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University of the South Pacific - Semester or Year Abroad

Overview

The University of the South Pacific (USP) is the premier provider of tertiary education in the Pacific region and an international center of excellence for teaching, research, and consulting on all aspects of Pacific life.

USP comprises a vibrant and culturally diverse community of staff and students from its twelve member countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, as well as many other countries worldwide.

The university is governed by a Council consisting of representatives from USP’s member countries, and senior officers of the university. The Council is advised on academic matters by Senate. The members of both bodies are prescribed by statute.

The vision of USP is:
  • To be a Pacific center of excellence in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom in the service of Pacific communities.
  • To enhance Pacific peoples’ capability to lead free and worthwhile lives.
  • To provide the foundation for Pacific peoples to be proud of their heritage and take pride in creating their future, the heritage for the next generation.

Location

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.

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.

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.

View Available Subjects

Classes are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need.

University Services

All campus services and facilities normally available to USP students will be available to you. As an AustraLearn 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.

USP Student Support

Poonam Devi

 

Poonam Devi

USP International Student Support

 

Poonam was born and raised in Fiji and completed her first degree at the University of the South Pacific in History/Politics and Geography. Poonam later completed a Postgraduate Dip. Ed at the University of New England in Australia. 

 

Poonam enjoys socializing and interacting with the diverse human population along with learning about cultures. Poonam's travels have included Australia, New Zealand, and Tonga.

 

Poonam started working for the USP in June 2009 and enjoys working with internatinoal students coming to the USP!   

 

Housing

AustraLearn 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 AustraLearn 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 AustraLearn students studying at USP.

Orientation

You will attend the Program Introduction with the AustraLearn program staff. During this introduction you will meet other students and see a very unique part of the main Fiji Island of Viti Levu. The focus of the introduction is both education and adventure. While participating in the Program Introduction, you will stay in a local resort, visit a traditional Fijian Village, and enjoy a relaxing beach and ocean environment. 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.

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 Perth or discover your own upon arrival!

Meet the AustraLearn Coordinator

Jalyssa Brummer is the AustraLearn coordinator for the University of the South Pacific

View Subjects

Classes are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need.

Fees

Program Fees$7690.00
Housing
With MealsNot available at this university
Without MealsStarting at $3,500
Housing Deposit
With MealsNot available at this university
Without MealsNot applicable


Fee Includes

Program fees are in U.S. dollars. Program Fees include tuition for 3 to 4 subjects, university administrative fees, membership in the student union (where applicable), overseas health coverage, ISIC Premium (International Student Identity Card), 25% Lonely Planet Book discount, also included is our renowned 4-day Bridging Cultures Program in Pacific Harbour, Fiji.


Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service (excluding the visa fee), housing placements, personal advising, subject selections, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services. As a study abroad student, you will be required to enroll as a full time student. Your semester is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. credits. Additional tuition and/or fees may apply in some subject areas not limited to the following: science, engineering, fine arts, and journalism. Students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed by the host university. Several universities have included the Sports and Rec. membership. Activities are usually extra.


The Housing Fees are approximates and are in addition to the Program Fees. Housing fees listed include the least expensive option available for single accommodation in flats, houses and/or dormitories. AustraLearn offers a wide variety of accommodation options and costs allowing for individual budget considerations. Students who choose to arrange their own accommodation upon arrival will be charged the Program Fee only, as they will be responsible for making payment directly to the housing provider once accommodation has been arranged.



Fee Semester

The Program Fees listed are for the February 2010 semester. Fees are subject to change for future terms. The Housing Fees listed are approximate figures based on the least expensive option available for accommmodation in flats, houses and/or dormitories. AustraLearn offers a wide variety of accommodation options and costs allowing for individual budget considerations.

