Bali Institute for Global Renewal (BIGR) is the first world learning center based in Bali that explores cultural immersion, service learning and deep dialogue to empower  students, groups and organizations in their quest to make a difference in the world. BIGR includes a consortium of universities, international organizations, NGOs, thought leaders and consultants who promote a sustainable, humane and culturally-diverse life for all.  BIGR offers customized programs for individuals, student groups, universities, and transformative retreats, as well as education and trainings offered by its partners.

Background

The concept for the Bali Institute was first developed during a short vacation that founder Marcia Jaffe took to Bali in 2003.  After three weeks of witnessing the extraordinary humanity of Balinese people and what they could be teaching the rest of the world, she began exploring an idea to create a global event that would be designed to honor the Balinese culture for their wisdom and extraordinary intelligence.  She gathered a team of global movers and shakers to help design and produce what became (very quickly) the first of three Quest for Global Healing conferences in Ubud, Bali.   The first two conferences (2004 and 2006) included several nobel peace laureates including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the former president of Indonesia, ministers of cultural and tourism from Bhutan, Indonesia, and other countries, and numerous world leaders, authors, film makers, activists, corporate and NGO officials, and other leaders.  The third gathering in 2007 was developed from the learning that emerged from the first two gatherings, and focused more on cross-cultural leadership training and dialogue emphasizing new forms of activism and social transformation. In less than four years, these three global gatherings brought together more than 1,500 people from over 40 countries to explore new roles individuals might play in addressing such important issues as poverty, human rights, sustainable development, environment concerns, nonviolent conflict resolution, and numerous other challenges.

Individuals attending were drawn to these gatherings by their personal beliefs that they could make a difference in the world, and to identify action steps to become more engaged in an area of global social change that they personally felt passionate about. Participant came from China, Russia, Thailand, Laos, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Peru, Canada, Norway, Tunisia, France, Germany, Greece, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, United States, and many more. Although culture and languages were different, the common bond of wanting to be with concerned global citizens ready to be more involved in the world was compelling and transformative.

By the end of 2007 it was clear that the work of bringing people to Bali for these events was now a sustainable effort to generate transformative experiences through a mix of dialogue, training and cultural immersion in Bali.  The Bali Institute for Global Renewal concept was launched (watch video).  More workshops, programs, special events and educational experiences were generated, and by 2011, the Bali Institute has launched/hosted several educational programs with globally-recognized educational institutions including New York University, University of California-San Diego, Northeastern Univerrsity, Udayana University, Meridan University and others. More than 150 students have attended these programs. Several university internships with Bali NGOs have also been arranged.

Bali Institute has also partnered since 2010 with Global Leadership Adventures to offer summer programs for high school students from the US and around the world. Global Leadership Adventures is one of the leading international organizations offering service learning to high schoolers.

All of these educational programs are in addition to custom-deisgned experiences and cultural immersion opportunities that are offered throughout the year. The unique offerings of the Bali Institute bring together culture, learning and transformative experiences. We stay committed to our core belief that Bali is a global voice for honoring the importance of a more “values-driven” life. There is no place else on the planet where you can experience ancient cultural wisdom being practiced daily while maintaining an open door to the west.