Katie’s Group:
Australia
June 12 - June 28, 2020
A two-week adventure “down under” to volunteer at a conservation and wildlife sanctuary outside of Sydney, Australia getting hands-on with koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, wallabies, and all kinds of other Australian wildlife.
What is Loop Abroad?
You will participate in a classroom based course taught by your team of Loop Abroad veterinarians, entitled “Australian Wildlife Handling, Conservation, and Care,” so that you can learn in-depth about the animals you will care for.
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Learn about all aspects of care and management of captive wildlife!
You will also get the chance to experience magnificent Australia first-hand.
What's the Itinerary?
The schedule will vary but a typical day might include two hours of animal care rounds in the morning with your veterinarian, two hours of class time (focused on Australian animals) before lunch, three hours of enrichment projects in the afternoon, & time to observe and report on certain animals before dinner in order to provide them with the highest standard of care.
On the weekend in the middle of your program, we will spend the weekend in Sydney as a group. We will visit famous sites such as the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Darling Harbour. You will have time to shop and visit the beach (although it will be too cold to swim!) We will also visit Taronga Zoo, one of the most famous and well-respected zoos in the world, to see what enrichments are being used and meet with a staff veterinarian.
Walkabout Wildlife Park (“Walkabout”) is a one-of-a-kind conservation facility. For the last twelve years, this organization has pursued the goal of conservation through education. The 80-acre property is home to over 200 captive animals who are protected and cared for by the Walkabout staff. Many are rescues that are unreleasable, while some are wildly occurring. In addition, Walkabout cares for and conserves 170 acres of natural habitat.
Courses & Hours
Veterinary Hours: Participants will earn 80 veterinary hours. You will receive a certificate for 80 service hours upon program completion.
In some evenings, we will have the chance to observe the animals and their behaviors after sunset. We will also have the opportunity for a tracking and spotlighting workshop and some fun cultural evening activities such as exploring Aboriginal sites.
Night & Weekend Activities
The special focus of this program is on handling, maintaining, and caring for wild animals in a zoo or sanctuary setting, with unique opportunities to handle and learn about Australian mammals, reptiles, and birds – practice that can be hugely valuable in future studies or career opportunities.
Some of the benefits for a private group include a
What are some of the benefits of a Private Group?
Tuition & Dates
Tuition: $3,500 USD not including international airfare. Airfare on the group flight from Los Angeles is estimated at $1,700 roundtrip including all taxes and fees.
This tuition represents a 10% discount on our regular program tuition for your group. No additional discounts are available. Fundraising is possible to raise money!
All housing, meals, and activities are included in your tuition. Tuition does not include medical insurance - if you don't have medical insurance that covers you while abroad, you can purchase travel medical insurance. We can help you find a plan that meets our insurance requirements.
Your space is held only after your $1,000 deposit (credited toward tuition) is paid. Your deposit is due by October 31, 2019 to secure your private group booking. Balance of your tuition is due by February 1, 2020. Interest-free payment plans are available.
Due Dates
Australia looks incredible!
How do I sign up?
As a University of California student, you may simply enroll in this program through a simplified application process. This guarantees your admission (barring any health factors that make it unsafe for you to participate). On the application page:
Raise money by Fundraising!
Download our fundraising guide to learn how you can raise the funds for your tuition and travel! The Fundraising Guide will help you figure out how to get started and give you suggestions of fundraisers that have worked for our students in the past
We offer our students' favorite Thai pants as a great fundraising option through Animal Kind Clothing. They are made by women in Chiang Mai who are now able to provide for their families, and each purchase helps to fund Loop Abroad's financial aid. You can earn up to $10 a pair selling Animal Kind pants - so selling 100 pairs on through your club, campus, or community would raise $1,000 toward your tuition!
2. Join or lookout for an invite to join our
Facebook group“Katie’s Group: Australia”
3. Feel free to invite other students to join as
well! Please tell your friends about the
upcoming trip and share on Facebook as
well!
What Steps can I take next?
Read our student reviews!
“This experience was so incredible, it’s hard to even put it in words. I have such a love for everyone I met, every animal I encountered, and every sight that I saw. I will never lose the amazing memories I have, and I could never imagine my heart to be this full. I’ll be back, one way or another.” – Lucy M., Lexington, MA.”
Message us on Facebook @ Loop Abroad, call us at (617) 412-0838, or send an email to admissions@loopabroad.com any time!