#GCP2015Fiji

One of the biggest things that I have learned in my life is to give back to those that have helped you along the way. Shenandoah University gave me some of the best years of my young adult life. Being an alumni now, I wanted to give back to Shenandoah in some fashion. Money is certainly out of the question being a Peace Corps Volunteer and making less than $8 USD a day. Attending concerts or school events is out of the question due to living here in Fiji. So what better way to show my love to my Shenandoah family then to team up with the Office of International Programs to host a group of students for their spring break?! 
Shenandoah offers a fantastic program called "The Global Citizenship Project" or "GCP". The purpose of the project "is to whet the appetite of learners for longer-term learning abroad." The program sends out five groups to five different countries. However, when the participants are applying, the countries are unknown to the public. The application is a one page essay about why you should be chosen to represent Shenandoah and is then submitted anonymously expect for your student ID number. This program is offered to all staff, faculty, and students and is an all-expense paid trip. While I was at Shenandoah, I applied every year, however, was never selected because I have traveled quite a bit. I always heard the stories, saw countless pictures and was always quite jealous because it seemed that these trips changed people in such a positive way. 
During my years at Shenandoah, I was fortunate enough to be the Head Mentor of the First Year Seminar Program and worked very closely with Dr. Bethany Galipeau-Konate (Director of International Programs) and Dr. Tracey Fitzsimmons (President of Shenandoah University). These two wonderful ladies really got me interested in the Peace Corps and once they heard I was applying, they said "Where ever you are going, GCP is coming!" Bethany, Dr. Scott King (Psychology Professor and leader of the Fiji GCP Trip) and I started planning this amazing journey in the Spring of 2014 during my first year of service. We were all so excited to announce the destination and tell everyone, but we had to keep it a secret! Once the trip was announced, I Skyped into the pre-travel meetings to give a sense of what Fiji was short of like.
Now I wont lie, I was EXTREMELY nervous to host all these first time travelers to a place like Fiji! What were they going to think?! Who are these people?! Will they like me?! Will I get along with them?! So many questions and concerns were going through my head prior to their arrival. But all my concerns and fears were stripped away immediately has they came off the plane in Savusavu and I officially met them face to face. Shenandoah creates this strange sensation inside each of its students, faculty, and staff. No matter where you are from in the US, and no matter if you have never met, you have an immediate connection and pull toward each other. 
I am so thankful for Shenandoah University and all the people that were involved in making this GCP trip happen. It was an incredible experience, not just for the travelers, but for me as well. I was able to show the country that I love and the reason why I love it here. Below are some short statements from each of the #GCP2015Fiji family about their experience. Enjoy taking a small look into just how much this one week changed the perspectives of these travelers. 
To my #GCP2015Fiji family - thank you all so much for sticking strong throughout the entire trip! I know that at times it was really tough for you emotionally, physically, and mentally, but you all did such an incredible job! You always have a place in my heart and will always have a home here in Fiji when you want to visit! Vinaka vakalevu, Fakafeitai lasi! Love you family!!  
GCP Facebook Page 
GCP Blog 



Fiji is a beautiful country both physically and culturally. The country and especially the wonderful inhabitants of Kioa, along with our guide, Tim, created for me the experience of a lifetime. I was able to travel, learn, eat, and love in this beautiful country. I learned so much about the importance of relationships and what it means to be a part of a family. I was able to reach outside of my comfort zone and grow with the most fine tuned group of people possible.

We meshed so well and each person brought something entirely different to our little family. I enjoyed so much being able to travel here and have brought back to the United States with me the inspiration to reach out more, do more and help more in any way possible. I hope that I can be an inspiration to others, as Tim, the people of Kioa and Fiji has done for me! 

