Description

Join us for two weeks, four weeks or the entire summer on Sun, Sand and Service at the Rustic Pathways Eco-Lodge. Spend your days contributing to a variety of meaningful and fun environmental and community service projects, and then relax and enjoy your tropical surroundings in the evenings and on the weekends. One of our most popular programs, Sun, Sand and Service will give you insight into the Fijian way of life and introduce you to the natural beauty of this island nation.

Service from the Eco-Lodge
Our South Pacific Eco-Lodge is tucked into the hills south of Nadi and overlooks Momi Bay. It features beautiful ocean views, tropical surroundings and a relaxed island atmosphere. It's a friendly and social place with lots of space for you to get to know your fellow travelers and our local staff and friends.

We have several ongoing service projects at The Base, and you will be assigned to a small service team that will work on a combination of these initiatives. The projects range from teaching English to refurbishing schools and contributing to reforestation efforts. The small service groups will encourage you to build strong bonds with your fellow students and to take on a leadership role in your group's projects.

In the evenings, everyone will return to The Base to relax with our local staff, neighbors and friends. Lovo feasts, meke dances, and kava ceremonies will give you a rich taste of traditional Fijian food and culture. And playing soccer with the local children, hanging out by the pool, lounging in one of our hammocks, or dancing around a bonfire will keep your evenings relaxed and fun.

Fijian Culture
The Eco-Lodge sits between two indigenous villages and is surrounded by a host of Indian and Fijian families. People from these two distinct cultures live right next to each other in many of the coastal and urban areas on Viti Levu, Fiji's main island, even though they speak different languages and observe different customs and religions.

Native Fijian village life is centered around traditional chiefs and daily ceremonies, and Indo-Fijians hold on to separate customs from India. Women dress in colorful saris, and dinners are spiced with curry. You'll learn first hand about these distinct ways of life and rich cultures. Our local staff grew up in the area, and they will share their backgrounds, families and friends with you while you are in this South Pacific paradise.

Weekend Excursions
If you're staying with us for two weeks or more, you'll have the chance to take part in the weekend side trips that run out of the Eco-Lodge. Spend the night in a picture-perfect island paradise, immerse yourself in the local culture during a visit to a Highlands village, or get your adrenaline pumping on a high-energy adventure. There will usually be four optional excursions to choose from each week, and each will show you a different side of Fiji.

Highlights

IMMERSE yourself in the fun and exciting lifestyle at our Eco-Lodge Base and live, work, and play in the hills surrounding Momi Bay for two weeks, four weeks, or the entire summer.

BUILD strong bonds with your fellow students as you work together on many of the eight rewarding community service projects we offer at our Eco-Lodge.

SHARE in the friendly Fijian culture as you join lovo feasts, watch traditional meke dances, and play soccer with the locals.

CHOOSE from our four optional weekend excursions and spend two days relaxing on a delightful beach or joining adrenaline-pumping adventures in other parts of Fiji.

Qualifications

Students must be 14-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 3,295+ International airfare

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983