Fiji Islands

Highlands and Islands Service Immersion

Q: Is Highlands and Islands Service Immersion Right for My Child?

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.

Q: How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice. What is the refund policy? View terms & conditions

Q: What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

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

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What Does a 16-Day Program Include?

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

Depart for Fiji!

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.

In Transit

Today is lost as you cross the International Date Line. Not to worry, though–you’ll get it back when you return.

Welcome to Fiji!

Bula! Arrive at Nadi International Airport (NAN) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head into the mountains of Fiji’s Nausori Highlands region 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. After a welcome kava ceremony and orientation to learn about life in this incredible place, you’ll head to bed early to get a good night’s sleep before the service activities begin tomorrow! For the first 3 nights of your program, you will be staying at "Heaven's Edge," a simple accommodation that sits beside the picturesque Vaturu Dam. Your hostel consists of several dormitory-style rooms with mattresses on the floor and walls made of repurposed timber. Students will have access to flush toilets and showers, but will not have access to electricity.

4-5

Service at the Farm

Just across the dam are several farms surrounded by lines of tomatoes, long beans, eggplants, and local crops of dalo and cassava. Today you will begin working with local families as they develop their farms to support their basic needs. Learn how to water the crops, plant seedlings, and harvest what is ready for sale in the market. As part of your daily routine, you will share in the cooking, help collect firewood, and immerse yourselves in the rhythms of an agricultural lifestyle. During downtime, go for a hike, spend time exploring the Dam, and learn some basic Fijian phrases. As night falls, spend time listening to traditional songs around the fire.

Meet Your Homestay Family!

This morning you will leave the farm and being the next chapter of your Highlands adventure. Hop back into local transport and make your way to Nausori Village, where you will spend the next six nights truly immersing yourself in the traditional Fijian way of life. When you arrive in the village you will provide your sevusevu to the chief of the village in a very traditional ceremony required of any visitor to the community. This is an amazing cultural experience and also offers a chance to spend time with the elders of this village. Rustic Pathways has been working in this region for over 20 years and has developed a special connection with community members in the area. You will be assigned to homestay families in pairs and will have time this afternoon to get to know the people that will be opening up their homes and hearts to you. For the next 6 nights you will be living with a homestay family. Each home will vary but includes a mattress, and access to running water and a flush toilet is always available at our Rustic Pathways staff house. Each homestay will have 2 participants of the same gender.

7-11

Village Service Immersion and Highlands Exploration

Over the next week, you will split your time between ongoing construction efforts at the local school and in the village itself. Rustic Pathways works to support dedicated teachers who work at the schools in this interior region by improving classroom and housing facilities. We are also committed to ensuring that the school library is top notch, so please feel free to bring along some of your favorite early reading books to donate if you would like. You will also have the opportunity to participate in afterschool enrichment programs that will help reinforce the curriculum taught in the local school. You may help with reading or writing exercises, arts and crafts projects, or sports and physical education sessions. You’ll take breaks from your hard work by learning about traditional weaving techniques from village women and will get to see a traditional meke dance performance in appreciation for your service. A spectacular sunset view awaits on one of your afternoon hikes and you’ll enjoy relaxing at the local waterfall and swimming hole. You will leave the highlands having seen all the best things it has to offer! On Friday evening, share time with your group and village friends at the Staff Bure for a final Fijian farewell ceremony marking your last night in the village. There will be lots of laughter and tears and you will be amazed how quickly you have grown attached to your new family and friends in the Highlands!

Farewell to the Highlands

After a last morning of relaxing by the river and packing up, eat an early lunch and say farewell to the Highlands region of Fiji. Goodbyes are never easy, so expect to see many of the villagers waving farewell as the truck is loaded for your return to Nadi. Remember – you can always come back again next year. Reach Nadi in time for lunch at a local restaurant and add-on skydive for those who are interested in taking the plunge. Notice the change as you return to the hustle and bustle of Nadi town from the peace and quiet of the village. Join your group for a post-service debrief in the evening, discussing what you experienced and learned through hands-on work in the community. Tonight you'll be staying at our South Pacific Eco-Lodge Base. Students will stay in small houses that sleep eight to ten on bunk-beds, separated by gender. Each house has an attached bathroom with solar powered hot water showers, sinks, and flush toilets.

Out to the Islands

This morning after an early breakfast, you’ll head out to the breathtaking Yasawa island chain for some rest, relaxation, and well-deserved island time! Traveling by boat, it will take about three hours to arrive at your destination. Stay right along the beach in an eco-friendly camp that will serve as your base as you explore the beauty of the islands and begin to learn about Fijian culture and life. This afternoon, take a swim in the ocean, enjoy the sunset and settle into Fiji time. Your next 2 nights will be spent students sleeping just a few meters from the beach. Students will stay in dorm rooms with standard bunk beds, separated by gender. There will be cold showers, flush toilets, and electricity available.

Eco-Tourism in the Yasawas

This morning after breakfast and a good night’s rest, you’ll have the opportunity to go on an add-on scuba dive. Fiji’s world-renown coral reefs are some of the most stunning, so if you have any interest in seeing the reef from a fish’s perspective, you are welcome to give it a try. Whether or not you are a certified diver or if this will be your first time, the dive instructors will make you feel at home under water. If you choose to not do an add-on scuba dive, spend the morning snorkeling and relaxing in the sun. Perhaps you will choose to challenge the local team to a game of beach volleyball or horseshoe!

Snorkeling Adventure and Return to the Mainland

After breakfast this morning, travel by boat to the nearby colorful reefs for some spectacular snorkeling and a chance to learn about the importance of the marine environment for local livelihoods. Talk with locals to learn how they earn a living from the sea and the steps they are taking to preserve the marine environment for future generations. This will be a fun and educational morning as you learn more about the realities of life in Fiji and have a chance to explore these world-famous tropical waters. 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. Your last night will be spent at our South Pacific Eco-Lodge Base. Students will stay in small houses that sleep eight to ten on bunk-beds, separated by gender. Each house has an attached bathroom with solar powered hot water showers, sinks, and flush toilets.

Moce, Fiji!

Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your flight home or to your next Rustic program as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure. If you’re staying in Fiji, your Program Leaders will take you to your next accommodation to meet your new group. If you're continuing on to another Rustic Pathways destination, you’ll board a connecting flight to that country.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

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

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Fiji

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

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).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

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's supervising my child?

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 I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Is Highlands and Islands Service Immersion Right for My Child?

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.

Why Does Rustic Pathways Go to Fiji Islands?

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, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

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 2026

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