New Zealand Australia Semester Conservation Service, Wilderness Expeditions, Adventure Travel

New Zealand Australia Semester Conservation service, wilderness expeditions, adventure travel

“I was challenged socially, mentally, physically, spiritually and came back a much happier, stronger person because of it. You will come back inspired in ways you never thought possible. I came back inspired about life. The people you meet will share stories and experiences that change the way you think about the world. I became inspired to travel and see for myself the diversity of life that exists on the other side of the planet. Secondly, I can guarantee you will be challenged. I have some of the best memories of my life on that trip and I am fortunate enough to have shared them with incredible group-mates. For once in my life, I threw away logic, emptied out my savings account and did the one thing in my life I really wanted to do. I have now realized that anything is possible. You just have to open your mind and go after your dreams. The best of luck to all of you.” Kelli Barnett

Freecall 1 800 655 3415 www.pacificdiscovery.org Pacific Discovery Program Design

Our programs are more than simply a travel, time-out or study abroad experience. Each is instead an overland journey of discovery, where students are immersed in a facilitated learning environment, designed to maximize the educational and life-skills potential.

On the program we have two goals for our students:

Learning about the people, culture, religion, Providing a framework for students to 1 history, environments and issues of the region 2 learn about themselves, to push their the program travels through. Then relating boundaries, question their assumptions, to these experiences to bigger picture concepts stimulate problem solving and inquiry skills, of globalization, human rights, environment, and to gain leadership and group skills. sustainability and ethics.

Our programs are as much a journey of personal development as they are a physical journey, and students are regularly encouraged to reflect and think about their values, goals and what they wish to gain from the program experience and from their lives in general.

Pre-program from ‘what are my core values?’ to ‘how do I be a responsible citizen in our globalized world?’ Prior to program start, students are asked to articulate their goals At the end of the program, students give a presentation to their for the program – this is personal and unique to each individual group summarizing how they were challenged, what they learned, if group member. Students are given a suggested outline of skills and they’ve grown, and how they intend to apply their learning to their competencies that they can choose to focus upon. lives moving forward.

During program Transfer and follow up

At program orientation, students discuss their identified goals in a Towards the end of the program, students are asked to write a letter one on one meeting with the program instructors. Over the course to themselves imagining where they want to be in six months time. of the program instructors mentor each student, using ideas, tools These letters are collected and mailed to them six months after and strategies to help achieve their goals as well as support overall program conclusion, helping reinforce the learning that has occurred. growth. After the program, students are invited to join an alumni Facebook Students are encouraged to journal during the program to reflect group where they remain in contact with others who have had similar upon their experience and better define their learning. They also experiences. This community supports the continued journey of meet as a whole group to explore big topics and questions, ranging personal development after the Pacific Discovery program experience.

© Pacific Discovery / pacificdiscovery.org / Tel 1 800 655 3415 / [email protected] / page 1 Each of our programs incorporate the following six core program components. These six interdependent components, provide immense opportunity for students to learn about themselves, to push their boundaries, question their assumptions, to stimulate problem solving and inquiry skills.

