In Country Support
The AYAD Program provides support to AYADs and Host Organisations in the countries where we work. An In-country Manager (ICM) is based in every country where the AYAD Program places AYADs (except Kiribati which is covered by the Fiji ICM).
ICMs are AYAD Program staff members who live in that country, often in the capital city. Each country has its own ICM and the AYAD Program employs a combination of local and expatriate staff as ICMs.
When AYADs arrive in country the ICM will meet you at the airport, settle you in short term accomodation and run an In-country Orientation Program. The In-country Orientation Program includes information about the culture and history of the host country, banking, shopping, taking public transport, health and security issues. AYADs also meet with the in-country AusAID Post, visit the Australian Embassy/High Commission and, in some countries, meet AYADs from previous intakes.
The ICM also helps volunteers:
- find safe, affordable and appropriate accommodation
- source appropriate language training
- secure appropriate visas
If any issues arise while you are on assignment (both personal and professional), your ICM is your first point of contact.
Your Host Organisation is another part of your support network while on assignment and the great friends you will make including work colleagues, fellow AYADs and other community members will all contribute to your well being while on assignment.
Living and working in a developing country can be challenging and while you have access to a broad range of strong support in country you must also take the time to prepare yourself for your life on assignment. Take the time to do some research, read up on the history and culture of your host country and talk to others who have lived and worked there. Our links page is a great place to start!