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 Program:

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.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• Adventure Travel

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Semester: 10,250

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Community Development

Age Range

18 above

This Program is open to

American Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

varies

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