Students
Once in a lifetime experience
Thank you….without YOU we would not be able to partner with our beautiful communities and advocate for their health and educational outcomes! YOU are the magic that make our programs such a success for everyone involved, so THANK YOU!
As you can see in our Stories section the benefits of completing an international learning abroad program are endless! Our programs are designed to place you in uniquely experiential situations in a cross-cultural environment that you might not be able to encounter on placement in Australia.
We don’t offer individual volunteer programs but work directly with partner Universities in Australia to offer bespoke group learning abroad programs throughout Asia. Our programs are group-led, for-credit and tailor made to each University’s requirements ensuring that all learning outcomes are met. And most of all they are FUN!
Programs
We offer a wide range of health programs to partner Universities across a range of countries.
To find out if we work with your University simply contact your Global Mobility Office or International Clinical Coordinator for program options so that you can choose the right program for you.
Application Process
Students apply directly to their University depending on the specific criteria.
Funding
There are many options available to you to help fund your overseas program. These include OS-HELP or the Federal Government New Colombo Plan. More information on these programs can be found on your university’s global mobility pages.
Self-Funding
If you are not eligible for grants or loans you could also contact your local council to see what funding opportunities are available through local rotary clubs or local government grants. Many students plan far in advance and either get a part-time job and deposit all monies earned into a special account or organize a few fundraising events such as a trivia night to help support your travel.
Fundraising
Fundraising ideas are abound these days for motivated students who are keen to club together and have some fun organizing crazy events. Hold a sausage sizzle or bake stall at your Uni or local store, organise a house dance party, a movie night at your local cinema or even crowd fund!
Once accepted onto one of our programs, you can access our popular Fundraising Guide which includes a great range of resources to help you get started.
Pre-Departure Program
Before you take flight you will participate in an extensive pre-departure program that could be held in-person or online through team meetings and workshops. You will also be able to access an online portal which contains program information, publications & resources, itinerary, local language guide, staying safe and healthy guidelines and emergency information to ensure you’re well prepared and ready to hit the ground running!
On placement
While on placement we aim to make your experience as amazing as it can possibly be! Your in-country host and support team of interpreters will run a detailed orientation program on arrival and be working closely with your supervisors to ensure the program runs smoothly.
Daily debriefs help everyone feel comfortable with the day’s events and provide valuable reflection. They are an opportunity to recommend changes to the program if needed.
Family need not to worry as communication is available 24/7 and we endeavour to choose destinations with operational WI-FI so you can stay in contact with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the cost?
Nineteen Degrees are aware of how money and time poor Australian University students can be and so do their very best to keep placement costs at an absolute minimum.
Depending on the program chosen the cost can include any or all of the following:
- International Airfares and Taxes
- Airport Transfers
- Accommodation
- Transport on Placement days
- Some Meals
- On the ground Placement Staff
- University facilitation
- Interpreters
- Orientation program including language lessons
- Pre-departure preparation program
- 24-hour support on the ground and in Australia during the placement.
What's not included in the cost?
Not included in the costs:
- Travel Insurance (This may be provided by your University)
- Visa
- Vaccinations
- Items of a personal nature and spending money.
Where does my money go?
Nineteen Degrees are proud to be a social enterprise and ensure costs are kept low with any profit being directed back into the community projects it exists to support. We work with local, responsible operators to provide transport, accommodation, support and even your placement t-shirt to ensure we give back to local communities.
Please ask us for a list of our travel partners and other responsible travel providers in the area to continue supporting them whilst you are on the ground.
“This was a very emotional morning for all of us but we supported each other and the outcome was worth it! Every patient we saw had the biggest smile spread across their faces for even the smallest amount of food. It was truly heart-warming!”
— Phillipa Nimmo,
Bachelor of Nursing, Griffith University
See it first hand
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I be interested in your program(s)?
Our programs provide a unique opportunity for students to increase their professional development, gain clinical experience in a culturally diverse setting as well as improving their cross-cultural communication competencies and project management skills.
What disciplines do you organise programs for?
We tailor programs to a wide range of health disciplines including Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy and Psychology.
I’m not an Australian passport holder can I still apply?
If you are part of a New Colombo Plan funded program you will be required to be an Australian passport holder (along with other criteria). But students who do not hold an Australian passport and are international students may still take part in one of our programs, but you will need to be self-funded.
Can I travel before or after my placement?
Depending on your University, you may be able to travel before or after your program. We have always viewed this time as a great way to explore your host-country and neighbouring countries in Asia. Before making any plans be sure to check with your University as you may not be covered by their insurance coverage outside of program dates or they may require you to fly as a group for safety reasons.
How do I apply for funding?
Contact your Global Mobility Team to find out the process involved to apply for loans and grants.
Are your programs designed with credit transfer in mind?
All our programs are designed in partnership with a University faculty or school according to their requirements and the desired learning outcomes. Most of our programs are credited to Community Health units in a nursing student’s second or third year of study.
How many students will be on each program?
Minimum is 9, maximum is 20 – however this is destination dependant and according to ratios of staff to students (university specific)
What is the accommodation like?
Students stay in budget accommodation (3* hotels and guesthouses) and homestays depending on the location.
How many students share an accommodation?
Students either share twin, triple or group accommodation but supervisors have single rooms.
What happens if I get sick?
We prepare all of our groups prior to travel to help avoid sickness upon arrival but if you do get sick, we have processes in place to help you get well again.
Do you provide support for my family/next of kin whilst I am away?
Yes, we are on call 24/7 via phone, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger should family or next of kin need to contact you. We will also post regular updates on Facebook so that your family and friends can follow your journey too.
Where can I travel in my free time?
Generally, students will have weekends free during their placement so there will be opportunities for sightseeing. You could take tours, visit local attractions and participate in activities. If in doubt for options, ask your in-country host for suggestions and advice.
Can I tailor my placement to suit my clinical goals?
Each one of our programs has been organised as a group itinerary to cater for a range of learning outcomes and skills development. But during the programs you may be able to choose experiences within the set program to secure your clinical goals.
Can this replace one of my University placements?
For most health programs there is a mandatory requirement to complete part of your practical requirements in Australia. It is best to check with your University clinical coordinator.
What happens once I pay my registration fee?
Once you have been accepted onto a program and paid your deposit you will gain access to the online pre-departure training program and participate in pre-team meetings and workshops.
I have children and/or family back home. Will I be able to contact then?
We appreciate that there will always be students on placement who have children back home. Your families are welcome to contact you directly or via Nineteen Degrees for updates should that be required.
How much spending money will I need?
This will be dependent on the destination you are based in and the inclusions in your travel itinerary. Students will be given plenty of notice as to the amount of spending money we suggest.
Can my friend or partner join me on the program?
A friend can join you on the program if they apply and are accepted onto the program. Unfortunately, we do not allow partners or family members to be present on the program with you.