country profile
DISCOVER THE BEAUTIFUL
Vanuatu
![Picture](/uploads/3/9/3/6/39362409/1415325296.png?250)
Partying too hard, violent teenagers and doing things you’d probably regret? How about Relaxation, stress-free environments, breathtaking views and spending quality time with mates? Schoolies in Vanuatu will enable you to experience the true beauty of Mother Nature leaving you with no regrets. You owe it to yourself to unwind, relax and have a good time. Schoolies in Vanuatu can offer experiences you will treasure forever. So come and explore the remarkably beautiful islands of Vanuatu, the traditions and natural preservation of the land and leave yourself feeling rejuvenated, wondrous and positive about the earth and what it has to offer.
WHAT'S UP WITH
Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific region meaning the climate is rather tropical, experiencing extremely hot weather with plenty of sunshine and tropical humid showers. The republic of Vanuatu consists of 83 islands located separately from each other but all within able to travel by boat distance from each other. The capital of Vanuatu is Port Villa; the most urbanised island in Vanuatu having more markets, shops and resorts (however, it is nothing like what you are used to in urbanised Australia). Vanuatu has many mesmerising natural features on each of the islands such as waterfalls, great mountains, rain forests, and even volcanoes. The people of Vanuatu communicate in the French language- as adopted from New Caledonia, a native language called “Bislama”, their own tribe’s language and Basic English.
The currency in Vanuatu is the Vanuatu Vatu however in some islands of Vanuatu natives do accept Australian dollars. A large percent of Vanuatu’s economy is made up of agricultural elements such as “farming” which includes farming coconuts and Kava- one of Vanuatu’s biggest exports a type of beverage followed by Vanuatu’s biggest export- tourism.
The people of Vanuatu have said to be inhibiting the islands for approximately 3000 years. The people of New Guinea were the first to colonize Vanuatu later sparking migration from the French and British- where Vanuatu adopted the French language. By July 1980, Vanuatu became an independent nation. After this migration period all Vanuatu islands began practicing their own unique customs, traditions and native language while still keeping customs involving French and British aspects.
TRUE OR FALSE
Vanuatu’s Volcanoes are active till this day? TRUE. Vanuatu’s tropical islands enables the possibility for adventurous experiences to some of the most active and striking volcanoes of the world. Volcano Ambrym consists of active lava lakes, and the well-known frequently erupting volcano Yasur is located on the Island of Tanna.
Traditional sex/gender roles are continued in Vanuatu? TRUE.
Divorce rates in Vanuatu are same as in Australia? FALSE.
Most natives have arranged marriages? TRUE. The women of Vanuatu are most likely the ones to be cleaning, cooking and looking after children staying inside their “home” environment while men go hunting for food and usually have most freedom. Vanuatu is a far more conservative country as compared to Australia and therefore divorce rates in Vanuatu are extremely low and most marriages are arranged, continuing the upholding traditional life with not as much technological advancement.
The people in Vanuatu live in brick built houses? FALSE. On the island of Vanuatu natives live as a community closely linked together with their huts made out of strong bamboo and leaves being their shelter. These carefully constructed huts add to the beauty and organic sense of the islands and give it a more appealing nature to explore.
The people of Vanuatu have normal toilets? FALSE. Normal to you and I usually consists of the hard toilet suite containing a toilet seat, lid and flush…wrong, normal toilets in Vanuatu consists of either a small pan in a dark room, or you can choose your own special spot in the great wilderness!
HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS
Person to person contact with natives most usually occurs at the markets, when browsing and purchasing hand -made or imported goods. Remember to be kind and speak in a respectful tone and manner as the people of Vanuatu take intimidation quite seriously which could disrupt the chance of forming a friendship. Avoid talking about contradictory subjects as Vanuatu people dislike dis-agreement and don’t want to cause any trouble. Vanuatu tour guides are extremely friendly and are usually well adapted to the Australian norms when it comes to socialising. These tour guides usually are more educated and can fully understand the English language crating a great opportunity to connect and find out more about Vanuatu. Appropriate ways of introducing yourself to the natives of any gender is a firm handshake, same as per greeting someone “formally” in Australia. In Vanuatu, the display of unpleasant emotions such as anger, complaints, raising your voice or being irritable at a native or situation could potentially spark an abusive outcome which will not help in the process of making friends.
