South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills

South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills

Surround yourself with sun, sand, and surf as you travel to the far reaches of the South Pacific on this marine-focused, high-energy semester. Splash in waterfalls, soak in the laid-back island life, and live with a homestay family in the rural highlands. Find incredible adventures at every turn – spot dolphins and penguins and marvel at breathtaking landscapes. Learn how to surf and scuba dive, and earn certificates in Wilderness First Aid and surf life-saving.

Throughout this semester, you’ll experience a balance of community-driven service, adventure, and experiential learning. You’ll hear the legends of the South Pacific from the local people and return their kindness through a variety of service efforts that may include agricultural, educational, and public health-based projects.

2023 Departure Dates

Feb. 1 – April 18, 2024 Very Limited Start Here
Program Featured In
Program Profile
  • Country:

    fj Fiji Islands

  • Department:
    Gap Year
  • Duration:
    11 Weeks
  • Max. Students:
    16
  • Ages:
    17-22
  • Cost:
    $20,990 plus Airfare
  • Service Hours:
    30
  • Program Types:
    Gap Semester
  • At-A-Glance:

    Accomodation Amenities

    Adventure/Physicality

    Educational Activities

    On-Program Travel

Program Profile
  • Country:

    fj Fiji Islands

  • Department:
    Gap Year
  • Duration:
    11 Weeks
  • Max. Students:
    16
  • Ages:
    17-22
  • Cost:
    $20,990 plus Airfare
  • Service Hours:
    30
  • Program Types:
    Gap Semester
  • At-A-Glance:

    Accomodation Amenities

    Adventure/Physicality

    Educational Activities

    On-Program Travel

Program Featured In

South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills students travel in their group of up to 15 peers and two or three program leaders. Students enjoy a week-long homestay experience in the highlands of Fiji, while the remainder of their semester is spent in accommodations like Rustic Pathways Base Houses, hotels, and hostels. This program is very physically active and features community service during the group’s time in Fiji.

I believe Angelie gained confidence and stronger sense of self. Her ability to adapt was tested and strengthened. Her experience to learn about and immerse herself into other cultures is immeasurable. It's tough to put into word the positive outcome it's made on Angelie. Lastly, her gap year family will be a part of her life forever. A wonderfully treasured family.

Quote by: Gina Mazza, Angelie's Mom Tigard, Oregon

Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:

Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!

Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear. For New Zealand, this means checking the weather for the week you will be in New Zealand and bringing warm clothes. The same two pairs of pants can be used all week!

Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.

Check with TSA. Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on. Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security.

Carry-On

A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for day trips.

  • Passport
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Wallet/money
  • Book and/or journal
  • Pen
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Outlet power converter
  • Ear buds
  • Change of clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks
  • Medication/chapstick
  • Visa Documentation (if applicable)
  • All Flight Itineraries
  • Rustic Pathways emergency contacts

Checked Luggage

A 70-90 Liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.

Clothing

  • Socks – Short and long mix (5)
  • Underwear (10)
  • Jeans (1)
  • Lightweight Long Pants (1)
  • Long Shorts* (2-3)
  • Collared/Dress shirt (1)
  • T-shirt (6)
  • Tank tops (4)
  • Long sleeve shirt (2)
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit (2)
  • Rain jacket
  • Softshell and/or Micro Puff jacket
  • Thermal base layer (1)
  • Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
  • Sneakers (1-2 pairs)
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Work gloves
  • Quick dry towel
  • Beach towel/sarong (1)
  • Rash guard

Toiletries (travel sized in ziplock bags)

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body Wash
  • Face Wash
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Feminine Hygiene Products (bring enough of preferred brand for duration of program)
  • Contacts
  • Contact Solution
  • Foam Earplugs
  • Personal Med Kit
  • Deodorant
  • Wet Wipes
  • Razor
  • Shaving cream

Miscellaneous

  • Headlamp/flashlight
  • Watch/alarm clock
  • Large ziploc bags 2-3 or dry bag to keep electronics dry in case of rain.
  • Large garbage bags for wet/dirty clothes
  • Sleeping bag – small/lightweight a must (35 degrees and up)
  • Any relevant Scuba Diving certifications
  • Day pack rain cover

Optional

  • Donations: As a responsible travel provider, we firmly believe in giving back to the communities and countries where we operate. As part of our holistic approach to business, we ​run a 501c3 nonprofit that supports high priority projects year round. If you feel inspired to join our global community of travelers making a difference, please consider making a donation here.
  • Portable games (Bananagrams, playing cards, etc)
  • Musical Instruments (remember you have to carry this everywhere!)

