With North America, Europe and now Asia popular choices for Australian students to study abroad, is it now time we started looking further abroad (pun intended)? Brad Dorahy from CISaustralia says it is.
In an exclusive sit down with The Koala, Brad explains that Learning Abroad is about discovery. Discovery of self, the discovery of new places and cultures and the discovery of how communities across the globe do things differently.
He says for most, an experience in North America or Europe is fun, and the chance to live and be part of the community for an extended period of time is wonderful. The New Colombo plan incentivised and has opened these opportunities across Asia in recent times.
The differences and discovery aren’t enough for a select group of students. Enter somewhere like Africa, where CISaustralia have a programs in Zambia, Tanzania (Zanzibar) and South Africa.
Dorahy says “What distinguishes our team from many other non-profit and volunteer organisations operating in Africa is the focus on sustainable, community-driven initiatives. While others may engage in short-term projects, we prioritise a long-term approach that truly benefits local communities. This long-term approach is supported by key staff and partners such as Sander and the African team, offering transformative volunteer (WIL) programs in Livingstone. These programs—Community and Healthcare Development, Community Development and Environmental Change, and Women’s Empowerment—provide students with an unparalleled learning experience.”
Studying abroad in Africa certainly isn’t as common as London or New York, but it is equally as rewarding, Dorahy believes.
He quotes Sander, the CISaustralia Site Director in Livingstone ‘One of the most significant challenges volunteers face is undoubtedly culture shock. The cultural differences between Africa and countries like Australia can be striking. Volunteers often find themselves immersed in a way of life that’s both unfamiliar and eye-opening, revealing not only the beauty of the local community but also the complexities they face. Everyday practices and priorities can differ greatly—what might be considered urgent in Australia, for instance, may not carry the same level of urgency in Zambia. This difference extends even to language, where subtle nuances can be challenging to navigate. For example, when a Zambian says “now,” it could mean now, in a few hours, soon, or even in a few days. Nuances such as this can be surprising for volunteers. Embracing these differences help volunteers to adapt, develop cultural sensitivity, and a deeper understanding of the community.’
Sander’s comments highlight the profound impact of our volunteer (WIL) programs, not only on the local communities but also on the volunteers themselves. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful connections, participants leave with a deeper understanding of global challenges, stronger communication skills, and a broadened perspective on cultural and environmental issues. Africa offers more than just a volunteer opportunity; it provides a rich learning experience for students while also fostering their personal and professional growth.
Is it time start looking further abroad?
To learn more about programming in Africa, you can contact CISaustralia here.
