Talofa!Welcome to Samoa

YOU ARE HERE

Apia – main town area

Samoan Flag

Head of State – Samoa

Prime Minister - Samoa

MAP OF SAMOA

Samoan Currency

Tupua Tamasese & Masiofo

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Quick facts and numbers:

• Around 186,000 people

• 2 main islands - Upolu and “Big Island” Savai’i

• 2 smaller islands - Apolima and Manono

• 2 main seasons – wet & dry

• 2 languages – Samoan and English

• Land is mostly customary (owned by families) – 27% in Upolu and 54% in Savaii

The two main pillars that direct how Samoan people live their lives:

• Samoan Culture & Traditions (Fa’a-Samoa)

• Religion

The family unit – extended family or aiga

Fa’a-Samoa: the Samoan way

Traditional Samoan meeting house

‘Ava ceremony

Traditional Dress

Pre-Christianity

Post-Christianity siapo (tapa cloth)‘ie toga (fine mats)

Traditional Samoan Siva Wear

Taupou Manaia

Modern Day Siva Wear

Traditional Food

Religion

Sunday in Samoa is a day of worship and rest

• Main religion is Christianity

• Other religions – Islam and Baha’i

• Limited trading hours

• No buses

• Walk/drive through villages quietly/slowly

Appropriate dress for Church

Puletasi or dress/skirt

NOT pants!‘Ie faitaga or pants

Principles of Fa’a-Samoa

• Discipline

• Responsibility

• Hospitality

• Respect

• Used within families to promote responsibility and respect.

• As part of the APTC family, your actions are governed by the Student Code of Conduct.

Discipline

• Your actions • self-control

• self-discipline

• Your academic success • self-manage

• self-reflect

Responsibility

• Welcoming guests an important part of Samoan culture

• Show respect to your host if you are a guest

Hospitality

If invited to a meal: do not eat until after the prayer or unless you are invited to eat by your host.

If invited to a meal: do not eat until after the prayer or unless you are invited to eat by your host.

Respect local culture & customs

In the villageAvoid walking on the road during the curfew (Sā) or being too loud.

On the busRespect elders. Give up your seat for an elderly person.

AnywhereSay “tulou” when passing people at very close distance, even if they are sitting.

Other useful tips

DO • Take off your shoes

before entering someone’s home.

• Sit cross-legged when sitting on the floor.

• Boil tap water for drinking. Or buy bottled water.

DON’T • Eat while

standing/walking. Find a place to sit and eat.

• Talk with a mouthful when at other peoples’ homes or speaking to others.

• Point your finger at anyone.

• Spit in public.

Refer to student flyer and “Say it Easy in Samoan” Booklet for more information

Samoan Song

1. Savalivali means “Go for a Walk”

Tautalatala means “Too much talk”

Alofa ia te oe means “I love you”

“Take it easy,” Faifai lemu

2. Teine Aulelei means “Pretty girl”

Ta’amilomilo means “Around the world” Whisper to me means “Musumusu maia” Oi aue, means “My, oh my”

3. “Go for a ride,” ti’eti’e ta’avale “Stay at home” means nofo i le fale “Leai o se tupe” means no more money “Much trouble” means fa’alavelave

ENJOY YOUR STUDIES AND STAY IN SAMOA.