February 1, 2027; $75*
*The $75 application fee is non-refundable
May 8 - 21, 2027
Experience the world of international hospitality and tourism firsthand on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga. Designed for students interested in hospitality, resort management, and tourism industry management. This Study Abroad program combines classroom learning with immersive experiences in some of the South Pacific’s most distinctive tourism destinations.
Students will examine how different countries develop and manage tourism based on their natural resources, cultures, communities, and international markets. Throughout the program, students will meet hospitality and tourism professionals, visit hotels and tourism businesses, experience major visitor attractions, and explore how destinations create memorable guest experiences while addressing challenges such as sustainability, cultural authenticity, workforce development, and destination management.
In New Zealand, students will explore one of the world's most successful tourism destinations. The program will include visits to iconic attractions such as Hobbiton Movie Set, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and Rotorua's unique cultural and geothermal attractions, while also examining hotel and resort operations. Students will see firsthand how New Zealand transforms its natural environment, agricultural heritage, film industry, and Māori culture into successful tourism products.
In Fiji, students will study the international resort industry and the important role tourism plays in the Pacific economy. Experiences will provide an opportunity to examine resort operations, island tourism, cultural experiences, sustainability, and the challenges of developing tourism in an island nation.
In Tonga, students will experience a very different tourism environment and explore the relationship between tourism, local communities, culture, and natural resources. Students will examine how a smaller Pacific island destination can develop tourism while preserving its cultural identity and environment.
Students will be challenged to observe, question, compare, and evaluate the destinations and businesses they encounter. Students will return to Utah with a deeper understanding of international tourism and a broader perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the global hospitality industry.
What students can expect
Come prepared to learn, explore, ask questions, and see the hospitality industry from a global perspective.
Specific destinations, hotels, activities, and itinerary details are subject to change as program planning and international partner arrangements are finalized.
*Students are expected to enroll in the following course for this study abroad:
HM 3200G - Global Tourism (3 credits)
NOTE: There may be coursework in the summer semester outside of the dates of travel.
Course pre-requisites for students accepted into the School of Education Program will be waived.
Must be 18 years of age at the time of departure
UCAS and Concurrent Enrollment students are not eligible to study abroad
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Students with Academic Standings registration holds at the time of application received for falling below a 2.0 GPA in the previous semester(s) will not be allowed to study abroad and should not apply. Students who fall below a 2.0 GPA in the Spring semester may be withdrawn from their Summer study abroad program.
Physical Requirements:
Study Abroad typically involves a lot of walking! Make sure that you will be able to walk long distances over uneven surfaces.
Travel during the summer in foreign countries can be uncomfortably hot and humid. Air conditioning is not always available.
Students on study abroad must be able to independently navigate in a foreign country and be able to follow specific instructions. This may include figuring out and using public transportation, making their way through airports, negotiating large crowds, and making smart decisions related to their own safety in unfamiliar circumstances.
*Accessibility services vary from country to country. Contact UVU Accessibility Services if you require such services. Students with significant physical or mental health needs should discuss their suitability for study abroad travel with their medical professional, UVU Student Health Services, UVU Accessibility Services, and/or family before making the decision to apply.
Service animals and emotional support animals require prior approval from UVU Accessibility Services before bringing them on a study abroad trip. Pets are not allowed on study abroad.
Program fee covers international airfare, in-country housing and transportation, some meals, excursions, and international insurance. The program fee does not include the listed Additional Estimated Costs.
$4915
Note that international airfare is included in this cost
*This cost is tentative and based on program plans and the exchange rate at the time it was posted. This cost may or may not be updated due to exchange-rate fluctuations, program revisions , and program date changes.
*Please review the Office of Education Abroad's Withdrawal Policy before applying. Within 5 days of acceptance into a Study Abroad program, you will be required to pay a $500 non-refundable commitment deposit to confirm your spot.
The student is responsible for these additional costs:
Students over the age of 73 at the time of travel may be required to purchase a supplemental international health and evacuation insurance plan through BCBS Global (approx $200-$500+).
Students should be prepared to pay out-of-pocket for travel disruptions including lost luggage, travel and other costs associated with replacing lost/stolen passports, missed flights, flight delays, quarantines, up-front medical costs, etc.
All students are required to pay a $75 non-refundable application fee.
*UVU study abroad tuition is charged as an additional study abroad fee in your student account. It is separate from the study abroad program fee and regular UVU summer tuition. It is not factored into the "equal payment" calculation of the UVU Tuition Table. Study Abroad students are advised to only take study abroad courses during the block of their study abroad program.
There are some scholarship opportunities that are available from UVU and nationally. These scholarships are competitive and have varying application dates. Please click here for more information.
Pell Grants and Student Loans may be applied to the program, based on eligibility. Speak to the UVU Study Abroad Advisor (LA 209) and a Financial Aid Advisor for more information (BA 105).
UVU Faculty/Staff Dependent Tuition Waiver benefits may not be used to pay for study abroad tuition or fees.
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Students are strongly encouraged to read the U.S. State Department’s country information webpage for the most up-to-date information on travel advisories, entry, exit, and visa requirements, safety, security, health, and other important travel factors.
