Study Abroad in Cairns and Fiji: Courses
The program begins with a 7-day Pacific Studies program at the University of the South Pacific, Fiji, before continuing with courses in Australian Life and Culture or EcoToursim at James Cook University, Cairns. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate of attendance from the University of the South Pacific and a transcript from James Cook University.
Grades No AIFS participant is permitted to take a course without receiving a letter grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not available.
Attendance Certificate At the University of the South Pacific, students will have a final exam based on lectures and visits, and will receive a final grade on the certificate of attendance from the University of the South Pacific.
Transcripts will be issued by James Cook University in December 2010.
University of the South Pacific
Pacific Studies: Environment, History and Politics (1 credit)
Students will have 4 lectures of 1.5 hours each on topics such as environmental issues, history and politics of the Pacific region in general and Fiji in particular. The program includes 12 hours of field trips to locations related to the topics covered in class, as well as activities that will provide insight into and appreciation of the life and culture of Fiji.
Field trips include:
- Beachcomber Island
- Hindu Temple
- Koroyanitu Eco-tour day trip
James Cook University
Students may choose between the following two courses :
Australian Life and Culture (3 credits)
A series of lectures and academic visits focusing on different aspects of Australian life and culture. These will include topics such as literature, art, music and film, as well as an examination of current issues such as immigration and the history of Australia’s indigenous people. Students will gain an understanding of both the history of Australia and the issues facing those who live there today.
Australian Ecotourism and Wildlife Tourism Management (3 credits)
This course focuses on the environment and the development of ecologically sustainable tourism in Australia. Special emphasis will be placed on ecotourism in North Queensland environments such as the Wet Tropics rainforests, tropical savannah and the Great Barrier Reef. The course will consist of lectures and seminars combined with field trips to a variety of natural and cultural attractions focusing on management, marketing and the presentation of ecotourism and wildlife tourism.
Students should budget $150 for entrance fees for field trips.
During the traveling section of the Australia program, the group will be accompanied by a tour manager who is a biologist guide. Three semester credits are recommended for a combination of approximately 26 hours of lectures, 13 hours of tutorials and 40 hours of fieldwork. To meet requirements for 3 credits, students must complete tutorials, field trip reports, practical exercises and a group project. Attendance at lectures and site visits is mandatory.
