We have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about the Expedition 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
1800 50 20 14
What is an expedition?
What is an expedition?
An Antipodeans Abroad Expedition consists of a team of students aged 15-18 years from either one school or several schools which travels to a developing country for 3-4 weeks. Each team sets interesting and challenging goals for itself as students learn the principles of leadership, become involved in a community project and experience first-hand a fascinating culture during life on an expedition.
Where do expeditions go?
Expedition teams travel to developing countries such as Nepal and the Indian Himalaya, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Guatemala and Bolivia in South America, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos or Borneo in Asia and South East Asia, Kenya, Uganda, Morocco, Botswana or Tanzania in Africa. In the Pacific Rim expeditions to Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands or Vanuatu are possible.
When do expeditions go?
Expeditions usually take place in either the mid-year school holidays (June-July or Sept-October) for three weeks or during the Christmas holidays for up to four weeks.
What is The Venturers' Expedition?
The Venturers is a combined team of students that we organize each January. It is for those students whose school does not organize its own expedition team. Students come from all over Australia and from many schools to join The Venturers for a January expedition. The Venturers may visit Vietnam or India or Peru depending on numbers and interest. So if you and a friend would like to join like-minded students from around Australia, give us a call and join The Venturers’ Expedition team.
What will we do on expedition?
Trekking, bicycle touring, rafting or riding an elephant – all are possible on an expedition. You’ll meet fascinating people in ancient, bustling cities; haggle with stall holders in the bazaars and photograph animals in the wild. You’ll also have the opportunity to become involved in a community project which Antipodeans will organise for your team. The community project is a key component of the expedition and allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of the people while do something worthwhile for them.
How fit will I need to be?
Expeditioners will need to have reasonable fitness but any normally fit teenager with a keenness to see the world and take on a challenge will be fine.
What will I get out of it?
An expedition will teach you lessons about life and people not covered in the classroom. You’ll get a taste of leadership, work closely with a team, share responsibilities, gain self-confidence through making decisions and discover something about yourself. You’ll return home with a different perspective on life.
Who leads the expedition team?
Our Leaders are educators as well as being experienced travellers. All have experience with young people and may be professional outdoor educators, services personnel or in-country guides. Their job is to help you get the most out of your expedition.
What sort of leadership training do students receive?
Students are encouraged to be part of the decision-making process both before and during an expedition. Students gain self-confidence in knowing they have a significant role to play and they must work together to achieve team goals. All this happens under the watchful eye of the professional Leader.
How do Antipodeans prepare students for an expedition?
Antipodeans carefully prepare each team prior to an expedition. Our experienced professionals work with expedition teams for 12-15 months before departure to ensure the smooth running and safety of each group. The expedition is the culmination of a process.
How safe is an Antipodeans Abroad Expedition?
Antipodeans Abroad is responsible for overseeing the safety management of each team to ensure the expedition is safe. Apart from providing an Australian leader, we organise a 24 hour safety back-up from our Australian office while expeditions are in the field and have an extensive, tailor-made insurance policy which includes access to emergency evacuation and superior medical facilities while in-country. We are also in regular contact with Australian embassies and have local representatives to advise and assist each team. An expedition involves managing risk and we make every effort to achieve this.
What about medical matters?
We employ medical consultants to advise about inoculations and the precautions you need to take for travelling in a developing country. Each expedition Leader has Wilderness First Aid qualifications and the team has comprehensive first-aid kits.
How do I join a team?
Students may complete a
Booking Form *Please note the application form requires your parents / guardians signature.
How are payments structured?
Payments are made in four instalments over 12-15 months to lessen the pressure of large payments. The first instalment of $500 is payable on completion of the Booking Form.