VOLUNTEER WORK & LEARN 2014 take chances give something back break the routine mend your soul lighten up get heavy
Adventure... It s in our DNA. Whether we re haggling with locals, trying weird and wonderful food or trekking new territory, we like to keep things interesting. It s the whole reason we set up STA Travel back in 1979. We love nothing more than getting to know a new language, culture or environment and after 35 years we re still exploring. We ve always believed in giving a little something back it s at the heart of what we do. We work with credible partners, from exciting start-ups to old friends, to secure travel experiences that are not only authentic but also responsible and sustainable. By funding a number of projects we are really making a difference to the local communities we ve gotten to know over the years. We even have our own charitable foundation, which allows us to keep track of every last penny and uses our existing resources and expertise to do good. Here you ll find more than 130 incredible adventures that will give you the opportunity to do some good of your own. Our expert advice, unique experiences and amazing offers will make sure you never look at the world in quite the same way again. So buckle up, you re about to uncover a whole new way to travel. START THE ADVENTURE
YOU can make a difference CONTENTS 04 Good Stuff: Responsible Travel 06 Choose STA Travel The World s Your Oyster 08 Our World 10 VOLUNTEERING 12 Our Partners and Your Support Network 13 Where Does Your Money Go? 14 Home Sweet Home 15 Any Questions? 16 Asia 40 Africa 58 South America 67 Central America 74 North America 76 Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific 82 Europe 84 LEARN A LANGUAGE 86 Learn Spanish 94 Learn French 96 Learn Italian 97 Learn German 98 Learn Portuguese 98 Learn Japanese 99 Learn Mandarin 100 LEARN A NEW SKILL 100 Learn to Surf 100 Learn to Dive 101 Learn to be a Ski Instructor 101 Learn to be a Surf Instructor 102 Learn to Sail 102 Learn to be a Game Ranger 103 Teach English Abroad 105 INSURANCE 106 TERMS & CONDITIONS FACEBOOK.COM/STATRAVEL.AU TWITTER.COM/STATRAVELAU CONTENTS
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL THE GOOD STUFF Coming from a 11-year-old girl in one of our projects in Peru, this was, without question, the best job offer we ve ever had. Despite its beautiful surroundings and the buzz that comes with a thriving tourism industry, Cuzco is a tough place to grow up for many children. For those living in extreme poverty there s no room for big ambitions and many turn to begging, taking drugs and living on the streets. WHEN I GROW UP YOU CAN WORK FOR ME. The Inti Runakunaq Wasin Centre (House of the People of the Sun) offers food, somewhere to safe to play, and educational support for children and young people. They learn valuable skills including jewellery making, leather working, sewing, cooking, music and English. Thanks to the amazing work of volunteers and supporters from around the world these guys can finally afford to dream big. We re proud to be building a new art workshop for the centre, which will open up even more opportunities for local children and young people. This $32,000 facility is just one of the many projects we re involved in around the world. THE STA TRAVEL FOUNDATION Responsible tourism is at the heart of what we do, and our Foundation is something we re hugely proud of. It allows us to use all our existing resources, expertise and experience and make sure every penny goes towards our chosen causes around the world. It s a registered charity, so you can be sure that everything you donate goes right to the people who need it most. We focus on a number of different projects throughout the year, including conservation, clean water, kids projects and medical centres. Follow us on Twitter for the latest news and check out our Facebook to find out what we re up to right now. To donate, ask one of our Travel Experts or visit www.statravelfoundation.org
AT A GLANCE 100... The number of volunteering projects we offer from one day to six months worldwide. Whether you re into working with children, communities, animals, conservation, building or sports, there s something for everyone. $230,000.00... That s how much we ve invested so far in our projects. $25,000... The amount our new water tank in Panama s Bocas del Toro cost us. It s been going strong for a year and it s a lifeline for the local community, who had no safe drinking water up until then. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL 80... Kids and young people are currently studying for their futures in the drop in centre in Cuzco. 4...The number of countries we have projects in right now THE RESPONSIBLE STA TRAVELLER We owe everything to the incredible communities who open their doors and allow us to experience their beautiful backyards. So it s up to us to be courteous and understanding. Visit www.statravel.com.au/ responsibletraveller to make sure you set off on the right foot.
