Who is leading the program?
Students on the VESA programme will be accompanied at all times by members of our staff who are all qualified Senior First Aid technicians. In Ecuador, our jungle tour will be guided by a local biologist with over 20 years guiding experience in this region. Our guide also has a degree in English and has been an international lecturer on Ecuadorian eco-tourism.

In Fiji, participants will be accompanied at all times by a VESA staff member inclusive of the island cruise. During the community project they will be assisted in the building works by local qualified tradespeople and be accompanied by both a VESA staff member and a staff member from our local non-profit partner.

In Africa, we work with an already established Non Profit organization in KwaZulu Natal, and at all times will be accompanied by the organizations staff as well as 2 VESA staff members. On tour both staff members as well as a local guide will travel with you.

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How long is the program?
The Ecuadorian program is approximately 15 days in length inclusive of travel time (round trip departing ex-Australia).

The Fiji program is approximately 15 days in length inclusive of travel time (round trip departing ex-Australia).

The African program is approximately 15 days in length inclusive of travel time (round trip departing ex-Australia).

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Are Ecuador/Fiji/Africa Safe?
In our experience Ecuador is one of the most safe and friendly countries in the world visited by VESA.

Additionally Fiji is safe, family orientated and friendly country to visit.

With the recent World Cup, South Africa is enjoying an unprecedented period of security. Our programs take place in an area considered the safest in South Africa.

St. Lucia in Africa is a world heritage site and has patrol cars monitoring the area 24/7. The locals in Africa are some of the friendliest people we have ever met!

VESA closely monitors all political, civil and environmental situations in Ecuador and Fiji. Should we deem that the area is unsafe for travel we will readjust the program accordingly.

Please visit the official Australian Government's site for further information on travelling conditions throughout Ecuador, South Africa/Swaziland and Fiji.

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What is the temperature?
The temperature in Ecuador varies throughout its four regions. We will be spending the majority of our time located in the Amazonas region. Being surrounded by rainforest will mean the weather will be hot and humid with tropical showers. Nights are generally fairly mild. Average temperature 27 degrees.

The temperatures in tropical Fiji varies throughout the year. We spend time on the both the east and west coast of the main island Viti Levu and also, during our island cruise,in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island Groups. May through August is however the dry season in Fiji with average temperatures around 28 degrees and the lowest average rainfall!

The temperature in South Africa is mildly seasonal. St Lucia, where we base ourselves for the volunteer work is situated right on the Indian Ocean (complete with awesome sandy white beaches) and thus experiences sub-tropical weather year round.

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Can I travel with friends?
Absolutely, the more the merrier. Please make sure you note on your agreement with whom you wish to travel, that your program dates match and we will endeavour to ensure that you travel together.

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I am only 17, can I still come?
All participants must be 18 by the date of departure. If you are 17 now but will be 18 by the date of departure you may send in your agreement however it must be signed by your parent or guardian.

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I already graduated/am not a student!
Can I still come?
Sure, not a problem! All we ask from our participants is that you come with an open mind and a desire to make a difference. Please note however that the majority of our participants are university students and range in age from 18-24yo.

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I can't speak Spanish, Afrikaans or Fijian,
is that a problem?
Not at all. All VESA staff speak Spanish, and all our guides in Ecuador speak English. It doesn’t hurt to learn a few greetings which will be sure to garner a few smiles from the locals!

The three languages in Fiji are Fijian, Fijian - Hindi and English. Whilst many Fijians speak English, during our time sleeping in homestays in traditional villages the level of English spoken will be considerably less. Although we will have local representatives to help with any language difficulties we have found that the legendary friendliness of the Fijian people soon breaks down any barriers!

South Africa has 11 different languages, however the majority of the population speaks English.

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Can I ring/email home?
Of course! In Ecuador, right next to our accommodation there is a shop with phone booth access to ring your friends and family back home.There is also a number of computers with internet access.

In Fiji, during your community project work in the village there will be limited communication although there will be some access to telephones. During our island adventure there is a number of computers with internet access.

In Africa there is internet at our accommodations and computers at reception. You can also buy phone cards in town to ring home, or use Skype.

