International Relations in Fiji

Key information

Destination: Suva, Fiji

Dates: 1 - 14 July 2024

Program cost: Approx. $3,200 + airfares (inclusions and exclusions can be found below)

Funding:

• 15 x A$3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants available for eligible undergraduate students
• $9,504 OS-HELP Loans available for eligible students

Program eligibility: Undergraduate students

Application deadline: 31 March 2024

Overview

This immersive study tour program is designed to provide students with a profound exploration of the pivotal issues influencing a strategically significant region neighboring Australia. Focused on themes of democracy, ethnic tensions, and escalating international and geopolitical challenges, this academic-led initiative spans a comprehensive two-week itinerary in Fiji.

Throughout the program, students will actively engage with a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, including representatives from industry, academics, and local communities. By fostering these connections, participants aim to cultivate a deeper comprehension of Fiji's historical and political dynamics within the broader Pacific and international context, enriching their academic perspectives and cross-cultural awareness.

Highlights and tentative itinerary

• July 1 - Arrival, briefing and welcome dinner
• July 2 - Academic sessions, campus tour, cultural dance
• July 3 - Lecture, session on regional diplomacy, talanoa session
• July 4 - Session - SDG's in the Pacific, speakers from UNICEF and Save the Children (Theme 1)
• July 5 - Session - Emerging Themes in the Pacific, Session - Social Justice and Society, visit to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visit Suva shops and markets
• July 6 - Session with Not-for-Profit (Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding), museum and company visits
• July 7 - Cultural Immersion (whole day) - traditional ceremony, lovo making, weaving, community sports, family night (dinner with host family)
• July 8 - Sabbath - church optional and dinner with host family
• July 9 - Gender equality and human rights workshop, community youth member discussion, tree planting and community work (Mosquito Island)
• July 10 - Australian High Commission presentation, transfer to Uprising Beach Resort for lunch, USP discussion
• July 11 - Speaker from Save the Children (Theme 2), Speaker Session - Community Law Clinic
• July 12 - Speaker - Fiji Human Right and Anti-Discrimination Commission
• July 13 - Student Presentations, Farewell Dinner
• July 14 - Transfer to Airport, Departure
   

Academic information

Which unit/s can this program be taken for as credit?

POL20015

Can this unit be taken as an elective by students in any Swinburne degree?

No.

Eligibility

To qualify for this program, you must:

• be enrolled into an Undergraduate degree in the School of Social Science, Media, Film and Education
   

Note: Preference will be given to students studying Perspectives on Globalisation, Politics, Power and Technology, Climate and Social Justice and Indigenous Studies.

Program cost

Approx. $3,200

See below for the list of inclusions and exclusions of the program fee.

Inclusions

• Accommodation
• Breakfasts
  Welcome and Farwell Dinner
• Ground transport
• Travel and medical insurance
   

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Most meals 
• Academic tuition fees
• Visa (if required)
• Personal expenses
  
  

Funding

Funding your overseas journey may be easier than you think

New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant

This program has A$3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants available for eligible students.

These grants provide financial support to help alleviate the expenses associated with your overseas program. Australian undergraduate students that meet all eligiblity criteria may apply. Students can apply for a grant as part of the application process.

OS-HELP Loan

Eligible Australian students can also apply for an Australian Government OS-HELP Loan of up to A$9,504 (depending on your program location) to help cover costs associated with your overseas program.

For more information on funding and eligibility, see Fee Help and Scholarships.

Information sessions

To attend an information session, register your interest and we'll send you further details.

Upcoming information sessions

20^th March 2024, 11:00am - 12:00pm | Location: AGSE 108

27^th March 2024, 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Location: Online