Facts

Location: Suva, Fiji
Overseas Students:
Staff:
Total Enrolment: 7780

Dates

All dates are provided by each university and are subject to change. AustraLearn will attempt to provide you with the most up-to-date information as we receive it. Be sure to confirm dates before finalizing any travel plans. 
July 2010 - Semester - FallApplication Deadline: April 15, 2010
Anticipated DepartureJuly 11, 2010
Start DateJuly 13, 2010
End DateNovember 26, 2010
Mid Semester Break #1September 11, 2010 - September 19, 2010
Mid Semester Break #2 -
July 2010 - Year - FallApplication Deadline: April 15, 2010
Anticipated DepartureJuly 11, 2010
Start DateJuly 13, 2010
End DateJune 24, 2011
Mid Semester Break #1September 11, 2010 - September 19, 2010
Mid Semester Break #2April 9, 2011 - April 17, 2011
February 2011 Semester - SpringApplication Deadline: November 15, 2010
Anticipated DepartureFebruary 17, 2011
Start DateFebruary 19, 2011
End DateJune 24, 2011
Mid Semester Break #1April 11, 2011 - April 17, 2011
Mid Semester Break #2 -
February 2011 Year - SpringApplication Deadline: November 15, 2010
Anticipated DepartureFebruary 17, 2011
Start DateFebruary 19, 2011
End DateNovember 25, 2011
Mid Semester Break #1April 11, 2011 - April 17, 2011
Mid Semester Break #2September 12, 2011 - September 18, 2011
July 2011 Semester - FallApplication Deadline: April 15, 2011
Anticipated DepartureJuly 13, 2011
Start DateJuly 15, 2011
End DateNovember 25, 2011
Mid Semester Break #1September 19, 2011 - September 25, 2011
Mid Semester Break #2 -
July 2011 Year - FallApplication Deadline: April 15, 2011
Anticipated DepartureJuly 13, 2011
Start DateJuly 15, 2011
End DateNovember 25, 2011
Mid Semester Break #1September 19, 2011 - September 25, 2011
Mid Semester Break #2April 16, 2012 - April 22, 2012
February 2012 Semester - SpringApplication Deadline: November 15, 2011
Anticipated DepartureFebruary 16, 2012
Start DateFebruary 18, 2012
End DateJune 29, 2012
Mid Semester Break #1April 14, 2012 - April 22, 2012
Mid Semester Break #2 -
February 2012 Year - SpringApplication Deadline: November 15, 2011
Anticipated DepartureFebruary 16, 2012
Start DateFebruary 18, 2012
End DateJune 29, 2012
Mid Semester Break #1April 14, 2012 - April 22, 2012
Mid Semester Break #2September 15, 2012 - September 23, 2012
July 2012 Semester - FallApplication Deadline: April 15, 2012
Anticipated DepartureJuly 19, 2012
Start DateJuly 21, 2012
End DateNovember 30, 2012
Mid Semester Break #1September 8, 2012 - September 16, 2012
Mid Semester Break #2 -
July 2012 Year - FallApplication Deadline: April 15, 2012
Anticipated DepartureJuly 19, 2012
Start DateJuly 21, 2012
End DateJune 28, 2013
Mid Semester Break #1September 8, 2012 - September 16, 2012
Mid Semester Break #2April 6, 2013 - April 14, 2013

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have the required GPA and have completed at least the equivalent of one year of full-time study at the university/college level. Students with a lower GPA than the requirement may be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact our office for more information.

Required GPA: 2.50

AustraLearn Coordinator


Name:Jalyssa Brummer
Title:Senior Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services
Department:Semester or Year Abroad in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji
BIO:
Jalyssa manages study abroad admission and participant pre-trip services to Griffith University, LaTrobe University, Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, The University of Melbourne, University of Wollongong, and the University of South Pacific.

Jalyssa graduated with a B.S. in Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism from Colorado State University. Her study abroad took her to Lincoln University in New Zealand where she gained a passion for international education and travel. While studying abroad she traveled New Zealand extensively, Australia, and Fiji. Additional travels have included backpacking Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Turkey, and the U.K.

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.
A word from our alumni
"Studying abroad in Fiji provides a world of contrast and will challenge you every moment. Studying here is the best option to get the full experience as it immerses you in the rich culture. You will meet everyone from Solomon Islanders who have never seen a computer to wealthy European expats who travel the world. The ability to easily make friends with such unique people has been my favorite part, and I think it's something only Fiji can offer. You really get to choose your adventure in Fiji, and there is something for everyone. It is the ultimate playground to learn about yourself, life, and the world."
N. Slayton
University of the South Pacific

 



 
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