Polynesia Summer 2026 (July 3-11, 2026)
Set sail next summer and study abroad in the beautiful French Polynesia. Join Professor Heather Bennett and Lisa Collins for a chance to become immersed in the living histories of ancient Polynesian culture, the legacy of western imperialism and contemporary efforts to rehabilitate the natural environment and promote global sustainability. On this trip you will learn how tectonic hotspots form island volcanoes and turn into tropical reef. Explore the biodiversity and importance for global climate change. Experience the natural history of the islands and her surrounding oceans through hiking, swimming, and guided tours of the islands and cultural centers. Discover how the history of Polynesia developed and thrived over thousands of years, how the island and the Polynesian people survived colonization, and how Polynesians are working to preserve their environment and their culture for future generations.
*Cost: $4,731 with a single room, does not include flight to/from Polynesia, ground transportation to/from airports, class fees for Global Studies 35, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is included.
Students receive a discount if they find a roommate: The cost with a roommate is $3,454 per student.
Course Description
Global Studies 35 - Field Studies Abroad - Polynesia - 1 unit
On this field study, students will discover the beautiful island of French Polynesia. Students will learn about the art history and cultural traditions and explore locations of unique interest.
Faculty Biography
Professor Heather Bennett
Professor Heather Bennett is tenured faculty in the history department where she teaches the historys of Western civilizations and modern Europe. As a former nursing student at SMC, she enrolled in an IGETC mandated GE course in history and switched majors shortly thereafter. Professor Bennett graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 2005, becoming the first in her family to complete college. She graduated with a Ph.D. in history in 2014 and taught at Cal Poly Pomona before accepting a full-time position at SMC. Professor Bennett is passionate about European history and loves to teach and learn about revolutionary political behavior and national memory construction. During the trip she will talk to you about these interests, and she is excited to hear about yours! Professor Bennett loves to travel and has visited nine European countries, many of them multiple times! Expect to have fun, immersive, and super interesting trip as you go along with Professor Bennet to one of her favorite places on the planet!
Professor Lisa Collins
Dr. Lisa Collins is a tenure professor of geology and oceanography in the Earth Sciences department at SMC. Originally from New England, attended the University of Maryland, College Park where a required general education course in geology and climate change lead her to declare geological sciences as her major. She earned her PhD from USC in 2009, studying the biogeochemical cycling of silica and carbon in the San Pedro Basin. She taught full time in the USC Environmental Studies Program until 2016 when she joined the Earth Sciences department at SMC. Professor Collins is passionate about climate change, she believes it touches all aspects of our lives and everyone should feel empowered to be part of the solutions. She has traveled extensively with students to the local Channel Islands and to Belize, leading hikes, kayaking, and snorkeling trips. During her undergraduate studies she participated in a study abroad short course on a research vessel that traversed from Woods Hole, MA to Fortaleza, Brazil. This experience changed the entire trajectory of her life, bringing her to Los Angeles for graduate school and into the career today as a professor. She is thrilled for this opportunity to immerse students into the culture of Polynesia, discuss how geology and climate has shaped the islands, and how it will impact their future.
Program Details
Itinerary coming soon!
Program Cost
| expense type | cost | deadline |
|---|---|---|
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Program Fee
|
$4,731 with a single room $3,454 discounted price if students find a roommate Airfare not included. Students will purchase their airfare separately. |
$350 Deposit required to reserve a spot by Friday, March 13th. Bring check or money order (cash not accepted), passport, & mandatory forms to the International Education Center located in the Student Services building. Make checks payable to: Santa Monica College |
|
Airfare |
$1,200- $1,700 |
Flight should be arriving Papeete, Tahiti. |
|
Tuition for 1-unit Course |
$46 Resident Tuition $398 Non-Resident Tuition |
The International Education Center will register each participant to the class course before program departure. You must pay tuition before departure. |
|
Meals |
TBD |
|
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Total Estimated Costs |
|
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Additional Costs
| Expense Type | Cost | More Information |
|---|---|---|
|
Personal Spending Money |
$500 or more. |
Money for buying souvenirs, doing activities not featured in the program itinerary, etc. |
|
Airport Ground Transportation |
$150-$300 |
Rideshare, taxi, etc. |
|
Passport |
$145 (U.S. Passport fee) |
Please allow up to 6 weeks for processing of a new passport. |
Learn how you can lower your cost to study abroad by applying for scholarships.
This program is on a first come, first served basis. There are 24 spots available. Once you complete your application, you secure your spot by submitting your non-refundable deposit. Your final acceptance into the program will be based on your ability to provide proof of your airline ticket by the deadline.
Payment Options for the Polynesia Program
Personal checks, Cashier's checks, Money Order - No cash or credit cards.
Dates to Remember
| Title | dates | more information |
|---|---|---|
|
Informational Sessions |
Wednesday, October 1 at 11am Zoom Thursday, October 16 in-person at 11:15am in room HSS 151 Thursday, November 6 at 12pm Zoom Thursday, December 11 in-person at 11:15am in room HSS 151 |
Meeting ID: 830 4021 1822 Passcode: 629436 |
|
Application Deadlines and Payment |
Deadline to submit your $350 non-refundable deposit- TBD |
Complete your application and pay deposit to reserve your place. Bring (check or money order), passport, & mandatory forms to International Education Center. Student Services Center 3rd floor. |
|
Mandatory Forms |
Overseas Release Form and Medical Release Form due at time of first deposit, Passport is due at time of first deposit. |
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a current SMC student and take the offered courses. If you are not currently an SMC student, you may apply online.
- All participants must be 18 years old by April 18, 2026.
- Have a valid passport.
- Students must not have any disciplinary infractions.
- If the College is required to evacuate a participant because of injury, illness, or other inability to conclude the trip, the participant shall be responsible for the costs of doing so.
- U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Polynesia. If you are a permanent resident or SMC F-1 visa student, please contact the Consulate of France to see if you need a visa.
- Pay all program fees and tuition by the deadline. If you are a financial aid recipient, check with the Financial Aid office about using financial aid to pay your tuition and fees.
For additional questions, please email: studyabroad@smc.edu