CHOOSE STA TRAVEL CHOOSE STA TRAVEL TOP 10 REASONS to travel with STA Travel 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. GLOBAL TRAVEL HELP Wherever you are, we re there with you WORLD CLASS TRAVEL PARTNERS Only the best for you EXCLUSIVE LOW FLEXIBLE AIR FARES Our unique airline partnerships mean you always get the lowest fares around and you can also change your plans at the last minute without breaking the bank HAND PICKED Experiences, trips and projects - all hand picked and vetted by us 100 S OF BRANCHES WORLDWIDE With branches all over the world, you re never far from one of our Travel Experts ONE-STOP SHOP Book everything with us and spend less time worrying, more time having fun WE ARE THE EXPERTS Our Travel Experts are the go-to people for tips and advice, wherever you are OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE We know our stuff when it comes to travel adventures PRICE BEAT GUARANTEE We ll beat any price that you find lower elsewhere* NOT JUST FOR STUDENTS While students and under 26s get some really great deals, our adventures have no age limit *See our full terms and conditions at statravel.com.au/price-beat
CHOOSE STA TRAVEL THE WORLD S YOUR OYSTER Travelling the world is a truly amazing experience; we all know that. But what if you could make it even better by helping the people and places you encounter. Take on one of our volunteer projects and you can do just that! Exchange knowledge, learn vital life skills, help communities and the environment, all while seeing the places you ve always dreamt of - it s a win-win situation! All you need to decide now is where you want to volunteer or learn a language! Why STA Travel? When you re planning your big adventure, you need advice from people who have been there and done that, and are just as enthusiastic as you about your travels. This is exactly what STA Travel is all about and our Travel Experts are just the people you need to speak to. We are the world s largest travel company specifically designed for students and young travellers looking to see the world. We know the questions you ll ask, the concerns you ll have and the tips to make your adventure a million times better. With stores all over the world, exclusive low prices and 24-hour support, STA Travel should be the first stop on your journey of a lifetime!
OUR WORLD CHECK OUT WHERE YOU CAN VOLUNTEER OR LEARN A LANGUAGE OUR WORLD CANADA EUROPE FRANCE USA NORTH AMERICA PORTUGAL SPAIN CENTRAL AMERICA MEXICO NICARAGUA GUATEMALA PANAMA COSTA RICA ECUADOR PERU BRAZIL ARGENTINA SOUTH AMERICA GET OUT THERE - THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR YOU FACEBOOK.COM/STATRAVEL.AU Like us, and join 185,000+ travel fans and experts! TWITTER.COM/STATRAVEL AU Follow us for the latest travel deals, tips and advice
OUR WORLD GERMANY ITALY GREECE NEPAL CHINA JAPAN INDIA THAILAND LAOS VIETNAM CAMBODIA ASIA UGANDA KENYA TANZANIA MALAWI ZAMBIA SEYCHELLES SRI LANKA MALAYSIA INDONESIA NAMIBIA SOUTH AFRICA AFRICA AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND SOUTH PACIFIC FIJI VANUATU NEW ZEALAND
INTRODUCTION TO VOLUNTEERING INTRODUCTION TO VOLUNTEERING Why pay to volunteer? Your time and effort is invaluable on our volunteer projects, but while we certainly couldn t do it without you, we also couldn t make as big a difference without a few other vital tools. Paying to join a project provides the materials and training needed to actually make a difference. This means we can support both you and the communities you are working with. The challenging environments make volunteering totally worthwhile but we have to ensure you are safe too. When you ve said goodbye and flown back home, the projects continue in a sustainable way with the help of your donation included in the project fee. After all, it would be a shame for all of your hard work to go to waste, wouldn t it? Volunteer Make a difference on your travels Immerse yourself in the project. The longer you stay the more you ll get out of it Get under the skin of a country - live like a local Be more independent - youre not always travelling as part of a group Voluntour Make a difference and tour the highlights Volunteer projects make up a small part of a longer tour See the country from a local perspective Meet and travel with like-minded people
