Fall Semester

 

(September 29 - December 2)

Summer / Winter Programs are available for individuals or small groups based on a custom design basis.

~Hawaii: The Big Island~
The state of Hawaii is home to Kilauea--the world's most active volcano, Kalaupapa--the highest sea-cliffs on the planet and Mauna Loa the largest mountain on earth (as measured from the sea floor). The program begins with orientation in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo. Presentations on geology, island biogeography, Hawaiian mythology, and land management are featured. Following a twelve-day orientation, embark on an internship adventure exploring Hawaii's diverse marine life, preservation of native rainforests, or working with children. click here for more information

~Fiji: The Pearl of the Pacific~
Upon arrival to Viti Levu, Fiji, prepare for an immersion into one of the world's truly unique cultures. Despite European contact and fluency in the English language by the majority of Fijians, the Fijian way of life has remained remarkably intact. First and foremost, Fijiian society maintains a strong focus on community - with values placed on the family unit, the village, and the vanua (land). Both people in the villages, and those in urban areas, share in communal obligations, close ties to family, and leadership of a hereditary chief. Viti Levu, one of the two main Fijian islands, will be your first destination. Orientation includes guest lectures from the nearby University of the South Pacific. Presentations include: politics, culture, forest ecology, women's roles in society, among other topics. Other highlights include hiking in Colo-I-Suva Forest Park, a trip to Ovalau Island, and urban explorations of Suva. The culminating experience of the 12-day orientation period is a six-day village stay in inland Viti Levu. Following orientation, choose from three exciting internship options. The marine ecology study takes place on Viti Levu and in the Yasawa Islands. Here you have the opportunity to receive dive certification and map coral reef ecosystems. The village stay option provides a glimpse of the Fijian lifeway in a remote mountain/rainforest setting. You are allowed to extend your stay in the village after the orientation period. Our eco-tourism option allows for assistance in development of a traditional bure (grass house). click here for more information

~Australia: The Land Down Under~
Australia is your third and final internship destination. Our orientation begins in Brisbane and features a collection of guest speakers on Aboriginal rights, geography, politics, and ecology. Side trips include a visit to the famed Australian National Museum with its rich collection of Aboriginal art and artifacts. Botanical gardens provide insight into the great diversity of Australia's flora. And, a snorkel trip to blue-green waters is a highlight. In addition, time has been set aside to explore and experience aboriginal culture. This inquiry will provide an interesting contrast to the Fijian lifeway that you embraced an island before. Your final internship period allows you to continue your marine study as you map corals and study ocean environments along Australia's famed Great Barrier Reef. Or you can work with children to promote education. And for the adventurous student, choose to work as a cowboy/cowgirl on a ranch or help conserve the environment in beach clean-up work or reforestation work. click here for more information