“I really want to take this opportunity to inform you of how professional and thorough I believe Palms to be. I personally enjoyed every minute of the pre-departure course. Not only was the location great, but the planning and structure of the briefing is a credit to all the staff involved.” Course participant, 2023.
In 1961, Palms Australia held its first ever Orientation Course for Australians undertaking an assignment abroad. Since then Palms has become Palms International Volunteering and our expert-led training has become nationally renowned as essential preparation for effective engagement in international development.
Pre-departure preparation is an important part of cultural preparation for making an effective contribution overseas and a compulsory step in preparation for our international program participants. Whether working in development, diplomacy or business, the impact of miscommunication or misguided understanding of a volunteer’s role across cultures should not be underestimated. A small early investment in preparation when working in a new culture can have an invaluable impact.
Our training philosophy
It’s not as simple as speaking the language.
In every interaction with another human, we all bring own expectations, pre-suppositions, desires, demands and baggage. People working cross-culturally are more successful when they have a better understanding of the culture they are immersed in. Closer relationships are formed and trust is developed, resulting in more effective and sustainable programs.
It’s not just about achieving outcomes.
Working across cultures can be a stressful experience. The intercultural worker may suffer from stress, loneliness, confusion, frustration, isolation and even trauma. These challenges will undoubtedly affect their work performance, but they may also negatively affect a person’s long-term wellbeing.
Included in Palms International Volunteering’s cross-cultural toolkit are strategies for self-care, adapting to a new culture and managing relationships. When a worker is equipped with an understanding of how and why they think, behave and react in their new host culture, they can work more effectively in the long term, both abroad and at home.
It’s not as easy as reading a manual.
The pre-departure course for Palms International Volunteering includes:
- Pre residential component reading and reflection
- Residential training involving presentations and exploratory exercises with other Palms volunteers. These are designed, not only to impart important information, but to challenge habits of thinking and behaviour and to encourage active application of intercultural learning in Australia before and after placement
- Opportunities for follow up application of learning in Australia and connections to former program participants prior to departure.
Our training provides practical skills, built upon a solid theoretical foundation, to help participants communicate effectively and keep safe in their host culture, and to maximise learning and personal development in the process. Participants also learn from each other through enjoyable and interactive practical activities. This helps keep learnings from the program memorable and effective in the field.
Our training style
We understand that every person has their own unique learning style. In order to cater for all preferences, Palms International Volunteering’s Orientation Course involves a variety of activities to suit a variety of learning styles. Various presenters will host workshops based on their area of expertise. Sessions are generally interactive and include small group activities and discussion. Simulations, field trips and meditations help participants to put concepts into action.
Topics we cover
- Interpersonal, mental and physical health
- Language development
- Indigenous issues
- Cultural competency
- Mentoring and skill exchange
- Cross-cultural and developmental scenarios
- Experience from the field
In addition, Palms’ experienced Global Programs Manager builds on learning at the course with individual guidance that will assist you to manage personal, development and cross-cultural challenges throughout your placement.
The location
The 3-day residential course runs from Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon and is held in a central location in Sydney once or twice a year as needed. We encourage all participants to treat the residential as an opportunity to shield themselves from the distractions of their day to day life in Australia and to take the time ‘out’ to focus on their preparation and to establish collaborative relationships with fellow participants and with Palms staff who will support them throughout their placement.
Please inform us of your travel arrangements in case joint transport can be organized with other participants. For those who will be driving, there is parking available at the venue. If you would like to discuss your travel arrangements, please give us a call.
Cost
There is a $300 registration fee (by tax deductible donation). Palms seeks other donors to cover the full costs of your training. Please confirm your attendance by filling out the registration form below.
Registration
Palms’ preparation includes all meals, accommodation, staff time, facilitator costs and materials provided at the Orientation Course, as well as the provision of correspondence units, reflective material, and consultation with our placement manager, before and after the course.
Registrations should be submitted at least four weeks prior to course dates. Cancellations after this date are non-refundable. Attendance should be confirmed at least two weeks prior to the course so that we can finalise numbers and arrangements with the venue. If you have any questions regarding the course program or costs, don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible at 0422 472 567 or edith@palms.org.au.