Four islands, three islands, dance, food and a zip line: SUU’s upcoming study abroad to Fiji and Tonga will take place from July 15-30. Students may sign up in the International Affairs Office.
The 15-day trip will include three classes: Intercultural Communication (COMM 2150), Nonverbal Communication (COMM 3150) and Intro to Biology (BIOL 1010). In addition, students will be able to work with native islanders and participate in a service project to collect school supplies for village schools.
Outside the classroom, students have the opportunity to spend time on the beach, eat traditional foods, swim in a cave, swim with whales and zip line in Fiji.
The cost of the trip is $2,560 plus the cost of airfare.
Tevita Sekeni, an SUU alumnus, described the trip as an opportunity to explore a unique region.
“The crazy thing about Pacific (Islanders) is they have cultural understanding,” Sekeni said. Sekeni said despite two different nations and cultures, the cultures have mutual values: family and giving.
Sekeni gives the example of Moana, the first Polynesian Disney princess. Moana is a mix of several island cultures but still represents many different groups of people.
Sekeni has attended the trip for the past two years but serves as an academic coordinator for the upcoming trip.
Trip Coordinator Jonathan Holiman, a lecturer of communication, said students should attend the trip because the best way to learn intercultural communication is spending time in the culture.
“You can only learn so much in a classroom,” he said.
For more information on the trip, or to sign up, students should head to the International Affairs office located in the student center, visit their website, or contact Holiman at jonathanholiman@suu.edu.
Story By
Andrew Leavitt
life@suunews.com
Photo Courtesy of Tevita Sekeni
