Be The Change: Taupo FAQ

 

Tell me more about New Zealand?
What is the climate like in New Zealand?
What will I be actually doing?
When do I need to arrive in Taupo?
What kind of orientation will I receive when I arrive?
What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
Are we able to do any sightseeing on the training program?
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
Tell me more about the accommodation?
How much do things in New Zealand typically cost?
How many participants are there at the Be The Change program at the same time?
Can I bring my family, including children, to this program with me?
What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
Do I need travel insurance?
How do I pay my fees?

Tell me more about New Zealand?
New Zealand is a country of unparalleled beauty: glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep clear lakes, bubbling mud, and lots of sheep. There are also abundant forest parks, deserted beaches, and a variety of unique fauna some, like the kiwi, vulnerable to extinction. New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural - the honesty and friendliness of Kiwis will impress you. What is truly unique about New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other!

For more information I suggest you purchase the Lonely Planet's guide to New Zealand. For more information about Lake Taupo and the surrounding area, please visit the official city website at: http://www.laketauponz.com.

What is the climate like in New Zealand?
Lying between 34S and 47S, New Zealand sits squarely in the "Roaring Forties" latitude, which means the prevailing wind blows over the country from west to east; this can range from a gentle breeze in summer to a buffeting, roof-stripping gale in winter.

The North Island and South Island, because of their different geological features, have two distinct patterns of rainfall: in the South Island, the Southern Alps act as a barrier for the moisture-laden winds from the Tasman Sea, creating a wet climate to the west of the mountains and a dry climate to the east; while the North Island's rainfall is more evenly distributed without a comparable geological feature such as the Alps.

Temperatures are a few degrees cooler in the South Island, and both islands receive snow in winter. Winter falls in the months of June through August and summer from December through February. It is important to remember that New Zealand's climate is maritime, rather than continental, which means the weather, can change with amazing rapidity and consequence.

What will I be actually doing?
The GVN 'Be The Change' Course is designed to be flexible and self-determined to allow participants to cater the program to their specific interests and goals. Each day we will have a workshop that will provide you with specific skills that you can then directly apply to your project/idea or goal. Additionally we will be going on day trips with the focus of getting to know each other better. By the end of the course you will have become friends with a diverse an interesting group of individuals from all over the world. Additionally; each day you will have time to discuss your ideas and interests with Colin Salisbury, GVN's Founder and President. This program gives you one on one time with one of the top social entrepreneurs in the industry of international development.

When do I need to arrive in Taupo?
The program starts on a Sunday and ends on a Sunday. The dates are:

• 22nd-29th November 2009

Participants will need to arrive in New Zealand on or before the 22nd and arrange their own transport to Taupo (there are buses and a domestic airport in Taupo). A GVN representative will pick you up on the 22nd in Taupo and take you to your accommodation.

What kind of orientation will I receive when I arrive?
Orientation day- 22nd November 2009

• Meeting with Colin Salisbury, founder of GVN - Greeting, Introduction to 'Be The Change' Course
• Meet staff, introductions and explanation of what everyone does
• Know exactly the Goals and Objectives of the 'Be The Change Course'
• Skills/Passions Identification- How are you Wired? Workshop
• In the afternoon you will have into town for a group activity

What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
Although you are traveling in a developed country and there are no legally required vaccinations we do recommend Hepatitis A and B as well as tetanus.

Are we able to do any sightseeing on the training program?
During the week we will visit sites around Lake Taupo but there will not be time for individual travel. Many of our participants choose to arrive to New Zealand early or leave late so they may do their own traveling before or after the course (often participants will travel together, therefore planning on staying late is usually the best option).

Are there more expenses once I arrive?
The in-country fee covers accommodation, meals and transport costs while working. If you arrive early or intend to stay beyond your program time in New Zealand then you will need to have additional money for this time. Other expenses not covered by your fees include: your flights, entry visa (if applicable), travel insurance, departure tax, and any personal spending.

Tell me more about the accommodation?
You will be staying with other participants; the accommodation is modern and has most amenities people will be used to (TV, internet access, washing facilities etc). The accommodation is run like a cooperative style house where you will share duties such as cooking and cleaning with the other interns. Bedding and 3 meals per day will be provided.

How much do things in New Zealand typically cost?
To give you a idea of the average cost of living in New Zealand, coffee costs US$1.75, fish & chips US$3.50, a restaurant meal out US$15.00, a movie ticket US$6.00, a bus ticket US$1.75, a hair cut US$20.00, a visit to the doctor US$30.00, a bungee jump US$50.00.

How many participants are there at the Be The Change program at the same time?
The GVN Be The Change Course is limited to up to 20 participants to allow maximum individual attention and productivity.

Can I bring my family, including children, to this program with me?
Because of the nature of the accommodation, and the work that you will be involved with, it is not appropriate to bring children with you for this project. However, it is fine to attend as a couple.

What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on their application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page which outlines the minimum expectations of what is required for participating in this specific program. We look at volunteer and work experiences, travel experience and also your particular interest in the program before making our decision. Please try to be as specific as possible and provide as many details in your application as possible.

Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
You will, if you require one. If you are from a country which has a Visa Waiver Agreement with New Zealand you will not need a visa to stay for up to 90 days. If you need to obtain a visa you will need to contact your nearest New Zealand Embassy.

Do I need travel insurance?
As with any overseas travelling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc (up to US$8,000). If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/insurance/.

How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully transferable to a later date or different program if you decide not to take part in the program, subject to the terms of service). Your program fee is payable to GVN Foundation 8 weeks before you begin the program, and is non-refundable.