Programs | Spring Programs | Summer Programs | French Polynesia

The Program

In the Southern Pacific, French Polynesia covers an area greater than the European Union, yet only 0.1% of it is land. This vast expanse — more than 118 tropical islands and atolls, ringed by lagoons and coral reefs — holds some of the Pacific's richest marine biodiversity, drawing sea-loving travelers hoping to meet rays, turtles, sharks and dolphins face-to-face. Due in part to its isolation, it remains among the best-preserved ocean regions on the planet.

Descending from skilled navigators who settled across the Pacific, Polynesian people inhabit these environmentally dynamic volcanic islands and atolls with a deep connection to the ocean around them — profoundly linked to the coral reefs that provide food, revenue and shoreline protection.

Despite pressure from urbanization, tourism and overfishing, these reefs have proven remarkably resilient, many healthier than reefs in the Caribbean or Indian Ocean. Yet marine heatwaves, coral bleaching, coastal development, invasive species and changing ocean chemistry increasingly threaten them, making their conservation one of the most urgent challenges of our time — one requiring scientists, Indigenous communities, managers and stakeholders to protect the reefs' biodiversity while sustaining the local resources island life depends on.

As a team, we study these ecosystems to understand the long-term trends set in motion by a rapidly changing environment. With coral reefs as our primary focus, we snorkel lagoons and run ecological surveys to examine how warmer, more acidic seas, pollution and rising water alter the marine environment — and how local communities and fisheries interact with the reef.

We then turn to the connected watersheds: streams whose few species spend part of their life cycle at sea, now threatened by artificialization and sediment extraction, and inland rainforest where native flora and fauna need protection from invasive species. Working alongside local activists, scientists and stakeholders, we examine — and where we can, contribute to — efforts to restore these ecosystems.

Students learn to identify the organisms and features of this wondrous landscape and the survey methods used to assess ecological health, while engaging with a rich Indigenous culture in the midst of revival. The result is key field research skills, a deep understanding of marine ecosystems and climate change, and a rare chance to study coral reefs that have so far defied the odds.

Spring — The Leeward Islands. Our spring expedition follows the Leeward Islands of the Society Archipelago — Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha'a, Huahine and Maupiti — each a natural laboratory of barrier reefs, lagoon passes, volcanic slopes and coastal forests. Moving island to island, students compare places that differ in ecology, history and conservation pressures, grasping island resilience firsthand as they survey some of the archipelago's most vibrant coral reefs.

Summer — Tahiti & Moorea. Our summer expedition investigates the picture-perfect islands of Tahiti and Moorea, studying their rich tropical ecosystems up close. The season also brings the humpback whales that come to these warm waters for breeding every July.

Stories From the Field

Payton Curley

French Polynesia 2024 alumni

“My time with Wildlands was nothing short of unforgettable. As an environmental science major who grew up in a mountain town, I already had a deep appreciation for the natural world — but my six weeks with the program added invaluable wisdom to both my knowledge and overall perspective.

We snorkeled (a lot), taking in vibrant coral reefs, countless fish species, and coastal plant life. We hiked through mountains, observing the flora and fauna of both terrestrial and freshwater environments. We took exams in grocery stores and completed assignments nestled in the sand. We participated in beach cleanups, worked with local students, and heard from local NGOs and research stations. We witnessed firsthand the impacts of tourism and climate change on the reef systems. And perhaps most meaningfully, I spent every waking moment with the same 11 people — who quickly became close friends.

One thing I particularly valued about the experience was the comprehensive scope of both the content and skill-building. There was a strong cultural element, in which we explored indigenous language and history, with navigation as a major theme. We discussed how indigenous perspectives are essential in addressing climate change. We also developed technical skills like designing and conducting research projects, alongside soft skills like public speaking and networking. We were encouraged to take initiative and engage thoughtfully with guest speakers and organizations — to ask meaningful questions and connect. With a PhD instructor at our complete disposal, curiosity truly flourished. It was thought-provoking, discussion-based, collaborative, but also technical and experimental.

I came away with new knowledge, lasting friendships, and a collection of experiences I never could have imagined. This program is truly unlike any other study abroad opportunity and I cannot recommend it enough.”

Watch the French Polynesia Video

Program Photo Gallery

Nans Bujan

Lead Instructor-Summer program

PhD in Coastal Oceanography, Montpellier University, France, 2009

Nans is a physical oceanographer interested in the management and dynamics of coastal systems. His focus is on waves and currents near the beach, using a mix of field investigation and numerical modeling. He settled in Asia, and later Taiwan where he currently resides, after a canoeing journey along the Mekong River. He is presently working on internal waves, morphodynamics, and the impact of extreme typhoon-generated waves on the shores of Taiwan. Nans has led our French Polynesia Program since Summer 2022.

Mathilde Maslin

Lead Instructor-SprinG program

PhD in Marine Ecology and Organic Chemistry, University of French Polynesia, 2022

Mathilde is a marine ecologist and environmental research scientist based in Moorea, French Polynesia. Her research focuses on tropical island ecosystems, marine biodiversity, environmental impact assessment and sustainable management of natural resources. She frequently leads field studies, conducts scientific diving missions, collaborates with international researchers and contributes to conservation initiatives throughout the Pacific. Throughout her career, she has taught undergraduate and graduate courses and remains passionate about mentoring students through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Beyond academia, she has developed environmental education programs for schools, local communities and international audiences. When she's not underwater or conducting field research, she still enjoys being away exploring remote territories to fulfill her passion for travelling and excitement for discovery. Mathilde leads our Spring French Polynesia program.