Work with animals With so many endangered species fighting for survival, they need your help right now. Understand their plight and work to protect them on one of our animal projects. Work with children Give local children the hope of a decent future by working with them to teach the skills they need to break out of the cycle of poverty and reach their full potential Work with communities Improve the quality of life for people in some of the world s most remote areas. Work with them to create a sense of community and help build a future for themselves and generations to come. Work in conservation Help the local community to preserve their fragile ecosystem. Contribute to long term sustainability and education, protecting the very environment travellers like you want to explore. Do it all So many projects, so little time! Wouldn t it be nice if you could combine them in some way? Well now you can. Work with children, protect the local wildlife and help the community whilst ensuring their environment is preserved for future generations. Teaching sports If there s anything that can unite and encourage while crossing linguistic and cultural boundaries, it s sport. Your skills and enthusiasm will help develop vital skills like teamwork, improve confidence and most of all, put a big smile on their face and yours. INTRODUCTION TO VOLUNTEERING
OUR PARTNERS AND YOUR SUPPORT OUR PARTNERS AND YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK Planeterra It s ironic, isn t it, that the destinations travellers love most are often the destinations that need help to secure a sustainable future for their local communities and the surrounding environment. But how many people actually consider giving something back? Planeterra is a non-profit organisation that helps empower local people to develop their communities and conserve their environment. Business opportunities for locals, responsible environmental management and preparation for natural disasters and emergencies are all part of Planeterra s long-term, sustainable tourism plan, which STA Travel is committed to supporting. GVI GVI has an impressive record with multi-award winning programmes around the world. Over 160 long-term projects in more than 40 countries mean as a volunteer, you have the chance to make a lasting impact in areas that matter to you. Plus, with the network GVI has on the ground and its close collaboration with local communities, you can help to make a positive and sustainable change while also gaining skills and work experience to benefit your future too. CAMPS Camps International run a wide range of sustainable projects out of a number of central hubs in Africa, Asia and South America. Employing local people, these central camps run a variety of community, education and wildlife programmes. Camps International has made such a difference that it has also won the Best Volunteering Organisation at the Responsible Tourism Awards and the Eco Warrior Award in East Africa.
WHERE DOES YOUR MONEY GO? You ve worked hard to earn enough cash to pay for your adventure of a lifetime and you ve decided you want to give something back to the communities you meet along the way. But once you have paid to volunteer, where does your money go? How do you know it s actually going where we say it s going? Take one of our volunteer projects and you can rest assured that it: Is well run by one of our trusted partners Is sustainable Benefits the local community and the environment Has a long-term impact Offers all the support and guidance you need There are costs associated with volunteering because there s a cost to host volunteers - accommodation, meals, staff to administer your activities, staff to run the programs whether it be community outreach, healthcare, education - you name it. All of the projects are non-profit organisations that need financial support to keep going. Therefore your trip provides an important economic impact to the local project and the community you visit. WHERE DOES YOUR MONEY GO? Support the local economy The money you pay gets passed on to our partners and spent in-country, supporting local communities, employing local people and providing local food and accommodation for volunteers. Up to 70% of your cash goes straight back to benefitting the local people. A further proportion of your money also goes directly to your chosen project too, so before you ve even arrived, your help makes a difference! Best foot forward Significant time and research goes into making sure our programmes are sustainable for the communities but also authentic for you. The rest of your money goes towards costs to administer and support these programmes and to cover recruitment, training and resources to ensure we are offering credible and safe experiences. We know what it means to volunteer and how rewarding it can be. We ve sent over 100 of our own staff to check out the projects so you know you re getting the best advice from people who have actually been!
