Exploring Study Abroad in Oceania
Here we have gathered some resources for you to explore and learn more about these countries.
Exploring Oceania Presentation
Studying in Oceania
Check out what past U of G study abroad participants have to say about studying in Oceania.
Explore Other Study Abroad Ambassador Profiles
You can also use our Program Search Tool to see which universities we have partnered within this region and find links to visit the partner university website to learn more about how it can fit into your degree. Using the search tool you can find information about the semester dates, courses offered in English, residence, and more.
Movies, Documentaries, and Books
An entertaining and fun way to get to know a culture could be through movies, documentaries or books. There are many popular films and books gaining lots of attention and visibility, and with the number of streaming platforms available through your U of G central ID, students can access various films about Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. Grab some popcorn and check out these options:
- Mad Max: Fury Road is a 2015 Australian post-apocalyptic action film featured on Criterion On-Demand (Australia)
- There is a BBC Documentary on the Beautiful Islands of Fiji available on YouTube (Fiji)
- Australia’s iconic Crocodile Man Steve Irwin has some Real Wild Documentaries available on YouTube (Australia)
- Wild New Zealand (New Zealand)
- Australia's Ocean Odyssey (Australia)
- Reel Paradise (Fiji)
There are many popular books from or about this region that are gaining popularity and worth the read such as:
- Levelling Wind: Remembering Fiji , written by one of the leading historians of Fiji is compiled of his essays that chart Fiji’s past and present and the lived experience of the girmitya that made Fiji their home (Fiji)
- Pounamu Pounamu is classic Ihimaera that portrays original stories that showed how important the Maori identity is for all New Zealanders available on Omni (New Zealand)
- In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton, four-time winner of Australia’s most prominent literary award, is available on Omni along with some of his other publications (Australia)
- Oceania: The Shape of Time by Maia Nuku
- Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia by Christina Thompson
Explore Kanopy Explore Audio Cine Films Explore UofG Streaming Options
Arts & Culture
Google's Arts and Culture site can help you to explore museums, cities, history, and culture. Here are some samples of the Oceania features you can explore from the comfort of your own home!
- Explore firewalking on hot stones (Vila) , an intangible gift to the people of Sawau (Beqa, Fiji) performed only on a solemn ceremonial occasion
- Learn about the history of Fiji through art, which according to Fijan mythology began about 1500 BC with an extraordinary voyage of giant war canoes carrying a special box called the “Katonimana”
- Wander around (virtually) the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki which opened its doors in 1888
- Dive into this visual story of New Zealand Kiwi Consciousness illuminated by a passionate creative autonomy that speaks of pride, courage and moral clarity
- Immerse yourself in the art at the National Gallery of Australia which opened in 1982
- Explore one of the top tourist attractions in Australia, the Sydney Opera House
Restaurants and Recipes
One of the most exciting parts of learning about a new culture is trying new foods! Food is an important part of the culture and is an expression of cultural identity. If you are looking to practice your cooking skills, here is some recipes for you test out:
- Authentic Fiji Foods to Try + Recipes (Fiji)
- Steamed Lolo Buns featuring Coconut Cream (Fiji)
- Chicken Parmigiana (Australia)
- Lamingtons (Australia)
- Meat Pie (Australia)
Music
Explore the sounds of Oceania with this playlist!