- Catherine Adams, Nursing Student 

"The first night in Kioa, Shawn and I were sitting pretzel style on the floor of Eddie Vavasa's small home. We had already eaten a lunch of traditional food, however I was still adjusting to the different flavors and presentation of food. When you're already full and sweating bullets from the heat, it can be a challenge to politely keep returning for more carbohydrate rich things. While chatting over dinner, Eddie's cell phone (an old school cell phone that looked like an early 2000's model Nokia) rings. He answered and spoke in a mix of Tuvaluan and English. At one point he stated in his crisp English, "I cant talk I have friends over, they are Palagi." Palagi (pronounced pol-ahn-y) is the Tuvaluan term for white people, a term I had already heard. What I noticed about that statement was the casual manner in which he called us friends. I imagined a role reversal in which I was hosting Eddie and his family and someone called me. I was saddened to realize I probably would have just referred to them as "guests". This was one of many instances in which the warm, engaging nature of the people of Kioa exceeded all of my expectations. Despite knowing us for a short period of time, we were given all that they had in terms of the best bedding, the only utensils they owned, sulus, etc. They never ceased to be extremely polite and the manner in which they hosted complete strangers from a different world in their home went beyond traditional hospitality as I know it. More than just Palagi, I was a friend, and this meant the world to me."

   - David  Krajewski, Physician Assistant Student

"What do you do?" vs. "Where are you from?" These questions are often exchanged in small talk, but in the US and Fiji, their priorities vary, as PCV Nichole Lange pointed out to me in a conversation in Suva. In the US, we usually ask the "What do you do" question (or its university variation, "what's your major?") early in making someone’s acquaintance, but in Fiji, the conversation starter is "Where are you from?"
This difference in questions reflects something I teach but seldomly have experienced first-hand, which is the difference between collectivistic and individualistic cultures. In the US and other individualistic cultures, we emphasize the individual. Achievement, independence, liberty, privacy, expression, self-esteem, performance: all of these things are stressed on an individual level. Thus, “what do you do?” is an appropriate way to find out about an individual person, with the assumption that what one does gives us a glimpse into their personality.
In Fiji and other collectivistic cultures, however, the group is the focus. Whether it’s the family, clan, village, island, or country, the whole is more important than its parts. The question “where are you from?” reflects this orientation, as one’s heritage, clan, and self are inextricably intertwined. In Kioa, we heard about the many young people who have gone to university or moved away, but still return every Christmas and will take over their homestead when their family asks. In Suva or Nadi, when workers heard we had come from Kioa, they were quick to proudly announce their own village roots. Tim, when asked the question, often replied “Au lako mai Kioa,” reflecting his identification and affection for his adopted home. Similarly, he spoke of his Fijian brothers, sisters, and parents across the islands as if related by blood.  
More examples of collectivism, especially in Kioa, abound, which I will discuss in a longer blog post for Shenandoah (learning-abroad.blogspot.com). To conclude, I hope to use my experiences in Fiji, and especially Kioa, to teach the individualism-collectivism spectrum with more vivid examples, at a minimum, and ideally, to help me and those around me deepen our understanding that there is more to a person than “what do you do?” 
- Dr. Scott King, Assistant Professor of Psychology 

“ Fiji was amazing to say the least. It was an incredible experience and I’d do it twice in a heartbeat. Tim’s efforts were impeccable as we ventured from island to island searching for the life of Fiji. In reality, I ended up finding myself. Not because I “fit in” or was the same complexion, it was deeper than that. I not only realized what I believed in but also what makes me human. The human flaws in us seem as gold to others. They love the basic things we take for granted and I enjoyed every minute of it. It made me appreciate life beyond the beauty tourists see. It allowed me to travel for the first time and encounter things that weren’t “meant to be”. Within the palm trees and sea breeze, they were the most loving, compassionate, and most of all peaceful people to meet. I thank Tim and SU for this great opportunity. It won’t be forgotten nor ever replaced; I will cherish those moments I shared with Fiji, with a smile across my face. “

- Tyreek Brown, Criminal Justice Student 

 

"Traveling to Fiji was an amazing experience! I consider myself blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to travel to this wonderful country, and to get to know the members of my GCP group and Tim!
Our week was filled with many new and exciting experiences. The highlights for me included our time on Kioa where we stayed with host families and truly experienced village life. The members of the community were warm and welcoming and integrated us into their homes seamlessly. They were extremely gracious and put our needs before their own. Also, the children of the village were great fun. They were so excited to meet us and ask questions about America.

I also enjoyed visiting FNU (Fiji National University) and the Colonial War Memorial hospital in Suva. Coming from the pharmacy school it was interesting to compare their curriculum and admissions criteria to our own. During the visit we were able to review the compounding work the third year pharmacy students had just completed. It was apparent they had put many hours of hard work into making the antibiotic suspension and the students were extremely proficient in the art of pharmaceutical compounding.

