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General information applicable to all AustraLearn Semester and Year Abroad Programs:
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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.
 
LocationThe 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 ActivitiesAs 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 HighlightsUSP 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 ServicesAll 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
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!
HousingAs an AustraLearn 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:
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. OrientationYou will attend the Culture and Adventure Program with the AustraLearn 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 Culture and Adventure 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. 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 InvolvementWhile 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!
   Around the UniversityThe 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.
Enhance Your Experience 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 AustraLearn. LEARN MORE>Meet the AustraLearn CoordinatorJalyssa Brummer is the AustraLearn coordinator for the University of the South Pacific
View SubjectsClasses 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 | $7,915.00 | | Housing | | With Meals | Not available at this university | | Without Meals | Starting at $3,500 | | Housing Deposit | | With Meals | Not available at this university | | Without Meals | Not applicable |
Fee IncludesProgram 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 SemesterThe Program Fees listed are for the July 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. FactsLocation: 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. | |
| February 2011 Semester - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | February 6, 2011 | | Start Date | February 8, 2011 | | End Date | June 24, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 9, 2011 - April 17, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| February 2011 Year - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2010
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| Anticipated Departure | February 6, 2011 | | Start Date | February 8, 2011 | | End Date | November 25, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 9, 2011 - April 17, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | September 12, 2011 - September 18, 2011 |
| July 2011 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | July 13, 2011 | | Start Date | July 15, 2011 | | End Date | November 25, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 19, 2011 - September 25, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2011 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | July 13, 2011 | | Start Date | July 15, 2011 | | End Date | June 25, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 19, 2011 - September 25, 2011 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 16, 2012 - April 22, 2012 |
| February 2012 Semester - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | February 16, 2012 | | Start Date | February 18, 2012 | | End Date | June 29, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 14, 2012 - April 22, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| February 2012 Year - Spring | Application Deadline: November 15, 2011
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| Anticipated Departure | February 16, 2012 | | Start Date | February 18, 2012 | | End Date | June 29, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | April 14, 2012 - April 22, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | September 15, 2012 - September 23, 2012 |
| July 2012 Semester - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2012
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| Anticipated Departure | July 19, 2012 | | Start Date | July 21, 2012 | | End Date | November 30, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 8, 2012 - September 16, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | - |
| July 2012 Year - Fall | Application Deadline: April 15, 2012
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| Anticipated Departure | July 19, 2012 | | Start Date | July 21, 2012 | | End Date | June 28, 2013 | | Mid Semester Break #1 | September 8, 2012 - September 16, 2012 | | Mid Semester Break #2 | April 6, 2013 - April 14, 2013 |
Entry RequirementsApplicants 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. |
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