Fiji: Humans and the Environment
Program Description
This 10-day experiential
program uses the theme of sustainable development to explore the
relationship between people and their natural environment. We explore
the complex relationships between Fijian cultural practices,
conservation of the natural environment, and eco-tourism. Despite
several centuries of outside contact and a unique ethnic mix,
traditional Fijian values and customs still flourish.
Our experiential education focuses on learning through guided action. We spend 2-days taking introductory lectures followed by an 8-day field study which includes several days exploring the pristine coral reefs of the Mamanuca offshore islands, a homestay at a traditional Fijian village, and kayaking through the highland rainforests.
Interactive Map and Program Itinerary
Check out our
interactive program map and view a
sample itinerary for this program.
Program Pictures
Check out our Flickr page to view pictures of the Fiji program!
Program Objectives
By the end of the program students will:
- Understand the geography, ecology, natural history, and social and political contexts of the Fijian islands;
- Understand the impacts of humans on the natural environment;
- Develop
a working understanding of traditional Fijian knowledge of the natural
environment, such as in plant use and maritime and subsistence
practices;
- Be able to address relationships
between human societies and their natural environments form multiple
disciplinary perspectives and to develop a complex, multi-faceted and
holistic view of human - environment connections that cross traditional
disciplinary boundaries.
- Work as an effective member of an interdisciplinary research team
Read the
program syllabus for the Fiji program.
Eligibility
We encourage students from all majors to apply, as we take an
interdisciplinary perspective to examine global issues in the
conservation of unique wildlife, natural systems, and cultural places.
Students should have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be in good standing with
their home university or college.
Program Fee
The program fee (see
application page) includes:
-
Transcript
- Accommodation at hostels and motels
- Orientation
- Some meals
- Group activities
- In-country transportation
Additional costs that students are responsible for include:
Top Reasons to Choose this Program
- We are one of the only program to offer you the
chance to explore the vibrant traditional culture and spectacular
natural environment of Fiji.
- You will spend much of
your time out in the field, visiting and observing Fiji first-hand. We
believe that students learn from study abroad experiences both in and
outside of the classroom.
- Where else would you have
the chance to research [and snorkel] pristine coral reefs, visit white
sand beaches on remote coral atolls, participate in a traditional kava
ceremony, and learn from the leading experts in Pacific studies?
- You
will learn from leading Fijian academics and professionals with
expertise in subjects related to the People & Nature theme.
- Our programs offer the highest quality academics at the lowest costs available.
