Pre-departure support
How we help before you go
From culture to cuisine, and everything in between – we’re here to help you prepare
Preparing for a trip abroad is exciting, but there can be a lot to think about — especially as your departure date gets nearer. That’s where our pre-departure team steps in.
From the moment you’re accepted, your dedicated Destination Expert will be on hand to help you prepare. They will answer your questions, give you advice, and support you to feel confident before your journey starts.
Who are your Destination Experts?
Our Destination Experts are exactly that – experts on your destination. Each has an in-depth knowledge of where you’ll be travelling to, ranging from culture, customs, and cuisine to the weather, visas, insurance, and vaccinations.
They are your first point of contact before you fly. Think of them like your personal trip advisor. Someone who will guide you as you prepare for your trip with us, ensuring you have everything you need (including peace of mind).
What Destination Experts do for you
Your Destination Expert will:
- welcome you to the program with a detailed introduction and a friendly phone call
- explain every step of the pre-departure process and what to expect
- provide exact details on your placement and accommodation details, taking your preferences into consideration
- answer all of your questions (yes, all of them, big or small)
- make sure you have all the documents you need
- help you connect with fellow travelers to feel part of our community, even before you travel
- minimise culture shock by providing tips, resources, and cultural training
- provide advice and guidance on:
- visa requirements
- vaccinations
- what to pack
- flights and destination airports
- travel insurance
Real support from real people
You’ll always have one friendly point of contact who knows the details of your trip inside and out. That’s right, a real person who can answer your questions (just like our Project Experts, who help you choose the right project).
Your Destination Expert will check in regularly, send important reminders, and always be just an email or phone call away when you need them.
We provide industry-leading, comprehensive support when you travel with us, and the Pre-departure team is the key part of this.
Why it matters
Great preparation equals a great experience, and it’s easier to learn with a clear head. We remove the unknowns from travelling, which can cause unnecessary stress.
By helping you understand the culture, logistics, and expectations of your destination, we are able to set you up for a smooth, stress-free, and more transformational experience abroad.
This frees you up to focus on what really matters – having a great time and learning new things.