1. Educational focus 4. Ethical travel and sustainability

Our programs are experiential education programs, meaning that Travel and the realities of ‘life on the road’ teaches a lot of valuable learning is hands-on and tangible. For example, students will learn lessons: how to communicate and relate to people from different about a country’s history and culture by immersing themselves in it, cultures; how to be happy with few possessions and a simple life; meeting local people and hearing life stories. how to overcome temporary discomfort. Travel ultimately exposes students to the myriad possibilities and realities in the world and in Experience on its own does not translate into learning. But learning their lives. This allows for personal growth and a clarity in students’ from your experiences is important. To encourage ‘learning from passion and direction as they do this important learning away from experience’ our program instructors facilitate opportunities for the expectations of family, friends, and peers. students to regularly reflect upon their experiences, and provide Our goal is that students will learn the ‘Tao of Travel’ – how to historical, cultural, geographical and environmental background plan; how to keep safe; what to take; and how to be comfortable so that personal experience can be connected to a broader and find what you need in an unfamiliar place. By the end of a understanding of place. program, we expect most students will have the skills necessary to travel safely anywhere on earth. The educational component of our programs is Students will also gain a deeper understanding of ethics multi-disciplinary and covers: and sustainability through learning respect for local customs; developing meaningful cross-cultural relationships; learning • Host country: history, politics, culture, geography, environment, minimum-impact grassroots travel techniques and coming to environmental and social issues. understand social and ecological issues on a deeper level. Students • Broader themes: globalization, development, environmentalism, will learn that the world is both infinitely large, full of possibility, religion, ethics and sustainability. and yet also very small, in that our personal choices affect all living things. • How to travel: how to plan and keep safe, the realities of life on the road, ethical and sustainable travel. • Outdoor education: learning the soft and hard skills of a number 5. Outdoors and wilderness exploration of outdoor activities, such as camping, trekking, cycling, canoeing (varies by program). We use the wilderness as a medium to take students outside their comfort zones and challenge them. Personal growth and self- • Group skills: how to work with a group, communication and trust. confidence increases through overcoming obstacles and challenges • Personal Development: New skills and interests, resilience, self- presented during the program. reliance, self-reflection, self-discovery and personal direction. Immersion in the wilderness is an opportunity for students to become grounded, teaches appreciation for wild places and provides us the opportunity to explore local environmental issues 2. Service learning – volunteer and community and relate these issues to global environmental themes. service projects A variety of outdoor or adventure activities are included in our programs, such as back packing, rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, Service-learning elements built into our programs allow students snorkeling, mountain biking etc. These activities require physical to really immerse themselves in a place and share an experience effort, mastery of technique, teamwork and trust between members with local people, bridging the gap that often exists between visitor of the group, and immersion in the outdoor environment. and host. We work hard to ensure that the work our groups do Pacific Discovery takes a ‘challenge by choice’ approach to the are grounded in community needs and vision and are executed adventure components of our programs. Adventure activities and through local leadership. Additionally, volunteer work helps build instruction are aimed at the novice/beginner level, and no prior self-confidence and self-belief as students learn new skills and experience in any of the activities is required. However we are able take on new roles. Service-learning components vary by program. to facilitate more challenge for anyone who is experienced in a Examples undertaken by students are: habitat restoration and particular discipline. Students do need to have fitness at a level that species monitoring; assisting local students with English-language they are able to comfortably hike for 4+ hours with a back pack. development; and improving school environments in poor rural communities. 6. Personal and leadership development

3. Cultural immersion By taking students out of their comfort zone and challenging them physically, culturally, mentally, and emotionally, we encourage Our students are not travelling in a ‘bubble’ separated from local students to gain confidence. To foster this, we provide a supportive people; instead we immerse students in the local culture, through group environment. Throughout the program, students are given home-stays, volunteer projects, and language study. Students leadership opportunities from facilitating reflection to coordinating learn empathy for other cultures and build bridges of shared the daily schedule. Facilitation, reflection, and feedback allows understanding. students to further develop their skills. This is strengthened by creating an intentional learning community where the group gathers to make meaning of what they’ve seen and apply it to broader global themes as well as their own lives.

ew Zealand and Australia are two of the most ecologically The program is open to high school graduates, university students Nintact and diverse countries in the world, and this experiential and graduates, ideally 18 – 24 years. Optional transferable academic travel semester offers an amazing immersion during the temperate credit is available to all participants. southern hemisphere spring and summer months.

Combining three week-long service-learning conservation projects “It takes an average of 66 days to form a habit, so 62 days in diverse national parks and marine reserves; an introduction to of traveling, exploring, and learning definitely turned multi-day outdoor expeditions including hiking, canoeing, rock into a habit while with Pacific Discovery. My time in New climbing and surfing; and educational adventure travel through Zealand & Australia sparked a curiosity about unknown New Zealand and Australia’s stunning mountain, forest and beach places & people while simultaneously teaching me simply environments. how to travel and how to be. Since my very first call to Pacific Discovery I have experienced nothing but incredible Facilitated by our supportive and experienced Program Instructors, patience and top notch professionalism from Pacific this is an excellent study abroad or gap year option for students Discovery. The time and work you put into every trip is wanting to develop personal and leadership skills, have new experiences and challenge themselves, be immersed in unique evident to every participant, and is much appreciated. environments and learn about sustainability. Thank you for everything!” Paulina Tse

This program can be combined with Summer, Fall, or Spring program options in other regions of the world (Nepal and Tibet, Central America, South America, Southeast Asia) for an in-depth and enriching global gap year.

