Think Pacific

Think Pacific

Why choose Think Pacific?

Think Pacific is a UK-based social enterprise dedicated to creating transformative experiences for students and graduates while supporting sustainable development in Fiji, Bali and now Thailand. Through a range of immersive volunteer programs, internships, and remote opportunities, Think Pacific collaborates closely with local communities, government ministries and local organisations to deliver impactful projects in areas such as education, health, mental health, sports, conservation and business development. These projects not only aim to address local needs and promote sustainable growth but also provide participants with valuable skills, cultural insights, and a deeper understanding of global challenges. Committed to ethical volunteering and cultural sensitivity, Think Pacific ensures that all its initiatives are community-driven and aligned with the long-term goals of its local partners.

Reviews

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Nicola
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Fiji experience!!!

My time in Fiji was the most amazing experience of my life to date!! Everyone was so welcoming and kind. They made us feel like we were part of their families and we could see that this experience was just as amazing and exciting for them as it was for us. The workshops were so fun and engaging it encourage everyone to get involved and enjoy themselves. As well as the culture courses were yo could see just how happy the village members were to teach us about their cultures and traditions. By taking part in this expedition I made friends that will last a lifetime as well as a new family on the other side of the world.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
We visited Nadakuni Waidina waterfall one Saturday, it was estimated to be 300 feet high!!! To see this and go swimming under it with our friends was incredible.
Pros
  • Making friends that will last a lifetime
  • Becoming more understanding of different cultures
  • Becoming more confident
Cons
  • Leaving my family and new friends at the end of project
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Charli
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sports Development - 2024

The opportunity of the Fiji Think pacific project came around, and I was so desperate to believe this was something I could actually do, but it felt far from what was realistic or doable. But the process kept going, getting deeper and deeper into it, and before I knew it the time came around.

I can honestly say that nothing has been more exciting and absolutely thrilling then experiencing and conquering something as unique as this. I did not think I was capable with my personal anxieties to be confident and strong enough to commit to Fiji, but I wanted to so badly, and so, with the support I received from the Think Pacific members and other volunteers, it became a breeze to do so, and it was astonishing.

Although I believe anything in life including volunteer projects can embrace and strive for improvement, I believe this project is truly an eye opener and wonderful experience. It can be a personal challenge, a confidence booster, cultural exposure, and even more. I have full confidence that Think Pacific is more than willing to continue to grow and improve for the following years to come for not only the Fijian communities but for the participants of the programme.

I mourned the moment I left Fiji; the emotional impact was outstanding and I will always hope to go back again someday.

Vinaka vakalevu Fiji

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment for me was performing the ceremonial meke infront of the whole village, I detest dancing and it absolutely terrifies me, but I had to just be in the moment, look ahead and try to enjoy it by making light of it. In the end I found it quite funny but my goodness I was petrified.
Pros
  • Fijian Family.
  • Making such strong connections with other volunteers.
Cons
  • Adjusting to the heat.
  • Struggle to find some alone time to align with yourself and your thoughts.
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Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Youth Empowerment Project

Volunteering with Think Pacific was one of the most amazing things I have ever done! Finding a project can be a difficult and nerve wracking process but the staff at Think pacific support you at every step.
The program itself is so mindful to the fact that as volunteers we are stepping into a country that is not our own. Think Pacific ensure that our presence is not harmful.
I learnt so much from the community in Navula village (where I stayed) about their culture, which is absolutely amazing.
I absolutely left Fiji a changed person, I learnt things that I never imagined I would and I found a family on the other side of the world.
Vinaka Vakalevu Think pacific, Fiji, and Navula village

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make the most of every moment, the opportunities you will experience are once in a lifetime. The projects fly by and you will wish you could stay forever!
Also be kind to yourself it can take some time to adjust to village life, that is normal and ok.
Bring a journal one of my favourite things to do is go back and read mine, I find so much joy in remembering the small moments of each day.
Pros
  • You make a family across the world
  • You experience a whole new, vibrant culture
  • You will develop yourself in so many ways
Cons
  • You will have to say goodbye to some of the most amazing people
  • It can take some time to adjust
  • You need to be very aware of how you feel, as at times it can be overwhelming and you have to remember to look after yourself.
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Bella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Youth Empowerment Project June 2024

