FEES AND CHARGES

AUSTRALIAN-BASED VOLUNTEERS, INTERNS, and STUDENTS must check with us about local rates before arrival, otherwise: VOLUNTEERS pay $A 35 per day for food (lots) and basic accommodation. INTERNS pay $A 45 per day - the difference is reflected in the fact that interns are also part-time volunteers, and are involved in specific research projects requiring input of staff time and equipment. This fee also includes limited laboratory access (bench fees). STUDENTS pay $ A 55 per day (they have a small volunteer component, the rest is research time). This includes laboratory access and materials (lucky you). RESEARCHERS (Institution based researchers) pay $A 70 per day, which includes accommodation and bench fees, in addition to accommodation and food. OTHERS: Assistants and spouses accompanying researchers pay $US 50 per day.

In cases where you may have REAL difficulty in meeting these charges, they should be negotiated BEFORE arrival.

BUT READ THIS.... we get asked if we can reduce rates for longer stays..

OK, (for an intern enquiry about fee reduction) I really can't do much - as the costs incurred by interns are seldom covered by the fees (lab time/ chemicals/ apparatus/ whatever) - in real terms - consider what $US30 buys you in terms of accommodation AND 3 meals a day at home - never mind lab access and material costs!! Not a lot unless you are in a subsidised program. Backpackers hostels here are now charging 40 bucks a day (no food)....

*I just checked with a couple of our US volunteers - their Unis charge students $US40 per day - room and board - NO tuition, not much difference between them!!*.

People considering stays longer than 3 months should contact the Director to negotiate rates. - that we CAN do.

** NEVER EVER BRING NON-AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR TRAVELLER'S CHECKS !!!!!! - THEY ARE SELDOM ACCEPTED, AS THE BANKS CHARGE A HEFTY EXCHANGE FEE FOR PROCESSING THEM. AUSSIE DOLLAR TRAVELLER'S CHECKS ARE FINE, AS ARE MAJOR CREDIT CARDS. Not DEBIT CARDS

(Some foreign PAPER currencies - (Euros, US Dollars, Pounds) are acceptable as the banks don't

charge us for conversion) - no coins.

We would far prefer that fees be paid "up front" upon (or before) arrival.

If you are willing to pay by electronic funds transfer from overseas, the details are:

Acct: Australian Tropical Research Foundation

National Australia Bank Front Street Mossman 4873 Queensland

Swift Code NATAAU 3303 M

Acct # 084 830:79523-4272

ABOUT APPLYING:

First- look at the website, especially the "What's new?" pages which are/were fairly regularly updated (well, we do our best!). Look at the information on the Station itself and the current conservation activities - and if you decide that you would like to come here - please e-mail the Station with the approximate time and duration of your stay, whether you wish to be a volunteer, intern or student and some basic information about yourself and your interests.

** There is no application form needed - but if you have a CV (resume) you should PASTE it into the e-mail (please NO attachments!)** We will then confirm your acceptance. If you don't hear from us, just ask again - e-mails do get lost (OFTEN!) AND computer hard disks crash - especially in the tropics.

GETTING A VISA IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY, and is not one that we can help you with. In most cases a simple tourist visa is adequate, as you are not being paid to work here.

Try and AVOID applications for Student status and Occupational Training visas. Whatever your University or College might require, the process of applying can cause considerable hassles, and often result in your abandoning your trip here. Besides they are unnecessary, unless you intend to stay more than 6 months, or you come from a country which does not readily obtain tourist visas to Australia.