Fiji Overseas Professional Experience

General Information

Fiji Islands
The Republic of the Fiji Islands is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for some 87% of the population which is approximately 848, 000. The capital, located on Viti Levu, is Suva. Other main towns on Viti Levu are Lautoka, Nadi (Nan- di), and Labasa. The islands are mountainous and covered with lush green tropical forests and many sugar cane fields.
The weather in Fiji is rather hot and humid during the PEX. Even though it is winter there as well, and many Fijian people you meet will tell you how cold it is, you will still find it rather warm. The official language of Fiji is English. The country is multi-cultural, the two main cultural groups are Fijian and Indian.
In Fiji there are many places of interest. The town of Lautoka has cinemas, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and tourist shops. One notable store is ‘Jacks’ which has clothing, souvenirs, accessories, glassware, art, shoes and perfumes. You may also be able to get a discount of around 10% as the management remembers the ‘group of Australian teachers’ who come every year. Also in Fiji, bargaining for the best price is a must. You may be able to bring down the price by a quarter, or even half, of the original price!

Sevu Sevu
A traditional welcoming ceremony, held during the first week in Fiji, is called a Sevu Sevu. This ceremony is an induction into the Fijian culture and society in which students will be staying. Karva, the traditional cultural drink of Fiji, is offered during the ceremony. This ceremony is also when the students are introduced to their teachers for the first time and are given time to visit their prospective schools.

Accommodation

Lautoka
In Lautoka you will stay at the Waterfront Hotel. The cost for the hotel is included in your initial payment that you make before you leave. The hotel has facilities such as a pool, small gymnasium, large outdoor/grassy area, restaurant, bar and lounge, washing machine and dryer, among many other amenities.
   
Islands
There are 322 islands, of which 110 are inhabited, and 522 smaller islets. Apart from the two largest islands, other islands and island groups include Taveuni, Kadavu, the Mamanuca Group, the Yasawa Group, the Lomaiviti Group, and the remote Lau Group. The Mamanuca and Yasawa Island Groups are popular tourist destinations, the former group hosting islands such as Bounty Island and Beachcomber Island. The accommodations on these two islands are in communal bures or dorms.

Island Accommodation
On the islands you will be staying in a bure, which is a traditional Fijian hut and very well suited to the Fijian climate. Usually you will be sharing with three others from the group of students who travel to Fiji. If you would like to only share a bure with a friend, it may be costly.

Teaching

Schools
The schools that are available to teach include a range of primary and secondary schools located in Lautoka. You will be allocated a school before you leave Australia, and may even be lucky enough to know the age of students you are to teach! Most schools are easy to get to and within walking distance of the hotel.

Lessons
Some lesson ideas for you to consider planning for are: stereotypes, Australian culture, Australian flora and fauna, mathematics with many tactile resources, writing a narrative/recount/procedure, collage, drawing, drama, puppet shows, music lessons, Aboriginal art, portraits, food pyramids, hygiene, animals, poetry writing, family trees, English genres and many more. Many activities and units that you may have already used in Australia are suitable.

Students
Students are very welcoming and enjoy the variety of lessons and the use of new and interesting resources. Many students have never experienced class work without the use of a textbook, where lessons are planned out week by week, every term. Many schools have few resources, but the students really do want to learn and are a pleasure to teach.

Reflection
Reflecting on your teaching is an integral part of the Fiji PEX. Each day after teaching, you will need to reflect on your lessons and examine your teaching practice. This will allow you to look at your teaching style and work on any issues, such as classroom management. You will need to keep detailed and sequential lesson plans, but the main part of your work will be to reflect thoroughly.

Appropriate Behaviour and Dress
UOW students’ appearance and clothing when staying and teaching in Fiji must be professional. Apart from when staying on an island or in the comfort of the hotel, shoulders, stomach and thighs must be covered. Singlet tops, short skirts/shorts and thongs (or flip-flops) are unacceptable whether you are teaching or not. Women must always dress modestly.
Physical Education students are able to wear a polo shirt and knee-length shorts, but only whilst on school grounds, not when travelling to and from school. The behaviour of UOW students whilst staying in Fiji must be polite at all times. Patience and tolerance is required when travelling in Fiji.

Professional Experience Supervisors

Dr Barbra McKenzie
Phone: (02) 42 21 3808
Email: bmckenz@uow.edu.au

Dr Stuart Woodcock
Phone: (02) 42 21 5038
Email: stuart_woodcock@uow.edu.au

Dates

4th June to 25th June 2011

Cost

Approximately $2,600

Links

Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau
http://www.fijime.com  

Smart Traveller
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au

The Waterfront Hotel, Lautoka, Fiji
http://www.tanoawaterfront-fiji.com