Rewarding & Challenging Internship in Physiotherapy With Disabled Children

  New Zealand

• Auckland: 
Auckland

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Dates: Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Description: You'll assist in a unit that has a large number of children with physical disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and mobility problems. You'll work alongside and under the guidance of the current therapist at the unit helping the children with their disabilities.

The experience you gain on this unique project will be an excellent entry to your CV, going a long way to help you stand out in the crowds of job seekers or if you just want to do something to help children who need and appreciate our volunteers care and enthusiasm!

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into New Zealand and you'll learn about the Maori culture that makes this country so fascinating!
--> The enormous satisfaction of also helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
--> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
--> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
--> And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

ABOUT THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED UNIT:
The Inclusion Support Centre we work with is attached to a college in the suburbs of Auckland. The unit has a round 30 children with a range of disabilities. Many of the children at the unit are wheelchair bound and require constant attention. They are split into 3 classes according to the severity of their disability. This mean that you can specialise in an area you are more interested in within these classes.

The staff and the parents work together to establish what the aims are for their children and how the therapists can achieve them. The centre also boasts a number of facilities, such as a gym which includes balancing bars, treadmills, weights, stepper and Swiss balls for the therapist to work with.

The centre has a number of staff who work with the children, such as a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Teachers and a Speech Therapist. Together the staff work to help the children in their specific area and get them involved in at least one subject within the mainstream college. There is plenty for you to get involved with.

The staff at the centre are incredibly friendly and welcoming people, true Kiwis! You will be learning from qualified professionals who have a real passion and love for what they do and they are very enthusiastic to share their knowledge and time with those who truly want to learn. They are also very keen to demonstrate some kiwi style hospitality so some post-work socialising will really make you feel like one of the team!

The unit is situated near the Waitakere ranges. Beautiful views and walks to discover in this stunning part of New Zealand.

ABOUT YOUR WORK:
You'll work as an assistant to the existing therapist helping her treat the children. There may be some days where you will be in charge of the children and set tasks by the unit's therapist. You will also get the chance to work with the children in a classroom environment and this will give you additional experience in how to work with their disabilities and to overcome these obstacles within education.

Each child will have different problems that you will be required to look at and you will have an individual programme for each child. Your work may involve any or all of the following:

--> Stretching,
--> Positioning,
--> Swiss ball work,
--> Compression through the spine,
--> Using standing frames,
--> Looking at tone and posture,
--> Massaging and maintaining good joints.

PROJECT DATES AND WORKING TIMES:
This project runs during the school terms. The school dates are as follows:

--> Term 1: 5th Feb - 9th April
--> Term 2: 27th April - 3rd July
--> Term 3: 20 July - 25th Sept
--> Term 4: 13th Oct - 18th Dec

Your project days and times are 8:25 - 3.00 p.m., Monday - Friday

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

--> You must be currently studying Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy or already qualified
--> You must be available to come on the project for a minimum of 2 months.
--> You need to show high levels of initiative and be capable of working independently, where necessary

PLEASE NOTE: We can only take one volunteer at a time on this project so we strongly advise booking early.

Highlights: ACCOMMODATION AND LOCATION:
Our accommodation is located in the city centre of Auckland. Therefore you are very central, close to the main train station and shopping district. You'll live in a centrally located lodge that is friendly and relaxing, making it ideal for long-term stays. You may have your own room or you may share a room with other volunteers. There is an excellent kitchen and storage area for cooking meals and plenty of space to relax.

Entertainment at your accommodation includes cheap internet access and cable TV (Sky) as well as an outside balcony. You are literally a stroll from the Sky Tower, harbor and waterfront. Trains and buses are also only a few minutes away to take you to parts of Auckland and New Zealand or to the many other 'things to do'!

The city centre boasts great shopping, restaurants and pubs or head over to the viaduct for more pubs, nightclubs and multicultural cuisine. You'll get to work via bus, which is close to your accommodation.

Maori settlement in Auckland was at least 800 years ago where by different tribes built fortifications on the various volcanoes in Auckland. When the British arrived in 1840 they claimed Auckland as the capital city of New Zealand until Wellington became the capital 25 years later.The city is modern and vibrant - a fun and friendly city with beautiful surrounding islands and harbour.

Some of its more famous attractions include the Sky Tower, Rangitoto Island, the Harbour, the Hukani Gulf Islands and the many extinct volcanoes that are in Auckland which provide great views of the city.
Auckland has restaurants to suit all tastes - the most popular cuisine is New Zealand lamb which can be ordered at many restaurants around the city and is well worth it. For meals in local restaurants, a trip to Auckland's inner city centre is well worth the effort - it bustles with activity and offers a range of choices of restaurants.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you.

Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It's as easy as that.

Qualifications: Qualifications depend on which placement you choose. It depends on which placement you choose. Some don't require any qualifications or experience and some others would prefer some experience. Please speak to us so that we can help you choose the placement that is right for you and will give you the most beneficial experience. All placements do require you to have initiative, adaptability and patience (and a good sense of humor helps!)

Cost in US$: Varies depending on length. Starts from USD 2,095

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required: yes

To join this project you have to be aged 20 or over and have completed or be in the process of doing a degree within film or something similar. This placement is available for a minimum time of 2 months. You should be hard-working, have initiative and patience, and be a team player.

Typical Volunteer: These placements would suit people who want to improve their knowledge and skills in their field, learn about a new culture, boost their resume to kick-start their career, and who also want to have a structured placement at the same time as having an exciting travel experience. Patience, adaptability and initiative definitely an advantage.

Age Range: Everyone welcome from 18 years old up to 70+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to New Zealand Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995