Introduction
This Self-Assessment Tool has been developed for use by educational institutions to assist with due diligence in the planning and implementation of overseas student travel. The Tool is designed to address student travel that is instigated, organised and implemented by schools, as well as travel that is facilitated by third party providers such as travel companies, Non-government organizations (NGOs) and other entities.
While there are clear benefits to overseas travel within an educational context for Australian students, it is vital that the activities students engage in whilst travelling do not cause harm to local communities. Whilst volunteering overseas can be an immersive component of overseas student travel, it has the capacity to have negative impacts on communities, particularly within those programs where children are involved. Australian schools and universities have a duty of care to both travelling students, and members of host communities overseas, and must ensure that Australian students are not participating in activities which may cause harm.
There are many ways for Australian students to positively engage with local communities overseas, and this Self-Assessment Tool has been developed to assist schools to design, assess, and experience ethical and responsible student travel that is mutually beneficial for students and host communities alike.
A note on fundraising: Many schools and universities raise funds for community projects overseas, whether or not they visit these projects or plan to. Whilst assessment of these projects is beyond the scope of this self-assessment tool, we advise at minimum that schools and universities do not raise funds for organisations or projects where the residential care of children is involved. Residential care refers to all institutions housing children overnight – this includes orphanages, shelters, safe houses, children's homes, children's villages, boarding schools, rehabilitation centres, transitional homes etc. Growing up in these institutions can be harmful to children, and these harms are lifelong and intergenerational. Schools and universities wanting to support vulnerable children overseas should direct their support toward organisations that promote family based care, prevent family separation and strengthen families and communities.
