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Participant, CLF 2022-2023 Director, CLF 2023-2025 Harvard College Class of 2029
June 19, 2025
June 7, 2025
An action-packed service adventure for new and seasoned travelers. Hike to waterfalls, kayak Fiji's coast, and participate in sustainable development projects.
Adventure through Fiji during this action-packed program that will keep seasoned explorers’ adrenaline pumping and provide a great introduction for students traveling abroad for the first time. Swim beneath waterfalls hidden deep in the interior of Viti Levu, visit the Yasawa Islands to snorkel with manta rays, and kayak in Fiji’s coastal wilderness. Stay at a variety of locations and live like a local.
Students love the friendliness and generosity that surrounds the Fijian Culture!
Fiji service and island living
Age 14-18
$3995 plus Airfare
Two Mediterranean adventures in one
$6890 plus Airfare
Big Fiji Explorer
Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) where you’ll meet your Rustic Pathways Flight Leader, who will help get you checked in and through security before traveling with your group to Fiji. Get acquainted with fellow Rustic travelers before boarding your flight.
Today is lost as you cross the International Date Line. Not to worry, though–you’ll get it back when you return.
Bula! Arrive at Nadi International Airport (NAN) and meet your program leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the South Pacific Eco-Lodge Base and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Then, it’s off to a village in the Highlands. We’ll make our way to the interior of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. Ride through the mountains and over lush landscape enroute to your new home in a remote village of Fiji. When you arrive, you’ll enjoy a traditional kava welcoming ceremony. Then gaze at the stars and get a good night’s rest as your adventure is just beginning!
Start your morning eating breakfast with your host family. After your meal, you’ll participate in infrastructure projects with local partners. You’ll have plenty of fun and learn about daily community life along the way! Join in village activities in the afternoon to immerse yourself in the culture and make new friends. Sit back for a Fiji 101 presentation to learn more. Wind down the day by spending more time with your host family.
Say goodbye to your host family as then set out for another great day enjoying your beautiful surroundings. Learn about some of the challenges your island home faces as you explore the Highlands during a hike. Cool off by soaking in a mineral-rich mud pool and then rinse off in a thermal hot spring. Head back to the eco-lodge in Momi and gather for dinner. Finish the day with a debriefing discussion where you can talk about your experiences so far.
Wake up and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a morning of high-flying fun ziplining. Soar through the canopies of the forest and get your adrenaline pumping as you travel from platform to platform among the trees. Conquer your fear of heights while traveling 30 mph through the air and let out a loud “Wananavu!” as you enjoy stepping outside your comfort zone. Go back to the eco-lodge and get ready for a meke workshop where you’ll learn all about this traditional Fijian war dance. Afterwards, prepare for fun and laughs during game night in the Momi house.
Dive into a day dedicated to food and service! Learn how to prepare Fijian foods for a local meal program and then make food for women living in a local shelter. Learn about food insecurity and then head out to deliver the food. Share your thoughts about your experiences with your fellow travelers. Wrap up the day with a briefing to prepare for your trip to Somosomo village on the Yasawa Islands.
Board a ferry in the early morning and take a four-hour boat ride through the breathtaking Yasawa Islands. Pass by some of the most beautiful islands in the world while enjoying a cold ice-cream bar. Over the next four days, you’ll call one of these tropical islands home as you explore the white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush surrounding hills. You will be without electricity while you sleep only a few yards from the ocean. Step off the boat and get to know a village that is ready to welcome you with open arms.
After lunch, start orientation with your trip leaders and discuss what to expect during your four days on the island. Once you have finished orientation, throw on your swimsuit, snorkel, and fins and head out to explore the exotic marine habitats of the South Pacific. Head to Dollar Beach, nicknamed for its representation on the back of the old Fiji one-dollar note. Here you can often spot a multitude of fish, squid, and rays. If you are not up to snorkeling, spend time relaxing in the sun. In the evening, 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.
Explore island paradise. The next two days will reveal new adventures, including ocean kayaking, snorkeling with manta rays, and learning the traditional Fijian art of weaving. There will be time to play games with the local school children and to learn some traditional Fijian phrases. In order to better understand everyday life in Somosomo Village, you will have the exciting opportunity to engage in an ongoing service project that contributes to initiatives undertaken as part of the Village Community Plan. These will include marine service projects such as reef restoration and planting mangroves. Spend your nights hanging out at the beach bonfire or gazing up at the stars.
