July 8: Departure Day, Los Angeles to Matei, Taveuni
Group Meeting:
At 8:30 PM, meet your leader and fellow students at the Fiji Airways check-in counter (outside of security) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This is the official start of your Putney program!
Group Flight:
The group will fly on Fiji Airways flight #811 departing Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 11:30 PM on July 8, arriving in Nadi, Fiji (NAN) at 5:50 AM local time on July 10. The group will continue on Fiji Airways flight #121 departing Nadi at 7:00 AM and arriving in Matei, Taveuni (TVU), at 8:25 AM local time on July 10 (14 hours en route). July 9 is lost crossing the International Date Line.
July 10 & 11: Taveuni
Settle in on Taveuni Island, and start planning for the weeks ahead. Dip your feet in the bright blue waters of the South Pacific, hike the Coastal Trail, explore fantastic coral reefs offshore, and swim under the Bouma waterfalls. Begin to learn about the unique and vibrant Fijian culture.
July 12–24: Navakawau Village
The small, quiet village of Navakawau, located on the southern tip of Taveuni Island, is our home for the next few weeks. The village continues to rebuild after the devastating February 2016 cyclone that passed through, destroying nearly 90% of the buildings in the village. Work together with the local community to complete a series of construction, education, and agricultural projects. Evenings are spent bonding as a group and immersing ourselves in the local culture as we learn about traditional arts, play games of rugby or volleyball with our Fijian friends, participate in a kava ceremony with village elders, or learn to spearfish from local fishermen. On day trips and overnight excursions, visit and explore nearby islands. Take an introductory surfing lesson, go on a sea kayak excursion, and explore remote beaches.
July 25 & 26: Taveuni
After finishing up our service projects and celebrating with our new Fijian friends, head back to Taveuni to relax and explore the coral “Rainbow Reef” and “Great White Wall” for a few days before making the journey back to Viti Levu.
July 27 & 28: Nadi
Return from Taveuni to Nadi and spend the final two days immersing yourself in the cultural melting pot of this bustling city. Explore craft markets and soak in hot springs. Swim in the turquoise waters and reflect on your time in Fiji.
July 29: Return Day, Nadi to Los Angeles
Group Flight:
The group will fly on Fiji Airways flight #810 departing Nadi, Fiji (NAN) at 9:40 PM local time and returning to the International Arrivals Area of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 1:25 PM (10 hours, 45 minutes en route).