How it works
01 Choose the right destination and program
We work with you to choose the destination, the community projects, the best time of year to travel and the optimum duration for your placement. Our expertise lies in finding and developing partnerships with institutions, sites and organisations across Asia so you can concentrate on the student group and their learning outcomes.
02 Funding and Applications
Funding for international student mobility placements is available – you just need to know where to look for it! Your best place to start is by contacting your University’s International Office and inquiring about University Scholarships, New Colombo Plan Grants & OS-HELP Loans
University Grants & Scholarships
Many Australian Universities manage funding in the form of grants and scholarships to students to encourage participation on international mobility programs. Students are encouraged to contact their University’s Scholarship or International Office for more information and to see if they are eligible to apply for funding.
The Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake mobility programs in the region.
The New Colombo Plan involves a flexible mobility grants program for short-term study, internships, practicums and research. Universities can apply for New Colombo Plan funding on an annual basis. Please enquire with your Faculty or International Office to see if funding is available for the University and if you are eligible to apply. We are able to assist with completion of funding applications if required.
OS-HELP
OS HELP is a loan which may be available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place who want to undertake some of their study overseas. OS HELP can be used for a range of expenses such as airfares, accommodation, and other travel or study expenses. Students may receive one loan per six-month study period and can access a total of two OS HELP loans over their University lifetime. The type of overseas study for which students may be able to receive OS HELP assistance could include study tours, clinical placements and internships. As each provider runs its own application, sets the maximum allowance and selection process so you should contact your provider for information about how to obtain an OS HELP loan.
03 snapshots and proposals
We will tailor-make a detailed placement proposal and itinerary for you that suits the skills and experience of the group and work with you every step of the way — to ensure your experience is unique and bespoke to your requirements and budget.
The majority of our programs include:
On ground host support
Return flights from Australia
24-hour support for faculty staff, students and their families
Airport transfers
Accommodation
Daily travel
Some meals
Interpreter support
Comprehensive pre-departure preparation program including participative, scenario and roleplay workshops and online learning via a portal specific to the group
Enhanced communication with a dedicated Facebook group
Well managed placement with dedicated support team
Local language course, responsibly sourced tours, sightseeing and weekend excursions
Placement costs depend on destination, itinerary, inclusions and group number
04 Logistics, Program Promotion & Student Recruitment
Once you have confirmed the program, we will arrange the placement, communicating the project needs of the host community or organisation, marketing and promotions assistance (if required) such as recruitment posters, social media posts and collateral, hosting informative webinars for students, booking international group airfares (if required), arranging accommodation, interpreters and orientation programs in-country.
05 Pre-Departure program
We design a detailed pre-departure preparation program that includes interactive content and detailed learning modules. Our in-person/online workshops cover risk management, staying healthy whilst travelling, project management, conflict resolution, teamwork, cultural awareness, fundraising and travelling responsibly as examples. The online portal contains all the information students need to travel with clear tasks students are required to complete prior to departure.
For clinical placements, students will also be able to access detailed clinical notes from groups who have participated in previous years. Some may be site or community specific. This encourages the sustainability of each project and for students to feel more engaged in each project by being made aware of some of the types of patients and conditions they may encounter. Supervisors are assigned coordinator status on the online portal to access student documentation and provide any extra detail required.
06 In-country operations
We partner with in-country host providers who accompany the group 24/7 while on placement. Their expertise lies in educational travel programs often with a focus on community health. We pride ourselves on employing local partner organisations as it creates employment, locals who understand cultural nuances and it supports relationships that we have held for years.
07 post-program debriefs and feedback
Groups are recommended to debrief throughout the placement on a daily basis. We will debrief with you on your return to Australia. This encourages a platform for open feedback on all aspects of the program to amend and improve the program where required.
