Social and Environmental Change in Oceania
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About this Program
The launching point for the settlement of Polynesia, in 1962 Samoa became the first Pacific island to achieve independence. After a weeklong orientation in Hawaii, where you will meet members of Hawaii’s indigenous community and visit the Bishop Museum, travel to Samoa where you will live in Apia, the cosmopolitan capital and the program’s base, and study social justice issues and efforts to protect the environment across the Pacific. Hear perspectives on social transitions, conservation, and resilience from Hawaiians, Samoans, and other Pacific Islanders and interact with Samoan university students. Visit Samoa’s largest island, the volcanic island of Savai‘I, to see the sea arches, blow holes and lava flows of the South Pacific. Journey to Fiji and witness how Oceania’s diverse communities are supported by the environment but impacted by development, tourism, and climate change. Experience a traditional taro lo‘I in Hawai’i and, if you choose, the slaughter, roasting, and serving of a small pig in Amaile, Samoa. In the final month of the program, undertake a self-designed research project on a topic of your choice with experts to guide you.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Language Intensive Program
- Research Opportunities
- Study Center Program
- Homestay
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 16
- Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
- Typical Course load: 5
- Credit Per Course: 3-4
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: School for International Training
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
- Quarter Range: 24
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $10,000
- Spring Semester: $10,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to SIT on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by SIT. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (March to May): Warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). This period falls toward the end of the wet season, with some rainfall but increasingly dry days.
- Summer (June to August): Dry season, with mild temperatures between 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F). This is a popular time for outdoor activities and beach visits.
- Autumn (September to November): Warm, with temperatures from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F) as the rainy season begins to approach.
- Winter (December to February): Wet season, with frequent heavy rainfall and high humidity. Temperatures range from 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F), and cyclones can occasionally occur.
Travel Resources
- Air: The main international airport is Faleolo International Airport near Apia, Samoa’s capital. Domestic flights are minimal due to the country’s small size.
- Ferry: Ferries operate between the main islands, Upolu and Savai'i.
- Public Transport: Buses are available on Upolu and Savai'i, but schedules can be irregular. Taxis are a common means of transport and can be hired for longer trips.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Top attractions include the To Sua Ocean Trench, Papaseea Sliding Rocks, Alofaaga Blowholes, and Lalomanu Beach. Samoan villages also offer a glimpse into traditional culture.
- Language: The official languages are Samoan and English. Samoan is widely spoken, though English is common in tourism and business.
- Festivals: Notable events include Teuila Festival in September, celebrating Samoan culture through dance, music, and traditional sports, and White Sunday in October, honoring children.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Traditional Samoan dishes include palusami (taro leaves with coconut cream), oka (raw fish marinated in coconut milk), fa’apapa (coconut bread), and fresh tropical fruits.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian options are available, though traditional dishes often include meat or fish. More diverse dining options are available in Apia.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Apia: 5th Floor, ACC Building, Matafele Apia (Phone: +685 21436)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Accessibility in Samoa can be limited, especially in rural areas. While Apia has some accessible facilities, many attractions and accommodations may not be fully equipped.
- LGBTQ+: Samoa is a conservative society with traditional views on gender and sexuality. LGBTQ+ travelers are advised to be discreet.
- Religion: Samoa is predominantly Christian, with strong religious influence in daily life, and churches playing a central role in Samoan communities.
- Race & Ethnicity: Samoa is ethnically homogeneous, with most of the population identifying as Samoan, though there is a small presence of mixed-race and immigrant communities.
- Gender: Traditional gender roles are prominent in Samoa, but there is cultural recognition of the fa'afafine, a third-gender identity unique to Samoan society, alongside ongoing challenges in gender equality and representation.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by SIT.
U.S. passport holders will be issued a visa upon arrival (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). Students will be required to submit pre-visa paperwork electronically. SIT will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in SIT’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.