Fiji comprises a group of 333 islands in the tropical South Pacific with a mixture of Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian and European influences. The local people are warm, friendly and extremely generous, despite often having little in the form of material possessions and wealth. Fiji is a developing country with an enchanting mix of cultural traditions, strong religious faiths and stunning scenery. Our Volunteers work with a number of community organisations and local schools, where they use skills gained from their own educational background to improve people’s lives.
Placement Locations
Most placements are located on the main island of Viti Levu, and a small number of placements are on the surrounding islands Ovalau and Motoriki.
Is it for me?
Few placements offer such a culturally rich experience. Volunteers become immersed in the traditional Fijian way of life while contributing to the local community. It will suit people who are proactive, outgoing and willing to think outside the box. The work can be challenging, the accommodation is basic and the food is quite alternative! However the whole experience is guaranteed to be truly exhilarating and enormously rewarding.
Roles Explained
Community placements in Fiji involve volunteers working in a variety of placements such rural district schools, kindergartens, centres for children with various disabilities and also assisting a local community to build a school for their children and conservation within a national park.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation varies from living in a hostel on site, to staying with a local Fijian family. Food is supplied in conjunction with accommodation. Fijians eat almost anything at any time. Dalo (or taro) and cassava are root vegetables and, with bread and fruit, are the staple diet in rural areas. Food is taken on a beautiful home-made reed mat.
What’s Included?
Pre-departure briefing
Airport pickup
Accommodation & food
In-country orientation
In-country support
24/7 support
Need to know
Pre departure briefing – all volunteers are invited to a group briefing prior to departure
On arrival – all volunteers have a three-day orientation in Fiji
Costs
| Interview fee | $100 |
| Contribution fee | $3300 |
| Tax | $15 |
You will also need to budget for:
Travel insurance
Airfares
Visa
Teaching skills course (teaching placements only)
Police check
Travel
Volunteers have the opportunity to travel around Fiji at the end of their placement and many choose to explore Australia, New Zealand or other Pacific islands before leaving. Dragging yourself away from your placement may be difficult but if you do you’ll find over 300 islands to explore, reefs to dive, beaches to snorkel from, rainforests to trek in, villages to visit and people to befriend. Fiji is fascinating and enticing and you may never want to leave.