Volunteer in

Australia

Frequently asked questions (FAQs - Australia)

FAQ's Application and Program Details

When should I apply for the conservation volunteer program in Australia? expand_more

As we have limited spots available in our programs and we facilitate on ‘first come first serve’ basis, it is recommended that potential volunteers book their programs well in advance to get confirmed placements. You can book your slot by filling out the application form online and pay the application fee of $250 + bank charges. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments, however,  the complete payment should be made 45 days prior to the starting date of the program.  If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form.

How long does it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted? expand_more

After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be activated. You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification and eligibility criteria for each project.

 

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Australian volunteer programs? expand_more

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Australian volunteer programs?
Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the Australian volunteer projects :
– The minimum age requirement for the volunteers is 18 years and above.
– Need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
– The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
– Participant must be in good health.

Can I volunteer as part of a group? expand_more

We encourage our participants to volunteer in a group. We take special care in providing you a placement and also customize your itinerary to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Also, we can design special group programs for groups of 5 or more. Our programs are designed to be safe, affordable and offer a great group volunteering experience to the volunteers.
In our experience of more than 12+ years, we have enabled and facilitated volunteer program placements for student groups- college groups, university groups, high school groups, group of families, group of couples as well as a group of colleagues.

Visit Group Volunteering page for more information.

What are the Program locations in Australia? expand_more

Volunteering Solutions provides placement to volunteers in different cities of Australia. The preference of the city should be specified in the application form. The available program locations are:

• Cairns
• Rural Gladstone
• Yackandandah

 

Can I volunteer in more than one starting location within Australia ? expand_more

Yes – many volunteers choose to make bookings from two or more starting locations. If you choose this option, you’ll need to arrange and pay for your own travel between starting locations. You should either leave a week in between your bookings, or arrange to rejoin at your new starting location on Monday morning as we cannot accommodate volunteers arriving on weekends.

Will I be in contact with animals? expand_more

The amount of contact volunteers have with the animals is dependent upon the project. Some are very hands on and others have limited contact.

When do I need to arrive in Australia for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Australia? expand_more

All volunteers are required to arrive at the nearest airports at their preferred location in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney. The Australian programs are located near Melbourne, Sydney, Gladstone and Cairns Airports.

Does Vol Sol provides discount if I choose more than one program or if I am a returning Volunteer? expand_more

If you are planning to come for multiple programs in your trip, you will have to pay the application fees just once. Your application fees is valid for a year's time (from the date of application). You will not have to pay the application fees again if you come within the mentioned time frame. If you decide to volunteer in separate programs in multiple countries, you will need to fill separate applications.

Does Vol Sol provides a reference or a certificate after program completion? expand_more

Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.

Flights and Visa

Do I need a Visa to go to Australia? expand_more

Volunteers traveling to Australia need to have a valid visa. We provide with the necessary supporting documents for your VISA application processing.
More information shall be provided after you become a Volunteering Solutions enrolled participant.

What are the recommended airlines to fly to Australia ? expand_more

All the major cities in Australia have connectivity with all major airlines around the world. The recommended airlines are : 
QANTAS Airways
British Airways
Thai Airways
Emirates
Malaysian Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Air Asia

Health and Safety

How safe is Australia? expand_more

Australia is a tourist friendly destination. The country welcomes you with open arms. However, you have to use your prudence to stay out of the harm’s way. For example, stay in a group or with the fellow volunteers, especially when you want to hit the bar or go grab a drink. Inform your coordinator if you have plans to explore the city alone, keep your emergency contact details always with you. Your pre-departure booklet is a good source of information for you and you must read that diligently.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need? expand_more

We recommend you consult your physician or travel doctor before travelling to Australia. 
Generally the following vaccinations are recommended for travellers going to Australia :
– Yellow Fever (Required if travelling from a YFV infected country)
– Hepatitis A and B
– Typhoid

Do I need to buy a health insurance? expand_more

Yes, for all participants it is mandatory to have a travel medical insurance.Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider. 

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Australia alumni and other former and current volunteers? expand_more

We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions Australia program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group to connect with other participants.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer section on our website.

Accommodation and Living

Can I know more about the accommodation and food arrangements? expand_more

Accommodation will vary according to each project location. Typical accommodation includes volunteer houses, caravans, hostels, and bunkhouses. Volunteers are allotted accommodation on a sharing basis.

Can vegetarians and vegans be accommodated? expand_more

Yes, however you must inform us in advance and also mention about any dietary requirement in your application form.

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Australia? expand_more

Your program fee covers your Accommodation, Food and In country Support.  You will need to cover your personal expenses, such as local transport, telephone, internet, shopping, weekend trips etc. 
However, you should carry around $70-80 per week for your basic personal expenses. This amount can vary and you would need a higher amount if you go on weekend sightseeing tours.

Where can I change my money in Australia? Are there ATMs in Australia? expand_more

Plenty of money exchange counters and ATMs are available in Australia. at the airport as well in most Australian cities.

For how many hours do I have to volunteer in a day? expand_more

Volunteers work for 3 to 8 hours a day depending on their program. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and understand that work requirements can change as well on certain occasions.