Question 1

Who can apply?

Accepted Answer

Pacific Student Leaders Program:
Year 12 or 13 students, at the time of your course dates, from New Zealand (Australian equivalent - Yr 11 & 12) and the Pacific Islands in leadership roles or who have leadership aspirations and potential.

Question 2

What’s the application process?

Accepted Answer

There's an online application form requiring:
Basic contact information
A 250 word personal statement about your interest and experience in a leadership role(s)
Contact details for a reference who can talk to your leadership experience
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One you've submitted your application your space is secure for 7 days, then you must pay your deposit as final confirmation.

Question 3

How many spaces are there?

Accepted Answer

Pacific Student Leaders Program:
Depending on the particular course, there are between 12 - 48 spaces total on each course – split across New Zealand / Australian students and from our host countries in the Pacific Islands.

Question 4

How much does it cost and when/how do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Full course costs are listed on the respective program pages.

Additional costs include:
- Your individual international travel insurance (compulsory).
- Getting to/from our international airport of departure/arrival.
- Pre departure transit accommodation costs, if required.
- Local travel SIM card, and spending money, if required.

Question 5

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer the option to pay your course fees in monthly instalments. If you would like to discuss what options are available to you, please contact us.

Please note: full payment must be made 8 weeks prior to the programme departure date.

Question 6

What are the payment, cancellation and refund policies?

Accepted Answer

Paying your course fee
Full payment is required 8 weeks before your course start date. Course fees are in NZ dollars or Australian dollars and are GST exempt.
Transfers
Your full course fee may be transferred only once to another course date up to 8 weeks before your original course start date. Transfer requests within 8 Weeks of a course start date will be handled on a case by case basis.
Refunds, participant cancellations & departures policy
Your course fee, less your deposit, is refundable up to eight weeks before your course start date. Deposits are non-refundable except for medical reasons, at which point a verified medical certificate is required within 7 days of cancellation to be eligible for a refund. Deposit refunds for medical reasons will be less any transaction fees incurred. If you cancel within eight weeks of your course starting, your full course fee is not refundable. Cancellations must be received in writing i.e. email. You must contact our travel insurance provider for any claims.
If you depart for any reason, including behaviour, motivation barriers, injury or illness incurred on course, you will not receive a refund. You must contact our travel insurance provider for any claims.
Pacific Guardians cancellation policy
If something major happens outside our control e.g; natural disaster, international flight departure delays longer than two days, or any other significant operational issue preventing the safe and effective delivery of a program, we might have to cancel the trip.

If we cancel a trip eight weeks or more before departure, full refunds will be paid for any fees paid.

If we cancel a trip within eight weeks before departure, no refunds will be given to students. There are two options; contact your travel insurance provider to claim for all fees paid on the cancelled trip, or transfer your paid fees to another available trip.

Question 7

Am I responsible for my own domestic flights?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are responsible for your own domestic flights. New Zealand students typically depart from Auckland airport, while Australian students usually depart from Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne. We recommend purchasing flexible domestic flights due to potential changes in international flight schedules, which are beyond our control.

Question 8

How can I fundraise?

Accepted Answer

We do not currently have scholarships available, however many of our students like to fundraise to help cover their course costs. Here are a few ideas of how to raise money:
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Approach your school: The skills you develop during the programme will help you succeed in your leadership role, so why not approach your Teacher, Careers Advisor, Dean or Principal to see if the school would be able to sponsor you.
Use a crowdfunding website: Set up a Givealittle or PledgeMe webpage. Make sure you spread the word to reach as many people as possible! E.g. ask all your friends and family to share the link on social media.
Contact a community organisation: Try your local RSA, Lions or Rotary Club as they often offer monetary support for courses like this.
Offer your services: You could do small jobs or chores for your family and neighbours in return for a donation. E.g. cleaning, dog-walking, babysitting, weeding or mowing the lawns.

Question 9

What’s included in the cost?

Accepted Answer

​For New Zealand/Australian students/participants:
International flights to and from the Pacific Island location
Transport
Basic communal hostel or dorm-style accommodation for the duration of the trip*
All food and drinks during the trip (breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks)
All program materials (e.g. for activities and exercises)
All activities
Pre trip merch pack
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Inclusions for Pacific Island students includes accommodation, food, drinks and program materials.
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*Supervised with separate sleeping arrangements for males and females

Question 10

What’s not included?

Accepted Answer

For all students:
- Your individual international travel insurance (compulsory).
- Getting to/from our international airport of departure/arrival.
- Pre departure transit accommodation costs, if required.
- Local travel SIM card, and spending money, if required.

Frequently asked questions