Experiencing the Fijian way of life has reminded me to slow down and appreciate what I have. Everyone we met was content no matter how little they had, and they were always willing to share with you regardless. I will take away many important lessons from my time in Fiji.

Vinaka to Tim, to the community of Kioa, and to FNU for being such gracious hosts"

- Dr. Amber Wesner, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy 

When I was first selected to go to Fiji for GCP, my thoughts immediately drifted to sandy beaches and resorts along the coast. We were quickly told that there would be much more to the trip than just beaches, but I had no idea what to truly expect. After 48 hours of traveling, we finally arrived in Fiji and were greeted by Tim’s smiling face. From that moment on, Tim toured us around and taught us endlessly about Fijian culture and traditions. One of the most amazing parts of the trip for me was watching Tim interact with the villagers and to see how comfortable he has become in Kioa. It made me proud to be associated with the same university as him and excited to get to know him over the remainder of the trip.

It’s hard to put into words how meaningful my time in Fiji was. Even though we were only there for a short amount of time, I learned so much about myself and the type of person I want to be. Every person we met was beyond welcoming and nice to everyone in our group. It was refreshing to see people who have so little be so happy at the same time. Now that I’ve returned to the states, I hope that I can take a piece of the culture I learned about and relate it back to my life. I am forever grateful for my time spent in Fiji and hope to visit again in the future! 

- Ashley Smeltzer-Kraft, Field Hockey Head Coach 

Working with Tim on the island of Kioa was one of most intriguing things I have ever done. It threw me so far out of my comfort zone that trying to process all the emotions. After spending the day with the school children it all became clear. I had immense feelings of sadness but I also was overwhelmed with envy. That may seem weird but it's not. The children had nothing that I had been raised with during school and I felt so guilty because of all the advancement we had. But at the same time I was envious. Envious that they were full of shear joy and contentment and that sometimes we have to much in life to distract us from inner peace. This opportunity was the most experience thus far in my life. 
– Taylor Golding, Business Administration Student

  

I took this picture relatively close to the time we landed in Kioa. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I had a strange feeling that this would be the highlight of my entire stay in Fiji. From the field games with the kids to hiking across the island, there wasn't a moment that didn't seem like an adventure. It was my time spent on Kioa that made me realize how big our world is and the need to explore it further. After this GCP trip I find myself seriously considering putting my soon to be attained Pharm.D. degree to good use and take on the healthcare needs of a nation (not sure which one yet) as a Peace Core volunteer.  – Shawn Kohlhaas, Pharmacy Doctoral Student

 

Well this is such a hard task telling you what my favorite part of my trip to Kioa was. The fatele was a blast, snorkeling was breathtaking, and playing with the primary school kids instantly brought a smile to my face. But the best part of my trip was experiencing all of this with 11 strangers. Yes, I know how random that sounds, but it was so much fun to see everyone grow outside of his or her comfort zones, try new things, and become a family.

Kioa was not my cup of tea. I do not camp. Nature hates me. And I hate sweating—it’s the worst thing ever. The conditions in Kioa pretty much made me hate myself every waking second. But then I got to see my family—Ashley, Shawn, Taylor, Jenna, Catherine, Tyreek, David, Amber, Scott, Maria, and of course our trusty guide Tim! It made every second of being on Kioa the best time of my life. Yes, I had the best time of my life in my least favorite conditions. They brought me out of my shell, dealt with my adolescence, and taught me to grow—something I needed to do. The culture swept me off of my feet and allowed me to enjoy and grow with my new family. Experiencing a once and a lifetime opportunity with people just bring you closer together and I feel like without these people there for me, I would not have made it through. Watching everyone grow out of their comfort zones and blossom into new people was the best part of this experience.

