Social and Environmental Change in Oceania

Program Type

SU-Sponsored

Program Provider

SIT

Location

Apia, Samoa, Fiji

None

About this Program

The launching point for the settlement of Polynesia, in 1962 Samoa became the first Pacific island to achieve independence. After a weeklong orientation in Hawaii, where you will meet members of Hawaii’s indigenous community and visit the Bishop Museum, travel to Samoa where you will live in Apia, the cosmopolitan capital and the program’s base, and study social justice issues and efforts to protect the environment across the Pacific. Hear perspectives on social transitions, conservation, and resilience from Hawaiians, Samoans, and other Pacific Islanders and interact with Samoan university students. Visit Samoa’s largest island, the volcanic island of Savai‘I, to see the sea arches, blow holes and lava flows of the South Pacific. Journey to Fiji and witness how Oceania’s diverse communities are supported by the environment but impacted by development, tourism, and climate change. Experience a traditional taro lo‘I in Hawai’i and, if you choose, the slaughter, roasting, and serving of a small pig in Amaile, Samoa. In the final month of the program, undertake a self-designed research project on a topic of your choice with experts to guide you.


Program Highlights

Program specific information not available

Level of Immersion

Language(s) of Instruction:

  • English

Features

  • Courses with Study Abroad Students
  • Language Intensive Program
  • Research Opportunities
  • Study Center Program

Housing Abroad

  • Homestay

Housing at Seattle University

Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.

Housing Residence Life

Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preferenceas best as they can.

Housing Application

Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates

  • Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
  • Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
  • Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May

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