Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the weather like in Townsville?
October – March, the ‘rainy season,’ is quite warm and humid (avg. temp 34 Deg C / 93 Fahrenheit), and then by April/May it starts to cool down through to September.

2. How much luggage can I bring?
Your airline will determine how much luggage you can bring, but domestic luggage restrictions in Australia are as follows: Virgin Blue = 1 bag of 20kg / 44lb and 7kg / 15lb hand luggage; Quantas = 1 bag of 32kg / 70lb and 7kg / 15 lb hang luggage. It is advisable to not bring more than one large suitcase as storage is limited in your housing. While on outreach you will be limited to one pack/suitcase that can easily be carried and one day-backpack. You do not need a specialised 'hikers' pack.

3. How far away are the shops?
A general shopping mall is 10 minutes walk from your house - banks, supermarket, Post, clothing, general department store and specialized shops. Other businesses are within 20-30 minutes walk.

4. How much spending money will I need?
Enough to cover incidentals such as postage, toiletries, sundry food, entertainment, photos, etc. We estimate about $50 per week.

5. What is accommodation like during the lecture phase?
You will live in houses or flats with anywhere from 6-12 students and staff, share a room with 3-5 others and sleep on bunk beds. You will need to bring your own bedding and linen, at least one sheet to cover the mattress.

6. What type of work duties will I be doing?
Duties range form house chores, cooking, cleaning, maintenance, gardening, painting, office work and other miscellaneous help on the base.

7. Can I bring a musical instrument?
Yes. We don't have any musical instruments to loan students.

8. Do we have to do assignments and study?
All course have assignments such as books reports, practical demonstrations, Journals, Workbooks, small exams etc.

9. What are the eating/cooking arrangements?
While on the lecture phase, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided at the base. You are able to cook additional food you may like to buy in your house/flat. On outreach each team will budget and buy their own food under the supervision of the team leaders.

10. How much free time do we get?
See the course information for your specific schedule.

11. Is camping safe?
Australia does have poisonous snakes and spiders, however, we will educate you on safety issues in the bush, camping is pretty safe if you are wise.

12. What immunisations will I need?
Depending on Outreach Location. Talk to your Doctor about what you might need if going to some of the following nations – Australia, Thailand, Fiji, East Timor, New Zealand.

13. Will my electrical appliances work in Australia?
You will most likely need a power outlet adaptor and a voltage converter. Australia uses 240V.

14. What public transport is in Townsville?
Buses do run locally but not that frequently. $10 - $15 for a taxi would get you around town. Townsville is flat and easily walkable. A bike is always an option for you to get while here.

15. Do we do a lot of hiking and trekking while camping?
There are options to trek in the bush, it does depend on the school.

16. Arrival and Pickups - how will you recognise me?
We have your photo and we will carry a Reef to Outback sign for us to recognise each other.

17. How should I bring my spending money?
Options: travellers checks (need to cash at a bank during business hours), ATM machines (ensure your card can be used internationally, though it may charge you), cash some money at Foreign exchange (at the airports or banks), open a local bank account and have money transferred.

18. What nationalities are the students?
We have students from around 17 nationalities - predominantly European, American, Canadian, Australian and NZ.

19. Do I have a choice of which outreach I do?
Outreach options are given in the first 2- 3 weeks of the Discipleship Training School. You have the opportunity to pray about where you go. We do not always revisit the countries/cities of previous school