Australia: Sydney Sights and Service

Arrive into Sydney Airport (SYD) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hostel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. After orientation, head out to stretch your legs and have a big local dinner with your group, seeing some of the sights as you head into the city.

Head out to explore the sights of Sydney. Begin the day with a walking tour through Hyde Park, to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and iconic views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. In the afternoon, take a ferry across the harbor to Manly Beach, where locals enjoy visiting markets, surfing and walking along its bays. Watch the sunset from the ferry as you cruise back to the city.

Today will be focused on giving back to the local community. Depending on the season, school calendar, and needs of our longstanding partners, you might contribute to an environmental project, support athletes with disabilities, or assist with wildlife conservation. Service projects will allow you to get to know locals and learn about issues facing this part of the world, in a space where you can contribute based on your skills and curricular focus. In the afternoon, join a scavenger hunt around the city to learn more about what life is like in Australia and meet locals along the way. Join your group for a mid-trip discussion where you will begin to reflect on what you’ve experienced and learned so far.

Cook meals for community members in and around Sydney with a local organization, and learn about the social issues that face this city and its citizens. After service, head over to Bondi Beach and walk the famous track between Bondi and Tamarama beaches. Meet some Aussie lifeguards where the famous Bondi Rescue television show is filmed.

At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.

Today will be full of fond farewells as you say goodbye to Australia. Depending on the time of your flight, there may be time to explore the Paddy’s Haymarket for last minute souvenirs shopping for family and friends. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.