Diving, exotic wildlife conservation, a high peak and community service. We really tick off everything on this epic summer program traveling through the far flung island nation of Borneo.
Location
Borneo
Dates
Summer
Price
Starting at $7,350 Per Teen
+ Flights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
So, what’s the deal with this exotic sounding country? Borneo is the third biggest island in the world, shared by the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, Indonesian Kalimantan and the tiny nation of Brunei. Borneo is a paradise for rich biodiversity; home to the elusive pygmy elephant and clouded leopard (don’t worry, we had to google them at first, too!). We will be getting up close and personal with sun bears and orangutans! Borneo is home to pristine beaches, wild jungles and the high altitude mountain, Kinabalu - which you will stand atop with your group members if you join us this Summer!
The adventures on this program are endless; we will get out on a thrilling rafting adventure in Sabah, zipline through rainforest canopies, and snorkel the islands off Kota Kinabalu. We will upskill with a diving certification whilst on Pom Pom Island in the Indo-Pacific basin. You know when a place is hard to get to but people from all over the world put in the effort anyway? This is one of those places. The marine life on Sipadan and the surrounding islands is out of this world; rated the second best dive site on the planet for its rich marine habitat! We will get the chance to spot turtles, an underwater tornado of barracudas and countless rainbow colored tropical fish.
On this four week summer program, we will immerse in local culture during a community service project in Tampat Do Aman, and support with the tasks required at the time of our visit. This ranges from working at a learning center for children with disabilities to helping the Forestry Commission with reforestation programmes to protect the flora and fauna of Borneo's rainforests.
A unique opportunity of this program is getting hands on with wildlife learning and conservation. We will head up to Sipilok to spend time at a world class conservation center, supporting orangutans, sun bears and proboscis monkeys. Receive a Certificate of Wildlife Conservation with 35 hours service for your valuable efforts.
Our Process
From the initial program launch and student registration, through comprehensive pre-departure training and on-the-ground administration, Unearthed Education provides comprehensive and in-person support to students, parents, and school leaders.
Launch
18-12 Months Before Departure
- Establish a MOU that outlines Unearthed Education’s delivery of a program that aligns with the school needs.
- Support school leaders with organisation of launching the program to Board of Trustees, Principal, other faculty staff, and students.
- Information pack supplied to Board of Trustees.
- An inspiring and informative multimedia presentation run by Unearthed Education at a school assembly to gain student interest.
- Detailed information and Q&A sessions run by Unearthed Education for school leaders, students, and parents during or after school.
- Provide a portal which will support student registration, deposit payment, payment plans, T’s and C’s and parental consent forms.
Pre-Program Phase
12-6 Months Before Departure
- Unearthed Education will support the school leaders to finalise administrative details such as student payments, medical information, disclosures, and waivers.
- Travel logistics including group flights, insurance, and visa’s to be organised.
- Assist students and parents with preparation for program including packing lists, in country specific information, and finalising payments.
- Portal for school leaders, parents and students to access important documents such as student handbook, information pack, information about recommended vaccines, and travel details.
Preparation Phase
6-0 Months Before Departure
- Unearthed Education will supply school leaders with merchandise and any expedition-specific training that is required including the leader manuals.
- Group flight tickets and visas will be issued.
- Unearthed Education will facilitate a parent/student preparation workshop and a 1-2 day training expedition that will include:
Leadership duties, fitness standards, cross cultural skills, budgeting, group equipment, personal gear, nutrition, hygiene, water safety and treatment, in country specific safety and security, and emergency management expectations. - The program leader will conduct pre-departure checks alongside the school leaders within 72hrs of program departure.
Program & Post-Program
- 24/7 emergency support & full logistical support while on the ground.
- Expert program leaders & local guides to assist with regional and local safety, risk management, and travel logistics.
- Comprehensive group emergency equipment and emergency management plans including advanced first aid and travel medicine trained leaders and guides.
- Re-entry support, post-program reflection and transfer of learning.
FAQs
What's included?
✓ All in-program travel and transport
✓ All accommodation
✓ All meals
✓ All expeditions, activities, excursions, volunteer projects and entry fees as described in the itinerary
✓ Experienced Program Instructors and local guides
✓ Informal lectures from resident experts on conservation and eco-tourism
✓ Core Activities that encourage shared group reflection
✓ Certificate of Wildlife Conservation with 35 hours of service
What is the accommodation like?
Our accommodation will be a mix of comfortable, clean hostels, lodges and homestays.
Students will have private rooms shared only by members of the group. Students will be in shared rooms, sometimes separated by gender but where that is not possible they will share with the whole group. Students will have access to American style flush toilets and also hot water showers. There will never be outsiders from the group present in the rooms. The instructors will be in a twin room near the students. Students will always be able to access the instructors for support at any time of the day.
Laundry and Wi-Fi facilities will be available most days, except during the weeks in the field on the volunteer projects and on expeditions. Accommodation is diverse, comfortable and carefully chosen to fit our needs.
How active is the program?
Medium Activity Level: Anyone with an average fitness level and an enthusiasm for the outdoors and new experiences will have a great time on this summer internship! We do climb Kota Kinabalu over two days, and will be guided by professionals. You will need to be prepared for some physical work during the volunteer projects on the program, like preparing beds for planting or the removal of invasive plants.
What level of volunteering is involved?
Medium Learning Level: You will be able to make a difference to the local community during your stay. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and do some hands-on learning about local issues.
Do you need to be a confident camper?
No. This is a Low Camping Level: Be prepared to spend some time out in nature. You'll love the experience of camping, staring at the campfire, breathing in fresh air and stargazing the night away.