Music & Cultural tourism in Bali

Vanderbilt University Maymester Abroad
in Denpasar, Indonesia
May 9-31, 2026

Faculty Leaders: Isidora Miranda (isidora.miranda@vanderbilt.edu)
Robert Fry (robert.w.fry@vanderbilt.edu)

Class overview

This Maymester course will immerse students in the traditional and contemporary performing arts of Bali through lectures and guided discussions by VU faculty and hands-on workshops and performances of gamelan music, dance, and puppet theater by Indonesian master artists. Throughout the program, students will also learn about the challenges presented by cultural tourism and what Balinese organizers are doing to create a more equitable and sustainable arts industry.

Program Highlights:

Gamelan music, dance, and puppet theater workshops & performances by local artists
Visits to gong smith, mask & puppet museum, traditional clothing maker
Temple visits & art market exploration
Homestay experience (one night) at a rural village

Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 (registration opens November 1st)

Please see the Study Abroad Summer Sessions Website for the application link: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/summer/summer-sessions/

Course Number & Title: MUSL 3120 - Music and Cultural Tourism in Bali
CORE Capacity: TBD
AXLE Credit: INT - International Cultures
Prerequisites: none

Open to all VU students. No prior music background required. No Indonesian language skills required.

Info Sessions:
Wed, 11/5/25, 12:30pm, Blair 2190
Mon, 11/10/25, 4pm, ONLINE registration link

KEY DATES:
Dec. 1 Maymester and Global Summer Fellowship applications deadline

Dec. 11-15 - Students notified of their application status based on faculty reviews and academic and disciplinary eligibility

Dec. 15 - First round of GSF award notifications go out; students accept or decline GSF award by noon on Jan.

Jan. 7, 2026 - Second round of GSF award notifications go out; students accept or decline GSF award by Jan. 13

Jan. 15 - Maymester Commitment Deadline: last day for students to withdraw without incurring withdrawal fees.

International Partners

For this Maymester program, we are collaborating with the Mekar Bhuana Gamelan and Dance Centre in Denpasar for the workshops, cultural excursions, and performances and the School for International Training (SIT) for additional excursions and in-country health and safety support.

Balinese Dance Lessons with Mekar Bhuana Co-founder & Teacher Putu Evie

Health & Safety

SIT staff in Bali will provide day-to-day support for any health and safety concerns, homestay issues, or other program and student affairs needs. SIT Study Abroad's Student Health, Safety, and Wellbeing staff in the United States offers 24-hour support for serious health issues and major emergencies. The program also provides health and travel insurance, including medical and security evacuation coverage, for students and faculty.

VU Faculty Leaders

Professors Isidora Miranda and Robert Fry both teach global music and ethnomusicology courses at the Blair School of Music.

Estimated FEE (per student): $13,698

Includes:

Tuition
Program costs:
- 21 nights in a hotel + one night at a rural homestay
- 50 group meals (22 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 12 dinners)
- All ground transportation for program excursions, including airport transfers in Denpasar during program dates
- All tours and admission fees included in the program schedule

NOT Included in the estimated cost: (cost estimates)

International airfare ($1100-1800 - highly depends on where you are flying from)
- Destination airport: Denpasar - DPS (Ngurah Rai International Airport)
Other meals not included in the program fee (~$250)
Cellphone/global roaming ($100)
Indonesian Visa Fee (~$40)
Expenses for personal travel and activities
Personal care items

If you need financial support, please apply for the Global Summer Fellows Scholarship Program (deadline is December 1st). The Immersion Vanderbilt website also has more details on other potential funding sources.

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