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Benefit From a Year or Semester Abroad in New Zealand, Australia or Fiji!

admin — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:12:11 +0000

Students desiring an enriched educational experience and expanded perspective on the world are well served spending a year or semester abroad at a university in New Zealand, Australia or Fiji. In addition to the personal benefits of such an incredible opportunity, spending a semester or the full school year abroad is an impressive addition to a graduate school application or resume. The global perspective gained by the experience affords students a leg up in future endeavors.

Enrolling in a Year or Semester Abroad Program

Enrolling for a single semester or entire school year abroad is much like enrolling at a university in the United States and Canada. After deciding upon a program that best fits their educational goals, students begin the application and enrollment process. Once accepted at a university in New Zealand, Australia or Fiji, class selection may begin. Credits earned at most universities in Fiji, New Zealand and Australia are easily transferred to a student’s home university. Consulting with a college advisor to confirm the transferability of credits earned during a year or semester abroad is advised.

Advantages of a Year or Semester Abroad in New Zealand, Australia or Fiji

Students find there are numerous advantages to selecting the South Pacific to study abroad. Among the most notable are :

• English is a primary language. – There are no language barriers involved when attending school in the South Pacific. Many students feel one of the most significant advantages of studying abroad in Australia, New Zealand or Fiji is that English is spoken in and out of their class rooms. It is not necessary to undertake intensive foreign language study prior to embarking on a semester or school year abroad.

• Cultural immersion is a perspective broadening experience. – One of the most striking aspects of studying abroad for a year or even just a semester is really getting a sense of the people and cultures in the host nation. Living on campus or exploring the surrounding region provides many opportunities to meet those living in-country or visiting from other nations. Students share food, dance and cultural events that make these South Pacific countries unique. After getting to know people of Australia, New Zealand or Fiji and exploring the region, students acquire the unique understanding and perspective of global citizens. Many students find the experience provides them with an new awareness and appreciation of our global society.

• Explore the region while broadening your education. – Whether students spend one semester or the entire school year abroad in Australia or the neighboring countries, there are ample opportunities to explore the region. Students find the educational benefits studying abroad are not limited to the classroom.

Places To Visit On Your Holidays In The South Pacific

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 05:12:17 +0000

The South Pacific has the popular holiday destinations of Fiji, Tahiti, Vanuato, Samoa, Cook Islands, Tonga and Easter Island. These islands have palm-fringed beaches, tropical forests, cascading waterfalls and rugged volcanic peaks. There is some great self catering holiday home accommodation available to rent on these islands.
The islands of Fiji and Tahiti in the South Pacific are very popular with couples looking for a relaxing romantic holiday. They can rent some fabulous holiday villas with swimming pools right next to a beautiful white sandy beach on Fiji and Tahiti. Holiday home accommodation in Fiji and Tahiti enable holiday makers to explore the islands and have complete independence. When visiting these beautiful places they may try their hand at snorkelling around the coral reefs.
Vanuata and Samoa are also popular with holiday makers looking for a beach holiday. They are home to some fabulous white sandy beaches and offer water sports lovers the opportunity to swim and scuba dive in the warm clear water. It is possible to rent self catering holiday apartments and holiday villas in Vanuata and Samoa. Many of the villas are right next to the beach and you can wake up in the morning and walk straight out of your holiday home accommodation onto the beach.
Tonga and the Easter Islands are also in the South Pacific and are regarded by many holiday makers as their idea of a tropical island paradise. Many tourists come here on their vacations and spend their time relaxing on the clean white sandy beaches and top up their sun tans.
The islands in the South Pacific are a great holiday destination for holiday makers to go and have a totally relaxing holiday. You are assured of a warm and friendly welcome from the locals and many tourists like to sample the local food. By staying in a holiday villa or self catering apartment in Tahiti, Fiji or any other of the islands in the South Pacific enables you to sample the local culture. You can eat out at many of the small local restaurants or you can choose to take food back to your holiday home and cook it yourself.
The coral reefs off these islands in the South Pacific are home to a great number of species of tropical fish. You can either snorkel amongst these reefs or scuba dive and experience the true splendour of the marine life. Many holiday makers come back year after year to these beautiful islands as they are captivated by all that they have to offer.
The islands offer some great night life and many tourists join in with the local songs and dances. There is also the opportunity to sample the local food with fish being the main staple diet of the area. As well as a good choice of small family run restaurants there are usually barbecues held on the beaches most evenings.
These islands in the South Pacific are a real tropical holiday island paradise. They have great weather, clean sandy beaches and a warm inviting sea to swim in. They are an ideal destination for a relaxing beach holiday and there is a great choice of holiday villas and self catering holiday apartments to rent during your stay in paradise.

