Highlands and Islands Service Immersion

Highlands and Islands Service Immersion

Join a grassroots project designed to support basic needs within a Nausori Highlands community. Live in pairs with a host family, an experience that will open cultural doors and introduce you to the Fijian lifestyle. Contribute to the ongoing development of a school, work on small-scale agriculture and construction projects, and lead after-school enrichment programs for students in the village. Then travel to the Yasawa Island chain where you’ll overnight on the beach, snorkel to tropical coral reefs, swim in turquoise waters, and kayak to pristine beaches. Return home after this rewarding experience with a new perspective about the challenges this community faces.

Students leave feeling like they understand the “real” Fiji–they will understand the traditions and cultural aspects that often are overlooked.

Program Profile
  • Country:
  • Department:
    Student
  • Duration:
    16 Days
  • Max. Students:
    14
  • Ages:
    14-18
  • Cost:
    $4,995 plus Airfare
  • Service Hours:
    45
  • At-A-Glance:

    Accomodation Amenities

    Adventure/Physicality

    Educational Activities

    On-Program Travel

Program Profile
  • Country:
  • Department:
    Student
  • Duration:
    16 Days
  • Max. Students:
    14
  • Ages:
    14-18
  • Cost:
    $4,995 plus Airfare
  • Service Hours:
    45
  • At-A-Glance:

    Accomodation Amenities

    Adventure/Physicality

    Educational Activities

    On-Program Travel

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.
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.
Extra paperwork? If you need additional forms filled out to get credit for your service hours, no problem! Bring these forms with you so they can be completed in-country.

Carry-On

A school backpack or similar sized bag is ideal.

  • Passport
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Wallet/money
  • Book
  • Journal and pens
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Ear buds
  • Change of clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Medication
  • Additional community service forms
  • Any relevant Scuba Diving certifications
  • Small backpack or overnight bag (if not already using as carry-on)
  • Outlet power converter
  • Consent to Travel form
  • Rustic Pathways emergency contacts
Checked Luggage

A 50-70 Liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.

Clothes

  • Socks (6-8)
  • Underwear (10-12)
  • Pants/capris (2-3)
  • Long, knee-length shorts
  • Long skirt (2-3)
  • T-shirts (8-10)
  • Long sleeved shirt (2-3)
  • Fleece/hoodie
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit (1-2)
  • Quick dry towel
  • Beach towel/sarong
  • Rain jacket
  • Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
  • Sneakers
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat

Toiletries

(Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags)

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Face wash
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Oxybenzone-free sunscreen (reef-safe)
  • Bug spray
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Contacts
  • Contact solution
  • Foam ear plugs
  • Personal med kit
  • Deodorant
  • Wet Wipes
  • Razor/shaving cream

Other (Required)

  • Work gloves (You’ll be glad you rbought them, we promise!)
  • Sleeping bag (35 degrees and up)
  • Headlamp/flashlight
Important Reminders
  • Visas for students traveling on U.S. passports to Fiji and New Zealand will be issued upon arrival. Make sure you check that you are in Fiji on “Holiday” when you fill out the customs and immigration form on the plane.
  • Leggings DO NOT count as long shorts. Long shorts must be loose fitting, like basketball shorts, or cargo shorts.
  • You will be receiving a “sulu,” a traditional Fijian sarong, when you arrive!