Detours Abroad: Projects in Borneo

  Malaysia

Rural

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Teaching English, health education

Volunteers in Borneo are based in the lush isolated highland towns of Bario or Bakelalan. Bario in Sarawak is the home of the Kelabit people, numbering just under 8,000. Located in eastern Sarawak, near the Sarawak/Kalimantan border, it is an upland settlement of about 14 longhouses spread across a plateau and surrounded by mountain ranges, the great Temambu range to the west and Apad Duat range to the south.

Volunteers may teach in a rural boarding school in Bario or Bakelalan. The primary schools have children aged 6-12 years old. Volunteers work as teachers' assistants. The Kelabits are devout Christians and their way of life is very communal in nature, revolving around farming activities and the church. The main language is Kelabit but many of the younger generation speak English. Bahasa Malay is also widely spoken.

Highlights: Borneo is the third largest island in the world. It is divided into four political regions; Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo, Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo, and Brunei. Borneo is primarily mountainous with dense rainforest. The highest peak is Mount Kinabalu in Sabah at 4,100 metres.

Sarawak is a tropical state with an equatorial climate. It is hot and humid throughout the year with average daytime temperature ranging from 23°C - 32°C. Rarely visited by tourists, it is famous for its National Parks and white sandy beaches. The population is 1.5 million. The most famous ethnic group in Sarawak is the Iban who were fierce headhunters but now live peacefully in longhouses along Sarawak's winding rivers. There are many other smaller tribes each distinct in their own language and culture.

Qualifications: Any special skills you have will be gladly received. It is essential to bring enthusiasm and an open mind. Bring a smile, commitment and a desire to meet the local people. The key to a successful volunteer experience is a desire to be involved.

Cost in US$: From $1850 for 4 weeks

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Malaysia Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Detours Abroad's Mission Statement: Detours Abroad brings people and communities together by allowing travellers to immerse themselves in local communities where in turn they make a contribution through volunteering their services. Detours Abroad organises volunteer placements from 2-12 weeks in a variety of developing countries. These include Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo, China, Peru and Ecuador. Volunteers assist in three areas - education, health and administration, community services including construction, care work and community development.

Year Founded: 1996