Pioneer Bible Translators
Association of
Papua New Guinea, Inc. 

Pacific Orientation Course Manual 

Version 6.0
May 2003 

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Table of Contents 

1.    Message from the PBT/PNG Branch Director    1 

2.    Introduction    1 

3.    Purposes of Pacific Orientation Course    1 

4.    POC Application    1 

    4.1.    Application Form    1 

    4.2.    Application Fee    1 

    4.3.    Current picture    1 

5.    Finances    1 

    5.1.    Costs for Your Session of POC    2 

    5.2.    Spending money for miscellaneous items    2 

    5.3.    Canteen    2 

6.    Payment    2 

7.    Schooling    2 

8.    Nursery and Pre-School    2 

9.    Equipment    2 

    9.1.    Provided equipment    3 

    9.2.    Items per family unit or single person:    3 

10.    Optional Equipment    3 

11.    Clothing    4 

12.    Medical Care    4 

13.    Immunizations    5 

14.    Mailing Address and Email    5 

15.    Travel Arrangements, Shipping, and Visas    5 

16.    Application for Session.    6 

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1. 

Message from the PBT/PNG Branch Director 

Dear Fellow Member, 

The Pacific Orientation Course is an integral part of the training and evaluation of a new PBTmember  and is of great value to the member and to the PBT/PNG Branch. 

The POC serves three basic purposes: orientation, training, and evaluation. 

Coming from an advanced technological society to a subsistence level society in a developing “third world” country presents some complex adjustment problems. POC will provide a basic orientation to the PNG culture with an emphasis on tribal culture.  It will also provide guidelines for building working relationships with expatriates of other nationalities working in Papua New Guinea. Opportunities will be given to practice what you learn by overnighting in nearby villages, conducting surveys, etc. and inter-acting with the multi-national group of SIL members who will be attending POC with you. 

Limited medical training  and other practical skills will be part of the training given to prepare you for living in remote allocations. Training will also be given in developing one’s abilities in leadership and in following leadership within an organized framework. 

The climax of one’s orientation and training will be the final phase of actually living in a village for five weeks. This is an invaluable experience for both translator and support personnel. 

The greatest benefit of POC may well be the opportunity to be evaluated and to evaluate yourself as you adjust to new and difficult situations and environments. These evaluations will provide guidelines for spiritual growth and development that will enhance your specific ministry in PBT/PNG. 

It should be remembered that your attendance at POC is a favor and a privilege granted by SIL. You can express your gratefulness and ours by giving of yourself to receive maximum benefit in every phase of the training. There are numerous similarities between SIL and PBT but there are also differences. One major difference is doctrinal orientation. However, we expect you to focus on in the areas of agreement rather than those of disagreement. It is our sincere desire that your time in the POC will be one of learning, orientation, and proving that the grace of the Lord is sufficient in every situation. 

The prayers of your fellow branch members will be with you. 

  PBT/PNG Branch Director 

2. 

Introduction 

This manual is designed to answer some of the questions asked by those preparing for and participating in the Pacific Orientation Course held in Papua New Guinea. 

It may not answer all your questions so please do not hesitate to enquire further from: 

Assistant Director of Support Services
Pioneer Bible Translators
P. O. Box 178
Madang.
Papua New Guinea 

Phone: 852-2440              FAX:  852-2605
International Direct Dial (From USA) 011-675-852-2440
E-Mail:  adss@pioneerbible.org.pg 

3. 

Purposes of Pacific Orientation Course 

The Pacific Orientation Course is designed to train new field workers to live harmoniously, comfortably, contentedly, and productively in most circumstances. The primary focus is learning to relate cross-culturally with fellow students and with Papua New Guineans. The course is divided into three parts: The Nobnob phase, the village living phase and the final week. 

The first 9 weeks of the course are held at Nobnob, 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Madang., the principal town of the Madang. Province. Nobnob is 1200 feet (365 meters) above sea level with a beautiful view of the ocean and surrounding area. Classes include Melanesian Pidgin (to help communicate with the Papua New Guineans), various skills (to help you live comfortably in a new environment), medical information (to help you with personal medical needs), and anthropology (to help you accept and adapt to new cultures). The Nobnob phase serves as a transition from home country to field situation. Trainees are gradually introduced to living in the local culture under supervision. 

