Despite the global COVID 19 pandemic, The University of the South Pacific International Office (USPI) has welcomed 83 international students that will be studying face-face at the USP Laucala Campus in Suva this year.
This is a 6 per cent increase in enrolment numbers compared to last year.
International students have also been given opportunities to study via online modes and USPI has enroled 323 students who will be studying online for the first semester this year. This number is an increase of 23.4% in comparison to Semester 1 last year.
The students are mostly enroled into Foundation, Undergraduate and Post-graduate programmes with majority of the students choosing to undertake study at USP using its state of the art online learning platforms.
The USPI has noted that apart from the best environment of learning offered by USP in the region, international students are choosing to study at USP because of Fiji’s COVID-contained status. Students are also attracted to Fijis tropical weather and the opportunity to study and enjoy Fiji’s outdoor, culture, and renowned hospitality.
USPI held a week-long orientation programme at USP’s Laucala Campus in Suva on the 22nd to the 26th of February to welcome the international students to Laucala campus. An information session was also organised for online students studying from their home countries.
In his remarks during the event opening, USP’s Acting Vice-Chancellor and President, Dr Guilio Paunga spoke from a personal experience as an International student himself, saying that “some of the lifelong friendships you make will be from here, as an International student.”
Manager International Office, Ms Lillian Fuata said the USP International Office still welcomes International Students from across the world and will provide as much support it can.
“Our international students love the Pacific Culture and Hospitality and this is why they choose to come and study at USP,” she said.
The orientation involved a combination of presentations on academic and other aspects of studying at USP, academic advising and course registrations; with the week ending in a Fijian Village excursion and Picnic.
The aim of the orientation session was to inform students about USP’s academic policies, Visa and Immigration regulations; and student support available for them, Pacific culture and peer support from the International Students Association. The ISA is a student body on campus that organises activities for the students throughout the semester for the students to participate in and to feel at home during their course study.
