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 enquiry.
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?
When do placements begin?
Do you have projects other than teaching?
To which countries do you send volunteers?
Tell me about the placement in France
Do I need to be fluent in French?
How long do I go for?
Will I be on my own?
Do I need teaching or building experience?
Tell me about the Training Course
What about insurance and flights?
Do you have a country information package?
Can I travel after the program?
How do I raise the funds for the project?
Will the village have electricity?
What happens if I get sick?
Where will I stay?
Will I have hot showers and a comfortable bed?
Will I get homesick?
What is the idea behind the GapBreak program?
More and more young people are looking to take a year off between school and university so that they can travel and experience the world, before starting the next phase of their lives. It's a time for young people to become more independent, challenge themselves and grow as a person. A gap year allows young people time to contemplate the future and the path they'd like to pursue.
When do placements begin?
Departures are generally from April to September, which gives students plenty of time after high school to raise funds and prepare for thier placement. We also have placements that run over the January holiday period for 1-2 months. for those who don't want to take a whole year off study. Each destination has varied departure dates, so make sure you choose one that suits you.
Do you have projects other than teaching?
Yes, we have environmental and conservation projects (Kenya, Southern Africa, Brazil, Borneo), building projects (Kenya, Southern Africa and Peru), and care work (Ecuador, Nepal, Cambodia), which may be of interest to students who do not wish to teach. There's plenty of choice on offer across all our destinations.
To which countries do you send volunteers?
We send people to Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Southern Africa Combo (South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland), South Africa, India, Mozambique, Nepal, Cambodia, Borneo, China, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, USA and France.
Tell me about the placement in France?
We offer a gap tutoring program in France where students live with a local French family and receive board and lodging for 3 or more months in return for tutoring members of the family in English. Mostly these are informal conversational lessons but the model may vary from family to family. During the day the challenge is for you to connect with the local community by getting involved with clubs or local orgnisations, travelling, exploring, tutoring English at the local primary school and so on.
Do I need to be fluent in French?
No although that would be an advantage. You will particpate in a one-week intensive French language course in Paris prior to starting your assignment. This would help significantly in communicating with the family and becoming part of the local community.
How long do I go for?
Our standard placements run for at least three months, and up to 6 months in a China placement. A shorter placement is available in January for those who don't want to take the full year off from their tertiary studies. There is also the option of doing a double placement, in the same or different destinations.
Will I be on my own?
We always send students away in groups of 5 - 20 people. You work on your volunteer project with the other students, as well as share accomodation with them. If you are living with a host family, you will be placed with one other student. Chances are you will all meet up regularly and certainly at the weekends to explore your new country. If you would like to travel with friends from school, let us know and we can happily place you on the same project.
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 recommend flights for groups of students and organise these through our flight partners but you may fly separate from the group if you wish to organise your own flights. 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. We aim to make your placement as organised and trouble free as we can leaving you plenty of room to move and be independent.
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. 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 share house or in a local guesthouse. In most cases 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.
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.
Will I 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.