Program Details | Getting There | Orientations and Activities
Program Details
On this exciting new program, participants will learn the skills to become a Jackaroo/Jillaroo, then have the opportunity to put these skills into practice during a homestay on a working farm.
The program will consist of a 2 week Jackaroo course, run by the experienced and professional team at "Jackaroo Jillaroo Australia," where they will learn many skills including horse riding, sheep shearing, mustering sheep and cattle, whip cracking and roping. In the beautiful setting of Bingara in north-west NSW, participants will also be immersed in real “Aussie” culture, get to know the locals and enjoy a variety of activities such as koala spotting, visiting an observatory in the clearest sky in Australia or visiting a stock auction.
At the conclusion of the 2 week Jackaroo course, participants will spend the next 4 weeks on working farms where they will be able to put their skills into practice alongside experienced farmers and live as part of an Australian family.
This is a great opportunity for participants who want to challenge themselves and either expand on their existing knowledge of farming and agriculture, or learn brand new skills.
This program is suitable for participants of all skill levels - from those with a high level of experience in working in a farm setting, to those who have never ridden a horse before.
Participants will need to be prepared for a physical challenge and to get their hands dirty, as the tasks they will be performing during the program will be physically demanding. Expert instruction will be on hand while participants are learning new skills.
Participants will need to purchase boots, hats and clothing suitable for the activities on the farms, unless they bring these items with them.
Host Families
As with most AFS programs, you will be placed with a volunteer host family who will invite you into their homes and provide room, board, and guidance during your time abroad.
Australian host families, like families around the world, come in all shapes and sizes. It is possible that you will have two host-parents and host siblings, but we cannot guarantee that will be the case. You may be placed with a single parent family or with a family that doesn't have children. What we can guarantee, though, is that your host family will be excited to learn about you and your culture and that they want you to become a part of their family.
Participants will be placed in Northwest New South Wales in a rural community, around 500km north of Sydney. Bingara and it's surrounds provide a beautiful setting for this program with friendly country towns and spectacular scenery. Participants should be prepared for the isolated nature of the community.
Weather
Temperatures are likely to be warm during the day, but could be quite cold at night. Participants should bring warm clothing, as well as cooler clothing for during the day.
Vegetarians
Please note that most families in this community will eat meat and it may be difficult to place vegetarians or participants with very restrictive diets.
Getting There
Please note that the AFS tuition does not include airfare.
Once accepted into the program, we'll provide detailed instructions explaining how to meet the group upon your arrival and where the Arrival Orientation will take place.
Orientations and Activities
In addition to the orientations that you will participate in domestically (the Pre-Departure Orientation and Culture Trek), you and your fellow participants will have multiple orientations while abroad.
Arrival Orientation
Upon your arrival in Australia, you'll go directly to the Arrival Orientation site - likely in downtown Sydney. This orientation will last for several hours and be led by staff and volunteers of AFS Australia. In addition to covering the rules and safety tips, there will be an emphasis on approaching your experience from an intercultural learning perspective.
Upon your arrival at the Jackaroo Jillaroo site, you'll have another detailed orientation covering what to expect from the training course and outlining the time that you will be spending in Bingara. You'll also cover additional safety tips, rules, and guidelines that are intended to keep you safe and healthy while working and learning.
End-of-Stay Activities
You and the other members of the program will take part in an evaluation camp during the day before your return to the USA . This is your chance to reflect on your experience and to share with other AFSers. You will also prepare for the cultural readjustment that is a part of returning home.
