FAQs

What activities will we do on this program?

" Most of our days are structured around diving in the morning and lectures in the afternoon. We also have the chance to immerse ourselves in the local culture... For two nights, we visit the village of Rakua on the island of Beqa. We also explore and perfect our bartering skills in the local fruit and vegetable market. During our adventure, there are chances to partake in a traditional kava ceremony, an authentic Fijian Lovo and a Meke dance. We end our program with a fun whitewater adventure."

Who is this program designed for and how is it different than your other trips?

The Shark Studies program is designed for participants who have an academic interest in marine biology and pelagic animals, specifically sharks. This course also focuses on conservation and sustainable tourism. High school and/or college academic credit is available, so there are requirements that you’ll generally only find on Academic Treks trips, such as class time, field journals, projects and tests. Lectures, lab work and marine research are complemented by learning on dives. You’ll learn a lot on this program, and you have tons of fun doing it!

What will the academics be like?

Because Shark Studies is accredited by Lesley University as a college course, you can expect to participate in academic activities such as lectures and assisting with ongoing research projects. This program requires completion of exams, data collections and synthesis, a research project, a presentation, journals and service work. The academic work is designed to include both experiential and traditional learning, so while you will spend some afternoons in the classroom listening to a lecture, you will also spend a significant amount of time on hands-on projects and data collection. All students should be prepared to fully participate in the academics, regardless of whether or not they want to earn school credit.

Is this program all work, no play?

No way! We learn a lot about sharks and their environment, but much of the learning is hands-on. You’ll discover so much about these amazing creatures while having a blast diving. Although this is an academic program with tests, lectures and classes, there is plenty of time for fun. Additional activities include hiking, swimming under waterfalls, meke dancing, whitewater rafting, field trip to Suva and local village visits.

What is a typical day like on this program?

Days are typically spent learning about the underwater world with a focus on sharks, scuba diving and doing work in the classroom. Usually we spend the mornings out diving with the sharks and then a couple of hours in the afternoon in a traditional classroom setting or analyzing data collected from the morning. We have field trips some afternoons that vary from going to Suva to visiting the local village of Gaola. Mixed in is free time when we take a break to do something different. We spend time playing on the beach, participating in community service and just having fun. In the evenings, we have dinner, relax, play team games and work on field notes.

Will I really get to see sharks up close?

Yes! This program is focused on learning about and studying sharks in their natural habitat. After learning about sharks with your instructors, we plunge into the water to observe these amazing and misunderstood creatures. On every shark dive you see at least 4-5 different species of sharks and watch how they interact with each other and the marine life around them.

Where do we sleep?

For the majority of this program, you will be staying in wooden or thatched huts or small dorms either by the ocean or the river. During your village stay, you will be living with local host families who will provide you either with beds or mats on the floor. During the whitewater adventure portion of your trip, you will be sleeping under the stars in a local village along the river’s edge.

What do we eat?

You will eat a range of food including curries, fish dishes and local tropical fruit. You will never go hungry! Breakfasts can include bread, eggs and fruit. Lunches may be a packed sandwich or a more traditional Fijian hot meal such as fish stew. Dinners are hot and typically are at restaurants or prepared by locals.

Who leads the Shark Studies program?

Two Academic Treks instructors will be with your group from beginning to end and both have relevant experience in marine science and leading teens. At least one of the AT staff members is a certified EMT, WEMT or WFR. Guest speakers help round out our experience.

What’s the weather like?

It is winter in Fiji while we are there. The days are very comfortable, but the nights can be chilly. It typically showers for an hour or so in the afternoon, but the skies are usually sunny and warm during the day.

Are their prerequisites for this program?

Scuba certification is a prerequisite for this program. No previous biology is required. Most students prefer to have some background in biology before the course begins, however this program will give a general overview of the biology concepts needed.

How many credits do I receive on this program?

3 college Natural Science credits through Lesley University.

How am I evaluated on this course?

Two exams, data collection and synthesis, research project, a journal and a presentation.

Can high school students earn academic credit?

