This project would not have been possible without the support, guidance, and generosity of many individuals and organizations.
First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Dean Rusk International Studies Program and its team for providing me with the opportunity to travel to Port Vila, Vanuatu, and pursue this independent research project. Their support made it possible for me to learn, grow, and challenge myself through an experience that has been both academically and personally transformative.
I am especially grateful to Dr. Butts and Dr. Bullock for their encouragement, mentorship, and guidance throughout the planning process. Their advice helped me shape both the academic and practical aspects of this project, from developing research goals to navigating the logistics of living and working abroad.
I would also like to thank Dr. Bowles for her guidance in ethnographic methods and qualitative research. Her insights helped me think more critically about observation, reflection, and the importance of understanding people’s lived experiences through careful and respectful engagement.
I am also deeply grateful to Marine Reach Vanuatu and the Family Care Centre for allowing me to shadow their clinic and witness their work firsthand. A special thank you to Jordyn and Anna, whose time, kindness, and willingness to help made that experience genuinely meaningful and shaped my understanding of health and food in Port Vila in ways I did not anticipate.
Finally, I would like to thank the people of Port Vila who shared their time, perspectives, and experiences with me. Their openness and willingness to engage in conversation are the foundation of this project and have greatly enriched my understanding of food, culture, and everyday life in Vanuatu.