Program Dates & Program Start / Finish

Spring 2019: early Feb - mid Apr Start in Brisbane/ Finish in Christchurch Fall 2019: mid Sep - late Nov Start in Brisbane/ Finish in Christchurch Spring 2020: early Feb - mid Apr Start in Brisbane/ Finish in Christchurch Check our website for confirmed dates for the coming semesters.

Program Tuition for Spring 2019 is USD$10,750.00 [$200 discount if you apply early]

Highlights Week 1. Program Orientation and Noosa Everglades canoe expedition • 3 Rewarding volunteer conservation projects in National Parks and wildlife reserves, partnering with New Zealand’s On arrival in Brisbane you’ll be met at the airport by your Department of Conservation and Australia’s Parks and Wildlife Program Instructors and transferred to a location outside the service city where we commence with an in-depth 3-day program • Multi-day adventure expeditions: orientation to focus on getting to know each other and create • Kahurangi National Park, NZ, 4-day self-sufficient tramping a positive and reflective group culture to support us in realizing (back packing) trip our program goals. • Rock-climbing skills camp, 3 days, on the shores of Lake Wanaka, NZ We then head off on a self-supported canoe journey into the Noosa Everglades, part of Great Sandy National Park. Canoeing, • Surf camp, 4 days learning to surf on Australia’s East Coast camping, swimming and hiking. Great Sandy National Park • Great Sandy National park, 3-day self-sufficient canoe is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve and is home to almost half of journey in the Noosa Everglades, Australia Australia’s bird species. • Enjoy a week of environmental immersion at The Crossing - a permaculture, outdoor and environmental education center Week 2. Byron Bay and Surf Camp! - time is spent on land-care work and connecting with the natural world. We make our way south towards Byron Bay, via Australia Zoo • Snorkeling with turtles and tropical fish in Byron Bay (established by Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter). We visit the • Canyoning in the spectacular Blue Mountains on-site animal hospital before exploring the extensive zoo. • White-water rafting and Mountain biking in Rotoura On a sensational section of coastline, Byron Bay has been a • Student-led section of the program between Rotorua and hippy hang-out since the 1970s and is today, the quintessential Wellington surfing town. Tie-dyed hippies mix with bronzed surfers, artists • Enjoying culture in the friendly cities and towns of Wellington, and large numbers of local and international tourists, there Nelson, Queenstown, Byron Bay, Sydney to enjoy its beaches, boutiques and cafes. It’s a great place to • Traveling the West Coast of NZ’s South Island – one of the top- relax. While here, we’ll take a boat trip out to the Julian Rocks ten road trips in the world – stopping overnight at Punakaiki to snorkel with turtles and tropical fish – dolphins and whales and Franz Josef Glacier are also regularly seen in the waters around the headland. This is the place to try an optional scuba dive if you really want to • Informal lectures and discussions on history, culture, society immerse yourself in this amazing underwater world. and environment • Experiential core curriculum that pushes students to reflect Heading south to an isolated section of coast, we stay at surf and ask questions of themselves, working towards a deeper camp and learn to surf from our surfing-guru instructors on the understanding of their values, identity, passions and purpose. myriad breaks in the area. Spend evenings relaxing at camp, • Very personalized and supportive small group experience – debriefing each day and hearing the instructor’s wild stories maximum 12 students before a great sleep in preparation for a sunrise surf! • Two experienced and inspiring Pacific Discovery Program Instructors supported by local guides

Week 3. Conservation service learning and the Week 5. New Zealand arrival and conservation Blue Mountains service learning

