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Fiji Islands

Fiji: Marine and Environmental Field Studies — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 15 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Critical Issues: Global climate change and aquatic ecosystems conservation

Take a deeper look into Fiji’s marine ecosystem and the impact climate change has on this fragile habitat. Learn about the various strategies in place to protect, conserve, and restore Fiji’s marine environment. When not participating in service, relax and enjoy island life and get to know Fijian culture by visiting the nearby village of Somosomo on Naviti Island.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to Fiji!

Arrive into Nadi Airport (NAN) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the Eco-Lodge in rural Momi Bay and settle into your new home. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to local culture. You’ll have a chance to swim, snorkel, and relax at beautiful Natadola Beach. Participate in a formal sevusevu ceremony and begin learning the intricacies of cultural practices in Fiji. Wearing your new sulu, get to know the local staff over a bowl of kava.
2

Island Bound

Board a ferry and take a four-hour boat ride through the breathtaking Yasawa Islands. Call one of these tropical islands home for the next six days and explore the white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush surrounding hills. Live without electricity and sleep on cots in large safari tents only a few yards from the ocean. Enjoy a kava ceremony with the locals from Somosomo Village who will make you feel at home under the bright constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.
3 – 6

Marine Monitoring

Explore and contribute to projects throughout the marine reserve established near your island home. Study the ridge-to-reef ecosystem while working on grassroots projects that focus on the distribution, diversity, formation, ecology, and conservation of the coral reef and surrounding environment. Interact with the local community by participating in a traditional Fijian dance called the meke and learn the craft of mat weaving from the village women. Immerse yourself in island life with snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking along the beautiful island of Naviti. Join your group for a post-service debrief in the evening, discussing what you experienced and learned through hands-on work in the community.
7

Return to Nadi

Finish service projects and visit with your new Fijian friends before saying farewell to the Yasawa Islands and journey back to Nadi. Enjoy some of Fiji’s best pizza before returning to the Eco-Lodge. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
8

Moce, Fiji!

Explore Nadi and shop for souvenirs for your family and friends. Enjoy your final meal in Fiji with a view of the sunset before leaving for the airport. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Fiji

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Fiji Islands offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Fiji Islands Oceania Critical Issues
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