Study Abroad in Sydney & Fiji: 10-day Fiji Program

AIFS spring semester students enjoy a 10-day Pacific studies program at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji before the start of the Macquarie semester. The trip is included in the program fee.

Students who booked their flights with AIFS will fly LA-Fiji-Sydney at no extra cost to the regular flight from LA–Sydney. Students who provide their own transport must book their flight from LA–Fiji for the start of the fall semester program and onward from Fiji to Sydney on the appropriate date.

Famous for its palm-fringed white sandy beaches and clear azure seas, Fiji is paradise come true. This is only part of this South Pacific country’s allure - with over 300 islands in its archipelago, Fiji has plenty to offer everyone, from abundant sea life to rugged volcanoes and lush green rainforest.

Cultural roots and traditions are strong in Fiji. The population is an eclectic blend of indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, and English is the official language. Visitors will find themselves greeted by a welcoming shout of bula!

Suva, located at the south-eastern corner of Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu, is Fiji’s capital city and the largest city in the South Pacific, with a population of 170,000. Once a flourishing colonial center, sights include fine historic buildings, rusting shipwrecks on the reef, the old cemetery with its Chinese area and a lively fish market.

University of the South Pacific

The University of the South Pacific is the premier institution of higher learning for the South Pacific region, uniquely placed in a region of extraordinary physical, social and economic diversity.

Established in 1968, USP is the only university of its type in the world. It is jointly owned by the governments of twelve island countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Samoa. The University has campuses in all the twelve member countries. The main campus, Laucala, is in Fiji.

The University of the South Pacific’s main campus is located among pleasant surroundings in Suva. The site of a former New Zealand sea-plane base, the campus includes a small botanical garden and the USP Oceania Centre for the arts. The University has a total student population of over 1.5 million spread throughout campuses dotted around the South Pacific. AIFS provides a Social and Cultural Coordinator and an Academic Coordinator from the University to supervise the program.

Housing and Meals

AIFS students will stay in double occupancy homestays with local families in the center of Suva. The families will provide transport every day to and from the campus, which is located just outside the city center. They will also provide breakfast and dinner every day. Students purchase their own lunch at the University cafeteria. Singles are available at no extra cost.

Academic Program (3-credits)

Students will have five lectures of 1.5 hours each and field trips of over 50 hours. The University recommends three credits for this 10-day program.

Lecture topics:
Pacific Prehistory and Settlement
Pacific Colonial History
Fiji Prehistory, History and Culture
Contemporary Political Issues in the Pacific
Environment and Development

Field trips include:
Beachcomber Island
Hindu Temple
Walking Tour of Suva
Community involvement activities - Save the Children Fund
Overnight in a Fijian Village
Flea Market
Kula Bird Park and Eco Park

Final Exam
Students will have a final exam based on lectures and visits. The exam grade will be shown as the final grade on the University certificate.

Visas
Visas are not required in Fiji for U.S. citizens.

Inoculations
Students need no special inoculations. Fiji has no malaria.

Spring Semester 2008 itinerary

Tuesday, February 5 Flight from U.S. to Fiji (One day is lost crossing the International Date Line)

Thursday, February 7 Early morning arrival at Nadi, Fiji. Transfer to hotel. Beachcomber Island day trip for swimming and snorkeling. Evening orientation.

Friday, February 8 Morning visit to Hindu Temple in Nadi. Afternoon bus to University of the South Pacific (USP), Suva. Meet with host families for homestays

Saturday, February 9 Free weekend with Fijian families

Sunday, February 10 Walking tour of Suva

Monday, February 11 Morning and afternoon lectures at USP

Tuesday, February 12 Morning lectures at USP. Afternoon visit with professor to Fiji Museum

Wednesday, February 13 Morning departure for overnight stay in Fijian village

Thursday, February 14 Afternoon departure from Fijian village to flea market and return to Suva

Friday, February 15 Morning exam. Afternoon free for shopping. Farewell feast for students, host families and USP staff

Saturday, February 16 Morning departure for Kula Bird Park. Evening arrival and overnight in Nadi

Sunday, February 17 Early morning departure from Nadi airport to Sydney

Dates are tentative and subject to change.

The program includes classes, field trips, accommodation, breakfast and dinner daily, sightseeing and transportation.