The University of New South Wales

Global Education Opportunities

International Educational Experiences of UNSW students

Teaching, Construction, Conservation and Marine Projects in Borneo – January 2011

Posted by on September 23rd, 2010 · Uncategorized

**Applications are now open for end-of-year UniBreak Placements  (departing end Nov & beg. Jan) ** 

A fantastic new opportunity for students to travel to Borneo to carry out volunteer placements in teaching, construction, conservation and marine projects during their end-of year break . 

 The UniBreak program gives students students an opportunity to travel overseas during their Uni holidays, help contribute to a community development project and apply their course work in practical and sometimes challenging settings. All UniBreak placements are organised and supported by Antipodeans Abroad, an educational travel provider involved in facilitating and managing personal and professional development programs for schools, universities and professionals since 1990. 

What is the UniBreak Program?  

The UniBreak Program is ideal for students who want to make the most of their Uni holidays and gain valuable personal and professional life experience. The program is tailored to help students gain practical experience in their chosen field of study and to immerse themselves in another culture by living and working in a developing country. It is also a chance for them to make a contribution to sustainable development, be constructive in their Uni holidays and experience life in a culture  very different to their own. 

Volunteers travel in small groups of tertiary-age students from across Australia and are managed and supported by our In-country Agents. Accommodation and food is provided and students either stay in a family homestay or in volunteer accommodation. 

Teaching, Construction, Conservation and Marine Projects in Borneo – January 2011 

Students may choose to live and work for 4 weeks (longer if desired) in a rural Sabahan community in Borneo. Despite obvious hardships, locals are overwhelmingly warm and generous and greatly appreciate all student contributions to the community. During the placement, students may  be involved in the following activities:

  • Wildlife/environmental projects helping to reforest endangered areas
  • Ecotourism/enviromental projects on the banks of a river teeming with animals  such as crocodiles, wild boars, elephants, assorted birdlife and apes and monkeys including the Borneo Orangutan
  • Ocean projects including the opportunity to gain a PADI Open Water diving qualification
  • Teaching in the primary school and pre-school
  • Teaching English to village elders
  • Refurbishing the school classrooms
  • Assisting with harvesting and planting
  • Development of an agro-tourism project and an indigenous medicine garden
  • Involvement in the nightly games of football, volleyball or badminton with locals

 Generalist Volunteer Placements  

Students may also choose to live and teach for 4 weeks(longer if desired) in Cambodia, Nepal, India, China, Vietnam, Ghana, Kenya and Peru. The attached UniBreak Info Brief includes further information on volunteer placements in a wide range of fields:        

Teaching, Health Care, Social Work, Community Development, Construction and Project Management, Sports Development, Dentistry and Care Work 

Why Antipodeans Abroad? 

Antipodeans Abroad is an Australian owned Sydney based educational and volunteer travel company. We specialise in creating high quality experiential learning placements for school and university students in developing countries. Programs are structured, well-supportive, provide comprehensive risk management and offer unique learning opportunities for students in a global context.

  • Over 13 years experience working with students in developing countries
  • Australian based head office
  • Pre-departure preparation and training
  • Extensive risk management experience and practice
  • Volunteers ALWAYS travel in small groups of students from across Australia
  • Managed placements in-country in conjunction with local In-country Agents
  • 24-hour support & back up
  • 24-hour medical consultant at Travellers Medical and Vaccination Clinic
  • Partnership with Student Flights to ensure students are on same flights
  • Premium travel insurance

 

 What is the next step in applying for the placement? 

Interested students should read through the attached Information Brief and find out more about each placement, then follow the steps below to apply. 

 Step 1. UniBreak Program Information Night 

Antipodeans Abroad hold UniBreak Information Nights each month for interested students. UniBreak Information Nights are a great way for students to find out more information, meet other students planning a trip abroad and ask any questions they may have. 

I would greatly appreciate your assistance in informing students of this opportunity. 

Upcoming Information Night in Sydney 

Tuesday 28 September 

6.30pm – 7.30pm 

Suite 303a, 282 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, SYDNEY 

 Upcoming Information Night Online  

Tuesday 05 October 6pm – 6.45pm 

Online 

** Please Register Online at www.antipodeans.com.au/info-nights.htm 

Step 2. Online Application 

Applying for a place in the program is easy, simply fill in the Online Application Form at this link http://www.antipodeans.com.au/uni-break/interview-form.htm 

we will be in contact with you shortly afterwards to discuss your application. 

 UniBreak Video! 

Check out some previous students on the ground in our UniBreak video  “Your World.”

Go to this link!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8e2VJNex_g

Student Experience 

“My experience on placement has reinforced that I am in the right career; following my passion. Having the chance to work in a Special Education school in Thailand has made me recognise the pros and cons of working in that stream of education. I was involved in teaching 5 days a week. I think the workload was perfect. I think it is fantastic that Antipodeans Abroad organises the work prior to arriving to ensure time is not wasted.” – Carly, UniBreak Student, RMIT Primary Education Placement, Thailand

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