Overview

Experience the shores of Fiji through this intensive 3 week Tropical Marine Ecosystems short course in January.

During your time in Fiji you will be introduced to tropical marine ecosystems in the Pacific Islands. The program is based in Suva, Fiji, where you will gain firsthand knowledge of managing marine resources in the region. Knowledge of biological, physical, geological, and chemical processes and how they interact will also be explored. The course encompasses an understanding of the way marine resources can be exploited and sustainably managed.

You will take part in a variety of field trips to the surrounding coral reefs, mangrove forests, sea grass beds, and take part in an overnight excursion to a coastal Fijian village. During your three week course you will be introduced to tropical marine ecosystems in the Pacific Islands. This intensive short term program is based at Fiji’s University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. 

At this time, only students studying for a semester or year at Macquarie University are eligible to apply.

Location

If there’s adventure in your soul, Fiji is the place to indulge it. The Fiji Islands in the South Pacific are an archipelago of over 330 islands packed with attractions that can be found no where else and offers a unique experiential opportunity for the visitor. As a study abroad student in Fiji, you will go well beyond the tourist attractions and truly immerse yourself in a developing island nation. Fiji is well known for its friendly culture, beautiful islands, and endless adventure, yet it is also a country built on multiculturalism, the love of sport, traditional chiefdom, and a well-educated society.

Fiji will also provide you with the opportunity to gain a broader perspective of the marine environment of the South Pacific. This is an intensive three week program based at the University of the South Pacific’s Marine Studies Program, and taught by experts in their field based in Suva, Fiji. While attending this program, you will gain first hand knowledge of the problems of managing marine resources in the South Pacific.

Academic Focus

This course is run by the Institue of Marine Resources at the University of South Pacific in Suva, Fiji, alongside the Biological Department at

Macquarie University in Australia. Fiji will also provide you with the opportunity to gain a broader perspective of the marine environment of the South Pacific. This is an intensive three week program based at the University of the South Pacific’s Marine Studies Program, and taught by experts  in their field based in Suva, Fiji. While attending this program, students will gain first hand knowledge of the problems of managing marine resources in the South Pacific.

Assessment

Students will take part in a variety of 30 different lecture topics, take part in 15 field trips and one overnight field trip to a traditional Fijian Village to experience Fijian culture and gain an understanding of the impact of modern life in traditional societies. Assesment will be based on practical summaries, field excursions summaries and a final examination culminating the entire 3 week program. The four main learning topics of tropical marine environment, tropical communities and conservation, coral reef fisheries and tropical oceanography, mariculture and invasive species will be addressed during this short term program.

Credits

Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive 4 US credits on an official Macquarie University transcript.

Program Highlights

• Study tropical marine science in Suva, Fiji, on the University of the South Pacific campus and accredited by Macquarie University
• Study coral reefs, mangrove forests, sea grass, coastal ecosystems and much more in the heart of the South Pacific
• Gain hands on experience and understanding of the way marine resources can be exploited, and sustainably managed.
• Don’t forget your snorkel gear and wetsuit! You will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in pristine tropical marine environments, yet off the beaten tourist track
• Focus on for main academic areas of tropical marine ecosystems: Tropical Marine Environment, Tropical Communities and Conversation, Coral Reef Fisheries and Tropical Oceanography, Mariculture and Invasive Species studies

Who Should Apply

Open to undergraduate students who are spending a semester or year at Macquarie University.  Students must also have completed at least one year of full-time university study. May be of particular interest to those studying biology, marine science, and environmental studies or similar areas; must have completed introductory levels of plant and animal biology.

Travel: Group Flights

AustraLearn works together with STA Travel's group ticket office to arrange group flights for all short course students. This insures that students can travel as a cohesive group to the program destination. Airfare is not included in program fees and payment of airfare is the responsibility of the student, however AustraLearn seeks the lowest possible student rate before reserving seats for participants to purchase, while still maintaining the flexibility that allows students to explore the country or surrounding countries at the conclusion of their short term program.

Flexible Return Date

Additionally, group flights have a flexible return date. Students may choose their own return date to allow for personal travel after the conclusion of the program. Many students choose to extend their time overseas and travel independently after the program's end. We can provide you with useful travel resources and advice, as well as refer you to travel opportunities that can be pre-booked.

Scholarships Available

Featured Scholarships for All AustraLearn Students

Participants of AustraLearn programs are eligible for scholarships through The Foundation for Asia Pacific Education. More information about these awards can be found at www.asia-pacificfoundation.org/.

Participants of AustraLearn programs are also eligible for the DiversityAbroad.com's Study Abroad Scholarship. Find more information and apply for this award at http://www.diversityabroad.com/scholarships.  

Other General Study Abroad Scholarships

We encourage students to consider other information sources to locate scholarships such as your library, bookstore, internet, local service organizations such as Rotary or Knights of Columbus, and professional organizations in your area and home country which may offer scholarships.

To get started, visit the AustraLearn Short Course Scholarship Resource page.

Fees

Fee Includes

Fee Semester

Facts

Entry Requirements

AustraLearn Coordinator

Name: Kimberly Tibbetts Title: Manager, Short Term Programs Department: Short Courses and Specialty Programs BIO: Kimberly is the Manager of Short Term Programs at AustraLearn. Kimberly works with all Short Term Program Participants. Kimberly graduated with a BA in History from the University of Colorado-Boulder. While studying at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, Kimberly discovered a love for travel and international education. She has traveled extensively throughout New Zealand and hopes to see more of Australia and Europe. She is very excited about spreading her passion for education and travel.