 I didn't expect it to be such an amazing adventure and do so many things in two weeks. I really enjoyed being able to put into practice what we do in the lab and sample microplastics in the Pacific with some of Samoa's greatest scientists. I'd never seen water so clear. You could literally spot four or five turtles just off the boat. So when we were five kilometres out at sea we got to jump off the boat which was really beautiful and the water was so blue. I caught a massive fish. These are exceptional experiences for the students. They get to see how we as scientists from Australia collaborate with scientists here working in Samoa and based in Samoa including at government agencies and at the university here. It was really cool to see the local Samoan culture with the fire twirling and dancing and really getting a feel for how life is here. The markets were an amazing opportunity to experience a bit of Samoan culture, meet some of the locals and look at all the fresh produce. We've been staying in the fire laze which are traditional Samoan architecture and it's been wonderful waking up right next to the beach each morning. Playing volleyball with the local community is a lot of fun. So it was great walking across the lava fields and seeing where the lava actually flowed 5,000 years ago. There are so many students from different degrees. It's been amazing to meet everyone and I've made so many new friends. Absolutely I would recommend a trip like this. It's a great way to combine field work, travel and study all in one and a great experience.