Some Must Sees of Fiji

admin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:06:24 +0000

There are few places in the world as beautifully untouched as Fiji’s 330 islands, which make it an outstanding location for a luxury holiday. In Fiji, there is plenty to see, an amazing culture to absorb and some simply unforgettable sights. Here is a selection of Fiji’s Must Sees:

Navala Village

Although many of the settlements you see will seem traditional by western standards, Navala village really is something else – all the houses are built from local materials. The houses (“bures”) are single room buildings with thatch roofs and bamboo woven walls. Kitchens and toilets are separate buildings. There are around 120 bures in the village, and apparently a new one is built every time a couple get married – due to the simplicity of the buildings, construction takes around a month. You can take a guided tour of the village, and it is definitely a Fiji holiday experience you will not forget in a hurry.

Go Island Hopping

With a total of 330 islands, it’s no surprise that exploring presents tourists with unique and memorable experiences. The majority of these islands are not developed for tourists, so an adventure is almost guaranteed. Guest houses are sporadic, so you may well be looking at the hospitality of locals for lodging and board – make sure you pay at least F$50 per day to your hosts to cover expenses, and present a ‘seveusevu’ on arrival. If the prospect of uncertainty in your lodgings and the idea of an adventure fills you with excitement rather than dread, than a island hopping adventure should be a key part of your Fiji holiday.

Visit the Bouma National Park

The Bouma National Park comprises some 15,000 hectares of rainforests with volcanic peaks, breathtaking mountain ridges and sheer cliff faces. The waterfalls in particular are breathtaking, and the park has some unusual wildlife which is rare on other local islands thanks to the prevalence elsewhere of the predatory mongoose. The park is home to a vast number of reptiles and birds – definitely worth the effort of getting to on your luxury holiday in Fiji.

Scuba Diving

With so many islands and absolutely perfect conditions, it’s no wonder that Fiji is renowned for its excellent diving. Offering a huge variety of bright and colourful soft corals, impressive marine life, warm waters and good visibility, it’s a solid choice both for beginners and experienced divers. The pick of the reefs to explore would be Astrolabe Reef and Beqa Lagoon – any diver worth their salt should pay these a visit at some time in their life, and they are also an excellent place for beginners to be introduced to the world of diving on a holiday in Fiji.

Traverse Navua River

Navua River is tucked up in the highlands of Viti Levu, and despite the regular raft rides along it, feels like it’s barely been touched by human influence. The trip takes you past astonishingly beautiful terrain, past black volcanic walls and emerald rainforest and countless waterfalls. The waters can be choppy, but the beauty of this wonderful river means that you will hardly notice.

I’m only scratching the surface here, and the sheer number of barely explored islands means that there are thousands of unique adventures waiting to happen – there’s never been a better time to book a luxury holiday in Fiji!