Important Reminders

  • Community service appropriate attire includes T-shirts with no visible undergarments and shorts should be knee length—think Bermuda or basketball shorts—to be respectful to the local culture and traditions. Sneakers will get muddy during service activities, so some students like to bring an extra pair.
  • Leggings DO NOT count as long shorts. Long shorts must be loose fitting, like basketball shorts, or cargo shorts.
  • Some students prefer hiking boots, and they are nice to have, but in the interest of packing light, it is fine to wear sturdy sneakers that will be comfortable for hiking activities.
  • Scuba and snorkeling gear will be provided by dive company, but you may bring your own if you prefer.
  • You will be receiving a “sulu,” a traditional Fijian sarong, when you arrive!
  • Checked Luggage cannot weigh more than 20 kilos (44 lbs.) Less than 30lbs is ideal.
  • If your bags weigh more than the above-stated amounts, the airlines will charge you an excess baggage fee for every kilo over the allowed limit. In past years, we have had students incur significant charges for excess baggage. These fees must be paid at the check-in counter, a situation that we always try to avoid! Rustic Pathways will not cover these additional costs.
Carry-On

A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for day trips.

  • Passport
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Wallet/money/ATM card
  • Book
  • Journal and pens
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Outlet power converter
  • Ear buds
  • Change of clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks
  • Medication
  • Visa Documentation (if applicable)
  • All Flight Itineraries
  • Rustic Pathways emergency contacts
Checked Luggage

A 70-80 Liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.

Clothing

  • Socks (5)
  • Underwear (10)
  • Jeans (1)
  • Lightweight Pants (1)
  • Long Shorts* (2-3)
  • Collared/Dress shirt (1)
  • T-shirt (6)
  • Tank tops (4)
  • Long sleeve shirt (2)
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit (2)
  • Rain jacket
  • Softshell and/or Micro Puff jacket (optional)
  • Fleece/hoodie
  • Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
  • Sneakers – All terrain – running/hiking
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Work gloves
  • Quick dry towel
  • Beach towel/sarong
  • Rash guard

Toiletries
(travel sized in ziplock bags)

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Face wash
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Contacts
  • Contact solution
  • Foam earplugs
  • Personal med kit
  • Deodorant
  • Wet Wipes
  • Razor/shaving cream

Miscellaneous

  • Headlamp/flashlight
  • Watch/alarm clock
  • Large ziploc bags
  • Large garbage bags for wet/dirty clothes
  • Sleeping bag – small/lightweight a must (35 degrees and up)
  • Any relevant Scuba Diving certifications
  • Day pack rain cover

Optional

  • Donations: As a responsible travel provider, we firmly believe in giving back to the communities and countries where we operate. As part of our holistic approach to business, we ​run a 501c3 nonprofit that supports high priority projects year round. If you feel inspired to join our global community of travelers making a difference, please consider making a donation here.
  • Portable games (Bananagrams, playing cards, etc)
  • Musical instruments
Rustic Gear

Want to get all your shopping done for your program in one place? We’ve got you covered. Check out Rustic Gear and get all the essentials sent right to your door.

 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Community service appropriate attire includes T-shirts with no visible undergarments and shorts should be knee length—think Bermuda or basketball shorts—to be respectful to the local culture and traditions.
• Leggings DO NOT count as long shorts. Long shorts must be loose fitting, like basketball shorts, or cargo shorts.
• Some students prefer hiking boots, and they are nice to have, but in the interest of packing light, it is fine to wear sturdy sneakers that will be comfortable for hiking activities.
• Scuba and snorkeling gear will be provided by dive company, but you may bring your own if you prefer.
• You will be receiving a “sulu,” a traditional Fijian sarong, when you arrive!