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Hands-On Experiences to Inspire Your Future

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Adventure Travel & Cultural Immersion

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Active Immersion in Language & Culture

Our Programs

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High School
For students currently in grades 9–12

Fiji

Community Building, Remote Islands, & Tropical Tides

June 26 — July 17
$6,990 + airfare

Fiji

Community Building, Remote Islands, & Tropical Tides

June 26 — July 17
$6,990 + airfare

Join us for three weeks in the South Pacific on this summer service program in Fiji. During your program, work alongside community members on a meaningful construction project, paint a welcome sign to our host village, rebuild cement sidewalks, garden, and assist in the preparation of delicious local meals. Experience this unique culture firsthand as you get to know our Fijian hosts and explore the mountains, coast, and coral reefs of this alluring island nation.

• Work with locals on a community construction project
• Snorkel in Fiji’s Beqa Lagoon, the soft coral capital of the world
• Host an after-school sports or arts club for children
• Join in a traditional kava ceremony with local friends
“One night after dinner we started spontaneously dancing with the locals, and though I thought it would be awkward, it was so much fun. We danced for more than an hour, and I would have never done something like that back home. It stands out to me because we were able to have such a blast with nothing but music, despite language barriers and cultural differences.”
—Ruby S., Montgomery Blair High School, Takoma Park, MD

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Los Angeles and travel together to Nadi, Fiji. One day is lost while crossing the International Date Line. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Pacific Harbour & Beqa Lagoon — 3 days

Begin your journey in the town of Pacific Harbour, the adventure capital of Fiji, home to remote beaches and a lush inland rainforest. Settle into island life at your beachside ecolodge and get to know your group through an in-depth orientation. Snorkel or scuba dive the famous Beqa Lagoon and travel up the Navua River by longboat to visit a remote highland village. Float your way back by innertube, stopping to swim at a secluded waterfall. Learn about Fijian culture as you prepare to immerse yourself in village life.

Host Village — 13 days

Travel to the Sun Coast and arrive at your host village. Take part in a meke, or traditional dance, and a traditional sevu sevu ceremony with village leaders as your group is warmly welcomed into the community. Spend the first day settling into your new home, getting to know each other, and participating in an in-depth orientation to Fijian life. Meet with community members to review plans and goals for service work during your stay. Volunteer projects may include constructing a community center, creating a pathway between buildings, painting the village meeting hall, or planting in the community garden. During the day, work on service projects and immerse yourself in the community, and spend the afternoon and evening getting to know your new friends and the Fijian landscape.

Sun Coast — 2 days

Halfway through your time in the host village, take a weekend excursion to relax on isolated beaches and explore all that Fiji has to offer. The Fijian Archipelago is home to one of the most extensive ranges of coral reefs in the world. Head out to snorkel among the abundant marine life or travel inland to hike in Fiji’s lush mountain forests, stopping along the way for a swim in a waterfall or to sample fresh, native fruits. Take in the sunset from your ocean kayak, join in a game of volleyball, and go for a boat ride alongside leaping dolphins.

Nadi — 3 days

Wrap up your South Pacific service adventure at a tranquil beachfront resort just outside of Nadi, completing your circumnavigation of the island. Relax on white-sand beaches, explore the multicultural city of Nadi, visit a Hindu temple and artisan markets, hot springs, and mud baths. Contrast the bustling and urban way of life in Nadi with the slow-paced traditional life experienced in your host community. Use this time to reflect as a group on your time spent immersed in this incredible culture.

Return — Travel Day

Fly with your group and leaders from Nadi, Fiji, to Los Angeles. Continue to your final destination on a connecting flight. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Los Angeles and travel together to Nadi, Fiji. One day is lost while crossing the International Date Line. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Pacific Harbour & Beqa Lagoon — 3 days

Begin your journey in the town of Pacific Harbour, the adventure capital of Fiji, home to remote beaches and a lush inland rainforest. Settle into island life at your beachside ecolodge and get to know your group through an in-depth orientation. Snorkel or scuba dive the famous Beqa Lagoon and travel up the Navua River by longboat to visit a remote highland village. Float your way back by innertube, stopping to swim at a secluded waterfall. Learn about Fijian culture as you prepare to immerse yourself in village life.

Host Village — 13 days

Travel to the Sun Coast and arrive at your host village. Take part in a meke, or traditional dance, and a traditional sevu sevu ceremony with village leaders as your group is warmly welcomed into the community. Spend the first day settling into your new home, getting to know each other, and participating in an in-depth orientation to Fijian life. Meet with community members to review plans and goals for service work during your stay. Volunteer projects may include constructing a community center, creating a pathway between buildings, painting the village meeting hall, or planting in the community garden. During the day, work on service projects and immerse yourself in the community, and spend the afternoon and evening getting to know your new friends and the Fijian landscape.

