June 22 – June 29, 2010 (3 credits)
Fiji is a beautiful and fascinating island country in the central South Pacific with a diverse population, unique ecologies and wonderfully rich cultural traditions. Focusing on the intersection of culture, health and environment, we head off on our eight-day program by traveling down the beautiful southern coastline where we will meet local villagers and learn about how Fijians are balancing concerns of tradition and demands of modern life. The exact itinerary changes year to year, but often involves traveling by boat and/or sailing to Fiji's beautiful offshore islands in the Yasawa chain and a visit to the city of Siva to find out more about Fijian urban life and politics. We always spend a chunk of our time in research, service and experiential activities related to developing sustainable health and environmental solutions in indigenous Fijian communities. These also change each year based on what the village needs, but we have previously helped with building water tank systems and planting mangroves or seeding coral colonies to deal with local effects of climate change. Getting involved in everyday life and helping in a Fijian village is the highlight for many students. During our time in Fiji there will also be opportunities for such other activities as hiking, bird watching, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking and participation in traditional Fijian celebrations with food and dancing. Because we only have eight days in Fiji, this is a very busy, action-packed program.
The program is suitable for students from a wide variety of backgrounds, and no prior knowledge in the topic areas is assumed. Most students who participate in the Fiji program also participate in the Australia or New Zealand programs that run in the three weeks prior, because Fiji is an easy stopover between New Zealand/Australia and the U.S. Fiji is a rustic destination, and a sense of adventure is a prerequisite. 
The estimated program fee for 2010 for the Fiji program is $1,295 (covering in-country transport, activities and most meals — to be confirmed in October). Airfare is around $150 additional if traveling to the New Zealand or Australia program, or about $1,000 otherwise. Tuition (3 credit hours) is also additional, at regular ASU rates.
Courses are all designed to be suitable for non-majors and students from a wide range of backgrounds or with no prior health or environment experience, and prerequisites are waived for students going on the Australia or New Zealand program prior. Course options include:
- ASB 410/SSH 400 Poverty, Social Justice & Global Health (3)
Fulfills CLAS Science & Society; also fulfills General
Studies (L or SB) & G
- ASB 443/SSH 403 Cross-Cultural Studies in Global Health (3)
Fulfills CLAS Science & Society; also fulfills General Studies SB & G
- ASB 452/SSH 402 Community Partnerships for Global Health (3)
Fulfills General Studies SB
- ASB 512/SSH 512 Social Science Applications in Community Health (3)
Call for applications opens in October and closes in early March. Places in the program are awarded in the order of application, so early application is always advised to be sure of securing a space.
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Contact
For more information, e-mail or call the School of Human Evolution and Social Change's study abroad program assistant at (480) 965-1366.
