TEAM QUESTIONS
How do I apply?
Well firstly, we don't have applications. Basically, if you're keen to come along and we have spots available, it is all yours! The only thing we will check is your suitability to work with children overseas.
If you're keen contact us and we will get you all the information you need to register.
If you're keen contact us and we will get you all the information you need to register.
WhEN is the latest I can sign up?
We aim to have the teams finalised by the end of June. This allows enough time to suitably prepare you, and for us to books flights & accomodation, while also finalising plans in the countries we are visiting.
However, if we have spots available, we could work something out as late as September. It should be noted there is a late fee applied to any registrations in July or later, due to the difference in flight bookings.
However, if we have spots available, we could work something out as late as September. It should be noted there is a late fee applied to any registrations in July or later, due to the difference in flight bookings.
I study at TAFE and finish this year, can I come along?
Of course! So long as you are turning or have turned 18 this year, you are welcome to come along! Essentially, you need to be in Year 12 or the equivalent age.
I’m not in Year 12, are there any options for me?
If you are not in Year 12 yet but love the idea, let us know and we can add you to the mailing list for your specific trip year. And we would recommend start saving and fundraising as early as possible!
If you are too old, you can get involved in various ways or you can attend a trip very similar to ours via our parent organisation, HopeBuilders International. Check them out or contact us if you want to get involved in another way.
If you are too old, you can get involved in various ways or you can attend a trip very similar to ours via our parent organisation, HopeBuilders International. Check them out or contact us if you want to get involved in another way.
I’m not a Christian and don’t go to church, can I go on a trip?
You most certainly can! We won’t stop you coming on our trips, and while we are unashamedly Christian and run our trips from this foundation, we don’t expect everyone to share these beliefs. Our only expectation is that you be present in everything we do. So whether it is morning devotions or going to church on Sunday, we expect you to be there. The level which you engage is totally up to you.
How many people are on an average team? Is there a minimum amount?
The Uganda trip has a maximum of sixteen people, while our trips to south-east Asia have has a max of twelve. We work with a minimum of five people, so as long as we reach that, we will run the trip.
Who are the leaders and how do you choose them?
Each year the team leaders change. All of our leaders are super cool and we make sure they have experience in working with young people and overseas mission. They come along purely to support you and make sure you get the most out of your trip. We also have a trip leader who has experience leading on a Schoolies Rev trip and looks after the logistics a bit more. At times, we also have a trip manager who comes along to help with the organisation and running of the trip. This can be a HopeBuilders board member, or another experienced leader, who will support our team of leaders!
PREPRATION QUESTIONS
What is done to prepare us for the trip?
We believe part of making sure we are helpful overseas is making sure you are prepared for what we experience and how we work together. So we have five team meetings throughout the year. One in February and then every school holidays, with a final one in November just before we leave. These meetings focus on cultural awareness and team building.
We also organise for you to catch up with one of our leaders one-on-one, which is a chance for us to get to know you more and for you to get a better idea of what is happening. You will meet with the same leader once on your trip and once when you get back as well!
We also organise for you to catch up with one of our leaders one-on-one, which is a chance for us to get to know you more and for you to get a better idea of what is happening. You will meet with the same leader once on your trip and once when you get back as well!
Is there any debrief that happens after the trip?
Yes, we aim to have one final team meeting after we get back, usually in late January or early February. On top of that, you will meet with one of your leaders after this meeting as well. We also hope to help your parents and church community help you process your experience.
Is there anything done to work with the parents of students?
Yes, we can't 'turn around a generation' ourselves, so we work with parents to help make this experience the best possible for students.
We aim to communicate with students as much as possible, as this is a key part of preparing for the trip (no parents to help out when we are overseas!). However, we make sure parents are kept in the loop with what is happening. This includes some regular emails, as well as a specific meeting during the year just for the parents.
We aim to communicate with students as much as possible, as this is a key part of preparing for the trip (no parents to help out when we are overseas!). However, we make sure parents are kept in the loop with what is happening. This includes some regular emails, as well as a specific meeting during the year just for the parents.
TRAVEL QUESTIONS
What do I need to organise for the trip?
Fundraise your money. Make sure your passport is valid for six months after we arrive back home. Visit your local travel doctor and get any relevant vaccinations. Get a travel card or have cash ready for spending money. Come to the team meetings prepared to learn and get to know everyone!
What do I need to know around my passport?
All passports need to be valid for six months after you arrive home. We need a scan of your valid passport by the end of July for ticketing purposes.
What about visas?
Not all the countries we visit require a visa, so that becomes an extra cost for those that do. For example, in Cambodia this is around $30USD and acquired upon arrival, while in Uganda it is around $100USD and has to be applied for online before we leave.
What is your policy around health and safety?