I completed the youth empowerment project in June/July 2024 and couldn't recommend it enough for anyone considering signing up to a programme. It was a collaborative programme working with youth from the village and being taught about local culture which was my favourite part! When I left Soa Village felt like home and the people from the village became family. I feel proud to have worked on a programme that had a local design and direction, giving me to the opportunity to meet such amazing people. Vinaka Soa Village, Fiji.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Firstly, Make the most of every single day as it will fly by and secondly it will take a couple of days to get used to village life but trust me it will feel like home by the time you leave.
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Josh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time in Fiji

My time in Fiji was the best experience of my whole life from the start to the end. Think Pacific’s team that led us and made sure we were physically and mentally ok the entire time. From when we went into the village and met our family’s I knew how fun this experience was going to be. The different classes we planed and got to take part in to the culture course were all action packed and full of laughter. If I could do it all again I wouldn’t hesitate. As by taking part in this not only did I gain new friends I gained a new family.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The vast amount of different fruits and vegetables were very different to what I was used to in the uk.
Pros
  • Cultural exchange
  • Making a new family
Cons
  • Leaving my family and village was hard

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

Choosing a volunteering program is a difficult process; there are lots of different ones out there, all focusing on slightly different things. I decided on Think Pacific due to their connections with the Fijian government and the process of choosing the villages that teams enter. I have always been worried that programs would be seen as a means of 'self-improvement' rather than volunteering as a genuine thing, but with TP, this could not be further from the point.

The whole organization works as one in Fiji and in the UK.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Think Pacific came into my university and gave a presentation on their programs. With attendance numbers high, I soon realized that this organization was something I would like to be part of. Think Pacific is an independent program from the university, but when you first sign up to TP, you are quickly added to the Facebook page and you are welcomed into the big TP family. If I ever had any questions, there are TP employees you can ask, so I never felt alone or overwhelmed.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

If you go out to Fiji, there's a phrase that is said, called 'Fiji Time'. Its meaning comes from the slow paced life which brings you back into reality, time away from your phone and the stresses of education. The time I spent in the village was life changing; the time goes by so quickly that you want to relive everyday twice. I wish I knew before going out to constantly live in the moment, to leave my phone in my rucksack and just live and be free.

I would highly recommend this to anyone to go on a volunteering trip, as being away from your phone brings you back down to earth, reminding you of the things that are important in life and that you can live without phones and internet.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average TP volunteering week is busy and tiring but amazing.

Monday to Friday, you are at school from 8 in the morning, completing your '1 to 1s' up until lunch time. The afternoons are where the children are free to go wild; they have an hour of teaching after lunch and then straight into house cup; a competition between the school house, it brings out everyones crazy side! Finally the last hour is sport, focusing on the skills required in each sport, the kids get sweaty and tired and that's job well done!

Everyday there is morning and afternoon briefing, before and after school, just to make sure that everyone is happy and can talk about any problems they may have had that day. The evenings are always busy, from mat weaving to billo making, and you cannot forget weekly quiz night! The evenings are a great way for the team to bond and immerse yourself into village life.

Saturdays are excursion days, waterfalls, treks, bili bili rafting... It will always be fun!

Finally, Sunday is the rest day. Church with your family and resting and sleeping in the afternoon. It sounds boring now, but you will need that rest time to make sure you are ready to go for the next school week!

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear before going was whether or not I would get on with the other volunteers I would meet in the village. Before you go into the village, TP sends you to a resort where time is used to bond and get to know everyone in your team. These few days really helped me to understand that everyone was there for the same reason: they are passionate about teaching and want to experience an amazing trip in a beautiful country. You obviously gravitate towards different groups of people... It's only natural, but you have to remember that everyone who is in Fiji wants to be there to make a difference.

What was the best part of your trip?

My favorite part about my time in the village was being able to live like a local. Myself and the other volunteer I lived with decided that we would say yes to everything. We ended up experiencing little joys that others did not. I was able to sit in on choir practice, having a sing with my Nene (my host mother) and the other village women. We were able to sit and help our Momo (my host father) dry out the Yaqona plant, that we later on went onto drink. Even when you are tired, my advice is to say yes anyway, Fijians are smiley, happy, joyful people who are always up for a good laugh. By helping them and joining them in their daily lives, the relationship will grow and become much stronger.