Anywhere in the world for 5 months....

[newdiver3]

Okay, I am studying abroad next year and my advisor told me I have to start thinking about where I want to go. I set it up so I will only have to take a couple classes while I am and not serious ones either. So I will basically have 5 months to myself anywhere in the world. I DEFINATELY want to go somewhere with amazing diving. I figure this is my chance to go somewhere crazy. My advisor even suggested Fiji. So if you had the chance, where would you go diving for 5 months and not get tired of it?

 

[caymaniac]

A friend of mine has a daughter who went to Australia to study abroad. Maybe Costa Rica would be an option.

 

[REII]

Fiji or Tahiti would be nice. Five months is a long time though. I don't know what else there is to do on those islands besides diving. Maybe there is other on-land exploring to be done.

TOM

 

[Mr.X]

Depends on your major doesn't it? Diving is fun, but I would imagine that getting in some real-life, cultural experience is what the "abroad" programs are all about.

If I had my way I would opt for Australia/New Zealand.

X

 

[almitywife]

Vanuatu or the Philipines would be my choice over Fiji and then australia over nz

 

[RonDawg]

Although the diving is probably better elsewhere, for biggest "bang for the buck" I would recommend Australia.

You'll get American-style standard of living and conveniences, good exchange rate (about 77 US cents per Aussie dollar) and lots of things to see diving and not diving.

Australia is a huge country and trust me you won't get bored in 5 months unless you stay in one place the entire time. Because of its location it's a good jumping off spot for other places in that region such as New Zealand, Bali, Fiji, etc.

The downsides are of course airfare to/from, and while it's not a cheap country, I would say the cost of living is about equivalent to Canada when you figure in the exchange rates.

 

[the_cat_keeper]

Philippines or Indonesia would be my choice... but unless you speak Bahasa Indonesia, you may run into some communication in less touristic areas.

 

[partridge]

The Philippines has the largest english speaking population in asia. Dont know where I got that but almost anyone who has been here would agree. Your dollars will go a long way. Diving is great. And our schools are actually pretty good. Let me know if you need help contacting schools. I went to school in Cebu and dove the whole time.

 

[Garrobo]

A military coup took over Fiji just this week. Don't know it that will affect the tourism but you never know. Personally, I'd avoid it until they have an election and things settle back down.

 

[ShakaZulu]

South Africa......Durban or Cape Town.