If you ask Emma what her life looks like right now, it’s something like this:
morning gym, coffee in the sun, classes a few days a week… and afternoons at the beach or exploring somewhere new.
Not exactly the typical student routine.
A few months ago, she was in France, finishing her degree and not really sure what to do next. Now, she’s in Bali, and honestly it sounds like she made the right call.
Why Bali, Why Now?
Emma didn’t just want to take a break, she wanted to do something that actually felt worth it.
“I knew I wanted to do a gap year, but more importantly, I wanted it to be meaningful and I wanted it to be something that could make me learn and grow as a person. Then I stumbled across Asia Exchange gap year program in Bali at Udayana University and I knew that’s where I wanted to go.”
She had already been to Bali once before, and like a lot of people, she left thinking ok… I need to come back here.
So she did. Just in a slightly more long-term way.
For her, it wasn’t just about the destination, it was about choosing an experience that combined:
- personal growth
- international exposure
- and a completely new daily environment
First Days in Bali
Landing in Bali is… an experience.
It’s busy, loud, full of movement, very different from what Emma was used to.
“Living on an island is definitely very different from what I was used to back in France. At first you may feel overwhelmed by the traffic and the constant movement on the streets, but you’ll quickly see that everything works perfectly. Somehow, I found the atmosphere peaceful and restful. No one is in a rush, everyone takes their time.”
And that’s kind of the magic of it: what feels chaotic at first quickly turns into something that just works.
There’s also that moment where everything feels unfamiliar (the sounds, the smells, the pace) and then suddenly, it starts to feel normal. Almost like you’ve been there longer than you actually have.
The Part That Really Stays With You
Yes, Bali is beautiful. Yes, there are beaches, trips, sunsets.
But what Emma keeps coming back to is something else entirely.
“So far, what has surprised me the most in Bali is truly the kindness of balinese… Anytime I see him he always takes time to talk to me and always reminds me that if I need anything, if I’m sick or if I have a problem with my scooter, I can always text him and he’ll be happy to help… It’s always reassuring when you’re in another country far from home and you know you have someone if you need it.”
It’s the kind of thing you don’t really expect but once you experience it, it changes everything.
These small, everyday interactions often end up being the most memorable part of living abroad; the human side of the experience that no itinerary can really plan for.
Her Life Right Now
After a few months, Emma found her rhythm, and it’s honestly a pretty good one.
“After almost 8 months here in Bali I can confidently say that I’ve found my perfect weekly routine… Most of the time I will have class from Monday to Wednesday at 12pm which as you can imagine leaves me with a lot of free time… In the afternoon I either go to a coffee shop to do some university or personal work, or if it’s sunny I just go explore the beaches around the island.”
It’s that balance that makes it so special. You’re studying, yes, but you’re also living.
And the “normal” days? They already feel like something you’d usually wait all year for.
A typical week for her now includes:
- staying active with regular workouts
- discovering new cafés and study spots
- exploring different beaches across the island
- mixing productivity with downtime
Meeting People (Way Easier Than You Think)
One thing people always worry about before going abroad is whether they’ll meet people.
Emma’s experience? Not really a problem.
“Everyone is happy to be there and we are all so welcoming toward one another. I feel like by being far from home you really create connections quicker with other students… Asia Exchange helped so much with that as well by organising a casual get-together before the start of the semester.”
Everyone’s in the same situation, everyone’s open, so friendships happen fast.
And because you’re all sharing a similar experience, those connections tend to feel more intense, more genuine, and often longer-lasting.
For Anyone Hesitating
If you’re unsure about going abroad, Emma gets it, she was there too.
“I feel like being nervous before going abroad is a feeling everyone goes through… But trust me, don’t think too much about it, just take the leap and go for it. If it’s not the city that’ll make you feel like home, it’ll be the people you’re surrounded by, or the food you eat, or even the landscapes you see.”
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you go.
You figure it out there.
And that uncertainty? It’s usually part of what makes the experience so rewarding in the end.
Final Thoughts
Emma didn’t have a perfect plan when she left.
She just knew she wanted something more, something different.
Now she’s living in Bali, building a routine she loves, surrounded by new people, and making the kind of memories you don’t really get anywhere else.
That’s exactly what studying abroad is supposed to feel like.
The post Emma’s Gap Year in Bali appeared first on Asia Exchange.
Article source: https://asiaexchange.org/blogs/emmas-gap-year-in-bali/