At the heart of surfing is a connection-to-nature philosophy. We Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, sprawling across an get to experience this in a hands-on way by undertaking volunteer incredible landscape of harbors and the eroded cones of extinct conservation work alongside National Parks staff in a coastal volcanoes. We make our way north to the stunning Tawharanui National Park. The project is a three-way collaboration between Regional Park for our first volunteer conservation project. The Pacific Discovery, Surfaris, and the New South Wales National Parks area is home to many endangered species and has an abundance & Wildlife Service. of marine life. While here we camp, and will be cooking all meals together. Our days are spent participating in volunteer conservation The project revolves around ecosystem enhancement in Arakoon initiatives working alongside park rangers and a local group of National Park. And is connected to a state-wide program called community volunteers. Our days are spent participating in volunteer ‘Saving our Species’ which aims to halt and reverse the growing conservation initiatives and exploring this spectacular area. numbers of Australian animals and plants facing extinction. This program aims to secure as many threatened species that can be Week 6. Rotorua and Student Led Section secured in the wild as possible, for the next 100 years. Heading south we travel to the geothermal and cultural heartland Continuing our southward migration, we skirt Sydney and head of the country. In Rotorua we stay in a marae, the traditional village inland to experience the wonder of the Blue Mountains National meeting hall and spiritual home to Maori belonging to that Marae Park. Based from the main township, Katoomba, we’ll get outdoors and the home to the spirits of their ancestors. We whitewater raft to discover for ourselves what makes the ‘Blueys’ so special. We the Kaituna River, mountain bike in the the Redwoods Bike Park, spend a day canyoning – a unique adventure involving hiking, and soak in natural hot springs. We’ll also relax, catch-up on email scrambling and rappels through sculptured rock canyons. and laundry, and explore this lakeside town.

Week 4. The Crossing, and Sydney During this time you’ll also be busy planning before commencing the student-led section of the program between Rotorua and The Crossing is an outdoor education center, which involves Wellington. You can stay together as one big group or split the young people in positive environmental projects, inspiring them group in half, with one instructor accompanying each small group, to conserve. We learn about permaculture and sustainable living. depending upon your groups interests. You’ll be given a budget and Project activities include site landscape work for sustainability suggestions then you and your group-mates plan and execute your education, tree planting to regenerate a key wildlife river corridor, own travels and manages your budget. This is often a highlight of and habitat survey expedition days to identify forest vegetation the program and teaches valuable independent travel skills. communities and koala territories. Week 7. Wellington and Marlborough Sounds Bold, brash and beautiful, Sydney is arguably the world’s most vibrant city. Settle into our downtown accommodation near Sydney Project Cove, where 200 years ago, the first European settlement in Australia was established. Explore Sydney’s famous harbor and beaches by Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, is vibrant - great cafés ferry, visit the Opera House and Australian Museum, check out the and nightlife. We’ll visit Parliament to learn about New Zealand’s local beaches and shopping areas. On the last day we’ll farewell political system (more interesting than it sounds), and gain Australia and fly across the Tasman sea to New Zealand. insight into Maori culture through an intimate Maori educational experience at the National Museum, before giving you free time to explore independently.

Week 10. Queenstown and program wrap From Wellington, we board a ferry bound for the South Island, cruise through the twisting arms of the glacial carved Marlborough Sounds, Queenstown is the world’s adventure capital. We have some free and come ashore in Picton. We have four days in the Marlborough time here to try some of the options on offer – bungy jumping is a Sounds area, camping and assisting on volunteer conservation popular choice. In the evenings you’re sure to enjoy the celebratory projects under the guidance of fantastic Department of Conservation atmosphere in town. bio-diversity rangers. On our final day we continue to Nelson, where We then make our way we have a day to relax and prepare ourselves for the next expedition. to an isolated eco-lodge, the perfect spot to reflect, process and celebrate over two months of incredible personal growth and Week 8. Kahurangi National Park Expedition and impactful experiences. We work on how to carry what we’ve learned Nelson during the program to our lives at home. On the last day, we’ll farewell New Zealand and each other, with a The next four days will be spent in a remote section of Kahurangi departure from Christchurch. You’ll return home with a lifetime of National Park, hiking/backpacking, camping, and exploring our memories, experiences and bonds formed during this program. way through spectacular wilderness. On our last day we return to civilization for some well-earned rest in Nelson. Note: Each week there will be some designated free time in a town or city so that you can catch up on email and laundry, relax and Enjoy some free time to catch up on the last week. There are great have your own independent experiences with others in the group. swimming beaches and rivers nearby, a weekend market to explore, and no doubt a mountain of laundry to catch up on. Nelson is also a popular place to try tandem skydiving, stand-up paddle boarding, and mountain-biking – which you can do independently if you wish to.

