Explore the Land Down Under by working to conserve it! Cultural Embrace partners with Australia's leading conservation volunteer organization to offer exciting conservation projects that enable you to protect, preserve, and restore Australia's unique and beautiful environment. 

Roll your sleeves up and be part of a team of up to 10 volunteers from all around the world and ages (18-70).  Each team is led by an experienced Team Leader - who are trained in the safe management of projects, and they are enthusiastic and an expert in the practical conservation projects.  You will travel to a different project location every week or two, and will usually undertake different types of project activities to peak your interests. We incorporate as much variety into our program as possible, while achieving our essential conservation outcomes.

Cultural Embrace includes a two-nights 'jet lag' recovery package in a shared 4-person dorm, with airport or bus station pick-up and at least one local excursion. You must arrive at your local volunteer site on any Friday (Australia), or Monday (New Zealand) throughout the year. You will be given detailed directions to make your own way to your project's office to meet your Team Leader, fellow volunteers, and settle in to your volunteer accommodations.

Although good health and a positive attitude are essential, you do not need any prior skills or experience, as we will provide all training required. Projects normally run for 5 days per week, with one or two days free per week to relax or sightsee.  Typical hours are from 8am–4pm daily, although this varies on some projects when required by seasonal conditions or project activities. After the minimum at each project location, you can opt to work at another another stunning destination in Australia (or consider New Zealand!). 

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

Each placement will vary since there are so many different conservation projects across Australia. Although projects vary according to seasonal conditions and conservation priorities, we do our best to ensure an assortment of projects or locations during each project. Typical projects include:
• Tree planting
• Erosion and salinity control
• Seed collection
• Construction and maintenance of walking tracks
• Endangered flora and fauna surveys
• Weed control
• Habitat restoration
• Heritage restoration 

Sample projects taken on by past conservation volunteers:
- Reconstructing a walking trail up Cradle Mountain in Tasmania
- Planting rainforest tress in the wet tropics of Queensland
- Collecting seeds from native plants at Wilson’s Promontory in Victoria
- Putting in fox baits to protect native animals in the Flinders Range in South Australia
- Planting native trees on one of the Sydney Harbor Islands in New South Wales
- Building walking tracks at Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, NT.
- Creating habitat corridors for the Cassowary at Mission Beach, QLD.
- Installing fencing to protect coastal dunes in Waterhouse Conservation Area, TAS.

Volunteering in Australia or New Zealand Offers:

• A first-hand experience to see and improve the country's natural environment.
• A broader perspective on world views.
• Opportunity to learn the Australian/New Zealand lifestyles and community initiatives as well as opportunity to travel and have hands-on experience of the local destination.
• Memorable experiences while traveling and seeing exotic sites.
• Lifelong friends from all around the globe.
• International work and cultural experiences that strengthens your resume.
• Support and development of self-confidence and personal skillsAn opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview.

  Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Guaranteed Volunteer Placement Prior to Departure
  Cultural Embrace pre-arranges your volunteer project before you leave home to ensure an easy and hassle-free transition to your new life abroad.   
• Housing & Board
  Accommodations vary with each project and location. Typical housing includes caravans, hostels, shearers’ quarters, bunkhouses, and camping (tents supplied). You should bring a sleeping bag and mat. All food provided. Breakfasts and lunches are typically self-made. Dinner is usually group effort in preparing and cleaning.
• Airport Pick-Up & 2 nights Jet Lag Recovery Starter Package
  Airport shuttle pick-up and transfer to a local hostel (typically shared 4-roomed door) for 2-nights. Most site includes a meal and excursion; plus have access, information and discounts to other activities in Australia/New Zealand.  Download program details to learn more!
• Volunteer Orientation & Training
  Training about the local community, communities, project duties, and lifestyle will be provided by your experienced Team Leader. 
• Volunteer Materials
  Volunteer t-shirt and/or guidebook will be provided on-site. 
• Project Transportation
  Transportation to and from volunteer sites throughout the program. Please note transportation is not available to project office on the first Friday/Monday. Detailed map instructions will be provided, and most offices will be public transportation and/or walking distance accessible
• Travel Insurance
  Cultural Embrace includes a comprehensive international traveler's insurance available for all nationalities.  
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and volunteering abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and Australia or New Zealand prior to, during, and after your placement. 
   

• You must be between the ages of 18 to 70. Or, if younger than 18, you must have parental or guardian consent.
• Good physical health
• Committed to duration of project
• Good team player
• Enjoy working and serving others outdoors
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad.
• Responsible and dedicated to full-term of commitment   

	1 week	2 wks	3 wks	4 weeks	6 weeks	Extra week
Australia	US1360	US$1560	US$1775	US$2030	US$2640	US$265
New Zealand	US$1350	US$1545	US$1760	US$2010	US$2455	US$260

*Contact us for discounted rates for extended stays

** Prices subject to change with international currency fluctuations

1. Obtain the Volunteer Abroad Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Volunteer Application (pdf) and Volunteer in Australia/New Zealand Program Details and FAQ (pdf). 

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be e-mailed to you within 2-3 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089/(US toll-free) 1-888-214-8570 to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days.

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Volunteer Program Application
• Signed Volunteer Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Cover Letter explaining what you want to do and why you want to volunteer in Australia
• Two References: preferably professional and/or character references
• Doctor’s Certificate verifying that you are in excellent mental and physical health
• Copy of Police Clearance (obtainable from your community's local police station) 
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• One smiling full-length photo of yourself
• US$200 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee) 

Upon receipt of your application, a Cultural Embrace coordinator will contact you for a 20-30 minute phone interview. Once we accept you in to our program, you will receive an invoice for the remainder of your program fee. In order for us to contact our local partners to start your placement process, we require at least 50% of your program fee.

We recommend submitting your application and program fee at least 12-16 weeks prior to your desired start date in order for us to organize and arrange your volunteer placement.

*Cultural Embrace requires an expedited application fee for those applying 12 weeks or less before the desired date of departure. Applications received 8-12 weeks prior to desired departure date will be charged $150. Applications received less than 8 weeks before the desired departure date will be charged $250.