Places to Visit on Your Fiji Vacation

admin — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:06:29 +0000

There are so many different areas of Fiji that you could plan a vacation to because the geography is so incredibly unique. Fiji is made up of over 300 islands, but only 106 of them are inhabited. There are two major islands that comprise Fiji: Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Both of these islands are very mountainous and are absolutely covered with tropical forests. Viti Levu is home to the capital of Fiji, Suva, and includes about three fourths of the entire population. There are really only two major cities that reside on the island of Vanua Levu: Labasa and Savusavu. Both Labasa and Savusavu are major trade centers and bring in a lot of money for the island. Some of the other notable islands are Tveuni, Kadavu, Mamanuca, Yasawa, the Lomaiviti islands and the Lau island group.
Viti Levu has one of the most interesting histories of any island in the entire world. Geologists actually believe that it has been completely submerged in the ocean a number of times throughout its history. The eastern side of the island of Viti Levu is widely known for its heavy rainfall which is likely to have contributed to the possible submersion. Viti Levu has been exposed to many volcano eruptions and earthquakes which has caused it to have a very rugged terrain in some areas. This is a great place for a Fiji vacation because the history is so diverse. The western side is much drier than the west and that creates a very unusual balance of climates on the island.
Vanua Levu is the second largest island in Fiji, only second to that of Viti Levu. Although smaller in physical size, Vanua Levu has a much larger history to it. Most people believe that Vanua Levu is actually a type of combination of other islands that were submerged and then fused together by shifts in the earth. This event has caused a rather peculiar shape of the island. The main part of the island is in the shape of a very long, thin triangle and the rest of the island is surrounded by coral reefs. The terrain is rough and hilly, not unlike that of Viti Levu.
A Fiji vacation is definitely something that will forever change your life and the way you view traveling in the future. All you must do is decided what you want to get out of your Fiji vacation and the rest will just fall into place.

Octopus Resort On Likuliku Lagoon Fiji, One Of The Top 10 Beaches Of The World

admin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:06:33 +0000

The Octopus Resort Yasawa Islands Fiji has one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches you will ever see right on its doorstep, and it is called Likuliku, voted one of the top 10 beaches in the World.

It is a small resort compared to many Fiji island resorts, with seventeen bures

It is a relatively cheap option for Fiji insofar as Yasawa Fiji Accomodations go, with budget alternatives to the normal bures. By this I mean serviced tents and dormitories, and although we stayed in Poppy’s Lodge, which is their top accomodation, we did check out all the options, and found them to be very reasonable.

Poppy’s Lodge is really suitable for families with interconnecting rooms, air conditioning, with wonderful views from the day beds on the decking, and it is almost on the beach amongst the trees, and very close to the centre of the resort.
The fittings, the bed, in fact everything we needed for our short stay.

There are many reasons for staying here at the Octopus resort, and whilst the first may be financial, and by that I mean you don’t have to be wealthy to stay here, unlike Turtle Island. Secondly you will meet a far wider group of people from all walks of life at the Octopus Resort, than you ever would at Turtle.

It would be fair to say this is a beautiful very well maintained resort, and the staff are very organised. The beach is just stunning, lovely clear turquoise water, the fish and the coral brightly coloured and healthy. If you wanted to use the swimming pool although I can’t think why, it had stunning views, and was very well maintained, and the bar area with it’s huge mirror is in my experience a unique way of seeing the beach no matter where you sit and look.

The food was much better than I had thought it would be, and the dining area had a sand floor so this is a real barefoot in paradise experience.

This was only one of the resorts we planned to visit in Fiji, and it happened to be the first. We had been promised a genuine Fiji experience, and I think that was what we got, thanks to the dedicated staff.

If you want to see photographs go to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/articles/125/1/Octopus-Resort-on-Likuliku-Lagoon-Fiji-one-of-the-Top-10-Beaches-of-the-World/Page1.html

Finally I would like to say, that we were able to visit the real Fiji, to see where the hotel staff belonged, to attend the Sunday Service in the Local church, and what wonderful experiences they were.

We will return to the Octopus Resort Yasawa Islands Fiji, amongst the best of Yasawa Fiji accomodations, on Likuliku lagoon, one of the top 10 beaches of the world, truly a barefoot paradise.