Week 9. West Coast Road Trip and Wanaka “The Pacific Discovery expedition was extremely well organized from beginning to end. I never felt like I Climbing Camp didn’t know what she was doing even though she was half-way around the world. It provided a well-balanced Voted one of the top ten road trips in the world, we travel the length program between community outreach, travel, of the South Island’s West Coast from Nelson to Wanaka. Enjoy rugged exploration and the opportunity to try things that she coastlines, beautiful rainforest and spectacular glaciers. We spend a night at Punakaiki to view the impressive blow holes, then two nights will never forget. From learning to surf to community at the tiny settlement of Franz Josef, close to the glacier. We’ll explore service, her experiences were both broad and deep and learn about the mighty glaciers. which have resulted in her having more confidence in her decision making and greater self-esteem. The From a simple lodge at Glendhu Bay on the shores of Lake Wanaka, program leader was fantastic and was able to galvanize we learn how to rock-climb – our fantastic instructors introduce us to the group into a close-knit bunch which I believe is an climbing technique, belaying, rappelling, and take us safely through 2 accomplishment in itself. Already, Nikki is planning on ½ days of climbing instruction, tailored to all levels of climbing ability travelling with some of her friends this spring. I felt it was and fitness. There’ll also be time for swimming in the lake, walking an excellent investment in my daughter and only wish a and hiking on the hills around Wanaka. program existed for the parents.” Terry Holzman – father of Nikki

Environmental Ed and Service Expeditions Overview Learning Project Overview This program contains four multi-day outdoor expeditions. The purpose of these expeditions is to teach students the practical In New Zealand the projects will be run in conjunction with the skills needed to overcome the natural challenges specific to each Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand’s preeminent activity and more importantly to teach soft-skills…including conservation and resource management body. In Australia our lateral thinking, initiative, leadership, decision-making, and projects will be run in conjunction with the Parks and Wildlife teamwork. These activities introduce a broad range of external Service, and The Crossing Land Education Trust. Project work may challenges requiring participants to overcome obstacles and deal include species preservation and monitoring, controlling introduced appropriately with a given situation. Through this, students will pests, managing visitor impacts, tree planting, trail building etc. You experience a great deal of personal growth, gaining confidence in do not need any experience to undertake this work – just an interest themselves and their abilities in the outdoors. in conservation and some enthusiasm! Each student is encouraged to take a leadership role while on Special focus: Tawharanui Regional Park the expeditions, by organizing and delegating daily tasks such as Tawharanui Regional Park combines farming, conservation and navigating and route selection, and coordinating meals, tents, recreation in an ecological open sanctuary. Tawharanui boasts water and cleaning. The expeditions and their activities have been some of New Zealand’s most beautiful white sandy beaches, rolling selected because of their suitability for engendering personal pastures, shingled bays, native coastal forest and regenerating growth and leadership skills, and will be facilitated by experienced wetlands. The sanctuary is a unique blend of conservation, and qualified outdoor instructors who accompany the group, have recreation and sustainable farming within Tawharanui Regional excellent first aid skills and the ability to call on assistance in the Park. The sanctuary includes mature and regenerating native bush, unlikely event of a participant needing medical attention. wonderful beaches, spectacular coastal cliffs, wetlands, heritage sites, a marine reserve and extensive areas of rich pasture.

Special focus: The Crossing Land Education Trust “I pushed myself to new heights, tried new things, took The Crossing is just inland from Bermagui on the southern new risks. I made amazing friends that I shared some New South Wales coast, Australia. The mission of The Crossing incredible experiences with. I came away from the is to involve young people in positive environmental projects, inspiring them to conserve. The goal of our time with The Crossing program overwhelmed by the beauty of the countries is conservation and expansion of wildlife habitat corridors and we visited, and full of a new confidence in myself and a contribution to habitat survey work in cooperation with the thirst for adventure. I really mean it when I say you have National Parks and Wildlife Service. Project activities may include changed my life. Thank you!” site landscape work for sustainability education, tree planting to revegetate a key wildlife river corridor, and habitat survey expedition Katie Lane days to identify forest vegetation communities and koala territories. Our work will be facilitated by centre staff and the week will be an awesome opportunity to learn about Australia’s unique flora, fauna and local culture.

