Overview

Location

About Fiji

The University of the South Pacific Region spreads across 33 million square kilometers of ocean, an area more than three times the size of Europe. In contrast, the total land mass is about equal to the area of Denmark. Populations vary in size from Tokelau with 1,600 people to Fiji with more than 800,000. The total Pacific island population is about 1.3 million.

International airlines flying routes between Australia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand. and the United States link a number of the island countries. There are also airlines which service the region. Within countries, inter-island shipping is used to reach smaller islands without air services. Because of its strategic position and facilities, USP attracts eminent scholars and staff from all over the world.

USP's main campus is located in Suva, Fiji.

Around the University

The Laucala Bay area where the University’s main campus and headquarters is situated is safe and easy to negotiate of foot. Public transport including buses and taxis operate 7 days service in the area taking you into the city centre in less than 5minutes. The plentiful buses and taxi operators in the area provide quality and affordable service. Flag fall for taxis is $1.50 and $2.00 after 10p.m.

There are several superb eating places both on campus and at a few minutes walk opposite the campus. The Sports City Complex harbors varies Indian and Local Cuisine food outlets, the renowned McDonald’s outlet, and the famous ‘Cost U Less’ value warehouse store,, which will provides unlimited access to popular US brand name products. Also located in the vicinity of the University is a private medical practitioner, a private surgery, a dentist, pharmacy and various other retail stores.

For beach and water lovers, the campus is just 5 minutes walk from the Laucala Bay foreshore. A walk along the Suva point seafront and beach which is also a popular spot for viewing sunrise and sunset will definitely soothe and relax each to the fullest. Various water activities are ideal in this area including swimming, gliding and sailing-this area hosted the Hobie World Championships in 2007.

For sports and physique oriented students the university has a state-of-the-art fitness center which is equal to the best anywhere. The campus has a gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis and squash court and many recreational opportunities available for students. The famous multi-purpose sports facility of Fiji is also located in Laucala Bay and hosts various local and international sporting events.
 

Academic Highlights

USP offers internationally recognized undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a wide variety of disciplines, including accounting, agriculture, banking and finance, computing science, counseling and social services, engineering, environmental management, journalism, public administration and management, science, teaching, tourism, and many more.

In addition to its teaching activities, the university has developed a strong track record in research, particularly in the areas of business management, teacher education, politics, law, Pacific studies, development, governance, marine studies, science and technology, and eco-tourism.

 

University Services

All campus services and facilities normally available to USP students will be available to you. As a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad participant, you will be directly enrolled as an undergraduate student at the University of the South Pacific. This allows you to take advantage of every opportunity to be involved in the campus environment and culture by participating in university activities with resident Fijian and other island nation cultures as well as other international students.

Services of the university include academic assistance, personal counseling, health-related aid, religious services, overseas student advising, legal aid, and student government. As a full time student at the campus, you will become a member of the student association that normally coordinates social, academic, sporting, and cultural events for its members. Involvement in various activities may help you to meet and interact with other local students. Sporting activities vary from rugby, soccer, and cricket to dance and theater groups.

 

Housing

As a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad student you are guaranteed pre-arranged accommodation to fit your lifestyle. There are a variety of housing options available which you will apply for after acceptance. Read below for more specific options offered at this university:

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad has a special arrangement with the University of the South Pacific for all of its students to stay in on-campus apartments during their semester abroad. These apartments are not optional, and all GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students will be placed in the same facility.

The apartments are suited to tropical living with air conditioning, open air staircases, windows, fans, and tile floors. Each student will have a private bedroom and will share a kitchen and living space with one other student. Students will walk to/from the campus, and there are shops and restaurants across the road from the accommodation.

Click on "Photo Gallery" on the left to view photos of the accommodation for GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students studying at USP.

Orientation

You will attend the Bridging Cultures Program with the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad staff. During this orientation you will meet other students and see a very unique part of the main Fiji Island of Viti Levu. The focus of the program is both education and adventure. While participating in the Bridging Cultures Program, you will stay in a local resort, visit a traditional Fijian Village, and enjoy a relaxing beach and ocean environment. You will also participate in a volunteer project at a local village. As a group, you will discuss the cultures of Fiji and other island nations and how it relates to your study abroad experience.

Once you arrive at the campus, you will also be required to attend the University of the South Pacific university orientation to register for classes, learn about the campus facilities, and meet with the international program coordinator at the campus.

