Program Overview

Program Overview

The Music and Culture Travel Course is a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Bali, Indonesia. This 2-week program, running from May 9 to 22, 2026, offers a transformative educational experience that combines the study of music and culture with hands-on experiences and interactions with local artists and communities.

Program Description

From traditional to contemporary performing and visual arts, handicrafts, and cuisine, participants will have the chance to engage with a plethora of sounds, sights, fragrances, and tastes unique to the island of Bali. The program aims to provide an international, transformative educational experience grounded in the study of music and culture in Bali, relevant to a wide range of interests, disciplines, and career trajectories.

Background

Bali is known for its performing arts, including music, dance, musical theatre, and shadow puppetry, as well as visual arts and handicrafts. Participants will have the opportunity to experience and explore these in context, with the guidance of distinguished scholars and master artists.

Course Credit

This course may be taken for credit or interest, with students receiving 0.75 units. To enroll, students must register for MUSIC 355 – Music and Culture in Bali, Indonesia, and MUSIC x16 or x17 (Music Ensemble Course). The course is open to all majors, with priority given to students, but also available to non-registered and community participants.

Course Requirements

• Open to all majors 3A and above (no prerequisites)
• Departmental consent required
• Students are encouraged to take Music 232, 233, or the music ensemble course: Balinese Percussion ensemble in fall 2025 or winter 2026
• All participants are expected to attend pre-departure workshops, follow the program schedule, participate in group discussions, and complete the required coursework

Travel

• Participants are responsible for their airfare and travel arrangements to Bali, Indonesia
• Participants must arrive in Bali by Saturday, May 9 (Day 1 of the course)
• Information about airport transfer will be provided in the course syllabus
• Within and throughout Bali, the group will travel primarily by local transportation in a van

Visa Information

The Government of the Republic of Indonesia grants visa exemptions to citizens from several countries, including Canada, to visit Indonesia with a maximum stay of 30 days. If participants wish to stay longer or do not hold a Canadian passport, they should verify the visa requirements.

Accommodations

• Stay 10 nights in Pengosekan Village, Ubud – famous for its performing and visual arts, temples, and more
• Stay 3 nights in Singaraja – the old colonial capital in North Bali

Program Fee

• Estimated Costs:
  • Program Fee: $1550
  • Accommodations (13 nights): $350 (based on 2-person per room)
  • Ground transportation (14 days): $200
  • Total Program Fee: Approx $2,100
• Financial aid (travel awards) available to full-time students taking the course for credit

Health and Safety

• Vaccinations may be required for travel to Bali, Indonesia
• Insurance - Medical (mandatory) and Travel (highly recommended)
• Participants should be aware that the University does not carry any insurance coverage for student illness, death, injury, or other losses while traveling

Registration Information and Payment Schedule

• Registration is limited to 12 participants
• Priority will be given to participants enrolling for credit
• Deposit of $500 is due at the time of registration
• Balance is due February 15, 2026
• No refunds after February 15, 2026

Faculty

• Professor Maisie Sum, Faculty; Balinese Percussion Ensemble Director
• I Dewa Made Suparta, Artist-in-Residence: Balinese Percussion Ensemble Artistic Director, Composition

Program Details

• The program requires a considerable amount of walking, hill climbing, and stairs
• Elevators are not usually available
• Participants should be prepared for a cash-based society, with international debit cards and credit cards not widely accepted
• A suggested additional $300 to 500 in spending money is recommended for personal expenses and optional activities.