Engage in a holistic youth development project in a rural Fijian village. In this village, you will work with a local youth group to help young people increase their confidence, skills, and knowledge in these areas of development: public health, mental health, sports development, and life skills and enterprise. Student interns will be involved in each of these areas and activities:
- Public health: Using materials developed by the Fijian Ministry of Health, you will promote healthy habits including nutrition, diet, smoking, drugs, and non-communicable disease (NCD) awareness. You may also help gather data, conduct BMI tests, or survey village water and sanitation.
- Mental health: Collaborate and discuss concepts of mental well-being; spread awareness with young people around stigma and misinformation; and open up conversations about positive mental health through simple activities.
- Sports development: Inspire young Fijians to see the benefit of sports. Help them develop their own games and structured grass roots sports teams. Plan and lead coaching sessions for village children and community members to advocate sports for health and well-being.
- Life skills and enterprise: Empower young Fijians by introducing topics such as time management, money management, communication, or interview practice. Promote resume writing, job opportunities and basic business concepts. Help inspire Fijians to think about careers or creating village micro-enterprises that could provide future opportunity.
You will also work in an after school program supporting children living in the village. The aim of the program is to provide Fijian children with opportunities to try new activities, and develop self-belief and confidence in the process. Student interns can follow their passion and introduce, sports, games, creative activities, and academic tutoring activities.
A unique highlight of the program is living in a rural Fijian village in a homestay with a family. You will be immersed in Fijian culture and the simple activities of daily Fijian life. Each evening, you will enjoy a traditional dinner, spend time with your adopted Fijian family, and take part in activities hosted by your village. You will experience; learning how to weave palm leaves, cooking Fijian food in underground earth ovens, participating in traditional ceremonies, husking coconuts or fishing ‘Fiji-style.’ The program begins with a 3-day briefing at a beautiful tropical beach resort where you will be oriented about the projects and learn about Fijian culture. The program culminates with your final couple of days relaxing again at a beautiful beach resort, where you will provide critical feedback for improving projects, reflect on your experience in Fiji, and celebrate your achievements with a farewell dinner. This program is in partnership with Think Pacific. Students will join other BYU students as well as university students from the United Kingdom in this team experience. Learn more about this program at www.byuglobalhealth.org
DATES
This program will run for four weeks during Summer Term beginning around 25-30 June 2021 (exact date to be determined).
HOUSING
Homestay with a Fijian village family. During the briefing/orientation and reflection days of the program you will be housed in a beach resort. All meals while staying with your family and breakfast and evening meals during your briefing/reflection days at the resort will be provided.
COURSES
Students in the program Summer Term are required to take a minimum of six credits from this list of courses: HLTH 496R, IAS 399, LFSCI 199, HLTH 403, HLTH 481, HLTH 492, or HLTH 491R. Graduate credit for MPH fieldwork is available.
COST
$2,700-3,200
This cost includes undergraduate tuition for six credits Summer Term, international health insurance coverage, housing, meals during homestay, breakfast and dinner during stay at resort, airport pickup on arrival, orientation, onsite coordination, 24 hour emergency assistance, local transportation, and a $250 Think Pacific registration fee. Does not include international airfare, passport, visa(s), personal expenses, extra meals and snacks, cell phones/international data, or personal excursions.
TRAVEL
Students are responsible for purchasing their own airfare to and from the program. Airfare reservations must be made through BYU Travel. Students should contact a BYU Travel agent at: BYU Travel | 801-422-6293 | travel@byu.edu | 280 HRCB
PREPARATION
Students from many majors are encouraged to apply, particularly those with interests and background in mental health. Accepted students are required to participate in an international preparation course (IAS 369R, 1 credit hour). This second-block evening course will be held during winter semester. Accompanying spouses need to be credit-bearing participants on the program. Spouses will also need to apply online and take the preparation course.
FUNDING SOURCES
Regular BYU tuition scholarships, Pell Grants, and Federal Insured Student Loans may be applied to study abroad programs. Academic departments and colleges may assist with scholarships and grants. Private grants and scholarships outside of BYU may also assist (see kennedy.byu.edu/scholarships).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Students must be adults 18 years of age or older. Priority Deadline: 1 December 2020. Applications will remain open until program is filled. If spots remain open, the final deadline is anticipated to be 1 February 2021. Complete the online application at kennedy.byu.edu/apply. The application requires a $35 fee. Applicants will be interviewed once the application is complete. Students will be notified via email of their acceptance into the program. Students will also be required to complete an enrollment or application with Think Pacific and a police background check may be required. The first payment is due upon acceptance. Please refer to the 2021 Payment Information document (see kennedy.byu.edu/isp-forms/ISPpayments2021.pdf).
Priority Deadline: 1 December 2020
INTERESTED STUDENTS SHOULD CONTACT
International Study Programs
101 HRCB
(801) 422-3686
isp@byu.edu
kennedy.byu.edu/isp
Dr. Randy M Page
2030 Life Science Building
randy_page@byu.edu
Tana S. Page
2148 Life Science Building
tana_page@byu.edu
PROGRAM ADJUSTMENTS
International Study Programs (ISP) reserves the right to cancel this program, revise its offerings, or make any adjustments to the preliminary cost. If it becomes necessary for ISP to cancel a program, all program payments made to BYU ISP will be refunded to the student’s BYU financial account. ISP is the only office authorized to cancel any of its programs.
