Teaching English in Kertasari: A Community-Based Experience
$245–$980Price range: $245 through $980
Teach English by the sea in Kertasari, West Sumbawa. Support coastal communities, strengthen sustainable education, and experience meaningful cultural exchange in a vibrant seaside village.
Take an active role in supporting English learning sessions at the open-air Nature School in Kertasari Village.
Help local children and teenagers strengthen their English-speaking abilities through engaging, activity-based lessons and outdoor experiences.
Build practical skills in teaching, environmental education, and community interaction while being part of a friendly coastal community.
Work alongside local educators and villagers to create a supportive, dynamic, and culturally rich learning atmosphere.
Enjoy a rewarding mix of teaching, coastal activities, and cultural connection set against the scenic backdrop of Kertasari Beach.
About the Program
Why Backpacking With Us:
This program is designed to strengthen community-led education and coastal development efforts in Kertasari Village, a peaceful seaside area in West Sumbawa. All activities are carried out in partnership with local residents and entirely independent of outside sponsorship, ensuring that every contribution directly supports the village itself.
By taking part, you help improve English education for children and youth, empower the community, and support long-term grassroots initiatives. Tailored for backpackers who want their travel to create meaningful impact, the program involves staying in locally owned homestays, enjoying traditional home-cooked meals, and joining activities managed by the community. This approach ensures that economic benefits remain within Kertasari families rather than outside tourism operators.
Within the English Teaching Program at the outdoor Nature School, you’ll engage with motivated learners, assist them in building essential communication skills, and enjoy genuine cultural exchange. Your involvement creates lasting positive change for the students and the broader Kertasari community.
General Information:
The English Teaching Program runs five days a week and offers an enriching opportunity for backpackers interested in education, culture, and village life. Based at the open-air Nature School in Kertasari, the program emphasizes improving students’ speaking abilities through interactive, playful, and outdoor-based learning activities.
As a participant, you will gain firsthand experience in teaching, preparing lessons, and understanding how education operates in a remote coastal setting. Through close collaboration with local teachers and community members, backpackers help students grow more confident in using English while experiencing daily life in a village surrounded by beaches, mangroves, and seaweed farming communities.
Code of Conduct:
Follow all directions provided by the program coordinators and teaching team.
Treat students, backpackers, and community members with courtesy and respect.
Avoid actions that may conflict with local norms, traditions, or cultural expectations.
Communicate in a friendly, supportive, and respectful manner at all times.
Contribute to a welcoming, safe, and positive learning environment.
Rules:
Participating in any activity while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden.
Leaving the program schedule or activities without permission is not allowed.
Attend all sessions on time and commit to the agreed schedule.
Immediately inform coordinators if you experience difficulties or concerns.
Coordinators may suspend a participant’s involvement if program rules or ethical standards are violated.
Typical Day
Day 1-5: Teaching Program
08:00 – 12:00 | Morning Session
Start your day by teaching weekend English classes at the open-air Nature School, supporting the local teacher with fun, play-based lessons, guiding kids through outdoor educational games and simple environmental storytelling, and helping prepare learning materials for nearby junior schools.
12:00 – 14:00 | Lunch Break
Enjoy a local lunch at your homestay or by the beach, then take your time to rest, journal, or chat with fellow volunteers.
14:00 – 17:00 | Afternoon Session
Spend your afternoon joining beach clean-ups or nature walks with the kids, visiting seaweed farms or mangrove nurseries, preparing visual aids for upcoming classes, and optionally helping local youth practice conversational English in a relaxed setting
Late Afternoon – Evening | Flexible Time
Unwind with a sunset moment at Kertasari Beach, share dinner and stories with your host family, and join informal English practice or cultural exchanges when available.
Day 6-7: Cultural & Adventure Day
On weekends, you can join surf sessions in front of your homestay, visit turtle nesting areas during the right season, join cooking workshops with local mothers, explore through photo walks or trips to seaweed cooperatives, and ride scooters to hidden beaches or the Mantar hill viewpoint.
Especially Suitable For
People who are eager to contribute to education by supporting English learning activities at Kertasari’s outdoor Nature School.
Backpackers interested in meaningful cultural interaction while taking part in community-driven programs along the coast.
Travelers who want to help local children and teenagers build stronger English-speaking skills through engaging, outdoor-centered lessons.
Anyone wishing to experience the daily rhythm, traditions, and coastal lifestyle of Kertasari Village through active involvement in teaching.
Backpackers seeking responsible, community-focused opportunities that leave a positive and lasting impact.
Requirements
Participants must be at least 18 years old, in accordance with the policies set by the Kertasari program team.
Individuals joining the program should be in good physical and mental condition and not have any serious health concerns.
Each participant is required to complete a health or personal information form before beginning activities in Kertasari.
The consumption of alcohol or recreational drugs during the program is strictly forbidden.
Backpackers are expected to attend all orientations and follow guidance provided by coordinators and local instructors.
No teaching background is necessary, as local mentors and tutors in Kertasari will provide support throughout the program.
Participants are expected to behave professionally and uphold respect for local traditions, cultural practices, and community norms at all times.
