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(For High School Graduates And College Students)
Down Under Explorer
5-Week Cultural Exchange & Service Program
Session One: June 21st thru July 25th (35 days)
Ages: 18 to 19
Session Two: June 21st thru July 25th (35 days)
Ages: 15 to 17
Size of group: 16-18 students
Tuition: $5,695 (plus RT airfare for group flight from Los Angeles to Auckland, and Auckland to Brisbane)
New Zealand is a country of rare seismic beauty complete with glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep, clear lakes, abundant forest reserves, and long, deserted beaches. Our stay in New Zealand will take us from the small coastal town of Raglan to the towering beauty of the South Island and the outdoor wonderland of the Southern Alps. Australia abounds with dramatic scenery, colorful marine wonderlands, vast open spaces, great beaches, and welcoming, friendly people. From working with alongside locals, to mingling with koala bears and kangaroos, this rugged and unique land will provide us with extraordinary experiences and a surprise around every bend.
Service Projects*
- Earn 50-70 community service hours
- Help with construction projects for an ecological center
- Work alongside the local community in environmental conservation efforts
- Construct a community school Work with preschool children
Adventure and Cultural Activities*
- Challenge yourself with a high ropes adventure course
- Ski & snowboard the majestic “Southern Alps”
- Discover surfing at Australia’s famous “Surfers Paradise”
- Snorkel or SCUBA Dive Australia’s barrier reef
- Experience the community life of NZ and Australia
*Please note that some of the projects and activities will change from year to year. A final itinerary will be printed prior to each trip.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Raglan (7 days) - After arriving in Auckland, our New Zealand experience begins in the beautiful beachside town of Raglan. This quiet beach community will provide us with an incredible backdrop for teambuilding activities, getting to know one another, and learning about the history and culture of “Aotearoa”. We will work with local volunteers on an ecological reserve and our joint community projects will include organics and perm a-culture, conservation work, planting trees, and environmental service. There will also be plenty of time to learn about the culture and work with the native Maori peoples of New Zealand. Comfortable accommodations surrounded by native bush will provide our end-of-day resting place where the sound of the waves will lull you to sleep after a rewarding days work. When we are not working, we will be itinerating with our new “kiwi” friends and enjoying New Zealand’s incredible beauty.
Wanaka and the South Island (11days) - We will journey to the beautiful lakeside resort town of Lake Wanaka. Since it is winter in “Aotearoa,” we’ll hit the beautiful peaks of the Southern Alps for recreation, relaxation, and valuable service opportunities. We’ll take to the slopes for skiing and boarding in some of the best powder found in the world! For those who prefer less vertical pursuits, there are plenty of opportunities to try snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, or sledding. During our stay there will be time for participation in a variety of meaningful service projects with schools and other community organizations. We will also explore neighboring areas, interact with local kids, and sample the many activities that make this a not-to-be-missed destination. We’ll leave the “south” feeling a further connection with the people and spectacular landscape surrounding them.
Australia (17 days) - Next we head towards the rugged, beautiful land of Australia and the adventure that awaits. We will split our time between the east coast regions of New South Wales and Queensland. Be ready to experience massive dunes, towering cliffs of colored sands, and wide ocean beaches that have been etched by wind and water. The climate here is great. This is Australian culture at its best. During our stay we will participate in a variety of meaningful service projects with schools, environmental groups, and other community organizations. Activities include learning to ride the waves in Surfers Paradise, hanging out with the kangaroo’s and koala bears at the Lone Pine Koala sanctuary, and exploring the beauty of a World Heritage site, Fraser Island. One of the highlights will be snorkeling or SCUBA diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Before flying home, we will have time to explore the cosmopolitan city of Brisbane for some last-minute souvenirs. We reflect on our adventures over our last dinner together under the stars of the Southern Cross. The beauty of both of these countries and the warmth of the people combine to make this an experience of a lifetime. Come join us!
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 "Click to enlarge Australia/New Zealand map.")