The first week of school started well for thousands of students across The University of the South Pacific campuses as they were introduced not only to their lecturers, course coordinators, and other teaching staff but also had the opportunity to meet fellow students from different regional member countries.
As in most instances, starting a university journey for the first time can be quite daunting, as some would have to move out of their home to a new town, and others had to travel across the vast Pacific Ocean to get to their USP campus of choice.
Though some of these changes can sometimes be a little challenging, most students expressed they are adjusting well to their new environment while some even said that ‘it gives them freedom, teaches them responsibility and a sense of independence.”
Etita Tebeebe, who hails from Kiribati, landed in Fiji two weeks ago, excited to start her university journey at the Laucala Campus in Suva. She is one of many Pacific students who had to travel to a different country to pursue higher education.
“This is my first time in Fiji, and I have been looking forward to being here at the Laucala Campus since last year. I have always wanted to join USP, and when I had the chance last year, I submitted my application to study in Fiji.”
The 19-year-old is the first in her family to attend university.
“I was so happy when I received my offer letter from USP to study in Laucala, and now that I am here, I can’t wait to experience everything university life offers.”
Etita, who enrolled in the Marine Science programme, said, “I chose this field of study because I want to help my home country. We depend on the ocean for sustenance, income, and livelihoods.”
“This programme will allow me to make a difference in my community and country through sustainable marine management and practices.”
However, studying at USP, one of only two universities in the world co-owned by multiple countries, has certain advantages over other institutions.
Owned by 12 member countries, USP is strategically positioned not only as an academic and research institution but also as the melting pot of Pacific cultural experience, with students from various countries across the region converging at any USP campus not only to study but to share their way of life with others.
Etita enthusiastically shared, “This is only the first week of school, and I have met so many students from other countries and already made friends with them.”
“I’m not just here to study. I am here to learn about Pacific cultures as well. Learn the culture of USP’s member countries and hopefully share some of mine with them.”
As part of welcoming new students to USP, the institution’s Campus Life team hosted a Pasifika Social night event last week that brought hundreds of students of different nationalities together to get to know each other and learn about other fun activities the university offers.
With the second week of school including tutorials scheduled to start next week, USP would like to encourage those who haven’t registered yet to do so as soon as possible, as the deadline for registration or adding of courses is March 8th, 2024.