Many of our high school programs offer students the chance to earn academic credit which can be transferred back to their high school. After the course, you will receive a transcript as well as a letter detailing the course curriculum for your high school administrator. Most schools accept the credit after reviewing this course packet. Each academic institution has its own requirements, however, so we can't guarantee your school will accept the credit. We recommend asking for approval from your school administrator prior to program. You can also earn college credit for many courses through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the academic credit options, call us at 919-256-8200.

Can college students earn transfer college credit?

Yes. All Broadreach College study abroad programs offer 1-3 transfer credits through Lesley University. The cost of the transfer credit is included in the price of every college program. Broadreach College works with your study abroad office to ensure a smooth course credit transfer before your final acceptance. At the completion of each course, students receive their grades from Broadreach College. Lesley University will provide course credit hour transcripts. To learn more about receiving transfer college credit, call us at 919-256-8200.

What if I've never been diving before?

No problem. Many of our diving programs are designed for those with little or no diving experience. Your instructor will teach you one step at a time, at your own pace. Diving is easy and fun! If you are an experienced diver, you can select one of our advanced diving programs.

How much diving will I do? What if I want to do fewer or more dives?

Every program offers a different diving schedule, ranging from 10 - 30+ dives. If you'd like to do fewer dives, that's ok, because there are often several dives that are optional. On the other hand, if you and your group are really into diving, you may be able to fit in even more dives, depending on the program.

Other then diving, what activities will I do?

It wouldn't be Broadreach without a diversity of experiences! Examples of other activities include snorkeling, waterskiing, wake boarding, knee boarding, rainforest hiking, community service, visiting historical and cultural points of interest, learning about important conservation issues at marine reserves, and exploring local villages and markets.

How deep will I dive?

Most of our dives will be shallow, between 35 and 55 feet, because that's where we'll find the right combination of best dive sites, plentiful marine life and brightest light. You will do a few supervised deeper dives to around 85 to 100 feet when you are ready for students 15 and older. For students under 15, your maximum depth will be 70ft.

How do your programs compare with other teen educational travel programs?

Put simply, no other program can boast the same combination of small groups, diverse cultural experiences, life-long skill building, hands-on education and outdoor adventure. Unlike teen tours with set schedules and activities, Broadreach programs are flexible and involve you in all aspects of the experience. You are asked to take responsibility and few things are done for you. We have specific goals, but how the adventure unfolds depends on you and your group. We need everyone's participation, cooperation and leadership to make it happen.

Do I need trip, travel or medical insurance ?

All participants on Broadreach programs are required medical insurance including coverage for international medical care. Since many personal medical policies do not cover international medical care and evacuations or have exclusions for certain sports, we have partnered with Trip Mate to offer a choice of travel insurance plans for our participants.
The minimum required policy includes coverage for medical care, emergency evacuation, lost or damaged luggage, travel delay, etc.
Most families also take advantage of our recommended tuition protection coverage , which offers 75% tuition refund FOR ANY REASON up to 72 hours before your trip departure and 100% tuition refund if you cancel for a covered reason.

Can I call home while I am on a Broadreach program?

Of course! Depending on the itinerary of the program, most participants have the opportunity to call home about once a week. Most families also follow our online trip updates which are short blog entries written by program participants or staff during the trip.

Do you have any family discounts?

We do. We will give a 5% discount on the second (and any subsequent) enrollment in one summer. This offer is available to an individual student, or siblings. The 5% discount will be applied to the program of lesser cost, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Can you give me the names of other families in my area that have done Broadreach?

Absolutely. Just call the office and we can put you in touch with past participants who have done the trips that interest you. Broadreachers past and present are part of a strong community that’s always there for one another. No need to be shy either, people will be glad to hear from you.

Do most participants come alone or with friends?

Most participants come alone, so there is no need to be concerned if you don't know anyone else on your program. It's normal to be apprehensive about not knowing anyone, but within a day of starting your program you'll be laughing and sharing exciting adventures with new friends.

I've never done this type of trip before. Is any experience required?

Don't worry! Many of our participants are 'first-timers' who have never been scuba diving or slept in the wilderness for more than a weekend. All we ask is that you come with an open mind, a desire to try new things and be ready to have lots of fun.

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Please feel free to call the Broadreach office if you have any questions or would like to discuss our adventures. We’d love to talk to you! You can also email us at questions@gobroadreach.com

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