AFS Intercultural Programs: Australia Gap-Year and Beyond

  Australia

• Sydney: 
Sydney

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Semester Community Service (Fall): Jul. 2010- Dec. 2010; Semester Community Service (Spring): Feb. 2011- Jul. 2011; Short Summer: Jun/Jul. 2010- Aug. 2010

Description: The land down under is the smallest continent and the largest island in the world! It is as large as the United States, and has a population less than that of Texas. Immigrants from 165 different nations comprise 20 percent of the population, creating a rainbow of people and culture. Multicultural celebrations and festivals are as integral to the country as cricket and kangaroos.

Australia's also has a wide range of natural wonders, including the Great Barrier Reef, beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, vast deserts, and unique wildlife. It is also home to the Aborigines, the oldest surviving human society in the world, with a culture dating back at least 50,000 years. Australians are known for their open, laid-back, and welcoming approach to life. They love the outdoors and sports, and throughout the year can be found hiking, surfing, or even skiing. AFS host family placements are located throughout Australia.

Highlights: Semester Community Service Programs:

This program gives participants the opportunity to share in and contribute to the life of a community in Australia by living and working alongside its members in a community-based service organization. Past Community Service participants in Australia have been involved in environmental/wildlife conservation projects in national parks and forests working with local guides; assisted at horse-riding schools for children with disabilities and helped out at a zoo/aquarium feeding and caring for native and non-native animals. The exact type of assignment for this program cycle is yet to be determined. AFS participants are placed with volunteer host families located throughout Australia.

NEW! - Summer Jackaroo/Jillaroo Program:

The program will consist of a 2 week Jackaroo course, run by the experienced and professional team at Jackaroo Jillaroo Australia, where they will learn many skills including horse riding, sheep shearing, mustering sheep and cattle, whip cracking and roping. In the beautiful setting of Bingara in north-west NSW, participants will also be immersed in real Aussie culture, get to know the locals and enjoy a variety of activities such as koala spotting, visiting an observatory in the clearest sky in Australia or visiting a stock auction. You will live with a volunteer host family during your stay.

Cost in US$: Semester (Fall/Spring): (USD 10,250); Short Summer: (USD 5,900)

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 above

This Program is open to American Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

AFS Intercultural Programs/USA's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947