Awake early for an unforgettable sunrise hike. Pack up and say goodbye to the Yasawa Islands and head back to Nadi via the Yasawa Flyer. You will be surprised at how much you have learned from your new Fijian friends who feel more like family. Explore the marina on the coastline of Viti Levu and then head back to the eco-lodge for a hot shower. Be sure to reflect on your islands experience before you venture along the Coral Coast tomorrow!
Spend the morning hiking at the coastal Sigatoka Sand Dunes, one of Fiji’s National Heritage sites. You’ll learn about this unique ecosystem while walking through forested trails and pristine beachfront. Explore the enormous dunes, learn about the early Fijian artifacts that have been discovered in this park, and support the park rangers with dune stabilization and reforestation efforts. Tour a local market and then settle into your accommodations on the picturesque Coral Coast.
Get prepped for a lazy day of river tubing. Enjoy the views in your island paradise as you gaze at the sky. Dry off and enjoy another dinner along the Coral Coast. Then prepare for a surprise as the staff picks their activity of choice for the night.
Rise early and head to Pacific Harbour, the adventure capital of Fiji. Expect magnificent coastal vistas as you drive up to a high ropes course that will challenge you to test your limits. Complete four high-flying activities, including the Leap of Faith! After your adventure, enjoy dinner in Sigatoka and then head back to Momi.
After a tasty breakfast your group will head out island hopping through the Mamanuca Islands. You will tour around the islands where you will get to see the infamous waves at Cloudbreak and watch surfers try and ride out perfect barrels. Enjoy a smoothie or cold drink when we stop at a nearby resort for lunch. See the famous island where Tom Hanks’ Cast Away was filmed. Jump into the water for some snorkeling at one of Fiji’s beautiful reefs. When you reach dry land again, you’ll be transported back to the eco-lodge for a warm shower.
After your final breakfast in the Highlands, you’ll have to say goodbye to your new friends and take in your final views of the mountains of Fiji. Spend a few hours exploring the town of Nadi and souvenir shopping. You’ll head back to the eco-lodge to make sure you are showered and packed up before having your final dinner in Fiji with a view of the sunset. Your program leaders will take you to the airport for your flight home or to your next Rustic program as you say your goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.
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! Consider no checked bag. We strongly recommend that you consider packing only a carry-on size bag. This prevents your luggage getting lost or separated from you, keeps your bag manageable, and helps you be more mobile on your travel day. 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.
A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for daily activities and outings.
A 40-50 liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.
Clothes
Toiletries
(Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags)
Other (Required)
Optional
Fijian Bure: While in the mountains, students will be staying in a traditional Fijian bure, or hut, and sleeping on mattresses on the ground. There will be access to toilets and showers but limited electricity.
Modern Bure: While on the outer islands, students will be staying in modern Fijian bures equipped with beds, hot showers, flush toilets, and solar electricity. Multiple people will share a bure, each bure has its own bathroom. The lodge has a central dining area where the group will share their meals overlooking the ocean.
Beach Tents: While in the Yasawa Islands, students will be sleeping on a comfortable cot in a large safari tent without electricity a few meters from the beach. Tents will be separated by gender and everyone will enjoy meals in a central kitchen area. There will be cold showers and two low impact compost toilets for use.
South Pacific Eco-Lodge Base: In between each adventure and at the end, students will stay at the Eco-Lodge and other modern western style accommodations where they will have electricity, showers, and basic common amenities.
Rustic Pathways works with local community leaders and organizations to identify and prioritize the needs of each community. Please note that while we try our best to ensure we provide our advertised projects, some changes may occur due to the communities and project partners we work with.
This program will focus on environmental and/or infrastructure issues in the Fiji Islands. Up to 8 hours of community service are awarded on this program.
This program involves adventure activities, service, and sports that require students to be physically active.
Each location on this program has its own resident chef and team of cooking staff. Students will eat a combination of local Fijian and Indian dishes and more western-style dishes. Breakfasts typically include cereal, baked goods, eggs, and fruit. Lunches and dinners range from traditional Fijian lovo feasts of chicken, cassava, and dalo (root crops similar to potatoes) to barbeques, pastas, stir fries, curries, salads, and vegetables.