Free-Time Activities
In addition, participants may:
Enjoy surfing sessions right in front of your homestay
Join turtle-watching trips during the nesting season
Take part in traditional cooking lessons with local mothers
Go on photo walks or visit local seaweed packaging groups
Hop on a scooter to explore hidden beaches or take in the views from Mantar Hill
Detail on Arrival
Travel from your arrival point in Sumbawa, Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport (SWQ) or Poto Tano Harbour, is not included in the program package.
Upon arrival at our base camp in Kertasari, you will receive a full orientation, local customs, and safety procedures.
Availability
Available all year round. Minimum stay: 1 week. Maximum stay: 4 weeks. (Extensions possible based on mutual agreement)
Include
Accommodation: Participants will stay at a locally owned homestay in Kertasari, just minutes from the beach and close to the Nature School—offering a calm, coastal setting ideal for teaching and community activities.
Meals: Participants will be provided with three home-cooked meals per day, prepared by their host family.
Beverages: Complimentary tea and coffee are available daily for participants to enjoy.
Exclude
Participants are responsible for their own flights and local transportation, including airport transfers and scooter rentals. While airport or harbor pickup is not directly provided
Scooter rentals can be arranged separately and are not covered in the program cost.
Accommodation outside the official program dates is not provided.
Internet access
Travel insurance must be arranged individually by each participant.
All visa processing and vaccination fees are the responsibility of the participant.
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and additional meals are not covered.
Any medical expenses incurred must be borne by the participant.
Participants are responsible for any lost or damaged personal equipment or loaned materials.
Any incidental costs or personal purchases not specifically listed in the program are excluded.
Teaching English in Kertasari: A Community-Based Experience
$245 – $980Price range: $245 through $980
Teach English by the sea in Kertasari, West Sumbawa. Support coastal communities, strengthen sustainable education, and experience meaningful cultural exchange in a vibrant seaside village.
Description
Highlight
About the Program
Why Backpacking With Us:
This program is designed to strengthen community-led education and coastal development efforts in Kertasari Village, a peaceful seaside area in West Sumbawa. All activities are carried out in partnership with local residents and entirely independent of outside sponsorship, ensuring that every contribution directly supports the village itself.
By taking part, you help improve English education for children and youth, empower the community, and support long-term grassroots initiatives. Tailored for backpackers who want their travel to create meaningful impact, the program involves staying in locally owned homestays, enjoying traditional home-cooked meals, and joining activities managed by the community. This approach ensures that economic benefits remain within Kertasari families rather than outside tourism operators.
Within the English Teaching Program at the outdoor Nature School, you’ll engage with motivated learners, assist them in building essential communication skills, and enjoy genuine cultural exchange. Your involvement creates lasting positive change for the students and the broader Kertasari community.
General Information:
The English Teaching Program runs five days a week and offers an enriching opportunity for backpackers interested in education, culture, and village life. Based at the open-air Nature School in Kertasari, the program emphasizes improving students’ speaking abilities through interactive, playful, and outdoor-based learning activities.
As a participant, you will gain firsthand experience in teaching, preparing lessons, and understanding how education operates in a remote coastal setting. Through close collaboration with local teachers and community members, backpackers help students grow more confident in using English while experiencing daily life in a village surrounded by beaches, mangroves, and seaweed farming communities.
Code of Conduct:
Rules:
Typical Day
Day 1-5: Teaching Program
08:00 – 12:00 | Morning Session
Start your day by teaching weekend English classes at the open-air Nature School, supporting the local teacher with fun, play-based lessons, guiding kids through outdoor educational games and simple environmental storytelling, and helping prepare learning materials for nearby junior schools.
12:00 – 14:00 | Lunch Break
Enjoy a local lunch at your homestay or by the beach, then take your time to rest, journal, or chat with fellow volunteers.
14:00 – 17:00 | Afternoon Session
Spend your afternoon joining beach clean-ups or nature walks with the kids, visiting seaweed farms or mangrove nurseries, preparing visual aids for upcoming classes, and optionally helping local youth practice conversational English in a relaxed setting
Late Afternoon – Evening | Flexible Time
Unwind with a sunset moment at Kertasari Beach, share dinner and stories with your host family, and join informal English practice or cultural exchanges when available.
Day 6-7: Cultural & Adventure Day
On weekends, you can join surf sessions in front of your homestay, visit turtle nesting areas during the right season, join cooking workshops with local mothers, explore through photo walks or trips to seaweed cooperatives, and ride scooters to hidden beaches or the Mantar hill viewpoint.
Especially Suitable For
Requirements
Free-Time Activities
In addition, participants may:
Detail on Arrival
Travel from your arrival point in Sumbawa, Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport (SWQ) or Poto Tano Harbour, is not included in the program package.
If you are staying in Lombok and need transport to Kayangan Harbour before crossing to Poto Tano Harbour, we also provide transport services that you can book through the link below:
https://www.indopackers.com/product/kayangan-harbour-lombok-transfer/
Upon arrival at our base camp in Kertasari, you will receive a full orientation, local customs, and safety procedures.
Availability
Available all year round. Minimum stay: 1 week. Maximum stay: 4 weeks. (Extensions possible based on mutual agreement)
Include
Exclude
Additional information
1 Week, 2 Week, 3 Week, 4 Week