Frequently Asked Questions
We have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about the UniBreak Groups program here. If your question is not answered, please contact us via email or phone and we will be pleased to assist you with your inquiry.
Email : explore@antipodeans.com.au
Calling within NSW
Phone : 02 9413 1522
Freecall from outside NSW
Phone : 1800 50 20 14
What is the idea behind the UniBreak Groups program?
Universities are increasingly looking to create global experiential learning opportunities for their students that extend beyond traditional Study Abroad and Exchange programs. The UniBreak Group program is designed to compliment existing programs. The program offers the flexibility for universities to tailor a program to meet their specific requirements as well as fulfilling overall strategic objectives towards global mobility and international experience. Individual faculties may also choose to facilitate a UniBreak Group to ease pressure on domestic professional placements. More and more tertiary aged students are looking to gain unique personal and professional experience in a global context that makes them stand out from the crowd. UniBreak Groups aims to meet the needs of both students and universities.
What study areas can group placements be organised?
While UniBreak Group placements are traditionally centred on the fields of Education, Nursing, Medicine, Social Work, Care Work and Development we are continuously expanding our existing opportunities. Please contact us to see what we can do to meet your requirements.
What about Risk Assessment?
Antipodeans Abroad has comprehensive and well-developed Risk Assessment and Emergency Management policies that are adhered to rigidly. Our experience and professionalism in managing and facilitating student experiences overseas is one of our greatest strengths.
When do departures for placements begin?
Departure dates can be tailored to meet you requirements.
Where can our group go?
At present UniBreak Group placements are available in over 10 destinations across Africa, Asia and South America. Different destinations provide different placement opportunities. Your requirements may determine which countries are most suitable for your group.
How long do UniBreak Group placements go for?
Placements are available from 14 days duration. Generally UniBreak Groups travel between 21- 35 days. The length can be tailored to meet your requirements.
What is included?
UniBreak Group placements are generally packaged to include placement organisation, pre-departure workshop, flights, travel insurance, accommodation, food, transport, airport transfers, in-country orientation and 24-hour support and back-up by our In-country Agent and by Antipodeans Abroad in Australia.
What about travel insurance?
Travel insurance that covers emergency medical and associated travel costs is mandatory on all our journeys. This is to cover doctors, hospitalisation and transport costs that may occur in an emergency overseas. Antipodeans Abroad can provide insurance to all travellers through Covermore at an additional cost. Tracvel insurance can be easily packaged into the UniBreak Group cost should the university require.
Does the group require a National Police Check?
We require some groups to undergo a National Police Check prior to taking part in a volunteer placement dependant on destination. This is used to determine whether a person is suitable for a position with us and also acts as a check to protect the communities where we place you. Antipodeans Abroad can provide the necessary forms that the group will need to complete and send to the Australian Federal Police along with a small fee. For more information see www.afp.gov.au.
What pre-departure preparation do you provide?
Pre-departure preparation is a very important part of the UniBreak Group program, We aim to prepare the team as much as possible before they depart to equip you with the skills to live, work and immerse yourself in a developing community. As part of the pre-departure information we'll give you a detailed UniBreak Handbook which will contain all the information you'll need about the country you'll be visiting, the volunteer placement you'll be participating in, visas, medical and health information, equipment lists, money and communications and lots of other useful information to help you on your way. We will also provide a one-day workshop covering important information regarding health, safety, cultural sensitivity and more.
Can students travel during or after the program?
A general working week is 5 days duration. The group may have the opportunity to do some independent travel during their weekends dependant on their specific itinerary. You may also choose to have group rest and recreation at the end of their placement. Placements that have flights included may not allow individual students to return on different dates as flights are generally booked on group fares and have restrictions. You can certainly arrange a placement where students have the opportunity to do their own independent travel after the placement by offering flexible flight options that can be arranged through our representative at Student Flights.
Can students do fundraising for the project?
We can give the team a comprehensive fund-raising pack with plenty of ideas the most important of which is for students to get a part-time job and start saving.
Will the village have electricity?
According to the country and village this will vary. Most will have electricity powered by a generator for at least a few hours in the early evening. You will get used to going to bed earlier and getting up earlier to make use of the daylight hours.
What happens if I get sick?
Your in-country agent is there for any support you need. Most of the local towns have basic hospitals and for anything more major you will be taken to a city. You will be fully insured under your mandatory travel and medical policy, which must also provide for medivac in the case of emergency.
Where will I stay?
We will house you with local families, in a volunteer sharehouse or in a local guesthouse. Board will be provided for you. You will become part of the village during your stay and gain a valuable insight into the lives and culture of the people for whom you will be an honoured guest.
Will I have hot showers and a comfortable bed?
You will find that the local families have a very basic standard of living. In some cases there may be running water but in poorer households you may find yourself washing from a well with a bucket of water. By the end of your placement, you will be so used to this that a shower will feel like a distant memory! As for comfortable beds, you may find you are sharing a room with other kids in the family, but at the end of a day’s teaching, you'll sleep anywhere.
Will students get homesick?
It's quite natural for people to become homesick but it's not something that should worry you unduly. Students will learn to appreciate their own home and family more by being away from them. You can always take comfort from the fact that you will be returning home in a short while.
