Frequently Asked Questions
We have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about the GapBreak 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 GapBreak program?
More and more young people are looking to take a year off between school and college or university so that they can travel and experience the world before settling into the routine of study and work again. It's a time for young people to sort out what they want to do for the rest of their lives or at least the next stage of it. An experience such as we offer can certainly clarify those ideas. A gap year allows young people time to contemplate the future and the path they like to pursue.
When do departures for placements begin?
Departures are from April to September, which gives students plenty of time after studying ends in November to earn some money and raise the necessary funds to make their year out worthwhile. We also place a limited number of students over the Christmas period for 1-2 months for those who don't want to take a whole year off. Destinations are limited so ask us where you can go.
Do you have projects other than teaching?
Yes, we have conservation and environmental projects (Kenya, Thailand), building projects (Kenya and Peru), care work (Ecuador, Thailand, Vietnam), which may be of interest to students who do not wish to teach. You can also coach sport in Cambodia, South Africa or Argentina so there's plenty of choice on offer.
To which countries do you send volunteers?
We send people to Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Southern AFrica, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand, Borneo, Vietnam, China, Peru, Ecuador and Argentina.
How long do I go for?
Each placement lasts for at least three months with the a possibility of staying for up to 6 months. Effectively, this means students are taking a year out as most will work for the first part of their year out to raise the funds for them to go away. A shorter placement is available over CHristmas for those who don't want to take the full year off.
Will I be on my own?
We always send students away in small groups of 5-15 people. If you are working in a village school, you will be working with another person. If you are in a school based in a town or city such as Cusco there will be several other volunteers with you. Chances are you will all meet up regularly and certainly at the weekends. If you would like to be placed with a friend, that is also possible.
Do I need teaching or building experience?
We see you as an assistant teacher so previous experience in teaching is not needed. It's inevitable however that you will be called upon to teach a class so expect to be thrown in at the deep end. Your mastery of English will equip you well for the task. As a builder you will assist local skilled tradesmen so the essence is on being willing and keen. There will be a comprehensive training course before you leave Australia so that you do not leave unprepared and advice will be given on how to plan lessons and various teaching aids you could take with you.
Tell me about the Training Course.
The Training Course is compulsory for all GapBreak students. It takes place in Sydney over two days well before students depart. It's designed to introduce you to key travel skills, to help you understand the local culture and teach you about health and safety particularly in a developing country. You'll also meet all the other students going away with you. It is an important part of your preparation and is included in the cost of your GapBreak placement, although travel to and from the training course is not.
What about insurance and flights?
We give you advice on which flight to get and on insurance. Insurance is not included in the price of a placement but we are happy to organise yours at a competitive rate. We'll give you a comprehensive briefing before you depart and arrange for you to be met and briefed by our agent when you arrive in-country.
Do you have a country information package?
As part of the pre-departure briefing we'll give you a detailed GapBreak Handbook containing all the information you 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.
Can I travel after the program?
Most students who take part in the GapBreak program do travel after their placement. We can give you advice on this. There is so much to explore that we suggest you stay out for at least a month after the program ends.
How do I raise the funds for the project?
We advise all students to get a job once they have finished celebrating the end-of-year exams. This will give you not only the required funds but also valuable work experience. Advice on fundraising will also be given by our staff in Australia such as how to approach companies, trust funds and sponsored events. Fundraising is hard work, but it can be very rewarding.
Will the village have electricity?
According to the country and village this will vary. Some 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. Of course not all students are placed in villages and many are quite comfortably off - it's all part of your choice of destination and living style.
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 we ask you to take out. It must also provide for medivac in the case of emergency.
Where will I stay?
In some destinations, we will house you with local families and 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. In countries such as India, Kenya, Tanzania, China, Cambodia, and Thailand, you will stay in a volunteer house with other students
Will I have hot showers and a comfortable bed?
You will find that the local families have a 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 work you'll sleep anywhere!
Will I get homesick?
It's quite natural for people to become homesick but it's not something that should worry you unduly. You will learn to appreciate your 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 GapBreak program?