Other activities include working together in teams on cooking and cleanup duties, training in outdoor orientation, bush overnights, sociolinguistic surveys, and visiting and forming relationships with local families. This is the primary focus of the POC . . . learning how to relate cross-culturally. 

The second phase of POC, called village living, attempts to simulate some of the actual conditions of a language program. Each family, or team of single people, lives for 5 weeks in a separate village learning how to relate to the village people and gaining fluency in Melanesian Pidgin. This time also gives experience in setting goals to accomplish assignments, handling emotions, and apply newly-learned skills. Sometimes families/teams are sent to areas where there are PBT or SIL language teams. This has worked quite well in giving the new team a look at an existing program as well as supporting the translation program. 

Following the village living phase, all students gather together back at the Nobnob center for one week of sharing and learning from each other’s experiences, and turning in equipment. 

You are expected to begin a physical fitness program BEFORE coming to POC. ( such as hiking, swimming, running, and exercising) 

4. 

POC Application 

4.1. 

Application Form 

There are two session of POC per year.  One starts in February and one starts in August.  Notify the Assistant Director of Support Services (ADSS) six months before the session you would like to attend. Make a copy of the attached application. It must be completed and returned to the ADSS before you can be enrolled in a POC session. A position will be secured for you in the appropriate session. 

4.2. 

Application Fee 

The application fee of $25 will be paid to POC for you by the PNG Branch and this will be charged to your account. 

4.3. 

Current picture 

Also, to complete the application process, please send us a current photo of yourself. This photo is used by POC staff to get to know you and also to identify you at the airport if necessary. The main use of the photograph, however, is to show to the national family who will be your hosts here. The photo needs to be culturally appropriate. The main points to consider are: informal dress which follows the guidelines under “Clothing”. Make it a happy picture, but avoid too overt physical contact between husband and wife. 

Please make it approximately 13 x 9 cm (5" x 3-1/2"), and include all of your family who will be coming with you. Also, compose the photograph so that your faces fill much of the space. Don’t get too far away so that it is hard to see who you are. 

5. 

Finances 

See the PNG Travel Manual for instructions on transferring funds to PBT/PNG. POC expenses will be paid through your PBT account. 

The following charges are subject to change. Papua New Guinea currency is called Kina (KEY-nah) and toea (TOY-yah). A kina is made up of 100 toea. 

The                exchange rate fluctuates daily and can vary greatly.  Contact the PNG Branch for the current exchange rate. 

5.1. 

Costs for Your Session of POC 

The cost of POC is always in US dollars but varies with time according to the local exchange rate and other factors. Contact the PNG Branch for the cost of POC for your session. 

The following information in this section is provided so that you can approximate the cost of POC for planning purposes. 

POC makes charges for tuition, room and board. These three charges are based on a two person team (married couple or a team composed of two single persons). 

RATE FOR TWO PERSON TEAM
Tuition    US$ 1200
Room    US$ 620
Food    US$ 575 

Total    US$ 2395 

Each single person or child is figured on a percentage of the two person team rate as follows: 

child 0 -5 years    15%
child 6-11 years    25%
child over 12 years    35%
single person    60% 

EXAMPLES: 

One Single Person:
Tuition - 60% of 1200    720
Room - 60% of 620    372
Food - 60% of 575     345
TOTAL             US$ 1437 

A Family with 2 children:
Tuition for adults (100% of 1200)    1200
Tuition for 10 year old (35% of 1200)    420
Tuition for 2 year old (15% of 1200)    180
Room for adults (100% of 620)    620
Room for 10 year old (35% of 620)    217
Room for 2 year old (15% of 620)    93
Food for adults (100% of 575)    575
Food for 10 year old (35% of 575)    201
Food for 2 year old (15% of 575)     86
TOTAL    US$ 3592 

There are other costs of attending POC: 

• a gift to your Nobnob host (suggested amount of US$ 20-25 per team or family); 
• a gift to your village living host (suggested amount  US$ 60 per team); 
• medicines in general and for your village medical kit (at least US$ 150 per team); 
• village living food and additional village living equipment (planning figure of US$ 250-500; amounts can vary considerably; be sure to add in children’s percentages). 
• Approximately 5 week-ends, you do your own cooking (camping style).  You will be reimbursed from the food costs but teams generally spend more so $5 - $10 is suggested. 
• If you have children coming with you will need to figure more costs for medicines and for the food you use to cook on week-ends. 

