Program Overview
Fiji is an exotic and fascinating nation steeped in Pacific, British, and Indian culture that spans millennia; it is also often named the world’s happiest country. Our program delves into the cultural conflicts that have defined the landscape with the goal of placing students beyond the “tourist bubble.”
Specifically, we focus on the intersection of sustainable tourism development with service-learning, by staying in a remote island eco-resort and Fijian village. Service-learning has become a cornerstone of higher education and students graduating with an international experience in service-learning strongly improve their chances of finding employment related to their field.
After arriving in the multi-cultural city of Nadi, the following morning we travel by coach along the Coral Coast and then by boat to Beqa Island. Here we combine a village homestay with a tropical eco resort (surrounded by coral reefs) to experience first-hand Fijian village small island life, traditions, subsistence knowledge, reef management, and island tourism development. Guys… you will be required to wear a skirt (sulu) during the homestay!
A significant part of the program is a range of citizen science and service-learning projects to be undertaken in the village and resort. These projects range from ecotourism business ventures to water and environmental conservation to coral reef monitoring. During our time in Fiji there will also be opportunities for other activities such as hiking and snorkeling and to participate in traditional Fijian village celebrations including a sevu-sevu.
The program is open to all students from UGA and from other institutions (non-UGA students pay in-state tuition), and no prior knowledge is assumed, but is specifically designed to fit with our Maymester Australia and New Zealand program. Fiji is an easy and often low-cost stopover traveling on a ticket to or from the U.S. and the programs begin as soon as the Maymester programs conclude.
Program Itinerary
Click on the link below to learn more about the program itinerary
Maymester Add-On Fiji
Credits
Field Studies in Sustainable Development (FANR 4273/6273) 3 credits (FANR 4273S meets UGA service-learning requirements). Contact Discover Abroad for more information.) There are no course prerequisites.
The 4000 level course is for undergraduate students and 6000 level course for graduates and honors students.
Costs
Program cost includes all accommodations, field excursions, cultural events, insurance, in-country ground transportation, and ~95% of meals. Tuition (HOPE/Zell applies and out-of-state or non-UGA students pay in-state tuition) and airfare (optional group rate forthcoming) are additional. We also strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance for airline tickets.
Out-of-state students will receive an out-of-state tuition waiver (i.e. tuition for participation will be charged at the in-state level) for study abroad courses.
Students departing directly from the U.S. leave on June 1 and arrive in Fiji on June 3. Students on the Maymester Australia and New Zealand programs fly directly to Fiji at the conclusion of their program, arriving later that same day.
Download the Estimated Costs for a more detailed breakdown.
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Testimonials
“What matters is not the name brands on my back, or the way my Instagram feed looks, it’s about the community that I build and the way I treat the people I love inside and outside of that community.” (Fiji, 2026)
“Come in with an extremely open heart, and you will thrive. This was the best thing I could’ve ever done, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. You will come out feeling the same way.” (Fiji, 2026)
“It is unlike anything I have ever done in the best way. Fiji is incredible.” (Fiji, 2026)
“On this trip, you’ll explore what it means to be rich, to be poor, and to be happy. If you’re interested in experiencing another culture in a safe, structured, and immersive environment, sign up! This is the most I’ve learned in a long time, and the lessons are sure to stick around for a lifetime.” (Fiji, 2026)
“Add on Fiji! It’s so worth it and a very different experience than the Maymester that will change your life!” (Fiji, 2023)
“Don’t let the fear of getting out of your comfort zone keep you from having what will be some of the best experiences of your life” (Fiji, 2023)
“I learned so much during my time in the village about what values in life are most important and how to truly be happy.” (Fiji, 2022)
“This program was by far one of the most incredible experiences I have ever been a part of. The reefs and Eco resort were essentially paradise, the village home stay let us actually become immersed in these people’s culture, and the river trip to the waterfall was amazing. But as a whole, the Fiji trip is so much more than the places you go. Interacting with our host families and professors was incredibly educational and only made these places stand out even more!” Daniel Antonio Lopez (Fiji, 2019)
“Learning about the Fijian way of life while surrounded by an incredible ecosystem was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had.” Meghan C Bierden (Fiji, 2019)
“Fiji is not just a beautiful place filled with tourists and resorts, but it is a place filled with different culture and heritage. The best part was having the opportunity to learn more about the people in village by staying with them and participating in their different events.” Ann M Joseph (Fiji, 2019)
“This is the trip of a lifetime. Every penny was worth it! I’ve met a great group of people, learned so much about different cultures, and now I just want to travel everywhere!” Amanda Nicole Blackwell (Fiji, 2016)