Simply put, if a trip is deemed unsafe, then we don’t go. This is all covered in our travel insurance and we will make sure your money is refunded. We take advise from travel agencies, as well as our in-country partners, and look to make a well-informed decision.
Additionally, these in-country partners are our main security blanket overseas, as having them around is the best way to have solid emergency procedures in place, including access to medical centres and hospitals. Lastly, we always stay together in large groups, rarely go out at night and stay in secure accommodation.
Please contact us if you want to see a copy of our risk management policy.
Additionally, these in-country partners are our main security blanket overseas, as having them around is the best way to have solid emergency procedures in place, including access to medical centres and hospitals. Lastly, we always stay together in large groups, rarely go out at night and stay in secure accommodation.
Please contact us if you want to see a copy of our risk management policy.
What is the policy on alcohol on a Schoolies Rev trip?
We are not against drinking alcohol, however we think getting drunk can be destructive and unwise. So if students are over 18 they are allowed to drink responsibly.
That said, we are always mindful of the cultures we are visiting and make sure we don’t cause unnecessary barriers. So for example, in Uganda, Christians pretty much refrain from all alcohol. So for us heading over as a Christian project, it is important to observe this culture and not hinder any connections or relationships. So drink responsibly and be aware of the culture you are visiting.
That said, we are always mindful of the cultures we are visiting and make sure we don’t cause unnecessary barriers. So for example, in Uganda, Christians pretty much refrain from all alcohol. So for us heading over as a Christian project, it is important to observe this culture and not hinder any connections or relationships. So drink responsibly and be aware of the culture you are visiting.
FINANCE QUESTIONS
How much are the trips and what does this cover?
For our 2019 trips, the cost to Africa is $4000, while our Asia trips are $3000. This covers everything from flights, accomodation, meals, travel insurance, transfers and tourist attractions.
Please note our price is subject to change year to year due to the increase in travel costs.
Please note our price is subject to change year to year due to the increase in travel costs.
What are the extra costs I NEED TO BE AWARE OF?
The extra things you need:
- Valid passport
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Spending Money
CAN I FUNDRAISE FOR MY TRIP?
Yes!!! This is one of the many perks of Schoolies Rev, people are often more than happy to support you in raising funds! We have had people fundraise nearly their whole trip fee, however it does take a bit of effort. We recommend talking to your school, church, sporting club and extended family and seeing what possibilities there are.
Whether it is doing the odd-job in the holidays, hosting a dinner or doing the classic sausage sizzle, there are stacks of options. Our first team meeting is dedicated to helping you set up a fundraising plan and we will support you as much as possible. We are happy to help secure donations, speak at your event and give you brochures and promotional material.
Whether it is doing the odd-job in the holidays, hosting a dinner or doing the classic sausage sizzle, there are stacks of options. Our first team meeting is dedicated to helping you set up a fundraising plan and we will support you as much as possible. We are happy to help secure donations, speak at your event and give you brochures and promotional material.
CAN I GIVE MONEY TOWARDS THE PROJECTS WE VISIT?
Yes, definitely! We have had many students do fundraising not just for their own costs, but also to donate towards our partners overseas. While it isn't necessary, it is certainly a cool thing to do. When you've raised your money, we will talk to our partners and see what your money can go towards, according to their needs. And then on the trip, you can either be a part of getting it sorted or see the finished result.
So for example, a few girls ran a fundraising event and some money went to their trip cost and the rest was donated to our partner in Cambodia. We found out there was a need to set up one of the children's homes with electricity and a proper concrete path. So one the trip, the team got to help with the concrete path and saw the electricity being connected up!
So for example, a few girls ran a fundraising event and some money went to their trip cost and the rest was donated to our partner in Cambodia. We found out there was a need to set up one of the children's homes with electricity and a proper concrete path. So one the trip, the team got to help with the concrete path and saw the electricity being connected up!
How do you refunds work?
We have a payment timeline to make sure you are on track with your savings, and to allow us to make deposits on flights and secure the lowest fares possible. This is part of the information booklet and will be explained once you register.
Basically, each payment you make is fully refundable until you make the next payment. Then the previous payment becomes locked in. However, depending on circumstances we may be able to refund the whole amount.
On the flip side, once we pass July and have made deposits on flights and accomodation, there are no guarantees when it comes to refunds and you may not get anything back.
Basically, each payment you make is fully refundable until you make the next payment. Then the previous payment becomes locked in. However, depending on circumstances we may be able to refund the whole amount.
On the flip side, once we pass July and have made deposits on flights and accomodation, there are no guarantees when it comes to refunds and you may not get anything back.
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Schoolies Rev is a project of HopeBuilders International, a registered organisation that partners with Global Development Group. All images, media and content are used with permission & belong to Schoolies Rev.
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