5.2. 

Spending money for miscellaneous items 

None of the above figures includes any amount for items of equipment that you plan on buying here, for ministry type items like stationery, postage, film and developing, or for personal items. Single people spend about US$ 40.00 per month; families spend about US$ 75.00 or more per month. 

Laundry will be done by national staff. Charges are included in your tuition fee. 

5.3. 

Canteen 

Canteen and medical charges will be charged to your account. 

A supply of the following items will be available for purchase throughout the POC session. 

aerograms    batteries (AA, C, D)    bleach/Napisan for diapers    ball point pens 

candles    cassette tapes    pencils    erasers 

matches    notebooks/exercise books 

file folders    glue sticks 

gum    insect repellent 

scratch pads    soap 

shampoo    stamps 

stationery supplies    toothpaste 

toothbrushes     

6. 

Payment 

The POC finance office will bill the PBT finance office for your expenses each month, and PBT pay these charges and will charge your account accordingly. 

7. 

Schooling 

The POC school curriculum is designed to orient school aged children to Papua New Guinea.  During POC, supervision of schooling for children from kindergarten through grade 12 will be provided by a qualified teacher on the POC staff.   Materials can be provided for the village living phase, but parents will be responsible for teaching their own children during that time. 

The elementary program consists of Devotions/Bible, Tok Pisin, language learning, Journaling, PNG Studies (including science and social studies), plus Math, Spelling and Reading.  The high school program consists of Devotions/Bible, Tok Pisin, language learning, Journaling, PNG Studies (including science, history and geography), plus Math and English Literature. 

For parents who will home school after POC, it may be possible for the teacher to use your curriculum for math and language arts.  However, please be aware that it can be difficult for the teacher to have several children using different texts so this must be discussed between the teacher and parents. 

8. 

Nursery and Pre-School 

Child care is provided for small children in the dormitory area during class hours. The staff consists of several experienced Papua New Guinean women. 

9. 

Equipment 

We think you will find the living facilities at POC adequate.  Each room is provided with beds, mattresses, desk, chairs, shelves, hanging space for clothes, and cribs, where needed.  Beds and mattresses need to remain in the rooms but cribs may to be taken for village living. There are also high-chairs available in the dining room. The bathroom facilities include flush toilets and showers, and are divided into men’s and women’s sections. 

Because the rooms adjoin one another, you will not have as much privacy as you are used to at home.  Noises carry readily throughout the dorm.  We mention this to help prepare you for the lifestyle you will find there. 

POC is on electricity from the local power company.  This is 240v-50 cycles.  Some times they have to use their generator.  If you want to bring any electrical equipment with you from the USA that only run on 110v-60 cycles, you must bring a transformer or converter.  Transformer are not available in Madang.  500 watt to 2000 watt transformers can be bought at SIL, Ukarumpa but not at POC.  Please do not bring blow dryer, iron, curling iron or any appliance that has a heating element as the wiring in the dorms will not handle them.  Papua New Guinea's electrical plug is a 3 prong/blade type.  These typeof plugs are available in Madang. 

Several past campers have commented that they wished they had brought a few personal knick-knacks, favorite bedspread or throw rug, etc., to make their rooms more homey.  You may wish to do this. 

9.1. 

Provided equipment 

POC will supply the following equipment for your use during the course. Those who prefer to use their own equipment may  do so. 

 dishes    cutlery 

    tea kettle    cooking pots 

 pressure lamp    mixing bowls 

 measuring spoons and cups    file 

 floor mat    kitchen utensils 

 water bottle    machete/bush knife 

 small kerosine cooking stove    hurricane lamp 

    can/tin opener (poor quality)    clothes pin/pegs 

In the following lists, the starred (*) items can usually be obtained in Madang., though the price and quality may not be what you are used to.  Since the program allows for only two shopping trips (one at the beginning of the session and one before village living), we suggest you either bring most of your equipment or plan extra time ahead of the suggested arrival time for shopping. 

