Are you interested in experiencing Fiji and sharing cultural knowledge with Fijian First Nations’ Communities? Travel overseas on an intercultural experience that counts as credit towards your university degree!
In this un-precedented First Nations study tour, you will learn about Fijian culture and society while also exploring Fijian history and stunning natural environment. You’ll have a diverse range of experiences such as attending a class at The University of the South Pacific on race relations in the Pacific Islands; learning about public health activities undertaken at the World Health Organisation, seeing how community-based NGOs work to foster self-reliance and sustainable development; staying at a remote mountain village where you’ll learn traditional ecological knowledge while foraging for bush tucker. You’ll marvel at the natural wonder of the Colo-i-Suva national park with its crystal-clear river nestled in the rain forest; and visit the Fiji museum with its remarkable archaeological collection. Guided by a First Nations Elder and academic staff, you’ll have the chance to reflect on how these experiences can help you contribute to your own communities and professions.
Opportunities are now available for First Nations students to participate in this international study tour with the majority of the program costs covered through a New Colombo Plan grant. Remaining travel costs may also be supported through an OS-HELP loan.
Where: Fiji (Sote Village & Suva)
When: 18/11/2023 - 2/12/2023
Program cost: $4200 approximately
Places available: 4
Potential funding available: New Colombo Plan grant: $3000, OS-Help loan: $7348
To submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) students must:
- be an Australian citizen
- be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage
- be enrolled in and undertaking a Bachelor Program at UniSC
- be enrolled in an applicable course in semester 2, 2023 or semester 1, 2024
- have completed 8 UniSC courses
- on completion of the program, have at least 1 course to return to at UniSC
Once EOI's are submitted and accepted, after the EOI closing date you will be sent additional forms to complete in International SONIA to assess your eligibility to enrol in the associated course and other requirements for the program.
The sample program itinerary can be found here.
Program fee: $4200
Flights: $1000^
This program fee only includes the in-country program activities. This does not include tuition for your enrolment in the applicable course. The current cost is based on a return airfare of $1000. If the return airfare increases above $1000, the cost will increase by the same amount.
What is included in the Program Fee?
- CISaustralia Onsite Coordinator with the group 24/7
- In-country orientation
- Transportation, visits, excursions, entry fees, meals as indicated sample itinerary (to be provided at a later date)
- Centrally located, budget hotel Twin/Triple share (separate beds) with private facilities in Suva.
- Large private house only for CISaustralia participants with kitchen facilities and indoor plumbing in Sote Village.
Participants will sleep on blow up mattresses in a communal room. - University travel insurance**
What is not included in the Program Fee?
- Airport transfers
- International flights ^
- Passport (students arrange their own)
- Any required vaccinations
- Non program transportation costs
- Tuition fee for associated course of enrolment (e.g. BCI304)
^ A return flight to your destination will be organised by Program leaders and booked through UniSC's corporate travel provider FCM. This cost is indicative and will be finalised at the point of booking.
** Refer to the Insurance Information for Students
Program leaders:
Global Mobility team
Buranga Centre team
Important dates
| 30 June 2023 | Expression of Interest closes |
| 15 July 2023 | Successful applicants advised |
| 12 October 2023 | Compulsory pre-departure session |
| 18 November | Short Term Mobility Program commences - departing Brisbane |
| 2 December | Short Term Mobility Program commences - departing Fiji |
Funding
New Colombo Plan funding.
This program has received New Colombo Plan (NCP) Mobility program funding, awarded by the Australian government. Eligible student will receive an offer for a $3000AUD grant to support their participation in the program.
If you submit a successful Expression of Interest you will be invited to complete an NCP Eligibility form.
OS HELP
Overseas Student HELP loans (OS-HELP) are provided by the Commonwealth government to eligible HECS-HELP students undertaking various international experiences for credit. Eligible students can borrow up to $8,817 AUD for study in Asia and $7,348 in non-Asian countries. Please visit the OS-Help website to read the eligibility criteria and further information.
What next?
Expressions of Interests are now open, please register here.
After the Expression of Interest closes, if your EOI is accepted you will be invited to complete forms in International SONIA to determine your eligibility to enrol in the associated course, and complete other checks.
