A group of eight BYU-Hawaii students took part in one-month work/study internships that led them to the Cook Islands earlier this summer--an experience described by one of the student interns as "unforgettable."
Under the direction of Pacific Islands Studies professor Jon Jonassen, the students immersed themselves for 31 days in the cultural experiences of the Cook Islands located in the south central Pacific. The internship included one week of classroom preparations and research before flying to the Cook Islands and another week of final paper work after returning.
"For me, it was a chance to go home and visit my family and at the same time carry out my studies in a country that I will be returning to," said Andre Tuiravakai, a native of the islands majoring in Pacific Islands studies.
The interns represented a diverse group in various disciplines of study, with two students from Oahu, two from the U.S. mainland, three from the Pacific Islands and one from Australia. Three were Pacific Island studies majors, two were political science majors. The others were studying business, psychology and international cultural studies-anthropology.
Although the students spent much of their time together, the interns' work experience was also diverse. The students worked in places such as the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Culture, New Zealand High Commission, Ministry of Education and Tourism. One student even worked with the Opposition to the Prime Minister.
"I worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Andre," said Amy Boehl, a double-major in psychology and political science from Virginia. "We helped them prepare briefings for meetings and also helped organize the library."
Each student was responsible for financing his or her own way, except for one sponsored student who had part of his expenses subsidized by the university. Each also received college credits counted towards his or her graduation.
"(The internship) was more than what I expected," said Sione Lapao'o, a Pacific Islands major from Tonga who interned at the Ministry of Justice. "I was not only learning about my job but I also learned about their culture."
He added, "We helped in doing community service and on Sundays we went to other Christian churches before we went to the LDS church, so we had a good time associating with the people of the island. It was a great time."
Janice Faitala, also a Pacific Islands Studies major from American Samoa who headed the documentation of the trip, felt that going to the other churches was a great opportunity to do missionary work.
"I know that we not only had an impact academically but spiritually. The people were shocked to see LDS members attend their church. It felt like we were missionaries being able to fellowship with members of another faith," Faitala said.
Lapao'o recounted a memorable experience that illustrated the kindness and hospitality of the island people.
"We were invited by the chiefs (Koutunui-- house of chiefs) for dinner. We had the chance to eat before them, which is not normal" among the cultures of Polynesia. "The people were very friendly and kind," he said.
Dr. Jonassen and his wife, Diya, along with Vira and Olivia Uea (Jonassen's daughter and her husband) and Theone Taala, were the key people who helped organize and coordinate the internships for the students.
Boehl said the internships were "excellent" and "very successful." She recommended that everyone should have the experience to work in another country.
"First of all, it helps to give a new perspective on things because the people cater to different issues than the U.S. And it was fun too. I really enjoyed it and wouldn't trade the experience for anything," she said.
Lapao'o agreed with his fellow intern. "I recommend this program for anybody who really wanted to gain a good experience," he said. "Not only do you work at your assigned area for your internship but you learn much about the culture and way of life."