Penguin rescue - Page 44 HOME SWEET HOME HOME SWEET HOME One thing s for sure, on a volunteer project you ll be getting stuck in and living like a local. We have some amazing accommodation options that are often just the icing on the cake on an already unforgettable adventure. While some trips offer a more back to basics experience, wherever you stay you ll be sure to meet new friends, have the experience of a lifetime and live in some of the most unbelievable areas on earth, we think it s worth it. SHAmWARI conservation experience - Page 46 help orphans in cape town - Page 42 volunteer peru amazon - Page 60 On-site accommodation Stay on-site and you ll have the shortest commute to work ever and the chance to really interact with the community. From fixed-platform tents in Nepal to simple cabins in Argentina, they vary to say the least! You ll share with other volunteers too, so you ll make friends in no time! Volunteer House Perfect for meeting other volunteers, sharing stories and experiences. Volunteer houses have shared rooms and bathrooms plus communal living areas, with kitchen access. You ll be close to the project, often near a town so you can lap up that local life. Homestay Immerse yourself in the local community with a homestay. What better way to live like a local than to actually live with the locals? You might stay with other volunteers and facilities may be basic, but you ll really get to see what life is like in some pretty remote areas. Conservation experience in America - Page 75 experience borneo & conserve orang-utans - Page 23 Camping Not always glamping, but if you don t mind giving up a few home comforts and want the chance to spend a few nights under the stars, camping is a wicked option on some of our projects. While they may be remote, the campsites are secure and well-equipped. Guest houses, hotels and lodges We won t throw you completely in at the deep end, we promise! The start and end of a project often mean a stay in a guest house or hotel in some of the most amazing locations! If you re on a voluntour, chances are you ll also stay in some of these. Extend your stay Many of our programmes offer additional weeks up to several months. If you fancy staying longer and making an even bigger difference whist getting more out of it yourself, longer durations are excellent value as you ve already been trained so the costs are lower.
ANY QUESTIONS? We ve answered some of your most frequently asked questions to put your mind at ease and set you on your way to a completely unforgettable experience! What will I get out of volunteering? You mean, what won t you get out of volunteering? Make a difference to the people and wildlife around the world, fight poverty, protect the environment and improve the lives you touch, while adding invaluable skills to your CV and gaining knowledge you definitely won t learn from a textbook! Are there any minimum numbers? Not usually but some projects can t run with fewer than two people, so check the project details or ask a Travel Expert before you book. Group size differs from project to project and from month to month so it s very hard to say how many others will be sharing your experience but you can be sure they will all be like-minded. Do I need special skills to participate? Your enthusiasm and willingness to get involved are the most important requirements to volunteer however some projects do require a level of Spanish or dive qualifications. Check the inclusions on each project. What support is available locally? You will have local support and our global network of STA Travel stores. All our projects are closely monitored to ensure you will be safe and get the most of out your time volunteering. What extras do I need to think about? You ll need to check local visa requirements and some projects require a background check. Please allow 4-6 weeks for this. Of course you ll need travel insurance. This is an absolute essential wherever you are going... no arguments! What is included in my trip? All projects vary but generally transfers and meals are included meaning you won t need a lot of extra cash. As usual, check the project inclusions to be sure. What age do I have to be to volunteer? You ll need to be at least 18 years-old. How do I get to the project? This varies. Sometimes you need to make your own way to a central joining hotel and from there your transfer to the project will be arranged and included in the price you ve paid. For others you will need to make your own way there. Check the inclusions sections on each project or ask your Travel Expert for more details. How long should I volunteer for? The most frequent comment from people who volunteer with us is I wish I d stayed longer. Check the individual project for how long you can stay the longer the better as its often much better value and both you and the project will get more out of your stay. We can work closely with you, whether you want to dedicate your whole trip to volunteering, or add a shorter project on to a longer itinerary. ANY QUESTIONS?