Fall Term (Odd Years)
Consisting of over 350 islands and islets, of which approximately 100 are inhabited, Fiji. located in Melanesia, is an ideal site for a field-oriented term abroad since most of the population speaks English.
Fiji is renowned for biodiversity, in the sea and on land, and offers some of the best snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking in the world with rich marine life and clear aquamarine waters. Students can experience this distinctive culture while enjoying the beautiful physical environment.
Course of Study
This term will introduce students to the process of doing anthropological research and the cultures of Pacific Islands, as well as giving students hands-on experience in local organizations such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), museums, businesses and schools. Through immersion in the local culture, students will conduct hands-on 'ethnographic' research. Anthropologists feel that it is important to live with members of another culture and to be actively involved in their day-to-day life, ideally through participating in a venture of common interest together. Students will learn this method both through living with a Fijian family and through working several hours a week with a local organization to gain a thorough appreciation of the social and cultural forces that shape everyday life in Fiji. They will also learn how to analyze an organization as an applied anthropologist would.
The courses offered in Fiji are: Peoples of the Pacific (ANT 185T), Culture and Work (ANT 255T) and Independent Study in Anthropology (ANT 490T). Students will meet with Prof. Brison two days a week for classes and organized field trips. Readings focus on the work of schools and other organizations in societies and on the culture of organizations. Students will also do internships, tailored to meet the interests of individual students, for 10-12 hours a week at a local organization such as a school, a museum, or an NGO. Weekly structured exercises are designed to help students understand local culture and local organizations, and students will devise an original longer project in the second half of the term.
Excursions
Past terms abroad trips to Fiji have included scuba diving at Kadavu Island, white water rafting, hiking up Nakauvadra Mountain and visiting the Fiji water factory.
Pre-requisites
- Successful completion of at least one anthropology course, such as Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (ANT 110) or Qualitative Methods (ANT 363), before going on the term abroad.
Accommodations
After an initial orientation week, students live with individual host families in Fiji's capital, Suva.
Calendar
The Fiji term abroad is offered in fall of even numbered years.(For specific dates, contact the International Programs Office, Old Chapel, Third Floor.)
- January: Application deadline is the third Friday of winter term.
- February: Non-refundable deposit due at the Cashier's Office in McKean House, and receipt brought to the International Programs Office
- Spring term: Orientation meetings
- September: Program begins
- November: Program ends
For More Information
Union's Anthropology website displays photos and other information about the Fiji term abroad. Students may contact Karen Brison (x6673).
Photo Credit: Fariha Ramay '09