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How much money do I need?
A ll accommodation and food is included in the cost of the program. However if you wish to buy that special necklace for back home, then you will need to bring along a few dollars. VESA suggests that you bring along $50 USD per week for Ecuador and about $100 USD per week for Fiji. There will be (limited) access to ATM's for both the Ecuadorian and Fijian programs.

This amount has been sufficient in the past, but if you would like to take more money down, we can lock in in our safes for you until you.

Optional activities in Fiji i.e. scubadiving can be paid for by credit card or in cash on the spot.

In Africa there are ATM’s for you to take out money. $200 USD is recommended for Africa.

It is extremely important that you alert your bank and credit card company that you will be traveling overseas so that they do not put a hold on your card. A quick phone call is all it takes.

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What is the currency in Ecuador/Fiji/South Africa/Swaziland.
Ecuador is on the US Dollar. Fiji is on the Fijian dollar.South Africa and Swaziland accept Rand.

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How do I organize a flight?
VESA organizes group fares departing from Sydney International airport. Please visit our website under the “flights” page at a later date for more flight information.

If you wish to take your own flight and meet the group in Ecuador, Fiji or South Africa you may do so, however you must let VESA know your flight itinerary prior to booking.

The availability of group fares to students is dependant on how much interest VESA receives in the group flights option. Generally we will need a minimum of around 20 people for a group flight to proceed.

VESA will also regularly send email updated on great deals and specials to Ecuador, Fiji or South Africa.

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What transport in country will be used?
Ecuador offers a lot of fun ways to get around! We will be taking buses, pick up trucks, taxis and canoes to get around from volunteer project to hotel. On the jungle tour, you will be hiking and rafting.

In Fiji, we will be taking buses, coaches, taxi's, motoryachts, catamarans to get around. Add to this glass bottom boats, snorkelling, speed boats and optional activities such as sailing cruises and windsurfing and you get the idea...

In Africa we travel by coaches, mini vans as well as open air buses whilst on Safari!

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How many participants will there
be on tour?
VESA will be taking 40 participants down to Ecuador per departure date. Once in country the group will be split into two groups, each accompanied by a member of VESA staff. Group A will volunteer the first week and trek the second, whilst Group B will trek the first week and volunteer in the village the second week. It is therefore very important that you tell us if you are traveling with friends so we can ensure you are in the same groups.

Our maximum per departure date for Fiji is 40 participants. In some cases we have hired out an entire private Island for the group. VESA will have a staff member accompanying our participants at all times.

Our maximum per departure date for our Africa program is 40. VESA will have two staff members accompanying our participants, plus local guides at all times.

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What do I need to bring?
VESA will be sending all participants detailed travel information approx 45 days prior to departure. This will include information on the Volunteer Project, the village where we will be staying, Ecuador/Fiji/Africa, the jungle or island adventure tour, packing lists, and other valuable tips.

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Do I need any vaccinations?
Yes. All participants wishing to return to Australia within 6 days of travelling to Ecuador require a Yellow Fever Vaccination. This is the only vaccination required to travel to Ecuador, however VESA strongly recommends that you speak to a medical practitioner about any further immunisations you may need. Information on where to find a travel doctor is located on our "Preparing To Go" page.

Fiji participants should always speak with a medical practitioner although no immunisations are mandatory.

Africa participants should always speak with a medical practitioner although no immunisations are mandatory.

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Do I need insurance?
Yes. All participants must provide VESA with proof of medical insurance prior to departure. Please visit the "Preparing To Go" page for a listing of VESA recommended insurers.

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Do I need a Visa?
No visa is required for citizens of Australia or New Zealand to travel to Ecuador.

An electronic travel authority (‘ESTA’) is now required for all visa waiver countries including Australia and New Zealand for travel to the United States of America.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The US Customs and Border protection has announced that from 8 September 2010 there will be a compulsory US$14.00 fee applied to applications for the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation.

ESTA applies to travellers to the USA from Visa Waiver countries, including Australia and New Zealand.

For citizens of all countries other than Australia and New Zealand please check your VISA requirements with the local embassies of the United States and Ecuador.

