Application form:

Complete our application form. In the case of Australia you will need to make a £50 refundable deposit at this stage.

Initial chat and interview:

The destination manager for your preferred project will get in contact so that you can have an initial discussion and arrange an interview. Most people visit our office for a face to face interview. We recommend this, since you will benefit from an in-depth presentation of the project and get to know us properly. You will be asked to pay a £180 deposit before the interview, which will be refunded if you choose not to accept a place and let us know within two weeks of the interview.

Time to consider:

Following the interview, we will send you a pack with important details such as dates, price, details of the package (inclusions/exclusions), payment schedule, terms and conditions and health/safety issues. You will then have a week or so to decide whether to accept the place. If you need longer, just let us know.

Confirmation and payment:

If you would like to accept the place you need to sign and return a form. Your £180 deposit will then be non-refundable and will count as your first payment for your trip. The payment schedule works as follows:

• £180 on accepting a place
• £450 due 6 months before departure
• Final balance due 3 months before departure

Pre-departure briefing:

Once you accept you will receive plenty of advice to help you plan your trip (eg: getting a visa, insurance, vaccinations, flights). You can contact us at any time if you have queries or concerns. Then, a month or so before departure we will provide pre-departure briefing including an information pack and extended telephone conversation. For our longer group placements, we run a special one or two day course.

“I felt you really got to know me throughout the process – thanks for all your help and advice. I was glad that I’d met you at the interview. It gave me loads of confidence in the Oyster team and this amazing project.”
Jenny, 2010