At the core of our work at Bali Institute is the belief that every student experience we create has the power for transformative self-discovery. Our partnership with Florida State University was an easy decision, as we immediately felt a common excitement and drive to create an international, experiential program that invites participating students from both the U.S. and Bali to explore social entrepreneurship from a new angle, together. The cross-cultural environment of the program beautifully simulates how modern, global issues are approached: with great enthusiasm and collaboration, but also requiring great perseverance in the face of challenges. Even just a few minutes observing the classroom makes obvious the immeasurable value of placing students in an environment where they must navigate the intricacies of social entrepreneurship alongside those of working across languages, cultures, and approaches to problem-solving.

 

Bali is an island right at a critical turning point in its development: trying to balance tradition and modernity, cultural & environmental sustainability and economic advancement. The students from local universities in Bali who are selected to participate in the program with Florida State feel the tension of these opposing forces on a daily basis, but generally have had very little opportunity to learn how they can bring positive changes to their community. On the first day of the week-long sprint with the FSU students, there is always a near-electric quality in the room, with every student nervous and excited to meet, share, learn, and create real initiatives that have the potential to bring about meaningful and lasting impact. Florida State’s deep expertise in social entrepreneurship combined with Bali Institute’s long relationships with Balinese community leaders allows truly transformational learning to occur among each and every student. It is a privilege to work with Florida State University to bring such life-changing social entrepreneurship coursework to life for students on both sides of the world as well as for our Balinese Fellows through Makadaya, our Changemaker Fellowship.

 

Ryan Feinstein, President, Bali Institute