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(For High School Students)
Bula! Beach to Mountain Villages
Cultural Exchange & Service Program
Session One: June 27th thru July 25th (29 days)
Ages: 14 to 17
Size of group: 16-18 students
Tuition: $4,595 (plus RT airfare, group flight from Los Angeles)
The Fiji Islands are known as home to some of the most friendly and hospitable people on the planet. “They are so gentle and kind that visitors may doubt their sincerity,” says Rob Kay, author of the Lonely Planet. There are many beautiful islands, but it is the people who make Fiji a true paradise in the Pacific. We share in the communal life of two small villages that hold the deep belief that family and friends are the most important things in life. Upon our arrival in each village we participate in a formal “sevu sevu,” a traditional welcoming ceremony, during which we present the chief with gifts and are accepted into each community as guests. While we immerse ourselves into the villages that exist without cars or stores, we gain a deeper understanding of the simple Fijian way of life.
Service Projects*
- Build bures (houses) for eco-tourism
- Reforest fruit and firewood trees
- Construct a community center
- Work with preschool children
Adventure and Cultural Activities
- SCUBA Dive Fiji’s coral reefs
- Trek volcanic mountain trails
- Snorkel along village shores
- Sea kayak
- Experience Fijian community life
*Please note that some of the projects and activities will change from year to year, however, they will be similar to those listed. A final itinerary will be printed prior to each trip.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Orientation & Mountain Village (14 days) - We spend three days in orientation, getting to know one another, learning about the customs of the local people, and preparing to immerse ourselves in true community living. Our first stay is in a small mountain community where we share traditional customs and work. To gain a full appreciation of the Fijian lifestyle, small groups of three or four share mini homestays with our Fijian friends. We all eat together in a communal setting where our village family spoils us with inspired banquets full of fruits, breads, and native dishes. In our first few days, we will learn of the efforts of a handful of forward-thinking Fijians who have begun a program to develop sustainable eco-tourism in a healthy, low-impact way. We will contribute to this movement with our time, labor and financial donations. During the past 10 summers, we have built “bures” (guest houses), restored community buildings and classrooms, and planted thousands of young trees for many villages.
Coastal Village (11 days) - After a few days to rest, swim and explore the markets, we travel to a coastal community where we will stay as a group. The days follow relaxed “Fiji-time” and include projects, adventure activities, and introductions to traditional local customs, crafts, and games! Fiji is paradise in the Pacific, complete with volcanic mountains, coral reefs, waterfalls, hiking trails, and single lane dirt roads that transport us back to a simpler time. We will have a day of PADI Certified diver instruction (a SCUBA resort course); you will find yourself enchanted by the underwater dream worlds! As we explore the reefs, viewing dazzling colored fish, it is easy to see why Fiji is known for its world class diving!
Beach Time Adventure (3 days) - We will travel by ferry to spend the final few days at a small island resort where time will be spent snorkeling above colorful coral, windsurfing, sailing, playing beach volleyball or simply soaking up the sun. Your evenings will be spent under the bright stars of the Southern Cross with new friends reflecting on an incredible four weeks of service, adventure and friendly people. Your four weeks in Fiji immerse you in the exotic warmth of communal village life — a way of life that may soon be lost in time — and the people you meet will forever be in your heart.
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 "Click to enlarge Fiji Islands map.")