Academic Credit Options

If you are interested in earning optional academic credit while on a Pacific Discovery program, credit option available for this program are below. Refer to our website for course outlines, enrollment procedure, and costs. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. www.pacificdiscovery.org/programs/study-abroad-college-credit

Portland State University: As an accredited member of the Gap Year Association (USA), credit is available to any student on a Pacific Discovery semester program, through Portland State University (PSU). Full details about courses available and costs can be found via the link above. PSU is an accredited institution and credit may be transferred to your university or college so long as they approve it – please check/confirm this with your academic advisor in advance.

Seattle Central College: Credit is available through the Seattle Central College Office of Cooperative Education and Service Learning, for individuals who wish to earn credit for a variety of travel experiences. Most courses can be taken for 5 or 10 quarter credits and a maximum of 20 credits can be taken per quarter (or maximum 10 credits per summer program). Seattle Central is an accredited institution and credit may be transferable to your university or college – please check this with your academic advisor in advance.

Independent or Field Studies Credit through your own college or university Contact your own academic advisor or professor to discuss options available to you on this program.

Program Tuition for Spring 2019, US$10,750.00 International Flights

$400 deposit due when you apply; balance of program cost to be Students should not book their travel until after you have received paid by Jun 1 (Fall semester) & Oct 1 (Spring semester). If you apply the flight confirmation email from Pacific Discovery, with the after final payment deadline, program deposit of $950 is due with program flight requirements and travel agent details. This is sent out your application, and the balance of program cost is due within 14 2-3 months ahead of program departure. This information is also days. Installment options are available – contact us for details. made available in the student portal login section of our website. $200 discount for applications before Jun 1 (Fall) & Oct 1 (Spring). Flights from North America to Program Start and return Included in Program Tuition: from Program Finish • All in-country travel and transport including a mid-program Our preferred groups travel agent is STA Travel, who can assist international flight between New Zealand and Australia you to arrange international flights from your nearest regional • All accommodation airport in the USA or Canada, to Brisbane, and return home from • All meals Christchurch. We prefer you to arrange your flights through our • All expeditions, activities, excursions, entry fees and adventure groups travel agent to simplify arrival logistics, and so that you are travel as described in the itinerary travelling to and from the program with others in your group. The • Environmental education and service learning projects ticket cost (from Los Angeles) is approximately USD$1600, including • Experiential core curriculum that pushes students to reflect your Australian visa. Pacific Discovery does not charge any fee for and ask questions of themselves - working towards a deeper assisting with flights – we offer this service to simplify program understanding of their values, identity, passions and purpose arrangements for you. • Individual mentorship from program instructors, supporting you in your personal goals for the program Flights from other countries to Program Start and return • Informal lectures from resident experts on conservation and eco- tourism from Program Finish • Experienced Program Instructors and local guides We have a preferred groups travel agent in the UK, for students • 1-3-week optional extensions if you wish to continue travelling travelling from UK and Europe. Our travel agent will be able to assist independently after the program you with flights from your country. You are also welcome to arrange • Pre-departure web-page with all information you need in one your own flights/travel to program start and from program finish. place to prepare for the program Please note that it is essential that you arrive in time for program • 24/7 emergency contact number for students and parents start, to participate in the mandatory program briefing/orientation. • Global medical rescue and political evacuation insurance • Instructors have 24/7 access to a physician and a psychologist, for advice and support Optional Extensions • Pacific Discovery T-shirt, water bottle stickers and a buff • Online image library for your program Our program will give you the skills, and most likely the inclination, for further travel, and you may like to continue your adventures at program end, independently or with others in your group. At the Not included in Program Tuition: time you make your international flight bookings, enquire about the Travel (international flights) between your home to program start options for extending your time in-country, or a stopover elsewhere (Brisbane), and from program finish (Christchurch), to your home on your way home. (refer international flights below); Drinks, snacks, laundry; Travel insurance; Optional academic credit.

