Internship Placement in Fiji

  Fiji

Suva

Term: Throughout the year 
Dates: Start dates vary

Description: Reef Study & Cultural Immersion:
Travel to the islands of Fiji to learn about coral reefs, island customs, and the cultural ecology that links them together. This two-month program provides interns an up close and personal immersion into the Fijian life-way and marine ecosystems.

Location:
Fiji's Coral Coast lies in the rain shadow of Viti Levu's mountainous interior. Your village hosts are located 1.5 hours from the capital city of Suva. The soft golden sand and bountiful reefs that define a coast that attracts visitors from across the globe. The coastal village practices traditional social organization and various yet embodies many aspects of traditional Fijian culture. To compliment its subsistence economy, the village operates a scuba dive shop on the property with access to famous Morgan's Wall--a pristine coral reef ecosystem that attracts dive enthusiasts from around the world. The Coral Coast produces some of the most world's most amazing sunsets.

Program:
Interns will live one or two per Fijian family for a minimum of three weeks while conducting a reef study, assisting in the dive shop, and learning about Fijian cultural practices. After the third week, interns may choose to either remain in the village, or move to a nearby eco-tourism resort and commute to the village and reef for further study. Several of the following may be program highlights.

The time of year you travel will determine which options are available.

Village Homestay:
Perhaps the highlight of your stay will be the opportunity to live with a Fijian family. Regarded by many as a "transformative experience," the homestay provides insight into Fijian culture in a way that books cannot render. What makes the immersion special is that the villagers retain a uniquely Fijian perspective and practice many of the subsistence patterns of their ancestors. As English language is the primary language of instruction used in the schools (a "gift" of British colonization) most villagers can converse to you in your native tongue. The result is an unparalleled opportunity to discuss cultural practices with your hosts without relying on an interpreter.

Dive Certification:
A five-day course provides world-class instruction en-route to receiving your PADI Open Water Dive Card. Interns who are already Open Water Certified may pursue Master Diver or higher depending on their expertise. ($250.00 extra fee)

Coral Reef Survey:
Interns will snap on snorkels and masks to conduct an underwater survey of a nearby reef ecosystem. Your research will allow for comparative data analysis, and will contribute to a database on the status of Fiji's reefs, and how they experience different levels of human contact. While mapping the reef, interns will collect data on coral species abundance, diversity, and richness. Interns will obtain baseline data which will contribute to establishing a long-term coral reef monitoring program at these sites. The village's livelihood and sustainability could be affected by changes to reef health. As such, your research is timely and important to the long-term survival of the very people you will stay with. You will be taught coral species identification, quadrant surveying techniques for coral reef environments, and data analysis.

Fish Identification & Fish Count:
Interns will contribute to a long-term project assessing the fish populations off the coast of the village. The coastal villages rely heavily on subsistence offshore reef fishing. As reef fish is a staple of the traditional Fijian diet significant decrease in various reef fish populations have triggered concern in the community. Consequentially, various research projects are taking place to investigate the most sustainable way to approach coastal reef fishing. Interns will learn fish species identification, data collection and analysis.

Mangrove Planting:
Students may plant mangrove seedlings to help prevent further erosion and pollution into the nearby estuary. Mangrove ecosystems are increasingly threatened by human encroachment. Lend a hand to turn back this trend and work to make a difference in this threatened island ecosystem.

Fish house Construction:
Help the rearing of native fishes in the construction of fish houses. Replenishing endangered reef fishes is an important part of restoring reefs. Materials will be supplied and participants will see the fruits of their labor translated into results in the fish population.

Cultural Ecology Questionnaire:
In addition to water-based exploration, interns will conduct interviews with villagers to help ascertain the historical ecology of surrounding reef environments. In conjunction with the University of the South Pacific, the recorded data will be analyzed by university professors, I.C.E. staff members, and ultimately the villagers themselves. Village elders are an invaluable source of information on the health and species composition of the reef. With a pre-determined set of questions, you will be able to map the oral history of this great ecosystem.

Dive Shop Assistance:
Oceanic conditions are not always ideal. As such, time may be spent assisting the dive masters and learning the tools of the trade in the dive business. Interns will be exposed to the full range of activities that go into running a successful dive shop. Learn how to fill tanks, test equipment, and work with clients.

Highlights: Eco-trips:
Throughout your stay you have the opportunity to go on fieldtrips to locations of ecological or cultural significance. Hike to a remote waterfall in the island's interior. Visit the capital city and its abundant farmer's markets. In addition, your host family will take the time to show you their gardens and the techniques used to grow the tapioca root, taro, and other food staples. You will have the opportunity to learn the art of Fijian handicrafts like weaving floor mats, fans, baskets and leis with the assistance of local craftspeople. Additionally, interns can learn fishing, cooking skills, as well as participate in reforestation projects, rainforest trekking, language lessons, cultural lessons, and church activities.

Qualifications: Good academic standing.

Cost in US$: Inquire for more info.

Experience Required: no