Tourism, Culture, and Growth: My Turing Scheme Adventure in the Cleanest Village in The World
Hi, my name is Hans Febrian, and I am excited to share a bit about my journey. I graduated with an M.Sc in Tourism Marketing Management from Bournemouth University, which was truly a dream come true for me. Choosing BU felt like a natural decision, as it’s one of the top universities in the world for tourism and hospitality, making it the perfect place to pursue my passion. Studying at BU not only fulfilled a long-held aspiration, but it also opened up countless opportunities for both my career and personal growth.
Working around the world has always been a dream of mine. I have always had this deep curiosity about life and the endless opportunities it offers. The thought of experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and contributing to global communities excites me. So, when I learned about the turning scheme in Desa Penglipuran, I knew it was an opportunity I could not pass up. I truly believe that every new person I meet and every culture I immerse myself in adds something meaningful to my life. These interactions shape who I am and help me see the world through fresh eyes, making each experience deeply personal and rewarding.
As someone originally from Indonesia, I have always felt a sense of responsibility to give back to my roots. After spending time abroad, I felt it was the perfect moment to reconnect with my heritage and contribute to something meaningful. Desa Penglipuran stood out to me not just for its recognition as an award-winning tourism village by the UNWTO but also for its reputation as a shining example of community-based tourism. The village’s commitment to sustainable tourism and preserving its cultural authenticity intrigued me. I reached out to the village team online, expressing my enthusiasm and desire to be part of their journey. To my delight, they welcomed me for a placement. It was a humbling moment to be given the chance to work alongside such an inspiring community.
When I first considered applying for the Turing Scheme, I thought the process would be challenging. However, I quickly discovered that it was much easier than I expected. The staff were incredibly supportive, always available to help and answer any questions I had along the way. Their guidance made the application process straightforward and stress-free. Receiving the Turing Scheme funding had a significant impact on my traineeship experience. It allowed me to focus fully on my work and professional growth, without worrying about the financial strain of transport and living costs. This support made it possible for me to truly immerse myself in the experience and make a meaningful impact. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and the difference it made in my journey.
Although Bali is a four-hour flight from my hometown, it’s a world apart in terms of culture. I was struck by the differences, but I was eager to embrace the new experiences that awaited me. For my living arrangements, I stayed in a homestay owned by local people. It was a completely different experience compared to the student accommodation I had in the UK. The warmth and hospitality of the family made me feel welcomed, but the setup was much simpler and more connected to local life than what I was used to in the UK. Furthermore, I felt that life in Bali is vastly different from life in the UK, both culturally and environmentally. Bali has only two seasons—dry and rainy—so my experience was during the dry season, which meant I did not get wet as often.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my time in Bali has been interacting with the local people. I’ve gained insight into how tourism impacts all aspects of their lives. Tourism is their primary source of income, with many locals selling souvenirs, running restaurants, or renting costumes. It’s inspiring to see how tourism has empowered the community and provided new opportunities. I’ve also been excited to learn about the local culture in more depth. While I had visited Bali before, I had only explored the southern part of the island. The northern part, though quieter, offers so many hidden gems and has been a source of new discoveries for me. Every day brings a new adventure, and the chance to learn something new is both exciting and fulfilling.
My traineeship has been incredibly relevant to my studies, especially since I was placed in the marketing department. I had the opportunity to assist in creating marketing campaigns for their social media, which directly aligned with my coursework in tourism marketing management. What made it even more special was working closely with the management team, all of whom were young people from the local village. It was so enjoyable to collaborate with such a dynamic and passionate group. I was treated with warmth and respect, and it really felt like I was part of the team—a truly welcoming environment that made me feel at home.
Throughout my traineeship, my understanding of different cultural perspectives in my field of study has evolved significantly. Working closely with the local community in Bali, I gained a deeper appreciation for the unique challenges and opportunities in tourism marketing within different cultural contexts. I was able to see how cultural values shape consumer behavior and tourism trends, and it broadened my view of how diverse perspectives can influence marketing strategies.
Similarly, my awareness of my own cultural traits has shifted as I’ve navigated a different environment. I’ve become more conscious of how my background and experiences shape my approach to work and communication. It’s been eye-opening to reflect on the ways I can adapt to interact more effectively with people from different cultures. I’ve also gained confidence in linking my academic knowledge to practical work. This experience allowed me to apply the theories and concepts I’ve learned to real-world scenarios, further solidifying my learning and boosting my confidence in my skills.
My cultural curiosity has also deepened during this traineeship. The opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, learn from the locals, and experience their way of life has sparked a strong desire to explore more cultures in the future. It’s made me excited about the possibility of a global career and working with communities from different backgrounds. If I could give advice to myself at the start of this experience, it would be to embrace the unknown and step outside of my comfort zone even more. The challenges I faced were often the most rewarding learning experiences. For students considering working or volunteering abroad, I would highly recommend it. The experience broadens your perspective, challenges your assumptions, and opens doors to new opportunities.
As for my greatest achievement, I believe it’s the personal growth I’ve experienced—learning to adapt, communicate effectively, and contribute to a community in meaningful ways. Professionally, I’ve developed new skills in digital marketing, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication that will serve me well in the future. In conclusion, I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience to others. It has been transformative, both personally and professionally, and I’ve learned so much about myself, others, and the world of tourism.
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