CULTCHA VULTCHA
In Vanuatu one very important thing for foreign women to know is the dress code. Women must dress in a respectable manner not revealing too much skin as its seen offensive otherwise. For women, exposing skin above the knee should be avoided as well as walking around town in only exposing swimwear. In Vanuatu markets, bargaining is looked as an act of disrespect- it is also rude to browse and ask questions on items with no intention of purchasing it. Other signs of disrespect include touching between sexes in public, even if the man and woman are married. Also don’t be taken by surprise to see two native men holding hands in public; it is considered friendly when people of the same sexes to hold hands in public. The people of Vanuatu are very understanding and respective towards foreigners and so no bad intentions are put on you if you do any of these looked upon as disrespectful act. While staying in Vanuatu short term many natives don’t mind you not following these rules as long as you aren’t obviously rude or abusive to a native, it only appears more serious if you plan on living there.
Prepare to expect raw, organic food in Vanuatu such as fresh seafood, banana, coconut and unique vegetables and fruits such as lay lay. Preparation of food in Vanuatu usually occurs right in front of your eyes and cooking methods usually only consist of eating it raw, or being fried in a pan. In Vanuatu freshly squeezed juices, coconut milk and kava- a toxic beverage, is what the natives offer. Also don’t expect there to be any cutlery to eat with- Vanuatu is very laid-back and natural so you don’t have to worry about having to eat sensibly.
Prepare to hear the terminology “island time” meaning that “the clock does not command the people” People are to be relaxed and don’t have to rush for anything. This usually means if you were to meet up at “island time” expect them to naturally be half an hour to an hour late. Getting around within the islands of Vanuatu can be very different compared to Australia; there are no trains, and busses in Vanuatu operate very differently as to how they do in the cities of Australia. Transportation on mainland such as shuttle busses and minivans are available with tour guides to assist you to where you want to go, but mostly everything is able to reach by foot. If you want to further explore the island or travel to other islands of Vanuatu, travelling by boat is the cheapest and easiest way.
HAVE TO GO
Cascade waterfall The “Mele Cascades” Waterfall located in the capital; Port Villa are said to be every tourists most favourite destination to discover in Vanuatu; A truly magical atmosphere of one of nature’s most beautiful creations.
Champagne bay Champagne bay consists of crystal blue water, squeaky white sand and mountains upon mountains of jungle. There is shade provided from bamboo huts made by locals. Simply go for a swim and explore the coral reefs by snorkelling, or lying on the soft sand relaxing. This out of all islands leaves every tourist amazed of the islands true beauty and cleanliness. This island contains small markets on the beach with very friendly natives and raw and organically cooked seafood prepared right in front of you.
Volcanoes The Yasur volcano is the most well-known volcano of Vanuatu being one of the most active volcanoes in the world. While visiting Vanuatu this is definitely a landscape you do not want to miss- Yasur is said to have regular small to violent explosions from one or several vents within the volcano.
Kava Bar The best way to explore the traditional custom of drinking kava in Vanuatu and to socialise with natives is to visit a Kava Bar. Kava bar tradition is most common in adult men. They usually gather at the end of the day to enjoy a coconut shell or two of kava. Kava is toxic however leaves a different type of sensation that alcohol does. Kava is said to leave you feeling mellow and you can gain a hangover from it. In Vanuatu kava consumption must be done moderately as violent intoxicated behaviour is not wanted. Kava bars can be found on mainland and in popular islands of Vanuatu such as Port Villa.
UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
Rewarding aspects of visiting Vanuatu include the extremely friendly natives, the beautiful waterfalls and unique eruptive volcanoes. Vanuatu is a very organic place with different law enforcement as compared to Australia, so don’t be shocked when you see natives carrying humongous knives as they are not used to harm you, but slice open a coconut. Culturally challenging aspects could include understanding the natives who do not completely understand the language- this could be difficult when purchasing goods from markets and asking for direction. The Transportation system as stated before in Vanuatu is a very different system compared to Australia- there are no regular trains, buses, hustle and bustle so be patient and relax as Vanuatu should be a place to unwind and explore the beauty of nature.
By Nikki Liakos
WHAT'S UP WITH
Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific region meaning the climate is rather tropical, experiencing extremely hot weather with plenty of sunshine and tropical humid showers. The republic of Vanuatu consists of 83 islands located separately from each other but all within able to travel by boat distance from each other. The capital of Vanuatu is Port Villa; the most urbanised island in Vanuatu having more markets, shops and resorts (however, it is nothing like what you are used to in urbanised Australia). Vanuatu has many mesmerising natural features on each of the islands such as waterfalls, great mountains, rain forests, and even volcanoes. The people of Vanuatu communicate in the French language- as adopted from New Caledonia, a native language called “Bislama”, their own tribe’s language and Basic English.
The currency in Vanuatu is the Vanuatu Vatu however in some islands of Vanuatu natives do accept Australian dollars. A large percent of Vanuatu’s economy is made up of agricultural elements such as “farming” which includes farming coconuts and Kava- one of Vanuatu’s biggest exports a type of beverage followed by Vanuatu’s biggest export- tourism.
The people of Vanuatu have said to be inhibiting the islands for approximately 3000 years. The people of New Guinea were the first to colonize Vanuatu later sparking migration from the French and British- where Vanuatu adopted the French language. By July 1980, Vanuatu became an independent nation. After this migration period all Vanuatu islands began practicing their own unique customs, traditions and native language while still keeping customs involving French and British aspects.
TRUE OR FALSE
Vanuatu’s Volcanoes are active till this day? TRUE. Vanuatu’s tropical islands enables the possibility for adventurous experiences to some of the most active and striking volcanoes of the world. Volcano Ambrym consists of active lava lakes, and the well-known frequently erupting volcano Yasur is located on the Island of Tanna.
Traditional sex/gender roles are continued in Vanuatu? TRUE.
Divorce rates in Vanuatu are same as in Australia? FALSE.
Most natives have arranged marriages? TRUE. The women of Vanuatu are most likely the ones to be cleaning, cooking and looking after children staying inside their “home” environment while men go hunting for food and usually have most freedom. Vanuatu is a far more conservative country as compared to Australia and therefore divorce rates in Vanuatu are extremely low and most marriages are arranged, continuing the upholding traditional life with not as much technological advancement.
The people in Vanuatu live in brick built houses? FALSE. On the island of Vanuatu natives live as a community closely linked together with their huts made out of strong bamboo and leaves being their shelter. These carefully constructed huts add to the beauty and organic sense of the islands and give it a more appealing nature to explore.
The people of Vanuatu have normal toilets? FALSE. Normal to you and I usually consists of the hard toilet suite containing a toilet seat, lid and flush…wrong, normal toilets in Vanuatu consists of either a small pan in a dark room, or you can choose your own special spot in the great wilderness!
HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS
Person to person contact with natives most usually occurs at the markets, when browsing and purchasing hand -made or imported goods. Remember to be kind and speak in a respectful tone and manner as the people of Vanuatu take intimidation quite seriously which could disrupt the chance of forming a friendship. Avoid talking about contradictory subjects as Vanuatu people dislike dis-agreement and don’t want to cause any trouble. Vanuatu tour guides are extremely friendly and are usually well adapted to the Australian norms when it comes to socialising. These tour guides usually are more educated and can fully understand the English language crating a great opportunity to connect and find out more about Vanuatu. Appropriate ways of introducing yourself to the natives of any gender is a firm handshake, same as per greeting someone “formally” in Australia. In Vanuatu, the display of unpleasant emotions such as anger, complaints, raising your voice or being irritable at a native or situation could potentially spark an abusive outcome which will not help in the process of making friends.
