Kolega: Timor Immersion Program 2025

Statue marking the summit of Mt Ramelau, East Timor

Life has changed little for the people of East Timor who still practice the unusual fishing traditions of their great grandfathers | Toni Whythes

Natural hot springs in East Timor

View from the top of Mt Ramelau, East timor

Code: SOG8397

Overview

Highlights

Continuing the great work from previous SHCG immersion programs to Timor Leste
Immersion program with CTID Canossian College
Visiting the Vanilale Orphanage
Discover local markets and traditional villages.
Travelling along the spectacular Northern Coast

We begin our exploration of East Timor in the Portuguese flavored capital of Dili, visiting the symbolic areas of interest in the city, all of which recount East Timor’s turbulent history from both recent and colonial times. We then travel along the northern coast to Timor Leste's second largest city, Baucau, where we join the students and staff at CTID, Canossian College Bacau, on a 6 day immersion program. During this time we will also visit the Vanilale Orphanage. Throughout the program there will be time for group discussions and personal reflections to deepen student understanding of the socio-economic situation in Timor, development issues and historical perspectives.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Melbourne

Activities:

Grading:Introductory

Addressing:

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Depart Melbourne to Darwin, overnight darwin

After so many months of planning and preparation the day has finally arrived! You depart Melbourne for Darwin. On arrival we transfer to our accommodation for our night stop over.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Morning flight to Dili, Orientation including historical sites, Chega museum and Santa Cruz cemetery.

This morning we rise and head to the airport for our morning flight to Dili. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel at Timor Lodge for a full safety and trip briefing. We have an orientation program before we aim to visit some of the historic and cultural icons of this city such as the statue of Jesus, Pope John Paul II lookout, Santa Cruz Cemetery and Chega Museum. Tonight we will have the opportunity to discuss the history and plight of the people in Timor over dinner and prepare for our departure to Baucau tomorrow. Overnight Timor Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Transfer to Baucau

This morning we rise for breakfast and pack up our bags to join our coach and driver at 8:30am for the 3 hour drive to Baucau. We drive by the North Coast, through steep rugged mountains and can stop at vantage points along the way. On a clear day there are magnificent views of the ocean, coral reefs and white sand beaches as we pass through various seaside fishing villages on the way to the town of Manatuto. We can stop here to stretch our legs before resuming our drive to Baucau. Baucau is the second largest city of Timor Leste, set in a hill overlooking the ocean, and features buildings made of traditional materials as well as limestone which the city is actually built on. Fishing and rice farming were once the main activities in the area, though all sort of businesses have thrived here since independence in 2000. The town is a main stopping point for many people on the way to other further districts, making it a very busy city with a lively daily market. We aim to arrive at CTID Canossian College around lunchtime and spend some time meeting the students and getting to know one another. Overnight Melita Guesthouse

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4-7
Baucau and surrounds immersion program

Over the next four days we will connect with the students at CTID, engaging in a number of programs focusing on arts, cooking, sewing and English language. One day we will leave Baucau and visit Vanilale orphanage for the day. Overnight Melita Guesthouse

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Attend Church, activities with CTID

Today we will attend Church before enjoying a picnic lunch with some of the girls from CTID. After lunch we will enjoy some leisurely activities with the students before returning to our lodge to prepare for our departure tomorrow morning. Overnight Melita Guesthouse

Meals: B,L,D

Day 9
Morning explore surrounds, after lunch transfer to Dili

This morning we rise for breakfast and have the morning to explore the town of Bacau before heading back on the North Coast road to Dili. Time allowing we plan to stop at important sites along the way including the townships of Vamasse, Laleia and Manatuto. Overnight Timor Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Day 10
Explore Dili and surounds

On our last full day in Dili we plan to explore a local Timor coffee factory, support the local business at the craft (Tias) markets for souvenirs, and then hike to the top of Cristo Rei Statue. We aim to travel to the beach for a swim and to have lunch before starting our program debrief/reflection. This will provide each person a chance to share their key learning outcomes and put forward suggestions as to how to deepen the community partnership. Tonight we have a celebratory dinner at a beachfront restaurant planned. Overnight Timor Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Day 11
Depart Dili for Melbourne, via Darwin

This morning we rise for breakfast and say goodbye to our hosts as we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Darwin before connecting to Melbourne. In Darwin we may explore some cultural highlights of the city and have dinner before connecting for our flight to Melbourne late that night.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 12
Arrive Melbourne

Meals: Nil

Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

No Poverty: Economic growth must be inclusive to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality.

Quality Education: Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.

Gender Equality: Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

Decent Work And Economic Growth: Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs.

Responsible Production and Consumption: Responsible Production and Consumption

Life On Land: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss

Peace Justice And Strong Institutions: Access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.

Learning outcomes for students

A World Expeditions Schools regenerative adventure is a unique learning experience. Our journeys are designed to encourage thriving and positive development along with leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to enhance the following life skills that will help you grow as an individual:
• the confidence to lead a group and make decisions
• the value of working together as a cohesive team to achieve a common objective
• the ability to face mental and physical challenges
• the ability to adapt to new environments outside of their 'comfort zone'
• to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The environments we trek through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers and also the local peoples
• basic outdoor skills
Importantly our adventures help increase general well-being and build resilience in young citizens to help them deal with adverse situations in life whilst helping the local environment and communities in which we travel.

Inclusions

What's included

Teachers from Sacred Heart College Geelong travelling with the group
Australia WEXS staff member accompanying the group and local expert bilingual guide
Return economy flights from Melbourne to Dili
Overnight in Darwin
All meals as per the itinerary
All transport as per the itinerary
Fresh drinking water during the program
Comfortable lodge/guesthouse accommodation
Well maintained 4WD vehicle transport to/from Baucau
Exploring and entry fees as listed in itinerary
Group medical kit
Pre Departure Information kit to help plan and prepare
Timor entry visa (currently USD$35)

What's not included

Meals and beverages not indicated in the program
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, souveniors etc
Tips and gratuities
International travel insurance (covered by SHCG)

Grading

Introductory

These trips involve outdoor activity in high heat and humidity and you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. (Note: These are not easy trips). The fitter you are the more you will enjoy the overall experience. Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week.

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