More and more young people are looking to take a year off between school and college or university so that they can travel and experience the world before settling into the routine of study and work again. It's a time for young people to sort out what they want to do for the rest of their lives or at least the next stage of it. An experience such as we offer can certainly clarify those ideas. A gap year allows young people time to contemplate the future and the path they like to pursue.
When do departures for placements begin?
Departures are from April to September, which gives students plenty of time after studying ends in November to earn some money and raise the necessary funds to make their year out worthwhile. We also place a limited number of students over the Christmas period for 1-2 months for those who don't want to take a whole year off. Destinations are limited so ask us where you can go.
Do you have projects other than teaching?
Yes, we have conservation and environmental projects (Kenya, Thailand), building projects (Kenya and Peru), care work (Ecuador, Thailand, Vietnam), which may be of interest to students who do not wish to teach. You can also coach sport in Cambodia, South Africa or Argentina so there's plenty of choice on offer.
To which countries do you send volunteers?
We send people to Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Southern AFrica, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand, Borneo, Vietnam, China, Peru, Ecuador and Argentina.
How long do I go for?
Each placement lasts for at least three months with the a possibility of staying for up to 6 months. Effectively, this means students are taking a year out as most will work for the first part of their year out to raise the funds for them to go away. A shorter placement is available over CHristmas for those who don't want to take the full year off.
Will I be on my own?
We always send students away in small groups of 5-15 people. If you are working in a village school, you will be working with another person. If you are in a school based in a town or city such as Cusco there will be several other volunteers with you. Chances are you will all meet up regularly and certainly at the weekends. If you would like to be placed with a friend, that is also possible.
Do I need teaching or building experience?
We see you as an assistant teacher so previous experience in teaching is not needed. It's inevitable however that you will be called upon to teach a class so expect to be thrown in at the deep end. Your mastery of English will equip you well for the task. As a builder you will assist local skilled tradesmen so the essence is on being willing and keen. There will be a comprehensive training course before you leave Australia so that you do not leave unprepared and advice will be given on how to plan lessons and various teaching aids you could take with you.
Tell me about the Training Course.
The Training Course is compulsory for all GapBreak students. It takes place in Sydney over two days well before students depart. It's designed to introduce you to key travel skills, to help you understand the local culture and teach you about health and safety particularly in a developing country. You'll also meet all the other students going away with you. It is an important part of your preparation and is included in the cost of your GapBreak placement, although travel to and from the training course is not.
What about insurance and flights?
We give you advice on which flight to get and on insurance. Insurance is not included in the price of a placement but we are happy to organise yours at a competitive rate. We'll give you a comprehensive briefing before you depart and arrange for you to be met and briefed by our agent when you arrive in-country.
Do you have a country information package?
As part of the pre-departure briefing we'll give you a detailed GapBreak Handbook containing all the information you 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.
Can I travel after the program?
Most students who take part in the GapBreak program do travel after their placement. We can give you advice on this. There is so much to explore that we suggest you stay out for at least a month after the program ends.
How do I raise the funds for the project?
We advise all students to get a job once they have finished celebrating the end-of-year exams. This will give you not only the required funds but also valuable work experience. Advice on fundraising will also be given by our staff in Australia such as how to approach companies, trust funds and sponsored events. Fundraising is hard work, but it can be very rewarding.
Will the village have electricity?
According to the country and village this will vary. Some 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. Of course not all students are placed in villages and many are quite comfortably off - it's all part of your choice of destination and living style.
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 we ask you to take out. It must also provide for medivac in the case of emergency.
Where will I stay?
In some destinations, we will house you with local families and 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. In countries such as India, Kenya, Tanzania, China, Cambodia, and Thailand, you will stay in a volunteer house with other students
Will I have hot showers and a comfortable bed?
You will find that the local families have a 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 work you'll sleep anywhere!
Will I get homesick?
It's quite natural for people to become homesick but it's not something that should worry you unduly. You will learn to appreciate your 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.
