got to know each other and our instructors quickly, which meant more personalized discussions, plenty of opportunities to ask questions, and an overall positive, engaging classroom environment.
What I didn’t expect was how much I’d learn outside of class—just by exploring Bali, talking to locals, and spending time with other students in the program from around the world. Everyone was more kind and excited to share their culture with me than I could have ever expected, and I gained as much from our late-night group chats and weekend trips as I did from our lectures.
Our accommodation was stunning. Beyond just being beautiful, it became the heart of our experience—a welcoming space where we could unwind, connect, and genuinely bond as a group. It served as our central hangout spot, where we planned adventures, shared music and stories from our home countries, cooked together, and created countless spontaneous memories. That atmosphere made it incredibly easy to form meaningful connections from the start—seriously, the moment I walked through the door, the students who had already arrived welcomed me with actual open arms! That kind of environment made a huge difference in how quickly we built a community. I always had someone to explore with, share meals with, or just talk to about everything we were experiencing. Plus, it was just a 25-minute ride from the university, which gave us the perfect excuse to explore even more of Bali—often on the back of a motorcycle, the most popular (and exhilarating) way to get around the city!
While some excursions that were originally listed didn’t end up being included, I saw that as an opportunity. It gave me the freedom to plan my own adventures, and I felt empowered doing it all on my own (with guidance available if I needed it). We planned day trips to places in Bali, like the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Uluwatu Temple, Nyang Nyang beach, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, day spas, cultural shows, and so much more. It helped me grow a lot as an independent traveler. By taking the lead on my own experiences, I gained confidence, learned how to navigate unfamiliar places, and discovered parts of Bali I might not have seen otherwise. It reminded me that some of the best parts of studying abroad are the ones you create for yourself.
Studying abroad in Bali was SUCH a treat. I came for the business program, but I left with so much more—new friends, unforgettable memories, and a much deeper understanding of the world. I learned about culture, entrepreneurship, independence, and even about myself. If you’re open to flexibility and ready to dive into a completely new environment, I can’t recommend this program enough.
This experience shaped who I am today, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Why Stories Like Brenley’s Matter
Brenley’s journey in Bali reflects exactly what we hope every student takes away from their time abroad: academic insight, cultural exchange, personal growth, and memories that last a lifetime. While no program is without its surprises, we’re proud to support students like Brenley as they step into new environments, embrace the unknown, and come out stronger and more inspired. If you’re ready to start your own adventure, we’d love to help you get there!