Country Information the inner journey of personal growth and learning about yourself as it is about what you will experience in the outer physical New Zealand: Only 4 million people, but over a thousand years of journey. We expect you to be open to learning and challenging human settlement, it has a rich and dynamic culture which reflects your ideas and assumptions. the impact of Maori, European, Pacific Island and Asian influences. Kiwis (named after the fascinating and distinctive native bird) are Group Size friendly, welcoming and informal, but also fiercely proud of their national achievements – especially in rugby (the All Blacks), and The group is limited to 12 students, with experienced and qualified in twice winning the Americas Cup yacht race. With a land mass Pacific Discovery program instructors. Local guides assist with similar in size to Colorado or Great Britain, New Zealand boasts interpretation of some historical sites, cultural experiences vast open spaces, spectacular landscapes, rugged mountain expeditions and activities. ranges, spectacular geothermal areas, lush rainforest and beautiful beaches. Program Leadership Australia: With a landmass comparable to the lower 48 states of the US, but a population of only 20 million, Australia is comparatively We have selected a dynamic team of inspiring, supportive, sparsely populated. This is due to the fact that by far the largest resourceful, and highly experienced instructors to lead our part of Australia is desert or semi-arid land commonly known as the programs. Our program instructors are committed to putting your outback. Australia is the flattest and driest inhabited continent, with welfare and safety first. They are people in whom you can trust the oldest and least fertile soils. Only the south-east and south- and confide, who remain objective whatever the circumstances, west corners of the continent have a temperate climate. Most of and who take a genuine interest in your well-being. They implicitly the population lives along the temperate south-eastern coastline. understand the importance of balancing the needs of individuals The landscapes of the northern part of the country, with a tropical with group objectives, facilitating a high level of group cohesion, climate, consist of rainforest, woodland, grassland, mangrove inspiring a genuine appreciation for the areas visited and an swamps, and desert. Australia has abundant and visible wildlife, awareness of minimum impact travel ethics. All our instrucrors are from kangaroos to raucous parrots. trained in wilderness or remote travel first aid, group leadership and risk assessment/management. Climate Accommodation It will be spring or summer down under, so expect great weather – but pack for all possible climates! Our accommodation will be a mixture of comfortable and clean hostels and lodges 2/3, and camping 1/3 (tents supplied). Laundry Australia: and WiFiwill be available most days, except while in the field on March temperature - Average min/max 70/95°F volunteer projects and on expeditions. Sunrise 5.30am; Sunset 7:00pm Sep-Oct temperature - Average min/max 70/82°F Meals Sunrise 5.00am; Sunset 7:00pm Meals are fresh, tasty, healthy and varied. Special dietary New Zealand: requirements and vegetarians are catered for. All meals are Jan-Feb temperature - Average min/max 55/80°F included in the program cost. Food preparation, shared by all Sunrise 6:00am; Sunset 9:00pm students is fun, social and often a highlight. Oct-Nov temperature - Average min/max 55/70°F Sunrise 6:15am; Sunset 8:00pm Transport

Suitability We will travel in a van with a luggage trailer. The group take one mid-program flight between New Zealand and Australia (arranged Open to high school graduates, university students and graduates, and paid for by Pacific Discovery). ideally 18 – 24 years. This program is suitable for anyone of average fitness with an enthusiasm for conservation and new experiences. You need to be committed to, and prepared for physical work on Free Time the volunteer components of the program i.e. trail building, tree planting or painting; and while on the outdoor activities. As a Each week there will be some designated free time in a town or guideline, you should aim to be comfortable hiking 4-6 hours with a city so that you can catch up on email and laundry, rest, and have backpack. You don’t need to have had previous experience with any your own independent experiences with others in the group. For of the activities offered. those taking optional academic credit, this is also an opportunity for you to catch up on reading, journaling and assignments etc. Attitude Health The program is a shared group experience. We expect you to join the program with an open mind and a willingness to work together with There are no specific health or fitness requirements to participate your group mates to make the program an amazing experience for in the New Zealand Australia Semester Program or to enter the whole group. Additionally, the program will be as much about Australia or New Zealand. There are no specific vaccinations

