Description

This 4-week summer program immerses you in Australia's incredible environments and unique culture. Spend a week doing rewarding volunteer conservation work on an island in the Great Barrier Reef and three weeks of insight, exploration and adventure travel - canyoning in the Blue Mountains, learning to surf in coastal national parks, kayaking with dolphins in Byron Bay, hiking on beautiful Fraser Island and exploring the Whitsunday Islands by boat. There's also time to explore vibrant Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns. Throughout your time in Australia you'll learn an enormous amount about Australia's environmental and ecological history and how that unique history has shaped Australia's flora, fauna and people.

This educational travel summer program is suitable for high school graduates, gap year students, college students and graduates, ideally 18-25 years.

Pacific Discovery programs combine sustainable educational adventure travel, cultural immersion, experiential education, volunteer and community service projects, personal and leadership development, and tons of fun! For gap year and college students, the opportunity to combine this with transferable academic credit gives you an unbeatable study abroad or gap year travel experience.

Since 2001, Pacific Discovery has taken hundreds of students and graduates on unique travel study programs abroad, utilizing a staff of experienced and qualified program leaders and faculty.

If you have a thirst for adventure, to explore places you've dreamt of, learning through hands-on experiences and making friends for life, then join us for a life-changing journey.

Highlights

* Rewarding week-long volunteer conservation project in Keppel Bay Islands National Park.
* Exploring Sydney - harbor, beaches, museums.
* Thrilling Tiger Snake Canyon in the Blue Mountains - rappelling, scrambling and hiking.
* 3-day learn-to-surf safari at secluded coastal national parks.
* Soaking up the ambiance of Byron Bay.
* Ocean kayaking to see wild dolphins.
* Visit amazing Australia Zoo and learn about wildlife and the conservation initiatives of founder, Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter.
* 3-day trip on Fraser Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
* A day island hopping among the spectacular Whitsunday Islands.
* Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef.
* Rainforest walks and beach-time at stunning palm-fringed Mission Beach.
* Informal lectures and discussions on history, culture, society and environment.
* Very personalized small group experience maximum of 11 participants (compare with other programs of up to 40 students).
* Fantastic program leader/s supported by local guides.

Travel Types

• BackPacking Abroad
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Kayaking (Sea)
• Snorkeling
• Student Tours
• Surfing
• Volunteering
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Photography
• Safari

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

No experience needed, but we like participants to have a positive attitude, be enthusiastic, open to new experiences and other cultures.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

4,450

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

- Visa (with optional group flight)
- All in-country travel and transport
- All accommodation
- More than two thirds of meals
- All activities, excursions, entry fees and adventure travel as described in the itinerary
- Week-long volunteer conservation project
- Informal lectures from resident experts on conservation and eco-tourism
- Experienced program leader/s and local guides
- Online image library for your program

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Conservation
• Grassroots Organization
• Tree Planting

Typical Volunteer

Interested in conservation and other cultures, enthusiastic and open to new experiences

Age Range

18 - 25 yrs ideal

This Program is open to

Worldwide, American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 11

Scholarships are Available

Pacific Discovery does not provide scholarships, but we are happy to support you with any information required if you would like to pursue your own indepdent scholarship application.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-3 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Pacific Discovery's Mission Statement

Through meaningful and challenging experiential travel, we assist participants in gaining the skills, confidence and insight to realize their potential in an increasingly global society; develop empathy for other cultures; further understanding of international issues; and heighten appreciation for the earth's wilderness and diversity.

Year Founded

2001