But if you’re looking for more of a concrete answer—playing with the kids at the primary school was something I will hold onto forever. The kids were so excited to go out and play with us—even though it was 1000 degrees outside—yes 1000, that was not a typo. In the States if you tried to do that with primary school kids they would complain the entire time and would not participate because it would be “too hot” or they did want to get “dirty.” These kids were outside playing without shoes on, running, laughing, singing, dancing, and having the time of there life with 11 super pale Americans they have never met. To me, that was so touching that they has so much enthusiasm and excitement to go out and play. It made me feel like a little kid again and it was the best 3 hours I have ever spent anywhere in my life. I don’t think I could wipe the smile off of my face that day. I had so much fun with those kids and I will never forget my yellow warriors! They were so welcoming and inviting and not one kid had a sour attitude the entire time we were there. It was refreshing to know that there are still children out there who love and thrive on playing outside with their friends. The simplicity in their lifestyles is what we need more of here in the United States and it was invigorating to know that simplicity and simple happiness still exists throughout the world. 

- Alex Wessel, Political Science Student 

How do I put my experience in Fiji in words? I honestly don’t think it is possible but I will try my hardest. I know the experience I got was one that few will ever have. While we were there we didn’t stay in fancy resorts we experienced how Fiji really is. We saw tourist Fiji and rural Fiji. To be honest I think I preferred rural Fiji. I wasn’t fond of all of the food I was offered, sadly. I thought if I saw curry one more time that I might be sick, but I lived. One thing that I really loved about Fiji was religion. It was everywhere. The cultural dancing praising God, singing praising God, almost everything had to do with praising the Lord. I also really enjoyed their dancing considering I am a dancer. I spoke to some nursing students at Fiji National University and they were amazed that I could dance as a job. When I told them that I got to dance all day long in school as a dance major their jaws dropped. I wish we offered some type of cultural dance at Shenandoah University. I know I would take it and if it had been a class while Tim was a student, I bet he would have signed up as well. It was a good time seeing Tim dance with the natives on the island of Kioa. The island of Kioa was probably my favorite place we visited while in Fiji. The island looked so untouched. The water was the bluest I had ever seen and the forestry was the greenest green I had ever seen. It was difficult sleeping with out air-conditioning but I think I could get over it. I could just drink a coconut and be good to go. My experience in Fiji as made me curious to travel the world, and not as a tourist but as an explorer.
- Maria Ortiz, Dance Student  

Being selected for the global citizenship project and having the chance to travel to Fiji was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and an experience I will never forget.  Our group was able to do so much more than simply travel and sight see. I consider us beyond lucky to have had Tim, Shenandoah alumni and Peace Corps volunteer, be our guide during the journey.  At every opportunity he took the time to inform and explain to us about Fiji and the country’s culture.

After what seemed like never ending travel and plane rides, we arrived in Savusavu and were greeted by Tim.  He showed us around the town, and began teaching us about life in Fiji.

Next we traveled to Tim’s village on the island of Kioa.  I’ll never forget arriving on the coast of the village (in a tiny boat that I never thought all of us plus our luggage would fit in!) and being completely awestruck by the beauty of the island.  It didn’t take long to realize the inner beauty of the people and culture, matched it’s external appearance.  Between opening up their homes to us, endless amounts of island cuisine, fatele, and an afternoon with the children at school, I have never felt more welcomed and embraced into a culture.  Although the way of life on Kioa was vastly different from my typical day and mentally tough on numerous accounts, our time on Kioa holds some of the most memorable moments of the trip. 

We traveled from Kioa to Suva, where we visited Fiji National University, Colo-I-Suva and explored the city.   At the university I was able to visit and observe an anatomy class and see the health science laboratories.  Our group also got to tour the local hospital, and I even got to see the physiotherapy room! Following our tours, the Nursing program organized a presentation to welcome us to the university, full of traditional dancing and singing. While in Suva, due to pending bad weather and cyclone Pam on its way, we had to say Goodbye to Tim early. Although we all wished he would be able to finish the trip out with us, and were a bit fearful to be without our amazing leader, I was so thankful for the time we did get to spend with and learn from him!

To finish out the trip we visited the city of Nadi. Here we saw a traditional Hindu temple, which was so intricate and beautiful! We also toured a Fijian village, providing us the opportunity to compare similarities and differences between traditional Fijian culture and the culture on Kioa.

I am beyond blessed to have been a part of such an amazing adventure and learning experience with the best group of people I could have ever asked for! Between all the activities and excitement, personal reflection played a huge role in my experience, as I was able to learn about myself and truly grow as an individual. I am so thankful for the endless knowledge I gained about the Fijian culture and the beautiful Fijian scenery we were able to explore!

- Jenna Kline, Physical Therapy Student