Students wishing to study abroad, but don’t have the time or money to commit to a semester-long program have a new exotic choice for summer. The new short-term Fiji program will give students the choice they’re looking for.

The new Fiji summer program will be a three-week course studying tropical marine ecosystems, Rhea Presiado, assistant professor of geography, said. Students will get first-hand experience, studying coral reefs, sandy beaches and marshlands.

Graphic by: Brady Terry

“This is a hands-on, fun course,” Russ Braby, study abroad adviser, said. “Most of the coursework is outside, on the reef and beach.”

Although Presiado was originally scheduled to co-teach the course with professors from the local university, pregnancy will keep her from attending the first program, Braby said. Instead, students will be taught from the University of South Pacific.

The short-term program was set up to give students an alternative to a semester-long commitment, Braby said.

“This is a more appealing option,” Braby said. “The semester-long can be intimidating to students.”

The course is three weeks, with an additional optional week, Presiado said. The fourth week is for students wishing to become certified in scuba diving.

“The extra week gives students more opportunity, but those who can’t, or are afraid to swim are not required to take the extra class,” Presiado said.

The course costs $3000 for the three week option and $3500 for the additional fourth week, Braby said. Comprised of 30 lectures, 10 field trips and one overnight field trip, the short term course will provide plenty of opportunity to experience the island culture.

“The course is open to all majors,” Braby said. “The only prerequisite is taking a biology or geography class prior.”

The three week course will count as a general education requirement for natural science and international education, Presiado said. The additional week will satisfy the physical education requirement.

“The short course is much more affordable than a full semester,” Presiado said. “It’s an attractive option and a great opportunity for students.”

Being in Platteville, students don’t often get the chance to study coral reefs, Presiado said. She is currently the only certified oceanographer on campus and encourages students to take the opportunity they have to study abroad.

“I did my undergraduate research project in Tahiti,” Presiado said. “I support the study abroad program; it broadens horizons for students.”

The deadline for applications was April 1st, but those who have missed the deadline and are still interested are encouraged to contact the study abroad offices, Presiado said. The course is limited to 30 students, but they will work with those who are still interested.

“I can’t say enough about it,” Vinny Happach, biology major, said. “It’s going to be a life-changing experience, and I haven’t met anyone who’s regretted it.”