Ten Essential Things To See And Do In Fiji

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:06:16 +0000

Fiji is an archipelago situated in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean that has approximately 322 islands. More than half of the archipelago’s populace is found in the islands of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu, most of which are a mixed race of Polynesian, Indo-Fijians, Rotuman and Melanesian, so Fiji is rich in history and culture and offers some of the world’s best places to see and experience. Accommodations are not a problem in Fiji since they have a wide selection of hotels suitable for the discriminating tastes of every visitor, and since it has a tropical climate, clothing is usually just something cool and easy for the summer season, and protective rain gear for the rainy season.

1.) Snorkeling, diving and sailing

Being and archipelago, Fiji is surrounded by beautiful islands that are perfect for snorkeling and diving specifically in the famous Rainbow Reef. The magnificent flora and fauna under the sea is simply something you can’t get enough of. You can also go sailing to enjoy the crystal blue waters while getting tanned under the sun.

2.) Sun, surf and sand

If you’ve never been to Fiji, you’d best check out the equally famous Cloud Breaker. It is often visited for surfing and snorkeling because of the many beautiful lines of coral reefs. Cloud Breaker is also famous for its waves measuring up to 6 meters in height!

3.) Nature trekking

You can enjoy a peaceful nature walk in the country’s trail park such as the Vidawa Forest. Here, you can also catch a glimpse of the magnificent view of the gathering of fruit bats. For any nature lover, this will surely be a treat.

4.) Dance the meke

When you visit the Fiji archipelago, it is a must that you experience the cultural and historical significance of their native dance, the meke. Here, everyone is dressed in their native attire of leis and skirts made of grass. Enjoy a cultural experience of Fiji in their nature dance.

5) Rafting

Rafting here is different in that you use rafts made out of bamboo as you move along the waters of its rivers. This is a truly unique experience native of the Fiji Islands and something you shouldn’t miss. You will also get to enjoy the diverse fauna and flora available in the area.

6) Museums and historical architecture

Every country is proud of its heritage. And part of Fiji’s history is its beautiful and magnificent architectural structures that have been standing witness to the country’s progress since time immemorial. Don’t forget to see their National Museum, the Parliament Houses and the Hindu temple, Sri Siva Subramaniya.

7.) Orchid Island

The archipelago’s cultural center is situated in this Orchid Island where you will find an accurate miniature representation of the Fiji Islands. This is a must-see especially for first time visitors. This is also perfect for families as the children will surely love this place.

8.) Caves

Being surrounded by water, the archipelago likewise has beautiful caves that first-time and returning visitors always make a point to check out. The famous sacred caves of Naihere are the favorite destination of locals and tourists alike. So, one should make it a point to visit Naihere.

9.) Suva, the archipelago’s capital

For the best night outing experience, you should try the local bars and dining establishments lining the streets of Suva. There are live shows of meke, bands and other forms of entertainment tourists will surely enjoy. This is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the night.

10.) Mangroves

The breathtaking and wild ride through the mangroves along the tidal strip of the coast is something you wouldn’t want to miss out on. There are boats for rent for this kind of trip. There are also guides available for your safety and convenience.

A Fiji Vacation Package To Navini Island

admin — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:06:20 +0000

Why not take a Fiji Vacation Package to Navini Island, it would be an excellent choice for a Fiji honeymoon, and you would have little difficulty putting together a Fiji honeymoon package with any well known travel agent. Many people take a Fiji vacation every year, but the trick is to get the right degree of exclusivity and relaxation, and Navini has all of that.

Navini is one of the smallest island resorts close to Nadi, on that side of Viti Levu, and it is a private resort, where you can expect a casual and thoroughly relaxed time. The closeness to the international airport makes it an obvious choice for the first few days of relaxation after stepping off a long haul flight from say Europe, before beginning a sweep of the South Pacific.

