Palms Australia has been preparing and sending volunteers overseas since 1961. The nine-day, live-in Palms Orientation Course is an integral part of this preparation, providing a variety of skills, knowledge and strategies which participants have found invaluable in their work overseas.
The importance of cross-cultural preparation cannot be overstated. International volunteers and workers experience more success when they have a better understanding of the new culture in which they must live and work. Closer relationships are formed and trust is developed as a result of such an understanding.
Recently attendance of the Palms Orientation Course has been opened to volunteers, missionaries and employees of other organisations with great success. Participants have found Palms’ preparation has eased their transition into the new country and culture, resulting in a more effective, enjoyable and enriching experience overseas.
Our facilitators include enormously experienced and widely respected doctors, counsellors, lecturers, linguists, missionaries, academics and development workers. They use a variety of strategies and activities in communicating their expertise, including:
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The emphases on health, culture, development and field experience ensure that participants develop skills and strategies they will actually use in the field, not just a to-do list. For a detailed list of the sessions and their outcomes contact Palms Australia.
By extending our Orientation Course to other organisations, Palms Australia is able to offer a discounted rate for participants in the course. The next Palms Orientation Course, our 92nd, is due to be held from July 2nd – 10th 2011.
For information on future courses or to organise a private workshop contact Palms Australia via email Brendan Joyce or phone (02) 9518 9551.
