Study Abroad Opportunities in Samoan in Samoa

Samoa: Pacific Island Studies

Where: Samoa
When: Rolling Starts

SIT Study Abroad Drawing upon field excursions and local university resources in Hawaii, Samoa, American Samoa, and Fiji, you gain a broad understanding of the physical and historical forces that have shaped contemporary life in the Pacific Islands and an appreciation for the rich cultural traditions of the region.

Overview The Pacific Islands Study program based in Samoa is an opportunity to look at traditional cultures and see how they are moving forward in terms of development. The program begins with an orientation at the East West Center in Honolulu and then moves to Samoa, where the students live on the campus of the University of the South Pacific's School of Agriculture's campus. Rural village homestays and other educational excursions provide students an insight into some of the challenges younger generation Samoans face trying to balance Samoan and American culture.

Setting The program is based in Samoa, the cradle of Polynesian tradition and the first Pacific Islands country to become an independent nation, in 1962. It is an ideal setting in which to immerse yourself in the study of the peoples of a small island state and their response to a changing world.

Value Excursions to Fiji, Savai'i, and American Samoa are a chance for students to see both the scenic beauty of the Pacific as well as impacts and issues of westernization and development. Some of the themes and issues addressed during excursions are the economics of development; social change, environmental issues and the impact of tourism.

School for International Training

When: Fall Semester, Spring Semester

School for International Training The Pacific Ocean is home to some of the world's most remote habitats, including the constellation of over 20 island nations that make up the distinct cultural zones of Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. This program examines the economic development, nation building, and cultural cohesion in these isolated islands of Oceania

Overview Intensive Language Study: Samoan; Pacific Islands Studies Seminar: History and Politics, Geography and Economics, Cultural Anthropology, Arts and Humanities, and Educational Excursions; Field Study Seminar; and Independent Study Project. (16 credits in total) 2 weeks in a village homestay on 'Upolu, plus shorter stays on Savai'i and Fiji. The program includes field trips on the islands of 'Upolu and Savai'i to give a perspective on the country's topographical and ecological diversity, as well as a 10-day study trip to Fiji (conditions permitting).

Setting Your program is based in Samoa, a cradle of Polynesian tradition and the first of the Pacific Island nations to regain independence after World War II.

Value Please inquire for costs: Fees include tuition, full room and board, all field trips and related fares, health and accident insurance, and other direct program expenses. Participants pay for international airfare and domestic travel to the point of departure from the USA.