CULTCHA VULTCHA
In Vanuatu one very important thing for foreign women to know is the dress code. Women must dress in a respectable manner not revealing too much skin as its seen offensive otherwise. For women, exposing skin above the knee should be avoided as well as walking around town in only exposing swimwear. In Vanuatu markets, bargaining is looked as an act of disrespect- it is also rude to browse and ask questions on items with no intention of purchasing it. Other signs of disrespect include touching between sexes in public, even if the man and woman are married. Also don’t be taken by surprise to see two native men holding hands in public; it is considered friendly when people of the same sexes to hold hands in public. The people of Vanuatu are very understanding and respective towards foreigners and so no bad intentions are put on you if you do any of these looked upon as disrespectful act. While staying in Vanuatu short term many natives don’t mind you not following these rules as long as you aren’t obviously rude or abusive to a native, it only appears more serious if you plan on living there.
Prepare to expect raw, organic food in Vanuatu such as fresh seafood, banana, coconut and unique vegetables and fruits such as lay lay. Preparation of food in Vanuatu usually occurs right in front of your eyes and cooking methods usually only consist of eating it raw, or being fried in a pan. In Vanuatu freshly squeezed juices, coconut milk and kava- a toxic beverage, is what the natives offer. Also don’t expect there to be any cutlery to eat with- Vanuatu is very laid-back and natural so you don’t have to worry about having to eat sensibly.
Prepare to hear the terminology “island time” meaning that “the clock does not command the people” People are to be relaxed and don’t have to rush for anything. This usually means if you were to meet up at “island time” expect them to naturally be half an hour to an hour late. Getting around within the islands of Vanuatu can be very different compared to Australia; there are no trains, and busses in Vanuatu operate very differently as to how they do in the cities of Australia. Transportation on mainland such as shuttle busses and minivans are available with tour guides to assist you to where you want to go, but mostly everything is able to reach by foot. If you want to further explore the island or travel to other islands of Vanuatu, travelling by boat is the cheapest and easiest way.
HAVE TO GO
Cascade waterfall The “Mele Cascades” Waterfall located in the capital; Port Villa are said to be every tourists most favourite destination to discover in Vanuatu; A truly magical atmosphere of one of nature’s most beautiful creations.
Champagne bay Champagne bay consists of crystal blue water, squeaky white sand and mountains upon mountains of jungle. There is shade provided from bamboo huts made by locals. Simply go for a swim and explore the coral reefs by snorkelling, or lying on the soft sand relaxing. This out of all islands leaves every tourist amazed of the islands true beauty and cleanliness. This island contains small markets on the beach with very friendly natives and raw and organically cooked seafood prepared right in front of you.
Volcanoes The Yasur volcano is the most well-known volcano of Vanuatu being one of the most active volcanoes in the world. While visiting Vanuatu this is definitely a landscape you do not want to miss- Yasur is said to have regular small to violent explosions from one or several vents within the volcano.
Kava Bar The best way to explore the traditional custom of drinking kava in Vanuatu and to socialise with natives is to visit a Kava Bar. Kava bar tradition is most common in adult men. They usually gather at the end of the day to enjoy a coconut shell or two of kava. Kava is toxic however leaves a different type of sensation that alcohol does. Kava is said to leave you feeling mellow and you can gain a hangover from it. In Vanuatu kava consumption must be done moderately as violent intoxicated behaviour is not wanted. Kava bars can be found on mainland and in popular islands of Vanuatu such as Port Villa.
UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
Rewarding aspects of visiting Vanuatu include the extremely friendly natives, the beautiful waterfalls and unique eruptive volcanoes. Vanuatu is a very organic place with different law enforcement as compared to Australia, so don’t be shocked when you see natives carrying humongous knives as they are not used to harm you, but slice open a coconut. Culturally challenging aspects could include understanding the natives who do not completely understand the language- this could be difficult when purchasing goods from markets and asking for direction. The Transportation system as stated before in Vanuatu is a very different system compared to Australia- there are no regular trains, buses, hustle and bustle so be patient and relax as Vanuatu should be a place to unwind and explore the beauty of nature.
By Nikki Liakos