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GVN Change Makers - Training Program - FAQTell me more about New ZealandWhat is the climate like in New Zealand? What will I be actually doing? When do I need to arrive in New Zealand? What kind of orientation will I receive when I arrive at GVN headquarters? What immunizations/vaccines will I need? Are we able to do any sightseeing while on the 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 on the GVN Training 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 program fee? ------ 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 Wellington and the surrounding area, please visit the official city website at: http://www.wellingtonnz.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 Training program is designed to be as flexible and self-determined as possible to allow participants to cater the program to their specific interests and goals. However, there are specific workshops and day trips that we hope will be of interest to all participants. The daily work you are doing while in the GVN office may be helping the coordinator on some of our international volunteer programs, specific campaigns, fundraisers, and exhibitions GVN is currently working on. Participants are also encouraged to develop their own ideas and take initiative while working at GVN to develop new ideas and projects. Please see the main GVN Training program page for more specific orientation information, workshop information and ideas of what opportunities for daily work are available. When do I need to arrive in New Zealand? The program starts on the 1st of each month. Typically, participants will be greeted at the Wellington airport on their arrival. We are also happy to work with your specific arrival requirements if you plan to travel within New Zealand before your volunteer experience. As you will start on the 1st, you will need to be in Wellington a day ahead in order to actually start on that date. Therefore, your accommodation begins on the 31st of each month. What kind of orientation will I receive when I arrive at GVN headquarters? Orientation day- (1st of the month when there are new participants) Morning Tea Meeting with Colin Salisbury, founder of GVN - Greeting, Introduction to GVN Tour of the GVN office Meet staff, introductions and explanation of what everyone does Know exactly what GVN does/how it works - Time to look at website/ binders of Volunteer Coordinator/staff info binder Introduction/explanation of any campaigns/exhibitions GVN is working on currently - e.g. Stop Child Poverty, Breaking Free of Child Poverty photo exhibition tour Brainstorming session/ group and individual goals - Talk about potential ideas about projects/daily work you would like to be involved with, specific interests, etc. *After orientation at the office ends, depending on scheduling, there is a possibility for going into Wellington to see the city What immunizations/vaccines will I need? Although you are travelling 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? The program will expose you to some of the most dramatic scenery in the Wellington region and beyond. The work we undertake is typically Mon-Fri leaving the weekends free to explore other parts of New Zealand. For more extensive travel we recommend you allow time at either the beginning or end of your volunteer experience. Are there more expenses once I arrive? The program fee covers accommodation, meals and transport costs while working. If you arrive early or intend to stay beyond your volunteer time in New Zealand then you will need to have additional money for this time. Other expenses not covered by your application and program 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 GVN Training program at the same time? The GVN Training program is limited to no more than 6 participants at any time to allow for 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 volunteer 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 the 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 interning in this specific program. We will at your skills and experience and how they are specifically related to the program you have applied to. We also 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. Most countries have a Visa Waiver Agreement which is valid for 3 months. Do I need travel insurance? As with any overseas traveling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident cover as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers all fees paid to GVN, Airlines etc (up to US$10,000). The cost is US$150.00 for the first month and then US$100.00 per month after that. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance/. How do I pay my program fee? Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to start the training program. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. there is a 5% surcharge on credit card payments. Bank transfers also incur a bank fee at the point of origin that is at the expense of the volunteer. The program fee is non refundable. ------ Question not covered here? Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please submit your question here. (We aim to answer all email within 48 hours). Click here to apply for the New Zealand Training program. |
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