Join us for three weeks of community service and exploration in the South Pacific. Work alongside community members to complete a small-scale construction project and volunteer time at the local kindergarten. Gain a deeper understanding of the Fijian way of life and learn about this diverse island nation. Fijians maintain strong ties to their heritage by preserving the traditional arts, ceremonies, and ways of life that make the island culture so unique. Experience this culture first hand as you get to know our Fijian hosts and explore the mountains, coast, and coral reefs of this charming country.
- Dates:
- July 8, 2012 - July 29, 2012
- Eligibility:
- Students completing grades 9-12
- Focus:
- Community Service
- Typical Group:
- 15-18 Students, 2 Leaders
- Duration:
- 3 week(s)
Overview
Fijians are considered to be among the most friendly and hospitable people on earth. From our home base in a rural village on Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island, we become a part of the community as we work alongside members of our host village to complete a variety of projects. Projects are identified by the village council, and community members work alongside our group throughout. Projects may include constructing a playground at the elementary school, building a dining area for the community center, running an after-school camp for village youth, or painting a mural on the health center. Choose an independent project and pursue an aspect of Fijian culture of particular interest to you – go fishing with local fishermen, spend a day working in the sugar cane fields, learn the meke, a traditional Fijian dance, or learn to make some local specialty dishes. After we wrap up the workday there will be time to join in a game up pick-up rugby, go for a hike, or go for a swim in a nearby stream. Participants can expect to complete between 50-70 hours of community service work.
While in the village we stay in a house or a community building close to the center of the town. Accommodations are basic: we use sleeping bags and sleeping pads on the floor and have separate sleeping space for girls and boys. There are simple showers and running water. We have access to basic kitchen facilities and students work with local women to prepare meals for the group.
Participate in a traditional 'sevu sevu' ceremony as part of your welcoming celebration.
On weekends we head out to explore the surrounding areas. Go on a day-long white water rafting adventure on the Upper Navua River, exploring lush rainforests and bathing under picturesque waterfalls along the way. The Fijian Archipelago is home to one of the most extensive range of coral reef in the world. Head to the coast and snorkel or scuba dive the marvelous coral reef. Those who aren’t scuba certified can become certified while on the trip. Other activities may include heading inland to hike mountain trails, visiting an artisan market, or attending a Fijian dance performance or rugby match.
We wrap up our South Pacific adventure at a rustic resort. Our last few days as a group are spent relaxing on the white-sand beach, snorkeling or scuba diving magnificent coral reef, kayaking in the calm bay, or heading out to deep-sea fish with local fishermen.
Highlights
- Work with community members to complete a construction project at the local school.
- Explore the lush rain forests while white-water rafting down the Upper Navau River.
- Snorkel or scuba some of Fiji’s phenomenal coral reefs, considered some of the best in the world.
- Start an after-school arts and crafts club for local youth.
- Cheer on the Flying Fijians, a favorite Fijian rugby team, and learn the rules of this national sport.
- Participate in a traditional Fijian sevu sevu (steeped kava plant) ceremony with community leaders in a typical welcoming ceremony.
What to Expect
For most of each weekday, we are actively involved in community service work. This work, as well as afternoon and weekend activities, can be strenuous, and you can expect to spend most of each day outside. Everyone participates in all of the group’s projects on a rotating basis, and everyone lends a hand in meal preparation and cleanup. Since we live in our village as the local people do, accommodations are very simple with separate space for boys and girls, and basic bathroom facilities. You should come to the program with an open-mind, eager to participate in new experiences and interested in exploring another culture and way of life. If you are scuba-registered, you will have an opportunity to take a dive. Those not scuba-certified will have the opportunity to become certified while on the trip.
Fees
Tuition: $4,690
Itinerary
This program begins and ends at Los Angeles International Airport.
Departure • July 8. Join the group as we begin our adventure in the South Pacific. The group flight departs from Los Angeles International Airport where you will meet your leaders and travel to Nadi, Fiji.
Service Village: Our home base in Fiji is a rural community on the island of Viti Levu. Upon arrival we take part in a traditional sevu sevu (sometimes referred to as kava kava) ceremony with village leaders as we are warmly welcomed into the community. We spend the first day settling into our new home, getting to know one another, and joining in an in-depth orientation to Fijian life, including an introduction to rugby, the national sport. We meet with community members to review the service projects of the next few weeks and discuss how to best prepare to accomplish our goals for the summer.
Build a playground, paint a mural, or start an after school activities program at the local elementary school.
Weekend excursions: On weekends we explore all that Fiji has to offer. Head 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. White-water raft the stunning Upper Navua River, hop a ferry ride to neighboring islands to relax on isolated beaches, and join in a game of club rugby with some local teenagers.
Final weekend: We head to the coast to a rustic resort as we wrap up our last few days together. With its white sand beaches and opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, bonfires, and volleyball, it is an ideal place to relax for a few days before the journey home.
Return • July 29. Fly with the group and leaders from Nadi, Fiji, to Los Angeles International Airport. Continue to your final destination on a connecting flight.
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Destination
Background • Fiji is composed of more than 330 islands of which only around 100 are inhabited. Once a British colony, Fiji is a blend of indigenous cultures with the vibrant influence of its neighbors in the Pacific, including Tonga, Caledonia, and the Samoas. Though one of the most developed Pacific Island economies, over 30% of Fiji’s population continue to live in poverty.
Population • Fiji has a population of 850,000, most being indigenous Fijians.
Cheer on the village rugby team and learn how to play this national sport.
Language • English is an official language in Fiji. Portions of the population also speak Fijian and Hindi.
Climate • Though July is considered to be the “cool season,” you will find Fiji’s weather to be tropical—warm and humid, with highs in the 80′s.
Relax on some of Fiji's famous white-sand beaches.
Cuisine • The food in Fiji reflects the influence of the British colonial presence as well as that of recent Indian and Chinese immigrants. Many dishes incorporate seafood, tubers and hearty vegetables.
Currency • The currency of Fiji is the Fijian dollar (FJD).
Voltage • Electricity in Fiji is 240V/50Hz. Type I electrical outlet adapters (three flat pins, with the top two angling inward) are necessary.
The Community Service Fiji program is directed by Hannah Gilkenson. If you have questions, are interested in receiving more detailed information, or would like to talk further about the program, please get in touch!
Hannah Gilkenson
Hannah Gilkenson: University of Michigan, B.S., Anthropology & Zoology. Before joining Putney as the ecology instructor on the Foundations program, Hannah spent six years studying monkeys in Costa Rica. While living in Costa Rica, Hannah worked to bring conservation education to local schools and communities. She has led programs in Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. She has also served as the director of the Foundations program. Hannah helps coordinate programs in Latin America, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and oversees curriculum and hiring for Putney’s Excel Programs. A Vermont native, Hannah loves being outdoors and can often be found hiking, snow shoeing, or camping in the Green Mountains.
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Step 3: Complete the Application Process.
Before we can make a final admissions decision, an application must be complete. In addition to the Application Form and Application Deposit described above, a complete application includes:
- Applicant Statement
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