Items for each person (not including babies): 

a. sturdy air mattress with pillow or separate *pillow. *Foam mattresses are available in Madang. if you prefer to purchase them instead of air mattresses. (approximately K40 for 3" thick single size, poor quality) 

b. two sets sheets.  The double beds are 2 singles put together and are wider than a regular double bed.  Flat double bed sheets will fit or you can put sheets on each single mattress.  King or queen size sheets will also fit.  Do take into consideration what you will need for village living. 

c. pillow cases 

*d. flashlight—buy a good durable one that uses D size batteries 

*e. towel and washcloth (at least 1 set per person) 

 *f. two dozen or more assorted size plastic bags—ziploc or with ties—get some large ones 

g. extra pair of glasses or contact lenses 

h. assorted sizes drawstring cloth bags for laundry, gathering bush foods, storing things 

I. any medicine prescribed by a doctor 

j. swimming goggles (you will be swimming 1-2 times/week in saltwater) 

*k. mosquito nets (for village living phase) 

9.2. 

Items per family unit or single person: 

a. Back pack (one per adult and one per participating high school student). Back packs are used on two occasions during the Nobnob phase. A three-day survey hike requires that you carry to 20-40 lbs. An H-frame pack with hip belt is probably the best type of pack.  However, there are good internal frame packs with hip belts that work well, too.  If you already have a pack that you like, bring it.  you may be able to borrow a H-frame pack from other PBT members in Madang. 

*b. Rucksack or day pack 

c. four or more tea towels/dish towels 

d. oven gloves/hot pads—at least 2 

e. tape recorder (should be battery-operated and portable)with built-in or external microphone for recording language material. 

f. first aid kit—should include tweezers, *thermometer, small scissors, *burn ointment, *assorted band-Aids, *antiseptic, *topical antibiotic, *aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. 

g. pocket knife—a Swiss army-type knife is good, with 2 blades, can opener and screw driver. 

*h. sun screen or sun block cream or lotion—water-resistant is best. 

I. collapsible plastic water container (2-4 gallon) 

j. waterproof sheet, if children are prone to bed-wetting 

k. compass 

l. can opener, good quality 

m. inflatable flotation device (water wings or floaties for non-swimming children 

10. 

Optional Equipment 

a. ammo boxes or airtight plastic tupperware-type containers for camera, compass, film, food storage in village living and Nobnob. 

b. silica gel(indicator type)—½ pound (packed in small amounts) for use in above boxes: protects cameras, photographs, etc., from being ruined by the humidity by absorbing the moisture.  Look in craft stores if you are having a hard time finding it. Companies that supply materials and tools for refrigeration equipment repair will have it in larger quantities, for a lower price.  This is sometimes available in Madang. 

c. cookbook or favorite recipes for village living (suggestion: Jungle Camp Cookbook or More With Less Cookbook) 

*d. alarm clock 

*e. work gloves (leather work gloves & rubber gloves) 

*f. small radio with short wave bands 

g. shoe bag—hanging type with pockets for storing miscellaneous items 

*h. clipboard & expanding multi pocket folder 

*I. umbrella 

j. bedspread 

*k. film (Kodak with pre-paid processing and Fuji are available in Madang. We have fast and usually good service on color prints, slides will take 3-4 weeks) 

*l. needles and thread 

*m. hair cutting scissors 

*n. hand tools—screwdriver, pliers, hammer, etc. 

o. good kitchen knife (large and paring) 

p. swim mask and snorkel 

q. back or front sling-type baby carrier 

r. napkins; aprons; tablecloth 

s. pictures of family and home country. These come in handy in language learning contacts.  It helps get over the initial hesitation and gives you something to talk about. Most Papua New Guineans are very interested in knowing all about your family and where you lived before coming to PNG. 

t. small simple games, e. g. Uno cards or dominoes, that can be played with national friends 

u. ear plugs; for light sleepers 

v. insulated water bottle with strap (great for hikes; POC supplies canteens but most do not have a strap) 

11. 