Sun Coast — 2 days

Halfway through your time in the host village, take a weekend excursion to relax on isolated beaches and explore all that Fiji has to offer. The Fijian Archipelago is home to one of the most extensive ranges of coral reefs in the world. Head out to snorkel among the abundant marine life or travel inland to hike in Fiji’s lush mountain forests, stopping along the way for a swim in a waterfall or to sample fresh, native fruits. Take in the sunset from your ocean kayak, join in a game of volleyball, and go for a boat ride alongside leaping dolphins.

Nadi — 3 days

Wrap up your South Pacific service adventure at a tranquil beachfront resort just outside of Nadi, completing your circumnavigation of the island. Relax on white-sand beaches, explore the multicultural city of Nadi, visit a Hindu temple and artisan markets, hot springs, and mud baths. Contrast the bustling and urban way of life in Nadi with the slow-paced traditional life experienced in your host community. Use this time to reflect as a group on your time spent immersed in this incredible culture.

Return — Travel Day

Fly with your group and leaders from Nadi, Fiji, to Los Angeles. Continue to your final destination on a connecting flight. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

2023_sfija_lindsey-forg
Lindsey Forg
View Bio
2023_sfija_evan-frost
Evan Frost
View Bio
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Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

2023_sfija_lindsey-forg
Lindsey Forg
View Bio
2023_sfija_evan-frost
Evan Frost
View Bio
Loading...
About the Destination

Fiji comprises more than 330 islands, of which only around 100 are inhabited. The population of Fiji is approximately 850,000. Once a British colony, Fiji is a rich blend of indigenous cultures with the vibrant influence of its neighbors in the Pacific, including Tonga, Caledonia, and the Samoas. Over 30% of Fijians are Indian Fijians whose ancestors arrived in Fiji from India as indentured laborers in the 1800s.

Language

English is an official language in Fiji but Fijian and Hindi are the most commonly spoken languages, with different dialects noted on some islands. Fijian students begin learning English in elementary school and most adults are proficient, if not fluent.

Climate

Though July is considered to be the “cool season,” you will find Fiji’s weather to be tropical—warm and humid, with highs and lows ranging from 60–80ºF (15–27ºC). It is not uncommon to experience light rain showers in the afternoons.

Cuisine

The cuisine in Fiji reflects the influence of the British colonial presence as well as that of recent Indian and Chinese immigrants. While poultry and red meat are uncommon in remote locations, many dishes incorporate seafood, eggs, tubers, and hearty vegetables. Food in our community is fresh and the local diet consists of freshly baked breads, locally harvested vegetables, fruits, and proteins.

About the Destination

Fiji comprises more than 330 islands, of which only around 100 are inhabited. The population of Fiji is approximately 850,000. Once a British colony, Fiji is a rich blend of indigenous cultures with the vibrant influence of its neighbors in the Pacific, including Tonga, Caledonia, and the Samoas. Over 30% of Fijians are Indian Fijians whose ancestors arrived in Fiji from India as indentured laborers in the 1800s.

Language

English is an official language in Fiji but Fijian and Hindi are the most commonly spoken languages, with different dialects noted on some islands. Fijian students begin learning English in elementary school and most adults are proficient, if not fluent.

Climate

Though July is considered to be the “cool season,” you will find Fiji’s weather to be tropical—warm and humid, with highs and lows ranging from 60–80ºF (15–27ºC). It is not uncommon to experience light rain showers in the afternoons.

Cuisine

The cuisine in Fiji reflects the influence of the British colonial presence as well as that of recent Indian and Chinese immigrants. While poultry and red meat are uncommon in remote locations, many dishes incorporate seafood, eggs, tubers, and hearty vegetables. Food in our community is fresh and the local diet consists of freshly baked breads, locally harvested vegetables, fruits, and proteins.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Service

During your travel in Fiji, you can expect to participate in several different service experiences—constructing a community center in our host village, building cement pathways, painting the village meeting hall, planting in the community garden, or painting classrooms at the elementary school. This summer service program in Fiji is designed to provide the opportunity to learn about another culture by forming meaningful relationships with local people and undertaking a shared community service experience together. You should come to the summer with an open mind, eager to participate in new experiences and interested in exploring another culture and way of life. All students participate in each of the group’s projects on a rotating basis, and everyone lends a hand in meal preparation and cleanup. To learn more about our Service programs click here.

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—start an afterschool arts or sports club for students, shadow a fisherman to learn about sustainable fishing practices, or learn a traditional Fijian dance and song.

Physical Activity

This is a physically active summer travel program. Aside from working on volunteer projects, you can expect to go swimming, kayaking, and hiking during your time in Fiji. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

Accommodations

In our host village in Fiji, the group lives in a community building or house at the center of town. Accommodations are basic—we use sleeping bags and sleeping pads on the floor. There are simple bathrooms and running water. There is limited electricity. Outside of the host community, we stay in beds at comfortable beachfront bungalows. Rooms are separated by gender and are a mix of doubles, triples, and quads. Leaders reside together with the students throughout the program.

