Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University was established in 1899, making it among the oldest universities in New Zealand. Victoria prides itself on having a significant international focus and a strong domestic base. The University is home to over 21,000 students, including around 3,000 international students. The University has four campuses in Wellington, three of which are located in the inner city all within 10 minutes walk of each other. The main campus enjoys an idyllic setting with its elevated position commanding stunning views over the harbor. Facilities include a main library, cafés, a bank, book centers, computer shop, complimentary local newspaper, recreation and cultural facilities, and a medical center. The Students Association funds almost 100 social, sporting, cultural, and ethnic clubs, which help to make students feel at home in their new learning environment. At the newly renovated Recreation Center, open up to 16 hours a day, students can get involved in a wide variety of health and fitness activities, outdoor pursuits and dance classes.

 

University of the South Pacific

Students begin their academic program with an 11-day course in Pacific Studies at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji for 1 credit. Students receive a Certificate of Completion. This course is taught both in the classroom and the field with a wide variety of included field trips. The University of the South Pacific (USP) is the premier institution of higher learning for the South Pacific region, uniquely placed in a region of extraordinary physical, social and economic diversity. Established in 1968, USP is the only university of its type in the world. It is jointly owned by the governments of twelve island countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Samoa. The University has campuses in all the twelve member countries. The main campus, Laucala, is in Fiji. The University of the South Pacific’s main campus is located among pleasant surroundings in Suva. The site of a former New Zealand sea-plane base, the campus includes a small botanical garden and the USP Oceania Centre for the arts. AIFS provides a Social and Cultural Coordinator and an Academic Coordinator from the University to supervise the program.