Clothing 

Nobnob temperature ranges from 70 to 95 F daily throughout the year, although May to September is usually the cooler, and drier time. Rainy season is generally October to May though the other months can be quite damp at times.  Leather items in particular mildew very quickly.  If clothing is washed regularly, mildew is usually not a problem, but if clothing is worn and hung up again without washing, mildew will probably form.  There are no dry cleaning facilities.  Local women are hired to wash clothes in spin-dry machines. Diapers may be washed daily, other clothes 3 times a week. 

It is a good idea to bring some old but sturdy clothes.  They may get rough treatment on hikes in the bush. 

Those who are particularly sensitive to the sun will want to take extra precaution here in the tropics.  Lightweight trousers (for men) and long-sleeved shirts would be very appropriate for protection from sun and mosquitos. 

Water shoes should always be worn when swimming because of the danger of puncture wounds from glass and stings from marine animals. 

Avoid polyester fabrics, because they are far too hot for this climate. ALL COTTON is the thing to get. 

OUTFITTING MEN 

4 or more pairs strong shorts 

1 pair long jeans or trousers, lightweight 

1 long-sleeved shirt, lightweight 

4 short-sleeved light shirts or T-shirts 

1 outfit of shorts or trousers with shirt for church 

extra shoe laces 

6 sets underwear 

6 pair socks 

MODEST swim trunks 

shaving equipment, if you must 

hat(s) 

lightweight bathrobe/dressing gown 

Shoes: 

1 pair shoes suitable for running and general wear 

1 pair comfortable shoes for hiking, with a good grip and good support.  (2 pairs worn alternately can help the shoes last longer and also help in the case one pair gets wet). 

1 pair plastic sandals (flip-flops/thongs)—usually available in Madang. 

1 pair of water shoes 

NOTE: Men who wear size 10 and above may have difficulty getting shoes to fit in Madang.  Plan accordingly. 

OUTFITTING WOMEN 

4 or more dresses or skirts and blouses.  Skirts and dresses must cover knees. Sun dresses must be modest (not backless). If dresses or skirts are lightweight, a half-slip should be worn with them to prevent see-through or outlining of the thighs. 

1 or 2 nice casual dresses suitable for church 

1 or 2 pair loose and long shorts with legs that cover the thighs for swimming 

1 pair of lightweight trousers to wear with skirt for bush walking, if desired 

lightweight cardigan or long sleeve shirt 

6 pair socks 

shoes—same as described under men’s clothing 

1 pair semi-dress shoes or sandals suitable for church 

lightweight bathrobe/dressing gown 

6 sets underwear (cotton is best) 

toilet articles 

shady hat—big enough to protect against sun but not so big it will blow off 

MODEST one-piece swimsuit 

water shoes 

toilet articles 

Local standards don’t allow women to wear trousers unless worn with a skirt or blouse that covers the thighs to the knee. Any outfit that outlines the thighs is inappropriate. Women should wear brasiers.  POC staff retain the right to veto wearing of any apparel deemed to be unsuitable. 

In selecting clothing for use during POC, be aware that women will be sitting on the floor or on low benches a lot, especially in village homes. Be sure that skirts, dresses, and slips are appropriate in length and fullness. 

OUTFITTING CHILDREN 

You will need more clothing for your children than for yourself, especially during the rainy weather.  It is best to bring durable, practical cotton things. 

Young children find it hard to stay on air mattresses, and it is therefore wise to purchase foam plastic mattresses.  These are light and easily rolled up.  They are available in Madang. 

High chairs that slip onto a table will be useful en route and here.  Cribs are available at POC but if you have a lightweight one you really like you may want to bring your own. 

Previous campers have wished that they had brought a good backpack for carring young children, even for those who were good walkers and normally considered past the need to be carried. The packs do come in handy on the hikes. It is probably also a good idea to bring a few small presents for your children if they will have a birthday during the course. 