Email : explore@antipodeans.com.au
Calling within NSW
Phone : 02 9413 1522
Freecall from outside NSW
Phone : 1800 50 20 14
What is the idea behind the UniBreak Groups program?
Universities are increasingly looking to create global experiential learning opportunities for their students that extend beyond traditional Study Abroad and Exchange programs. The UniBreak Group program is designed to compliment existing programs. The program offers the flexibility for universities to tailor a program to meet their specific requirements as well as fulfilling overall strategic objectives towards global mobility and international experience. Individual faculties may also choose to facilitate a UniBreak Group to ease pressure on domestic professional placements. More and more tertiary aged students are looking to gain unique personal and professional experience in a global context that makes them stand out from the crowd. UniBreak Groups aims to meet the needs of both students and universities.
What study areas can group placements be organised?
While UniBreak Group placements are traditionally centred on the fields of Education, Nursing, Medicine, Social Work, Care Work and Development we are continuously expanding our existing opportunities. Please contact us to see what we can do to meet your requirements.
What about Risk Assessment?
Antipodeans Abroad has comprehensive and well-developed Risk Assessment and Emergency Management policies that are adhered to rigidly. Our experience and professionalism in managing and facilitating student experiences overseas is one of our greatest strengths.
When do departures for placements begin?
Departure dates can be tailored to meet you requirements.
Where can our group go?
At present UniBreak Group placements are available in over 10 destinations across Africa, Asia and South America. Different destinations provide different placement opportunities. Your requirements may determine which countries are most suitable for your group.
How long do UniBreak Group placements go for?
Placements are available from 14 days duration. Generally UniBreak Groups travel between 21- 35 days. The length can be tailored to meet your requirements.
What is included?
UniBreak Group placements are generally packaged to include placement organisation, pre-departure workshop, flights, travel insurance, accommodation, food, transport, airport transfers, in-country orientation and 24-hour support and back-up by our In-country Agent and by Antipodeans Abroad in Australia.
What about travel insurance?
Travel insurance that covers emergency medical and associated travel costs is mandatory on all our journeys. This is to cover doctors, hospitalisation and transport costs that may occur in an emergency overseas. Antipodeans Abroad can provide insurance to all travellers through Covermore at an additional cost. Tracvel insurance can be easily packaged into the UniBreak Group cost should the university require.
Does the group require a National Police Check?
We require some groups to undergo a National Police Check prior to taking part in a volunteer placement dependant on destination. This is used to determine whether a person is suitable for a position with us and also acts as a check to protect the communities where we place you. Antipodeans Abroad can provide the necessary forms that the group will need to complete and send to the Australian Federal Police along with a small fee. For more information see www.afp.gov.au.
What pre-departure preparation do you provide?
Pre-departure preparation is a very important part of the UniBreak Group program, We aim to prepare the team as much as possible before they depart to equip you with the skills to live, work and immerse yourself in a developing community. As part of the pre-departure information we'll give you a detailed UniBreak Handbook which will contain all the information you'll need about the country you'll be visiting, the volunteer placement you'll be participating in, visas, medical and health information, equipment lists, money and communications and lots of other useful information to help you on your way. We will also provide a one-day workshop covering important information regarding health, safety, cultural sensitivity and more.
Can students travel during or after the program?
A general working week is 5 days duration. The group may have the opportunity to do some independent travel during their weekends dependant on their specific itinerary. You may also choose to have group rest and recreation at the end of their placement. Placements that have flights included may not allow individual students to return on different dates as flights are generally booked on group fares and have restrictions. You can certainly arrange a placement where students have the opportunity to do their own independent travel after the placement by offering flexible flight options that can be arranged through our representative at Student Flights.
Can students do fundraising for the project?
We can give the team a comprehensive fund-raising pack with plenty of ideas the most important of which is for students to get a part-time job and start saving.
Will the village have electricity?
According to the country and village this will vary. Most will have electricity powered by a generator for at least a few hours in the early evening. You will get used to going to bed earlier and getting up earlier to make use of the daylight hours.
What happens if I get sick?
Your in-country agent is there for any support you need. Most of the local towns have basic hospitals and for anything more major you will be taken to a city. You will be fully insured under your mandatory travel and medical policy, which must also provide for medivac in the case of emergency.
Where will I stay?
We will house you with local families, in a volunteer sharehouse or in a local guesthouse. Board will be provided for you. You will become part of the village during your stay and gain a valuable insight into the lives and culture of the people for whom you will be an honoured guest.
Will I have hot showers and a comfortable bed?
You will find that the local families have a very basic standard of living. In some cases there may be running water but in poorer households you may find yourself washing from a well with a bucket of water. By the end of your placement, you will be so used to this that a shower will feel like a distant memory! As for comfortable beds, you may find you are sharing a room with other kids in the family, but at the end of a day’s teaching, you'll sleep anywhere.
Will students get homesick?
It's quite natural for people to become homesick but it's not something that should worry you unduly. Students will learn to appreciate their own home and family more by being away from them. You can always take comfort from the fact that you will be returning home in a short while.
