The trademark “Cultural Exchange” started in 1998. CE links people who want to learn about others and their projects.

Our vision is to bring people to a more socially and environmentally aware way of life. By taking part in the day-to-day activities on projects you will learn a range of skills. There is a variety of properties available to stay on. There will be opportunities to learn new skills while at the same time getting to know new people and perhaps experience a new culture. For many people this means discovering an alternative way of life

 

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  • To enable people to learn skills on a variety of projects.
  • To enable travellers to experience living and working in other countries.
  • To share alternative ways of life.
  • To improve understanding of other cultures.
  • To help develop confidence in your own abilities.
  • To meet interesting people and make useful contacts.
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    CE does not have too many hard and fast rules but there are some important things to be aware of.

    In return for CE volunteers’ help, hosts provide 3 adequate meals a day and clean, dry accommodation.

    Outside of this we leave it up to CE volunteers and hosts to negotiate.

    The main aim of CE is to get people working together and learning from one another, to encourage sustainable living practices as well as an exchange of cultures.

    The details of a CE exchange, such as hours worked, days off, length of stay etc need to be discussed when the CE volunteer initially contacts the host.

    Each party needs to make their expectations clear and agree on the terms of stay before the CE volunteer arrives on the property. This avoids disappointment, embarrassment and uncomfortable situations arising.

    It is also important for hosts and CE volunteers to email or chat on the phone about the type of environment they live in and jobs to be done etc in order to determine the members suitability to each situation

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    Cultural Exchange work exclusively with STA Travel who are the world’s largest student and youth travel agency and have been helping students, teachers and young people with their travel for over 35 years. STA Travel has an extensive global presence with hundreds of retail locations worldwide, sending over 6 million travellers away each year.

    Benefits of booking flights with STA Travel:
    $99 flight deposit scheme – Lock in selected airfares now for only $99 NZD and don’t pay anything until 8 weeks before you travel

    Exclusive Low Airfares – Unique airline partnerships give you access to the lowest fares

    Exclusive Flexible Airfares – You can change your plans at minimal cost and effort

    We make it easy – by finding you the best flight and travel route to New Zealand and help with stopover options

    Well-Travelled, Passionate Staff – A team of dedicated Travel Experts trained to give you the best advice and offer firsthand experience

    Click here for your personalised flight quote and one of our dedicated Travel Experts will be in touch shortly.

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    Cultural Exchange recommends STA Travel insurance which is underwritten by Allianz – the world’s leading travel insurance and global assistance provider.

    Travel insurance is an absolute must to protect you from any unforeseen circumstances, such as an unexpected medical incident, travel delay or lost luggage. STA Travel insurance is designed especially for the student & youth market so automatically covers you for activities such as bungy jumping and winter sports, and also provides benefits such as ‘new for old’ for your luggage.

    To view more details on what STA Travel insurance policy provides and the schedule of benefits, please download the STA Travel Basics Policy Wording.

    Click here for your personalised travel insurance quote and one of our dedicated Travel Experts will be in touch shortly.

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    Some CE projects are voluntary while others may provide an allowance or small wage. Some hosts have charges for their services.

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    CE relies on the feedback from its members. Any suggestions for improving the scheme or broadening its appeal would be appreciated. If you have any further inquiries or any problems then please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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    To arrange your stay email or phone the host you wish to visit. It is important to make arrangements in advance, don’t just turn up at the door. During the initial phone call or e-mail it is important to discuss details of the stay such duration and what projects there are. If you set a date to visit a host and then find you cannot make it, please phone the host to let them know. If you fail to turn up, there will be concerns for your welfare!

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    This varies from project to project but is usually between 5 days and a few weeks . Many hosts have a trial period of 2-3 nights and then longer if things go well. Most hosts do not allow stays of only 1 or 2 nights as it takes time to get to know the farm routines etc.

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    Login to your CE profile. Search for the profile of the CE member you wish to give feedback. Scroll to the bottom of their profile and click on “Write Feedback” Read through the Code of Conduct. Write your feedback and click ‘save’.

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    CE reserves the right to edit feedback in situations where comments are defamatory, offensive or contain language of an inappropriate nature. Feedback also needs to be relevant and truthful. However, in the interests of providing impartiality to both hosts and volunteers, unless feedback is determined to fall into the category described above, then we will not intervene in this process. CE reserves the sole right to determine what is considered offensive, defamatory or inappropriate language. A request for feedback to be modified or withdrawn must come via email, and from the email address the member uses for CE membership.

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    If you come across feedback that is personally attacking or offensive, please email the CE office.

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    Usually 1-2 weeks. However over the busy summer period hosts can sometimes be booked up 1-2 months in advance so volunteer do need to be more organized over this time. If you do book far in advance and then find that you can’t make it PLEASE LET YOUR HOST KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

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    The minimum age is 18 yrs. There is no maximum age limit. The important criteria are that you are willing and able to lend a helping hand to your host.

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    Yes you can. However there are fewer hosts who can accept children as there may be safety issues on the farm, lack of accommodation etc. You can do a search which will give you an idea of how many hosts are able to accommodate families. For another perspective there is an article at The Green Compass article.

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    Cultural Exchange continues through the winter with jobs such as building, maintenance, tree planting, childcare, guiding and other jobs. On wet days there may be inside help you can do.

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    Membership is annual . When you first join membership lasts for 14 months. This is to allow time to organize you trip before you start your adventure.  You can renew your membership at any time.

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    Complete an Online Application Form on this website. To do this go to “Join” on the menu.

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