Dietary Requirements/Food Allergies – This program can cater to most specific diets including, but not limited to, vegetarian, vegan, gluten and lactose-free. Because of the remote nature of several portions of this program, we do not allow anaphylactic allergies on this trip.
Rustic Pathways uses sterilization techniques to ensure that all drinking water for students is potable and safe to drink. We ask students to bring reusable water bottles in order to reduce plastic usage.
This program takes place during the dry season in Fiji. Rain is not likely, but can occur so we recommend bringing a light raincoat. The weather is an average of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Mornings and evenings tend to be a little cooler so a light jacket is advisable.
Flights: Rustic Pathways uses Fiji Airways for our escorted group flights from the United States to Nadi, Fiji. Students will depart from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and arrive at the Nadi International Airport (NAN). The advertised dates for this program include travel time from the USA.
Visa: There are no visa requirements in Fiji for students traveling on United States passports.Students traveling with Rustic Pathways on passports not issued by the United States are responsible for determining their own visa requirements. Please check with the appropriate consulate or embassy.
Internal Travel: There are no internal flights on this program. Students will travel via private bus or private vans throughout the program. When transferring between islands, students will travel via public ferries and private boats.
Students are allowed to bring phones on their Rustic Pathways program, but must abide by our cell phone policy. Students will not be allowed to use their phones during group activities, during meals, nor at any other time where it is disruptive to the group dynamic. If students are unable to abide by this policy, disciplinary action may be taken and phones may be confiscated until the end of the program.
There is very limited WiFi access on this program and data reception is not always consistent. Students will have one or two trips into town per week and can access WiFi at this time.
Parents will have access to our 24/7 emergency number and will also receive updates from our staff once students are in country.
Checked luggage fees, personal gifts, internet, phone calls, and snacks are not included. All other costs (accommodation, meals, in-country transportation, and activities) are included in the program price. We generally recommend $100USD per week of spending money.
Laundry can be washed by hand at any time. It is best to pack without the expectation of doing laundry. Laundry can be sent out once a week for $20USD a load depending on weight.
Fiji is a traditionally conservative country and we expect students to dress accordingly. While Nadi town is more relaxed, it is important that we show respect when working in schools, villages, or other local communities. The requirements are the same for any gender:
Shorts: Loose basketball-style only; no short running or soccer-style shorts. The bottom of the shorts should be approaching, or covering, the kneecap. Leggings or yoga pants are NOT acceptable at service sites as they are too form-fitting. Loose-fitting pants or capris are acceptable and preferred. Skirts: Maxi-length only. Long skirts are the best option for education-based service work in local schools. Tops: Shoulders must be covered. No tank tops, spaghetti straps, low-cut, transparent, or crop tops. Bathing suits: Two-piece bathing suits are acceptable, but no revealing or string bikinis please! One piece suits are preferred. Rash guards / swim shirts are highly recommended!! The sun is strong in Fiji, and long days of water activities call for as much sun protection as possible.
All students will be given a Rustic Pathways Fiji sulu, or sarong, upon arrival. In the village, both genders will wear their sulus over pants every day when not doing service.
If you arrive and your clothing is deemed unacceptable by your Program Leaders, you’ll have to purchase appropriate clothing before service work begins in the village.
Ensuring the safety of your teen as they travel with Rustic Pathways is a top priority. Please review our Health and Safety measures.
Our Travel Protection Plan helps protect our participants, their belongings, and their travel investment in those unforeseen circumstances that may arise during travel. Learn more about the plan offered through our partner.
Please know that your service contribution is an essential part of achieving the development goals we have established in collaboration with our partners and no donations are required.
If you do wish to bring donations, we are collecting basic schools supplies (listed below) for our community partners and they determine the best way to distribute these items. Donations will be collected by program leaders and then given to project partners. Donations are not given directly to beneficiaries during programs. Please also note that small gifts or donations should not be given directly to children as this often creates unintended expectations and attachments.
Acceptable donations include: Pens, pencils, crayons, coloring books, children’s books, pre-loved clothes/shoes, water filters.