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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Program Name
Environmental Studies, Education, & Liberal Arts
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Location
Suva
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Host University
University of the South Pacific
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Term
Fall 1 2019
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Program Dates
Jun 26, 2019 - Nov 09, 2019
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Apr 01, 2019
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Credit
Host University Units
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$11,950
Program Description
Housing is not included in the price above. For more information on housing options and prices, please refer to the housing section.
Courses are conducted through the University of the South Pacific and taught in English by host university professors. You will enroll in courses alongside Fijian and international students. Every student who attends University of the South Pacific begins the program with a three day/two night Bridging Cultures Orientation Program in tropical Pacific Harbour - click on excursions to learn more.
Semester + Semester Programs Available: Students may participate in the Spring + Fall OR the Fall + Spring sessions of this program by selecting their two semesters of interest when submitting the initial ISA online application. For more information about this option, please contact your Suva Site Specialist.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
You must have a minimum of two semesters completed at a four-year university at the time of participation. Some exceptions may apply, please contact the Program Manager for more information.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Site Specialist will assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to book your flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Site Specialist will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Bridging Cultures Program
Bridging Cultures Program
The Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) encompasses the ISA on-site orientation which will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. The BCP is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site Offices
On-Site Offices
You will have access to many of the resources and facilities at the host university. ISA resident staff members will hold office hours either at the host university or at another pre-determined location in the city each week.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the BCP, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions
Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
12
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
18
Academic Information
- Sample Courses and Syllabi
The courses listed below are only a sampling of courses available; please click the "Complete University Course Catalog Listing" link for the full Course Handbook. Requests for syllabi can be made to the Site Specialist. - Credit Conversion
- 1 USP course = 3-4 U.S. semester credits/4-6 quarter units.
- The final decision regarding credit transfer is determined by the students' home universities.
- Course Level Recommendations
ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses listed below. Please note that the course level recommendations are based on the University of the South Pacific (USP) course codes. All USP course codes consist of a two or three-letter abbreviation detailing the area of study of the course (such as BI for Biology), as well as a three-digit number. The first digit of the course code represents the level of the course. Codes beginning with the numbers 2 or 3 represent advanced-level undergraduate courses. ISA recommends 200- and 300-level courses as upper division. These ISA recommendations are intended to facilitate the determination of course equivalencies by advisors and credential evaluators at participants' U.S. home institutions. - Online Courses
ISA does not recommend that students sign up for online courses through their host university. If enrolling in an online course is necessary for you to meet your degree requirements, you may only enroll in one online class. It is your responsibility to confirm with your home university that you will receive credit for online courses taken through your host university.
- Select the area of study you are interested in from the "Pick a Discipline" drop down
- Select the correct semester from the drop-down
- Semester I = Feb - June term
- Semester II = June/July - Nov term
- Click 'Search'
Understanding the course catalog
- You are only permitted to enroll in 100-300 level courses. Study abroad students are not eligible for anything outside 100-300 level.
- Level 100 = Freshman/Sophomore level
- Level 200 = Junior level
- Level 300 = Senior level
- Additionally, please do not select courses with the letter F as part of the code. These courses are Foundation studies only and also not available to study abroad students. You are also not permitted to select LWD courses.
- Please be sure to select courses available at the Laucala (L) campus.
- Students are typically only permitted to enroll in courses where the delivery mode states Face to Face (F), however it may be possible to enroll in one Blended (B) course
Go to Host University Course Search Here
Go to Course SearchCourses
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Course Disclaimer
- Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations
Support & Funding
U.S. Team
Jeffrey Sendejar
Program Manager, Australia & Fiji
A native Texan, Jeffrey attended the University of Texas at Austin where he completed a B.S.A in Biology with a Minor in French. Torn between studying in Europe or Australia, Jeffrey ultimately decided to study abroad in Sydney at the University of New South Wales. While abroad he was mesmerized by the country’s diverse cultures, varied landscapes, and iconic wildlife. Outside of the office, Jeffrey enjoys cooking and sampling different world cuisines, completing DIY projects, and collecting plants. He tries to travel whenever he can and enjoys experiencing different cultures and exploring different points of view through his travels.
