Onboarding activities

There will be several time-sensitive activities to complete before you start your assignment. The timing of the activities can vary depending on whether your assignment starts remotely or in-country. Some tasks may need to be completed after your assignment has started. 
 
Please note that preparing to go on the in-country phase of your assignment can take up to 12 weeks and is often reliant upon medical clearance and obtaining visas. Your volunteer portal will guide you through the process. 

Update personal details

• Enter your bank account details. This is used to pay allowances and reimburse any eligible expenses. 
• If you have volunteered before, please check that your details are up to date.   
• Enter details of your nearest airport into your online portal. This will be used to book flights to the pre-departure briefing, if required, and to your assignment country.

Complete pre-assignment learning

We are committed to the learning and development of each volunteer. Before departing, the program provides an interactive online learning course and a three-day, in-person pre-departure briefing to prepare you for your time volunteering remotely and in-country. A range of online resources are also available and accessible throughout your assignment. 

• The online learning course must be completed within a two-week period prior to attending the pre-departure briefing. Completion of this foundation course is a requirement for participation in the pre-departure briefing, where concepts will be further explored and applied to interactive scenarios. 
• Attend a three-day pre-departure briefing in Melbourne which includes sessions to prepare you for volunteering remotely and in-country. View dates and learn more. 
• Completion of learning (online courses and briefing) is a mandatory requirement prior to the start of your hybrid assignment.  

Obtain medical clearance  

Obtain your medical clearance as soon as you are advised to do so as the clearance is often required to submit your visa application. 

• Requirements and time frames to complete this stage will depend on your individual circumstances and specific assignment timeline. 
• Your mobilisation coordinator will guide you through the steps required.  

Obtain entry visa  

Take time to learn about specific visa requirements before submitting your visa application with the required documentation to the appropriate consulate or embassy. Visa processing times will vary depending on the country of application and can change at any time. 

• Gather appropriate supporting documentation, if required, and submit your visa application as soon as possible to avoid delays to departure.  
• The program covers the cost of appropriate visas for volunteers and approved accompanying dependants. 

Confirmation letter and travel to assignment  

• The last step is to view your Assignment Confirmation Letter and accept the assignment online via the volunteer portal.
• The program organises and covers the cost of return flights from Australia for volunteers and approved accompanying dependants.
• Please note flights cannot be booked until all the above steps have been completed.

Other things to consider at this stage  

• Consider the obligations you need to take care of before you leave, such as packing up your house, identifying who will take care of pets, where you will store your belongings, and ensuring your financial obligations can be met while you are away.Think about what to pack for the assignment.
• To read more about baggage policies visit the Volunteer Guidebook.
• Start to plan how you will take care of yourself while on assignment. This includes how you will manage your health, safety, and risk profile.
• Most importantly, please be patient and flexible because this stage can take some time.