Meals

Many Fijian dishes incorporate seafood, tubers, and hearty vegetables. In our host village, we eat delicious home-cooked meals prepared by local women. Each day, a few students help to cook meals. Students may also have the opportunity to shop for food at the local market with our cooks. During excursions, the group eats most meals in restaurants.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Service

During your travel in Fiji, you can expect to participate in several different service experiences—constructing a community center in our host village, building cement pathways, painting the village meeting hall, planting in the community garden, or painting classrooms at the elementary school. This summer service program in Fiji is designed to provide the opportunity to learn about another culture by forming meaningful relationships with local people and undertaking a shared community service experience together. You should come to the summer with an open mind, eager to participate in new experiences and interested in exploring another culture and way of life. All students participate in each of the group’s projects on a rotating basis, and everyone lends a hand in meal preparation and cleanup. To learn more about our Service programs click here.

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—start an afterschool arts or sports club for students, shadow a fisherman to learn about sustainable fishing practices, or learn a traditional Fijian dance and song.

Physical Activity

This is a physically active summer travel program. Aside from working on volunteer projects, you can expect to go swimming, kayaking, and hiking during your time in Fiji. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

Accommodations

In our host village in Fiji, the group lives in a community building or house at the center of town. Accommodations are basic—we use sleeping bags and sleeping pads on the floor. There are simple bathrooms and running water. There is limited electricity. Outside of the host community, we stay in beds at comfortable beachfront bungalows. Rooms are separated by gender and are a mix of doubles, triples, and quads. Leaders reside together with the students throughout the program.

Meals

Many Fijian dishes incorporate seafood, tubers, and hearty vegetables. In our host village, we eat delicious home-cooked meals prepared by local women. Each day, a few students help to cook meals. Students may also have the opportunity to shop for food at the local market with our cooks. During excursions, the group eats most meals in restaurants.

A Day in the Life: Host Village​

Due to the traveling nature of this summer program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in our host village.
7:00am
Enjoy breakfast as a group
8:00am
Collaborate on service work alongside our hosts
12:00pm
Break for lunch and time to relax
1:00pm
Continue to work on service projects
3:00pm
Break for “tea,” a third meal consisting of fruits and sweet treats
4:00pm
Play volleyball, go fishing or snorkeling, or work on independent projects
6:00pm
Help prepare dinner with our local cooks
7:00pm
Share dinner as a group
8:00pm
Meet as a group and participate in evening activities with community members

A Day in the Life:
Host Village​

Due to the traveling nature of this summer program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in our host village.
7:00am
Enjoy breakfast as a group
8:00am
Collaborate on service work alongside our hosts
12:00pm
Break for lunch and time to relax
1:00pm
Continue to work on service projects
3:00pm
Break for “tea,” a third meal consisting of fruits and sweet treats
4:00pm
Play volleyball, go fishing or snorkeling, or work on independent projects
6:00pm
Help prepare dinner with our local cooks
7:00pm
Share dinner as a group
8:00pm
Meet as a group and participate in evening activities with community members
“My experience exceeded my expectations. My group and leaders were wonderful.”
—Izzy P., Greenwich High School, Greenwich, CT
mackenzie-grapes

This Program is Directed by

Mackenzie Grapes

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

mackenzie-grapes

This Program is Directed by

Mackenzie Grapes

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

Enroll in two programs & save $1,000!

$800 tuition discount + no application fee

Fiji
Community Building, Remote Islands, & Tropical Tides

2024 Dates
June 26 — July 17

Duration
22 days

Tuition
$6,990 + airfare

Eligibility
Currently* in grades 9–12
*Your grade as of the day you apply

Typical Group
14–16 students, 2 leaders

Group Flight
Departs from Los Angeles

Service Hours
50–70 

Additional Info

Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000

 

2024 Dates
June 26 — July 17

Duration
22 days

Tuition
$6,990 + airfare

Service Hours
50–70 

Eligibility
Currently* in grades 9–12
*Your grade as of the day you apply

Typical Group
14–16 students, 2 leaders

Group Flight
Departs from Los Angeles

 

Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000

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Request More Info

Alaska
Baja & the Gulf of California
Barcelona
Belize
Chile & Peru
Germany & Sweden
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Montana
Peru
Switzerland
Australia, New Zealand, & Fiji
Croatia & Slovenia
Cuba
Faroe Islands & Iceland
Italy & Greece
Japan
Kilimanjaro
Panama & Colombia
Patagonia: Skiing
Spain, France, & Portugal
Switzerland, Italy, France, & Holland
Spain
France
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Tuscany
Barcelona
Tokyo
Argentina
Costa Rica
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Fiji
Hawai'i
Morocco
Nepal
Peru
Puerto Rico
Tanzania
Thailand
Vietnam
Iceland
France & Holland
Italy & Greece
Spain
France
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador & the Galápagos
Hawai'i

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