Navigating Pacific Studies

The Navigating Pacific Studies Online course is available to both ANU and non-ANU students who are interested in the debates about theory and practice that shape how we conceptualise and think about the Pacific region and its peoples. 

In collaboration with the National Rugby League an abridged version of the course was delivered to interested NRL staff and players as an introduction to Pacific Studies and to build and develop Pacific cultural competencies. Given the high numbers of NRL Pasifika players this course is an important element of the NRL's Pasefika Cultural Engagement Programs that educate and develop young men and the industry on the importance of understanding, engaging and developing Pacific cultures within rugby league.

For more information about the course click here.

Pasifika Youth Workshop

The Pasifika Australia youth workshop is a unique program that brings ACT and NSW Year 9 and 10 students together to celebrate Pasifika culture and learn about tertiary education pathways.  The interactive program gives young Pasifika students the opportunity to develop networks and learn from members of the Pasifika community.

The youth workshop is open to all students of Pacific heritage who are currently in Years 9 or 10 in the ACT and NSW.

Students participate in the following activities:

• Pacific studies foundational lectures and tutorials by lecturers of Pacific descent
• a panel discussion from current Pasifika students who have attended previous youth workshops
• instruction on pathways to university
• dance classes run by professional choreographers of Pacific descent
• art classes.

All sessions are supervised by ANU with the assistance of Pasifika student ambassadors. The workshop is held over three days at the ANU Canberra and Kioloa (NSW south coast) campuses.

The next camp will be held in September 2014. Please register your interest with this form:

Vaka Pasifika workshop

Vaka refers to canoes or voyages in a number of Pacific languages. This workshop builds on the youth camp workshop as we continue the journey towards higher education participation and success.

This workshop is for Pasifika secondary students in Years 11 and 12 who are considering or are serious about university study. The workshop provides students an opportunity to explore and learn more about some of the different programs of study at ANU.

Over two days, students experience what it is like to study at ANU. The holistic experience sees students take part in a number of select lectures, tutorials and activities from different departments and ANU colleges.  The lectures and activities include:

• Pacific history lecture (ANU College of Asia and the Pacific)
• Fiji village project (ANU School of Medicine)
• ROBOGALS (ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science)
• Pacific ways of knowing (ANU College of Asia and the Pacific)
• Literature and rap (ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences)
• Getting down to business (ANU College of Business and Economics)
• Law moot trial (ANU College of Law)
• Circuit workout (ANU Sport)