Early Childhood Program in Vanuatu

Key information

Destination: Vanuatu

Dates: 22 June - 6 July 2025

Program cost: A$4,800 + airfares

Funding:

• $4,947 OS-HELP Loans available for eligible students
• $9,893 OS-HELP Loans available for eligible students

Program eligibility: Undergraduate Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching and Early Childhood/Primary)

Application deadline: 15 March 2025

Overview

In this program, you will have the opportunity to develop your early childhood teaching skills, both through observation and participation in real-world teaching environments. You'll be immersed in a diverse range of education settings in local communities, supported by experienced staff and mentors. You will also build on your experience through participation in cultural learning activities. 

During this study tour, you will complete an introductory Bislama course to enhance your communication and engagement with children and the local community. Through placements in early childhood settings in Port Vila, you will observe and participate in teaching practices, gaining insights into how local educators navigate resource challenges and support children's learning. This knowledge will help you become an inclusive educator, equipping you with skills to adapt to diverse learning environments, and enhancing your professional growth and career opportunities.

Highlights / tentative itinerary

• Day 1 (Saturday) – Arrival in Port Vila
  • Transfer to accommodation
  • Welcome dinner
• Day 2 (Sunday) – Orientation & Language Training
  • Health & safety briefing
  • Bislama language and cultural training (Alliance Française)
  • City tour & cultural activity
• Days 3-7 (Monday-Friday) – Early Childhood Placement
  • Placement in early childhood centres (students divided across 3-4 centres)
  • Evening debrief sessions on Day 5 and Day 7
• Day 8 – Saturday – Full day cultural activities
• Day 9 – Sunday – Free time
• Days 10-13 (Monday-Friday) – Early Childhood Placement
  • Continued placement in early childhood centres
  • Mid-week reflection dinner (Day 10)
• Day 14 (Saturday) – Cultural Immersion & Debrief
  • Full-day cultural excursion (Efate Island, Blue Lagoon, or village visit)
  • Swinburne debrief session
• Day 15 (Sunday) – Departure
  • Morning free time
  • Group farewell & airport transfer
     

Academic information

Which unit/s can this program be taken for as credit?

EDU20010 Education Study Tour

Can this unit be taken as an elective by students in any Swinburne degree?

No

Eligibility

To qualify for this program, you must:

• be enrolled in an Undergraduate Bachelor of Education degree (Early Childhood Teaching or Early Childhood / Primary)
• hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) or equivalent clearance
• have completed at least one early childhood placement prior to the commencement of the Study Tour