Through workaway.info, I was lucky enough to find myself the most incredible volunteering experience – teaching English in Java, Indonesia. I spent 12 days working with young kids who wanted to learn basic English right up to adults looking to teach English as a foreign language. As well as teaching, this experience was also a cultural exchange, where I learnt a lot about Indonesian and Javanese culture and traditions. 

I stayed with a host family, who instantly invited me into their home with open arms and made sure I always had a full tummy (I never stopped eating!). They showed me around their town and the surrounding areas of interest too!

We visited a tea and coffee plantation, waterfalls and beaches. My favourite trip was to a traditional market in Batang where they used terracotta coins instead of money, banana leaves instead of plastic containers and where I was able to sample loads of different traditional Javanese foods!

Another highlight was visiting the Pekalongan Batik Museum, where I learnt all about the process of Batik and even had a go at it myself (it wasn’t easy!)

I can safely say it was one of the best experiences of my life and I’m so grateful that my host and his family treated me so well! I now have Javanese family!