You will be met by Navini Island Resort staff at the airport and within an hour you will be at Navini, and even swimming off the beach. There are no crowds because there are no trippers on this Fiji Vacation Package.

The island is small, you can wander round it in 10 minutes, because Navini is a coral cay and is only ever a few feet above the sea. It isn’t just coral, although of course the beautiful coral sand and the turquoise ocean are an outstanding feature. There are coconut palms, and lots of shade, and masses of tropical flowers.

Navini has only 12 bures including a honeymoon bure, all on the beach and overlooking the coral reef, which makes it the perfect start to your Fiji honeymoon. There are 36 island staff which outnumbers the guests so you will get to know the smiling Fijian staff and appreciate their infectious enthusiasm and laughter, and also appreciate their culture and generous hospitality which is unequalled anywhere.

At Navini Island your time is your own. It may be you decide to go snorkelling on the bright multicoloured reef, visit a local village on a complimentary morning outing, kayak around the island, visit Nadi town on a shopping trip, or perhaps just lie in the shade enjoying the amazing views.

There are other activities but if this is your Fiji Honeymoon, or a Fiji vacation Package to escape the stresses of 21st Century life you may want to do nothing at all. You could of course sail a hobycat, a sailboard, a spyboard or a sea cycle. All these activities cost you nothing. If you feel energetic there is the afternoon volleyball game, or you could read a book from the resort library or perhaps even a massage.

You can of course go scuba diving, para sailing or sports fishing, for which there is a fee albeit a modest one.

As you will realise Navini Island gives you a very laid back exclusive Fiji vacation package and could be a most delightful choice for your Fiji honeymoon.

Apart from accommodation, which is very comfortable if slightly Spartan, food and drink feature highly on any vacation package, and you will not be disappointed.

Navini’s dining room is open air beautifully situated between the tropical gardens and the turquoise sea. The food is a mix between traditional Fijian and innovative cuisine. There are choices at all times, and always beautiful fresh fish and local fruit, everything cooked in the kitchen.

Once a week there is a traditional Fijian night with a ‘lovo’ which is food cooked underground, and then a kava ceremony with Fijian singing by the staff.

You will go to Navini island for your Fijian Vacation Package or that once in a lifetime Fijian Honeymoon, and arrive as a guest and leave feeling you have made many friends.

For more information about Pacific Ocean Hideaways click on http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Pacific-Ocean-Hideways/

Fiji Is The Soft Coral Capital of the World

admin — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 05:05:50 +0000

Fiji scuba diving will surely be a great surprise for anyone that tries it as they will meet a great diversity of species in those fantastic waters. Fiji’s waters offer one of the most exciting marine lives that scuba diving fans can see. Fiji is an archipelago surrounded by a giant reef. Fiji’s waters are very good for snorkeling therefore you can find there thousands of dive sites. Water sports in Fiji it is also very popular because the sites are very easy to be accessed and the water’s temperatures are very warm. During winter, the temperatures don’t usually get lower than 25C. The visibility in Fiji’s waters is also very good for all underwater activities except for the summer days when it rains. You can find the best conditions for your vacation in Fiji early in the morning because the wind doesn’t start to blow.
In what concerns where to go for holidays in Fiji, you have lots of options to choose from. For example, you can get to Mamanuca dive sites very easy from the Nadi Airport. In this area you can find diverse options for full packages for scuba diving in Fiji. In Mamanuca you can visit shallow lagoons and swim around beautiful fishes. If you love to explore caves then you should go scuba diving in Sawa-i-Lau in the Yasawa Group and you will definitely be charmed by the interesting view you will find there.
Another popular diving site in Fiji is Astrolabe Reef which is situated in the southern area. There you can find a beautiful variety of coral and reef but the dive sites are small and are accessible by boat. The weather is sometimes humid there, but you will not have big problems with scuba diving because of that. In the Northern Islands you can go for scuba diving in Rainbow Reef. This famous location can be found between Taveuni and Vanua Levu and provides to its visitors eyes a great view because of the abundance of corals that developed there. If you are a marine passionate about shipwrecks you can find them in Fiji if you go to the Colonial capital of Levuka on Ovalau.
If you are concerned about your safety if you go scuba diving in Fiji, you should know that divers who have difficulties are helped by the Fiji Recompression Chamber Facility located in Suva. You should be careful to have a proper insurance and if you are a beginner you should get certified and follow the instructions you are given. If you take enough time for planning your vacation you will surely enjoy the best time by scuba diving all over the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji. Meeting the spectacular life that can be found under the waters of Fiji is surely a beautiful experience for those passionate about scuba diving. The extraordinary colors of the reefs that can be seen in Fiji transformed this place into one of the most visited destination for scuba diving.

