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Risk Management

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Our detailed risk management plans are available on request. Just let us know if you would like to see them.

Our approach to managing risks is woven into every stage of the program process: Pre-departure, in-country and on return.

We monitor visa regulations meticulously and receive advice from a range of sources, including the Australian Embassy, our in-country institutional partners, local legal experts and visa agents. We do not describe our visa policy here because rules can change without notice and we prefer to provide up-to-date information in person.

Students are interviewed at the commencement of the placement process and possible flare-points are identified and discussed with the student. In some cases, students may be asked to provide more information or agree to follow-up discussions with our program manager. Pre-departure support and sessions cover relevant health and safety information, including mental health. Pre-departure sessions also give students an opportunity to meet each other before they travel, and to meet the Australia and/or Indonesia support team in person. Finally, the prospect of reverse culture shock on return from the program is discussed with the students.

All students are required to fill out a medical information form before they depart. This includes information on past and present conditions, including past and present mental health issues, as old conditions can sometimes flare up in new situations.

In-country orientation reinforces the information from pre-departure sessions and covers potential cultural and work-related issues in more detail. It also gives students a soft introduction into their local surrounds so that they have reference points for their everyday life. Minimising effort for everyday tasks such as washing clothes and eating plays a big role in facilitating the process of settling in. Local student buddies are present at orientation and provide a friendly, young, welcoming face.

Regular debriefings and catch-ups make sure the experience is positive both at work and in social life, and any difficulties are talked through and identified as normal or serious. Mental health is a primary concern and the program leader makes themselves available at all times for issues of this nature. The program leader is available 24/7 throughout the program in the event of any emergency.

In the event of a crisis such as terrorist attack or natural disaster, we have detailed and tested plans and close contact with the Australian Embassy in each location. Students will be encouraged to contact their families first, then their institutions, to let them know they are ok. Institutions will be notified by us as soon as practical of their students’ wellbeing and updated periodically as necessary.

On return, each student will catch up for coffee or a Skype or phone conversation with one of our staff to discuss their experience. Students will be encouraged to reflect on how they felt coming home and discuss any difficulties they may have experienced. Feedback on the program will also be sought.