SUVA TEAM
Akisi Rokovucago
Resident Director, Fiji
Akisi Rokovucago
Resident Director
Born and raised in Suva, Akisi studied Tourism and Management & Public Administration at the University of the South Pacific and went onto join the tourism industry which she has been actively involved in, over the past years. She first joined ISA in 2014 before she left in 2015 and later rejoined in 2017, excited to be involved in study abroad programs with ISA. Her passion for travel and the outdoors are two of the contributing factors that have helped her in assisting students to better understand Fiji’s culture and their overall experiences in the country.
Funding Your ISA Program
As an ISA participant, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad programs. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Scholarships and Grants page.
View all Funding OptionsHousing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Fijian lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to Fiji. Housing in Suva is located just at the top of campus, only about a five minute walk to most university buildings, and is conveniently located within a short walk of many shops and the center of downtown Suva. With an open-mind and flexibility, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
Housing is provided on all ISA programs in Fiji at an additional cost. Apartment accommodation at USP is $3,800, without meals (subject to change). You will pay a $500 refundable security deposit if living in ISA housing. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in case of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Apartment Without Meals
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking independence during your time abroad but also want the support of the university. You will live in on-campus apartments or houses with other ISA students in single gendered, air-conditioned units with two to four single-occupancy bedrooms, common living spaces, kitchens, and shared bathrooms. Linens and towels are included, and laundry facilities are available on-site. All units have WiFi, though the internet can be somewhat unreliable.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
ISA excursions allow you to explore the diverse, distinct, and gorgeous landscape of Fiji that you may not have the opportunity to visit on your own. While abroad, you will have the chance to go on one multi-day trip (the ISA Bridging Cultures Program at the beginning of your program), one weekend trip, and one day trip to the following destinations.
Pacific Harbour & Bridging Cultures Program
Kick-off your semester abroad with ISA during our three-day Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) in tropical Pacific Harbour. The BCP integrates our ISA on-site orientation with exciting activities aimed at introducing Fijian culture, helping you define your study abroad goals, and encouraging you to meet other students. Activities include a traditional kava ceremony, village trip, snorkel safari, Meke entertainment, Fijian bamboo raft ride, and most importantly, an informative, interactive, and memorable start to your study abroad experience.
Pacific Harbour & Bridging Cultures Program
Kick-off your semester abroad with ISA during our three-day Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) in tropical Pacific Harbour. The BCP integrates our ISA on-site orientation with exciting activities aimed at introducing Fijian culture, helping you define your study abroad goals, and encouraging you to meet other students. Activities include a traditional kava ceremony, village trip, snorkel safari, Meke entertainment, Fijian bamboo raft ride, and most importantly, an informative, interactive, and memorable start to your study abroad experience.
Levuka
Spend three days and two nights exploring historical Levuka, a World Heritage site. Learn about the Lovoni people of Fiji, their history and way of life, while discovering Ovalau Island and getting a chance to enjoy traditional Fijian foods. You will spend a day in one of Fiji's oldest villages as well as a day in a beautiful historic town, viewing some of the oldest buildings in the South Pacific, as well as several historic monuments.
Levuka
Spend three days and two nights exploring historical Levuka, a World Heritage site. Learn about the Lovoni people of Fiji, their history and way of life, while discovering Ovalau Island and getting a chance to enjoy traditional Fijian foods. You will spend a day in one of Fiji's oldest villages as well as a day in a beautiful historic town, viewing some of the oldest buildings in the South Pacific, as well as several historic monuments.
Sigatoka Sand Dunes
The Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is Fiji's first National Park and was established in 1987 to protect a unique natural and cultural heritage site. You will spend the day exploring these monoliths, ranging from 20-60 meters high, followed by a stop at Kula Wild Adventure Park and ecological preserve.
Sigatoka Sand Dunes
The Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is Fiji's first National Park and was established in 1987 to protect a unique natural and cultural heritage site. You will spend the day exploring these monoliths, ranging from 20-60 meters high, followed by a stop at Kula Wild Adventure Park and ecological preserve.