Children should take vitamins at least a month before coming to POC and should continue while overseas. 

Children’s clothing 

6 light dresses for girls—girls 7 and under can wear shorts/pants 

6 lightweight shorts for boys 

6 shirts 

1 lightweight jacket or cardigan 

2 or more pairs sand/tennis shoes 

water shoes 

waterproof boots 

socks 

raincoat or cape 

light shady hat 

underclothes 

bedding 

pajamas (nights get relatively cool) 

swimsuit 

a few toys and books 

thongs/flip-flops 

Babies 

2 or more sets lightweight coveralls for crawlers 

plastic pants for untrained children 

at least 3 dozen diapers (available in Madang.) 

4 medium weight jumpsuit or pajamas 

portable swing or bouncinette (optional) 

potty 

Commercial baby foods, cereals and powdered formulas are available in Madang. and other major cities in Papua New Guinea. Some parents have found a baby food grinder helpful. 

12. 

Medical Care 

POC has a nurse on 24-hour call.  Hospital and dental services are in Madang. (about a 30 minute drive). 

Pregnancy and POC 

If you are aware you are pregnant, you should mention this to the director and the nurse so they will not expect too much from you! If your due date is during POC or soon after, POC advises you to apply for a later session. 

Personal Medical Supplies 

Bring any medicines you take regularly, or notify the nurse beforehand so she can obtain an adequate supply.  The POC clinic will have all medicines required during the course.  Also available are insect repellant, anti-malarials, band-Aids, aspirin and substitutes, women’s sanitary supplies, etc. They suggest you bring your own supply of vitamins and sun screen from the USA because the supply here varies and can be expensive. Sun protection is very important. The recommendation for fair skinned Caucasian people is at least a sun protection factor of 15. 

It is a good idea to bring at least a second pair of glasses, contact lenses, hearing aides, etc., and a prescription for the item. It is also a good idea to know or determine your blood type/group before you come. 

Malaria Prevention 

1. Avoid mosquitos:  Use mosquito nets at POC and in the village.  Be sure to put insect repellent on all members of your family in early morning and early evening.  Stay inside at night when possible but if you go outside be sure to have repellent on. 

2. Take anti-malarials: You should take chloroquine weekly.  Two  tablets for all adults including pregnant women.  Children under 6 may use Niviquine liquid or Infant Camoquin tablets, which are chewable.  Your family should start anti-malarials four weeks prior to entering Papua New Guinea. 

3. Take Maloprim: Because Madang. is one of the areas with chloroquine resistant malarial, POC advise you to take one Maloprim tablet as well as the two chloroquine tablets.  There is a small chance Maloprim can result in bone marrow depression or a drop in the White Blood Count (W. B. C.).  If this happens you should discontinue using Maloprim. 

       IMPORTANT:  Each family member must have a White Blood Count done six weeks before coming to PNG.  Maloprim should start four weeks prior to coming to PNG.  The W. B. C. should be done again just before leaving the USA( at least a week).  If there is a significant drop in the W.B.C. discontinue the Maloprim but not the chloroquine.  Maloprim should not be used by those with a known sulfa allergy.  Taking Maloprim in pregnancy is controversial subject so consul your Doctor. 

You should take your anti-malarial dose on the same day each week.  Maloprim and chloroquine can be taken together on the same day. Sunday seems to be an easy day to remember. 

Chloroquine dose: (250 mg tablets—150 mg base; check with pharmacist as base may vary) 

        Below 22 lbs/10 kg:    ¼ tablet 

  22-42 lbs/10-19 kg:    ½ tablet 

  43-64 lbs/20-29 kg:     ¾ tablet 

  65-86 lbs/30-39 kg:     1 tablet 

  87-110 lbs/40-50 kg:    1-1/2 tablet 

  Over 110 lbs/50 kg:     2 tablets 

  Over 220 lb/100 kg:    3 tablets 

Niviquine liquid dose: 

80 mg (50 mg base) per 5 ml: Calculate on basis of 5 mg of base/kg of body weight per week. For example: a child weighing 10 kg would take 50 mg base per week, or 5 ml. 

