International opportunities
FHS Abroad
Students from the Faculty of Health Sciences have been working collaboratively on community projects in the developing world for more than 30 years, enriching their understanding of global health and making a lasting difference in communities worldwide.
Under an exciting new initiative called ‘FHS Abroad,' senior students across all undergraduate and graduate entry master's programs will now have the opportunity to take part in these experiences as part of their study program.
Why consider an international experience?
- Make a meaningful contribution to a community in need
- Gain hands-on experience in community development
- Put your skills into practice in a supportive environment
- Learn about new cultures and new perspectives on health and healthcare
- Travel and explore new corners of the globe
- Choose an experience that interests you and broadens your career prospects
What does it involve?
The 6 credit point elective units of study can be taken in Semester 1 (for travel during the previous December/January break) or Semester 2 (travel during the previous June/July break) and involve working with non-government organisations and other development agencies for up to six weeks in a range of Faculty-elected locations across South and South East Asia. In 2012 destinations included Vietnam, Cambodia, India and Nepal.
What will I be working on?
We are working with two well-established Australian volunteer agencies to offer you placements that are tailored to your own personal and professional interests. The choice is really up to you but we can also help you find your niche if you aren’t sure what kind of placement would suit you.
You could work in a range of locations such as schools, children’s hospitals, orphanages or HIV clinics, and programs range across fields like rehabilitation, health promotion, education, health outreach and disability care.
Travel solo or as a group
How you undertake your placement is also up to you. If you have a great group of friends who are all interested in a similar placement why not travel as a group? Alternatively if you really want to immerse yourself in this experience you can go it alone and make new friends and contacts overseas.
Support
In addition to the pre-departure mentoring and preparation provided by the Faculty, in country agents from our two partner companies are always on hand to provide advice, support and local knowledge while you’re away. You’re also likely to be living, working or close by to other volunteers from all over the world which often leads to new and long-lasting friendships.
Approximate costs
The following information should be used as a guide to help you with planning your international placement, however please note that costs may vary depending on your individual itinerary.
Antipodeans Abroad Placements
- Cambodia from $2895 for 4 weeks and $3295 for 6 weeks
- India from $2350 for 4 weeks and TBC for 6 weeks
- Nepal from $2290 for 4 weeks and $2730 for 6 weeks
- Vietnam from $2750 for 4 weeks
These costs cover airport transfers, in country transport, accommodation, food, orientation and 24 hour support in country and Australia.
Projects Abroad Placements
- India from $2,245 for 4 weeks, and $2,695 for 6 weeks
- Nepal from $2,045 for 4 weeks, and $2,395 for 6 weeks
- Cambodia from $2,395 for 4 weeks, and $2,795 for 6 weeks
- Vietnam from $2,995 for 4 weeks, and $3,545 for 6 weeks
These costs cover placement fees, accommodation, food, travel and medical insurance, local staff support and pre-departure advice and guidance.
Additional costs to consider
You are also required to pay the costs for the Unit of Study fees, as with any other 6 credit point unit. Although the face-to-face hours are minimal there is a lot of arranging and administration which must be performed by the University, as well as running the Unit of Study.
The other costs you will incur are your flights, any fees for your visa (generally between $80-$100), any fees for vaccinations and travel insurance. Your food and accommodation whilst on placement is included in the fee you pay for the placement.
Unit of study information
|
Unit of Study |
Credit Points |
A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition |
Session |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HSBH3012 |
6 |
P Successful completion of all 1st year units in an undergraduate FHS degree Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Sem1/2 |
|
HSBH5001 |
6 |
P Successful completion of an undergraduate health sciences degree or equivalent Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Sem1/2 |
To participate in a June placement in 2013 you will need to enroll in FHS Abroad Undergraduate or Postgraduate for Semester 2, 2013. This means ensuring you negotiate a suitable placement early in the year to ensure you have sufficient time to prepare.
To participate in a December 2013/January 2014 placement you will need to enroll in FHS Abroad Undergraduate or Postgraduate for Semester 1, 2014.
Next steps
Further questions please view the FAQ's (PDF) or
If you are interested in taking up this opportunity you should firstly contact FHS Abroad Director, Dr Elaine Ryan to discuss how best to fit this opportunity into your study program. Following this we recommend discussing your placement preferences with Projects Abroad and/or Antipodeans Abroad.
Contact details
| Lucy Carpenter Operations Manager Antipodeans Abroad Tel: (02) 9413 1522 Fax: (02) 9410 0751 Email: lucyc@antipodeans.com.au |
Will Pashley Projects Abroad Australia & NZ 1300 132 831 08 8410 8881 0404 712638 Email: willpashley@projects-abroad.com.au |