(For High School Students)
Jewels of the South Pacific
4-Week Cultural Exchange & Service Program
Session : June 26th - July 22nd (27 days)
Average size of group : 18 - 20 students
Grades for session : 10 - 12
Tuition for 27 day program : $4995 (plus RT airfare, group flight from Los Angeles, Auckland to Nadi)
* This Program Offers Staff Escorted Group Flights
The New Zealand/Fiji program combines meaningful environmental and community service projects, cultural exchange, beautiful surroundings, and fun, exciting adventure activities in two countries. New Zealand is a country of rare seismic beauty complete with glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, crystal clear lakes, abundant forest reserves, and long, deserted beaches. Our two and one-half week stay in New Zealand will take place in the Central North Island. Fiji, with over 300 islands in its archipelago, is a true paradise. Our stay here will provide us with the extraordinary experience of living a ‘communal village lifestyle.’ This unique opportunity is one that could soon be lost due to the inevitable changes that are occurring throughout the world in tribal cultures.
Service Projects*
- Earn 40-60 community service hours
- Help with construction projects for an ecological center
- Work alongside locals in environmental conservation efforts
- Help build a community school
- Work with preschool children
Adventure and Cultural Activities
- Discover surfing at New Zealand’s famous “Raglan” surf break
- Challenge yourself with a high ropes adventure course
- SCUBA dive Fiji’s coral reefs
- Experience life in a Fijian Village community
*Please note that some of the projects and activities will change from year to year. A final itinerary will be printed prior to each trip.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Coromandel and Pauanui(4 days) – Our New Zealand experience begins in the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. A visit to the Miranda hot pools will help relax away the day of travel. Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove will provide us with an incredible backdrop for team-building activities, getting to know one another, and learning about the history and culture of “Aotearoa”. We will begin our service in Pauanui, where we will work alongside the local community in a joint effort to refurbish the local “kindy” (pre-school).
Raglan (10 days) – From the Coromandel Peninsula, our group will travel across the North Island to the quiet beach community of Raglan. Our joint community projects involve organics and perm a-culture, conservation work, planting trees, and environmental service. There will also be plenty of time spent learning about the culture and working with the native Maori peoples of New Zealand. Comfortable accommodations surrounded by native bush will provide our end-of -day resting place where the soothing sound of the waves will lull you to sleep after a rewarding day’s work. When we are not working, we will be itinerating with our new “kiwi” friends and enjoying New Zealand’s incredible beauty. Activities include learning to surf at the famous “Raglan” beach break and hiking on Mt. Karioi.
Rotorua and the Central North Island (2 days) – Before closing the New Zealand chapter of our journey, we will visit Rotorua and the TE PUIA Marea. The local community will welcome us and work alongside us. We will share the spirit, legends, dance, song, food, vitality and warmth that is the essence of New Zealand’s native Maori culture. We visit the geothermal wonderland of the central North Island. Here, outdoor pursuit centers will provide us with safe, professional guidance on activities such as high ropes courses, sea kayaking, surfing, caving, and rock climbing. Our final stop is Auckland, “the City of Sails”. Our last evening in New Zealand will feature dinner on the waterfront and time to reflect on the first leg of this amazing journey.
Fiji Island (11 days) - As we bid a fond farewell to New Zealand, our eyes will remain wide with excitement and anticipation as we head towards the sandy beaches of the Fiji Islands. After our short flight to Fiji, we will travel to a remote coastal village. A true paradise in the Pacific, this village is complete with volcanic mountains, coral reefs, waterfalls, and friendly people. We will essentially become part of this coastal community, living and working at the relaxed pace of “Fiji-time.” After a formal “sevu sevu” welcoming eremony, the village will open its heart and homes to us. Working side by side with our Fijian friends, we will lend our help to a community construction project, such as building a classroom or library for the village school. During our days here, we will work on projects, learn about local customs, and participate in adventure activities such as SCUBA diving! Your stay in Fiji will provide you with the extraordinary experience of living a ‘communal Village lifestyle.’
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 "Click to enlarge New Zealand/Fiji map.")