Infant Camoquin dose: 

          20lbs/9kgs:    50 mg. (½ tablet) 

          35lbs/16kgs:    75mg. (¾ tablet) 

          40lbs/19kgs    one tablet 

          weights above 40lbs/19kgs use chloroquine 

Maloprim doses: 

5-11 years:    ½ tablet 

Over 12 years:    one tablet 

Larium may be recommended by your Doctor but POC does not recommend it. 

PBT PNG can send you both the choloroquine and Maloprim if you can not get them through your Doctor in the USA. 

13. 

Immunizations 

Please make sure the following immunizations are up-to-date. 

1. Triple Antigen (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) series for infants through two years. 

2. Diphtheria and Tetanus toxoid for children over two years to adult. 

a. If you haven’t received any Triple Antigen in childhood, a series of at least two is required 6-8 weeks apart. 

b. The series of two or a booster is required within the last five-year. 

3. Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine is necessary for all children over the age of 12 months.  Mumps vaccine is not always available in Papua New Guinea. 

4. BCG (Tuberculosis).  Recommended for everyone. 

5. Polio.  Both children and adults should have a series of two or three doses and/or a booster within the last two years. 

6. Typhoid. Recommended but not required. Typhoid is a problem in Papua New Guinea. The vaccine reduces the possibility of disease but does not totally prevent it. 

7. Hepatitis. Many people have contracted hepatitis in Papua New Guinea, particularly in the first two years. This is usually the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). Complete prevention of HAV is not feasible in Papua New Guinea through sanitary measures alone. Also, there is no currently available vaccine against HAV. However, temporary immunity is possible through regular use of gamma globulin (GG). GG is 90% effective in preventing HAV disease if taken every four to six months. The Ukarumpa clinic recommends that newcomers begin GG at home and continue every 5 months for the first two years of the field term. The clinic strongly recommends that everyone coming to Papua New Guinea be vaccinated against Hepatitis B virus. This is a three shot regimen already required by PBT. There are a couple of considerations regarding the timing of the gamma globulin and Heptavax B vaccine. It is best to take the first gamma globulin and first Heptavax B shot both at the same time. Then you should complete the Heptavax series before having another gamma globulin. If you have already had a gamma globulin shot, it is best to wait at least four weeks before starting the heptavax series. 

14. 

Mailing Address and Email 

We suggest you use the PBT address for personal mail while at the POC because: 

1. You’re only at POC for a short time 

2. Mail can easily be forwarded to you by PBT 

3. It saves the confusion of changing addresses later 

Pioneer Bible Translators
P. O. Box 997
Madang.
Papua New Guinea 

You will want to tell family, friends and supporters that your time will be limited so you will not be write much or at least not long letters.  You may want to write a newsletter while in  POC. If you do you can print it and mail it from the PBT office on one of your trips to town while in village living. 

POC has only two telephone lines, and a very slow connection speed.  Email is available to you once a week.  If you choose to use this opportunity you will need your own laptop computer, Email address (contact ADSS to get one),and an email program (PBT recommends Outlook Express).  POC has a 200kb restriction on incoming mail, so ask people not to send large emails. 

15. 

Travel Arrangements, Shipping, and Visas 

For information on these subjects see the PNG TRAVEL MANUAL. 

16. 

Application for Session. 

PACIFIC ORIENTATION COURSE 

Application for Session:
 

I. January - May          

II. May - August           

III. August - December      

(circle one and fill in date)      

FAMILY NAME  

      Given Name Preferred Name Date of Birth School Grade 

Self                                                         

Spouse                                                         

Children                                                     

(Put an asterisk by those that will be on correspondence course which you will provide) 

Home Division Mother Tongue  

Country of Assignment Anticipated Work Assignment  

State any Disabilities which might affect your participation in the course. 

Plans immediately following POC. 

Addresses (and telephone numbers if known) from now until arrival at POC. 

*** Send photo with this application 

*** Send information to Director 

*** If your plans to attend change, it is your responsibility to notify the Director immediately. Someone else’s acceptance into the course may be jeopardized if you do not do so.