How to and not to Act When Visiting a Fiji Village

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:05:45 +0000

When exploring a Fiji village it is a good idea to be familiar with Fijian village etiquette especially when visiting villages and unaccompanied beaches, reefs and gardens. If you show up at a village uninvited be sure and ask to see the head man in charge as soon as possible and don’t just wonder around.

Take off your sunglasses and hat when speaking to some one and tote your bags in your hand and not over your shoulder. Try not to embarrass the locals and keep affection toward your partner to a minimum.

Bring some Kava with you if you can when requesting to visit a Fiji village and you might get welcomed with a small ceremony of appreciation and be invited to eat with the village. As always check with your guide or ask permission to take pictures. If you are invited to enter someone’s bure be sure and duck and sit cross legged on the mat while trying to keep you head lower than the host’s. The head is regarded as sacred to the Fijians and be sure to never touch someone’s head.

If you are staying the night at a village and someone offers you a bed in their bure it is best to accept and forgo the risk of embarrassing a host. Try and travel with some thank you gifts or make a donation to the village. A common custom called kerkere is for the villagers to ask you for things. If it is something you have to keep kindly reply that you can give that item away and be considerate of many villages lack of materials and not carry so much gear when visiting a Fiji Village.

This article about Fiji Village is provided by Adventure Brat.

A paradise called Fiji

admin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:05:41 +0000

Holidaying in Fiji is a true escape to paradise and any traveler’s dream come true. This tropical paradise is a group of three hundred plus islands located in the Pacific Ocean filled with many attractions and activities to offer.

The only trouble you are ever going to encounter when visiting Fiji is making up your mind on what to do, because so much of activities are offered where ever you visit. If sight seeing is your fancy a tour to the nearby islands, the museums or the parks and landmarks are a good idea to learn more about Fiji itself.

If experiencing the culinary expertise of Fiji chefs is to your liking, you are in for a treat. With many five star restaurants, teashops and diner’s open 24 hours you can always sooth your appetite when ever you please. The food itself being influenced by the Indians, Chinese, Australians and many more is exotic and unique as Fiji it self.

For the more adventures types, why not try white water rafting at Navua River to get your share of an exciting adrenaline rush. Want to spend your time at the ocean? Go deep seas diving among the beautiful species of exotic fish and coral formations that can be found all around the Fiji Islands, it is one experience sure to leave you breathless.

If nothing above suites you, play golf in the most scenic of golf courses that can be found. Most are facing the blue ocean or the majestic mountain which makes it almost dream like. Shopping sprees at the local shops are sure to be a treat with so much at offer. The souvenirs and local handicraft shops must be visited before you leave to get your hands on some unique Fijian merchandise.

To experience and truly discover Fiji you need to explore Fiji from the luxury resort in Yanuca Island, with its pristine white beaches and palm trees making it a divine and heavenly place to stay in. Yanuca Island resort is the best place to stay and pamper your self Fiji style. And none can compete with the services and truly magnificent accommodation on offer at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa, Yanuca, Fiji Islands.

Fiji Visitor Center » visit fiji

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