© Pacific Discovery / pacificdiscovery.org / Tel 1 800 655 3415 / [email protected] / page 10 Program Details required for travel to and in Australia or New Zealand. However, to New Zealand : A visa is not usually required before departing your maximize your enjoyment of the program, we suggest you begin a home country - instead a 90-day tourist visa is issued on arrival. fitness program several months before departure. As a guideline, prior to the trip, you should be able to comfortably hike with a day- Australia: A visa must be obtained before departing your home pack for up to six hours. country. For most nationalities this is a simple online evisa application and fee (approx US$20). If you book your flights through If you have any queries regarding health recommendations for STA Travel, they will arrange your evisa for you. travel, please contact your doctor, or a travel doctor, to discuss this. For further information refer to: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ Pacific Discovery will provide specific visa details and instructions after you apply for your program. Spending Money Travel Insurance Spending money usually goes towards drinks and snacks, personal shopping, laundry, and entertainment. We recommend you budget Pacific Discovery requires all students to purchase a comprehensive approximately $7-10/day for this. The amount of spending money travel insurance policy for the duration of the program. Travel you bring really depends on your budget and shopping habits. insurance provides cover in the event of medical expenses due to sickness or accident, and emergency medical evacuation. Travel Keeping In Touch insurance may also include cover for loss of baggage or personal effects, and trip cancellation or trip curtailment. WiFi is available at places we stay in main cities and towns, so you may like to consider bringing a compact WiFi device. Family To arrange your policy go to: www.pacificdiscovery.org/ and friends will also be able to keep in touch and follow your programs/travelinformation/#travel-insurance adventures through the Pacific Dicovery blog (which your group and leaders will be posting to), and through an online album for your group (which your leader’s will upload photos to each week). “You will come back inspired in ways you never thought possible. I came back inspired about life. The people you meet will share stories and experiences that change the Passports and Visas way you think about the world - to really gain knowledge and understanding of something, you have to experience Travel abroad requires a passport. If you don’t have one, you it firsthand. I was challenged socially, mentally, physically, need to apply for one as soon as you apply for this program. spiritually and came back a much happier, stronger person US Government Passport website: www.pacificdiscovery.org/ because of it. I have some of the best memories of my life on programs/travel-information/#health-vaccinations and that trip and I am fortunate enough to have shared them www.travel.state.gov/passport/ with incredible people. For once in my life, I threw away logic, emptied out my savings account and did the one thing in my If you already have a passport, it must be valid for more than 6 life I really wanted to do. You just have to open your mind and months after program end, otherwise you need to get a new one go after your dreams. The best of luck to all of you.” issued before joining the program, so please do this as soon as you apply for this program. Kelli Barnett

☐ Apply online for the program and pay $400 deposit Peace of Mind (www.pacificdiscovery.org/apply) Note: If you apply after June 1 (Fall) or Oct 1 (Spring), deposit Pacific Discovery is an educational travel organization accredited of $950 is due with your application with American Gap Association (USA). Since its inception, in 2001, Pacific Discovery has taken several thousand students, graduates, ☐ Review the pre-departure information for this faculty, family and special interest groups, on experiential travel and volunteer programs, utilizing a staff of experienced and program in the student login section of our qualified program instructors. We have an exemplary safety record, website comprehensive Risk Management Systems and a database of alumni, parents, advisors and faculty, who are happy to be contacted for ☐ Obtain a passport, or check your existing passport feedback. The program carries public liability insurance, and student funds are held securely until disbursement. is valid at least 6 months beyond program end Email a photo of the information page of your passport to [email protected] Any Questions? Please contact us…

☐ Arrange your travel insurance www.pacificdiscovery.org/programs/travel- Pacific Discovery HQ in New Zealand information/#travel-insurance Zach Johnstone, Director Email your policy confirmation to [email protected] Nicky Sygrove, Outreach Meagan Turner, Admissions ☐ Book Flights After you receive the flight confirmation email from Pacific US freecall to our office in New Zealand 1800 655 3415 Discovery, book your flights from your hometown to program Email. [email protected] start, and home from program finish Web. www.pacificdiscovery.org

☐ Before June 1st (Fall groups) or Oct 1st (Spring groups): Submit your final payment. An invoice will be emailed to you one month before. If you apply after this date, your final payment is due within 14 days of applying. Installment options are available – contact us for details.

☐ Decide if you will take optional transferable academic credit on the program and register for this: www.pacificdiscovery.org/programs/study-abroad- college-credit/

☐ Keep active Anything is good…swimming, running, walking, biking, hiking, sport, dancing. The fitter you are the more you’ll get out of the program.

☐ In the student login section of our website: Review the gear list and gear tips To make the most of your time in Australia, read/watch some of the recommended books or movies

☐ Connect with us: FaceBook.com/PacificDiscovery Instagram.com/pacificdiscovery/ Twitter: @pacificdiscovry (no e) Snapchat: PacDisco