Get Involved Abroad

Extracurricular Activities

As a full time student at the campus, you will become a member of the student association that normally coordinates social, academic, sporting and cultural events for its members. Involvement in various activities may help you to meet and interact with other local students. Sporting activities vary from rugby, soccer and cricket to dance and theater groups.

Community Involvement

While abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true Australian culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience... See a sample of community involvement opportunities available in Suva or discover your own upon arrival!

Enhance Your Experience

Global Identity Course

While studying at USP, you can maximize your study abroad experience by enrolling in the Global Identity course (EdPA 3103 Connecting Your International Experience to Your Future). The course will help you articulate the value of your experience to future employers, demonstrate your intercultural development and skills, and understand intercultural interactions.

This one-credit, online course is offered by the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities exclusively for students studying with GlobaLinks Learning Abroad. LEARN MORE>

Global Citizens Development Modules

The new Global Citizen Development modules are online learning components designed to help you explore your study abroad destination and experience at a whole new level. These modules are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage your participation as they will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges you may encounter when participating in a study abroad program, as well as expose you to cultural insights and knowledge about your host country to help make your program abroad even more successful and fulfilling. Through the 3 modules, you will refine your skills in cross-cultural observation, adaptation, and communication.  

View Subjects

To determine if the classes you need are available at this university, select Courses/Subjects to view the specific course options.

Tips: For advice on navigating the university’s course catalog, use the Selecting Courses link. You may also view the suggested grade and credit transfer information through the Grade Conversion.

If you have any questions about course availability, please contact studyabroad@globalinksabroad.org.  

Photo Slideshow

Watch a slideshow of photos highlighting the University of the South Pacific.

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees: As a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad study abroad participant, you will be required to enroll as a full-time student; typically this is 3-4 classes, which is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. semester credit hours. Your program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the host university semester tuition for 4 subjects, university administrative fees, overseas health insurance, the Basic ISIC card, our renowned Bridging Cultures Program on-site orientation and the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Personalized Support and Service.

With GlobaLinks Learning Abroad you will receive Personalized Support and Service through our four point philosophy to manage your program:

1.) Personal Program Selection & Planning: Personal service & advising, academic planning and credit transfer assistance, program location, housing advice, financial assistance.

2.) Pre and Post Orientation and Preparation: Our MyLearn on-line enrollment information and process, comprehensive program information and departure webinar, immigration visa support and advice, airline ticket and group flight assistance, global citizen development modules.

3.) Cultural Integration: On-site Bridging Cultures Program, on-site resident director services and advising, academic support, guaranteed housing and placement, volunteer and community involvement opportunities.

4.) Reflection and Application of the Experience: Beyond Study Abroad Program, The EnCompass Alumni Program, program evaluation opportunity, resume building and review, alumni handbook and transcript services.

Housing Fees: The Housing Fees are approximates and are in addition to the Program Fees. GlobaLinks Learning Abroad offers you excellent housing at the University of the South Pacific during your experience abroad. The housing fees listed indicate an approximate cost for the options available on this program which represent furnished apartments/flats and plantation-style houses. Private single rooms are standard and are fully furnished, including comfort amenities with access to internet and telephone.

Additional Subject & Gym Membership Fees: Additional charges may apply for science, media, fine arts, or journalism subjects at some universities and students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed directly by the home university upon final enrolment. Gym and student union memberships are optional to students. If you wish to join, you may do so on arrival by contacting the international office at your host university.

Fee Advice

Facts

Dates

Entry Requirements

Programs in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Coordinator

Name: Rebecca Oihus Title: Senior Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services Department: Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Semester/Year Abroad Team BIO: Rebecca manages study abroad admissions and participant pre-trip services for students attending International College of Management Sydney (ICMS) University of the South Pacific, Bond University, and University of Newcastle. Rebecca graduated with a BA in International Relations and Spanish from St. Cloud State University, Minnesota in 2006. She studied abroad for a semester at La Universidad de Concepcion in Chile and was a participant in a short-term study abroad program to China. She has also traveled to Belgium and the Canary Islands. Advice From The Coordinator: While at the University of the South Pacific, we encourage you to get involved with the campus and activities. You will find the climate in Fiji different than your home climate and you will need to take time to adjust to your environment. You are encouraged to be open to learning about all the cultures of the South Pacific and get involved with various local activities including visits to the local villages, sporting events such as rugby, or cultural events held in and around the campus. It is important for you to find the right combination of academic and leisure activities during your semester abroad.