Australia

Volunteer and gap year placements in Australia

Living and working in Australia allows you to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage and environment first hand, whether in the vibrant cities, the rugged Outback or the northern tropics.   Working in a variety of settings, you will be able to develop your skills and pursue new interests while contributing to children’s education and enjoyment.

Placement locations

Placements are located throughout Australia.

Is it for me?

Schools Assistant
Schools Assistant placements are located throughout Australia in some of the country’s most welcoming and exciting schools.  You will have the chance to work alongside teachers, develop your own teaching skills and build strong relationships with the children as you assist with all aspects of school life.

Indigenous Schools Assistant
These placements will give you the opportunity to learn about remote indigenous communities in Australia while supporting young students living away from their traditional support network.  They will suit patient, resourceful people who are accepting of the beliefs and values of Australia’s indigenous communities.

Outdoor Education
YMCA camps provide outdoor education and recreation programmes for organized groups. Volunteers will be assisting the group leaders in arranging activities for the children. They will also be involved with maintaining facilities, getting involved in property maintenance, cleaning and kitchen duties. Volunteers will be provided with full training and can gain qualifications.

Roles explained

School Assistant placements offer the chance for volunteers to live and work with young people from a variety of backgrounds. In indigenous communities it may be the first time that the children have attended formal education. Volunteers assist with the supervision of students in the boarding house before and after school and at weekends, as well as providing assistance in the classroom with one-on-one tutoring and group work.   This is particularly important for students with low levels of grammar and literacy. Help is also required in intensive English programmes for children who do not have English as their native language. Volunteers have the opportunity to become involved in areas of personal interest such as sport, music and drama. They might also supervise on school camps, help in the school office or library and, for those with driving licences, transport boarders to doctor’s appointments, sports fixtures, and other appointments as required.

Outdoor Education placements offer volunteers the opportunity to work with groups of children co-ordinating and running activities including surfing, snorkelling, mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, archery or even snowboarding, depending on the location of the camp and the time of year.  As you assist instructors you have the chance to gain qualifications and eventually lead the activities.  You may also help out with maintenance of the placement, assist with the running of the camp and get involved with the pastoral care of the campers at the start and end of the day.

A small amount of pocket money is paid each week.

Accommodation and food

Accommodation is provided in the staff quarters on campus, or volunteers are given their own room within the school boarding house.  Food is supplied in conjunction with accommodation.

Need to know

Pre departure briefing – all volunteers are invited to a group briefing prior to departure
On arrival – volunteers attend an orientation session in Melbourne unless specific training is supplied by host

Travel

Volunteers have the opportunity to travel in and around Australia during school holidays or at the end of the placement.  Don’t miss the chance to learn to surf on the East coast, snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef, explore the tropical jungles of the Northern Territories while learning about Aboriginal culture and history, visit the vineyards of South Australia or experience Sydney! From culture vultures to outdoor enthusiasts, there really is something for everyone in Australia.

Costs

Teaching Assistant placements: £1,990
Outdoor Activities Instructor placements: £1,990

That works out at just £46 a week for an 11 month placement!
Or £100 a week for a 5 month placement!

What’s included?

• In depth matching process to align your skills and interests with a placement that really suits you
• Assigned Volunteer Coordinator to help with all pre-departure support and offer guidance
• Pre-departure briefing
• Accommodation & food
• Pocket money (selected placements)
• In-country support
• 24/7 support

Please note this fee does not include the cost of getting to Australia or extras such as insurance or any inoculations you may need. For an estimated break down of all costs you may have to budget for please click here

Fundraising

As a charity we always recommend our volunteers fundraise to help meet the costs involved in volunteering overseas. In many ways it is part of the whole experience. For more information and fundraising ideas please click here

Planning your trip

Please note that the deadline is the last possible time allowed to get an application form in that allows us enough time to match volunteers and begin sorting out visas.We always recommend applying as early as possible in order to secure your place.

We are currently accepting applications for departures up until 2014.
Apply now>>