Explore Oceania & Antarctica

From contemporary cities and business communities to Indigenous cultural traditions and distinctive ecosystems, Oceania and Antarctica connect learning about people with exploration of place. Programs across Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Antarctica combine cultural exchange and insights into modern society with field experiences in marine, volcanic, and polar environments, examining how heritage, innovation, and environmental change shape the region.

Explore Oceania destinations
Individuals led by a guide in the outback deserts.

Why run a group program in Oceania & Antarctica?

Educational programs in Oceania and Antarctica combine environmental learning with cultural perspectives and place-based education. Students engage with Indigenous knowledge and cultural perspectives, explore bicultural identity in New Zealand, and learn from community traditions across the Pacific Islands while examining sustainability and environmental leadership.

Programs support sustainable group travel across coastal conservation areas, tropical island ecosystems, and glacier and alpine landscapes. Academic themes may include coral reefs and marine ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, Pacific Islands climate resilience, and climate change learning environments.

From marine ecosystems in Fiji to national parks in Australia and New Zealand, and ship-based expedition learning in Antarctica, these programs provide opportunities for academic group travel grounded in outdoor learning environments, conservation leadership, and environmental research.

Destinations in Oceania & Antarctica

Antarctica
Big cruise ship with icebergs floating beside it

Antarctica

Vast ice sheets, drifting sea ice and endless horizons define Antarctica as one of the most…

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Australia
Red-rock mountain and desert.

Australia

Australia spans vast deserts, vibrant coastal cities and some of the world’s most unique ecosystems. Indigenous…

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Fiji
Beach with white sand and trees on the side

Fiji

Turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and palm-lined villages shape everyday life across Fiji’s tropical islands. Strong Melanesian…

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New Zealand
City skyline with a tall tower

New Zealand

New Zealand blends dramatic natural landscapes with a strong bicultural identity shaped by Māori and Pākehā…

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Oceania & Antarctica

FAQS

Frequently asked questions

How can Kaya help faculty choose a destination in Oceania or Antarctica?

Start with the course’s learning goals, then discuss suitable destinations and available options with Kaya. Considerations should include academic relevance, travel logistics, accessibility and environmental conditions, rather than assuming every destination offers the same activities or learning opportunities.

How can a Kaya group program connect environmental learning with responsible travel in Oceania and Antarctica?

Kaya programs encourage students to examine the environmental implications of travel alongside their academic subject. Linking itinerary choices and field observations with classroom theory and the UN SDGs creates opportunities to discuss conservation, resource use, and the responsibilities of visiting groups.

What should groups consider before joining a Kaya program in Oceania or Antarctica?

A Kaya program in Oceania or Antarctica will be planned around academic goals, group size, budget, and learning needs. Faculty will work with the Kaya team to discuss travel logistics, health considerations, accessibility, seasonal conditions, and how activities can support meaningful field-based learning.

How does Kaya incorporate local and specialist perspectives into programs in Oceania and Antarctica?

All Kaya programs draw on community knowledge, local practitioners, and specialist expertise. These perspectives inform the learning experience, with clear expectations around respectful engagement and recognition that community-based and Antarctic expedition settings require different approaches.

How can students connect assessed academic work to a Kaya program in Oceania or Antarctica?

Faculty can structure learning around field journals, comparative studies, presentations or research-informed reflection. Kaya programs can build in activities before, during, and after travel, helping students connect experiences with academic concepts and evidence. Kaya works with faculty to tailor activities to assessment and credit requirements, with academic credit awarded by the home institution; through Kaya’s School of Record, credit may also be available for internship placements of four weeks or more.

How it works

1

Connect

Together we’ll discuss your program goals and needs.

2

Co-design

With your input, we develop and fine-tune the perfect itinerary.

3

Commit

We support institutional approvals and recruitment processes to ensure a successful launch!

4

Let’s go!

From pre-departure planning until your return, we’re with you every step of the way!

Program ideas

Explore programs in Oceania & Antarctica

Browse example itineraries and program ideas inspired by topics Kaya groups have explored over the years.

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Exploring Education in Scotland Through Schools and Communities

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Testimonials

Experiences that inspire

A group at the beach sitting on Kaya towels.

Stewart

Student, University of Notre Dame

"This internship was a unique opportunity to gain international experience while developing real professional skills. The placement was better than anything I could have found on my own and I learned a great deal from working closely with my supervisor.”

Business

Matthew

Faculty, Appalachian State

“An amazing, rich and rewarding experience for my students and myself. The tours and excursions perfectly matched the course materials.”

HIstory, Art and Culture

Kiara

Student,University of Notre Dame

“This experience helped me develop skills I’ll use in the future and made me consider a career in urban planning. I was proud that my research contributed to a project report while also strengthening my cross-cultural communication skills.”

Engineering and Resource Management

Travel the world with Kaya

With a focus on experiential education and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, your group can immerse and engage with international communities and environments across the globe.