Fiji

High School Program

Fiji, a captivating archipelago in the South Pacific, juxtaposes vibrant coastal cities with traditional mountain-set villages. This program highlights local innovators championing sustainability in this diverse landscape.

Climate Change & Sea Levels

Around 75% of the total population in Fiji live near the coast and depend on the health and prosperity of the coastline. With sea levels rising around 6mm per year in Fiji, the strength and occurrence of storm surges and coastal flooding will continue to increase and damage the environment. Speaking to the locals and experiencing first-hand how climate change is affecting the daily lives of thousands of people, brings perspective to this ongoing issue and creates an impactful learning experience.

About Fiji

In the middle of the South Pacific Ocean lies an archipelago of more than 300 islands known collectively as the Republic of Fiji. There are two very distinct sides to Fiji; the coastal cities adorned with palm-lined beaches and coral reefs amidst turquoise bays, and the traditional villages set against mountain backdrops. One leads to economic growth and the other preserves its culture. This program gives voice to local changemakers innovating to bolster sustainability in Fiji.

Theme Alternatives

Fully customizable authentic experiences

At Insight, our program itineraries are as unique as your students. All our program itineraries are customized with teacher chaperones to ensure that it meets the needs of your students.

With the support of a variety of local vendors and NGO’s, we promise that your students will get an authentic, local experience.

What's Included

We make it simple. No hidden fees or itinerary exclusions.

All our trips include:

Program highlights

 

Volunteer with Animals Fiji. Learn about the biggest challenges for stray animals in Fiji and what is being done to help.

Make chocolate from bean to bar! Visit a permaculture farm to learn about the effects of monocropping, and the feasibility of alternatives.

Visit Tuvalu’s High Commission. Learn how this small island nation in the South Pacific is affected by climate change, how its citizens are coping, and how the government is responding.

Take a ferry to a beach club on a small private island and spend the day snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, or lounging.

How it works

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Want to take your students outside the classroom? Review our program locations and suggested themes.

Connect with one of our High School Educators who will help custom design your program.

With our assistance, submit required paperwork and details to your Administration and School Board.

Announce the trip to your students! (We’ll provide all the materials you need).

Invite us to your school to host a Student & Parent Info Night! We will be there to answer questions and support student sign-up!

Sample Itinerary

  • Travel from home to Nadi, Fiji.
  • This day is lost as you cross the international date line. Don’t worry, you’ll get it back on your way home.
  • Welcome to Fiji! Begin with a visit to Fiji Culture Village to learn a little about Fijian history and culture. Enjoy an interactive performance of traditional dances and songs. 

  • Meet with your local guide for a Fijian 101 lesson and a program introduction.

  • Visit FRIEND (Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development) Fiji to learn about its approach to poverty alleviation and social empowerment. Visit its restaurant, Tukuni, and participate in a hands-on workshop.

  • Travel to Sigatoka.

  • Fiji has a significant stray animal population. Visit Animals Fiji to learn about the biggest challenges for animals in Fiji and what is being done to help. Contribute to socialization efforts by taking puppies and kittens on their daily walks or playing with toys in their pens.

  • Visit a permaculture farm to learn about the effects of monocropping, and the feasibility of alternatives. Get your hands dirty collecting eggs at the chicken coops and participate in a workshop making chocolate from bean to bar.
  • Visit Tuvalu’s High Commission. Learn how this small island nation in the South Pacific is affected by climate change, how its citizens are coping, and how the government is responding.

  • Then take a stroll around Fiji’s capital. Visit the Fiji Museum and the Thurston Gardens.

  • Visit Suva’s municipal market. See fruits and vegetables you never knew existed and buy some for tasting later.

  • Travel to a village near Pacific Harbour. After a traditional welcome ceremony with the headman, tour the village and learn about the significance of its coastal location and specifically its mangroves. Contribute to a community initiative to restore mangrove forests.

  • Take a winding gravel road into Fiji’s highlands where a small, thatched village in an idyllic setting will welcome you with open arms. Take in the views on a short hike. Enjoy a farm-to-table meal. 

  • Learn to make a bamboo raft. Swim in the river. Partake in a traditional kava ceremony and enjoy a dance and song performance at the end of the day.
  • Travel to Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. Meet with a park ranger to learn about the importance of the sand dunes for the local ecosystem. Participate in conservation and rehabilitation efforts such as tree planting and beach clean ups. 

  • Continue the drive to Nadi.

  • Flights from Fiji to North America depart in the evening so take advantage of a full last day at Malamala Beach Club! Take a ferry to a small private island and spend the day snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, or lounging.

  • After dinner, begin your journey home.

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