Australian and New Zealand citizens do not require visas for travel to Fiji. Any other nationalities must check with the Fijian embassy in North Sydney on (02) 8904 0476.

Australian and New Zealand citizens do not require visas for travel to Africa. Any other nationalities must check with the South African embassy in Canberra on (02) 6272 7300.

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How much does the program cost?
The total cost (inclusive of deposit and exclusive of flights) of the VESA program is $1995 for Fiji Islands Discovered and Amazonas Explored and $2095 for Africa Unearthed.

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What is included in the cost?
The cost includes:

Non refundable deposit of AUD$350 to secure your space.
All accommodation for the duration of the program.
All ground transportation in country.
All meals ( 3 meals per day) whilst in Ecuador, South Africa and Fiji, except for the free day. We can cater to vegetarians and some types of food allergies.
Unlimited bottled water in Ecuador and when necessary in Fiji and Africa.
Some snacks.
Building materials needed for volunteer project.
Hiring of local skilled trades people to assist in the volunteer projects.
A monetary donation to the local host organisation.
Guided 5 day jungle tour (Ecuador) or 6 day island hopping adventure (Fiji) or 5 day Safari (Africa).
All admission fees to local parks and sites.
All accompanying VESA staff members.
All administration costs.
Certification (if requested) of completion of the volunteer program. Great for your resume.

What is not included in the cost?
The cost does not include:

International airfares
Airfares to the Australian point of departure (if required)
International Departure Taxes
Travel insurance
Vaccinations
Any visas (if required)
Passports
Meals on one free day

How do I apply?
You can Apply Online.
Alternatively you can post your application to our office:

Volunteer Eco Students Abroad
P.O. Box 1259,
Neutral Bay Junction,
NSW 2089

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What if I need to cancel?
If you withdraw your application, please notify us by sending an email to: info@vesabroad.com

If you wish to withdraw your agreement, please notify us in writing by post or by email info@vesabroad.com. Please note that if you wish to withdraw your agreement you will be bound by the cancellation fees set out in the VESA Cancellation Policy.

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I'm a vegetarian! Is that a problem?
No, not at all. Please let us know on your application if you are Vegetarian or if you have any other dietary requirements.

If you are Vegan or have Celiac disease, you are welcome to come, however you may be responsible for purchasing some of your food whilst on the program.

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Do I share a room whilst on tour?
Yes, in Ecuador you will be sharing a room with participants of the same sex in hostel style accommodations (multiple beds to a room)

During our homestay in Fiji we have ensured that you will be sharing a home/room with another participant of the same sex.

In Africa we stay in large dorm rooms with all of the participants on one house.

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What if there is an emergency?
All VESA staff members are fully certified Senior First Aid technicians.

There is a medical clinic within town and a hospital a further 30 minutes away. VESA is always aware where the closest medical facilities are.

All our participants must have medical insurance to travel with VESA.

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Can I drink the local water?
In Ecuador it is not advised. VESA supplies unlimited bottled water for all participants in Ecuador.

In Fiji VESA will provide bottled water in some places. In other places the water is safe to drink.

In Africa VESA will provide bottled water in some places. In other places the water is safe to drink.

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I don't know how to swim, is this a problem?
Please contact us to ascertain whether it is appropriate for you to join us on our programs.

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Am I able to fundraise to offset
the cost of the program?
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage all our students to actively fundraise to help pay for their program costs. Upon receipt of your deposit and confirmation onto a program, VESA will send out a fundraising package. The fundraising package contains a letter from VESA introducing you to potential donors, a letter from the local host organisation, a list of proven fundraising ideas and a receipt document.

Many of our students have raised all of the funds necessary for their program and flights costs. Join our Facebook group and page Volunteer Eco Students Abroad to see some of their ideas.

Please note, whilst VESA is a volunteer organisation it is not a registered charity so donations will not be tax deductible.

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Go on, step into an adventure
that will change your life!

In this section:

Child sponsorship
We are supporting World Vision’s child sponsorship program.
Learn more or Donate

Carbon offsetting
Our carbon offsetting program helps reduce the impact of travel.
Learn more