Program Reviews

Volunteering on this project was undoubtedly the most challenging but rewarding experience. I loved getting to know the kids and share some of my knowledge with them. We shared many laughs, songs, and stories together.

The most memorable parts of the experience for me was immersing myself within the culture and staying with the host family. I enjoyed learning about their way of living…. it was truly an eye-opening experience.

This experience had its challenges – the food was basic, there was no shower or washing machine, it was hot, and I felt way out of my comfort zone. But by the end of it I didn’t want to leave. I have made amazing connections, have awesome memories, and can’t wait to go back next year.

I've lived on Yanaya island for 2 months. Believe me, when I say that I have watery eyes each time someone asks me about my trip. This is the best trip in terms of social experience and personal development. The kids are amazing and the language barrier doesn't exist anymore. I took with me some fishing gear for the village and every two days we were out fishing "Fiji style". I celebrated my birthday there and it was one of the best, thanks to the all-island ! I met so many interesting people and made new friends with the others volunteers.
You will see change in their life but also yours.
Don't be scared it's Fiji Time.

Thank you for the amazing opportunity to volunteer in Fiji. Having met our amazing host family Masi and Mere but also their house mum Lesi. Going to the farm and truly experiencing the farm life and visiting the villages connecting with the people was the highlight of my trip.

One opportunity I had was unfortunately taking a lady to the clinic in Suva with dangerously high Blood Pressure and known hypertension. I know Jules would have records of what village and where. I am terrible with names but lol I could take you there in a heartbeat lol. It was an amazing opportunity to connect with a local clinic and Doctor, once I gained the trust he was happy to share some very valuable information about the health system and it's guidelines. He pointed me to the national guidelines of Fiji and he unfortunately seemed frustrated with the current situation from both the government and being to follow up with villages.

However, since being back I have been looking for and at the Fiji Guideline documents that supported the doctors information I have included the PDF of the guidelines. At the first stage of T2DM and hypertension is the non-pharmacy otherwise known as (SNAP) Smoking, Nutrition, Alcohol and Physical activity which is outlined in their documentation. And understanding that your program is supporting and promoting the Nutrition aspect of SNAP.

When sitting on the floor talking with the woman after health checks in the villages, they were asking a lot of additional questions about nutrition because I felt they were less inhibited. The health nurses in nearly all the villages were keen to learn more and would benefit from additional information that is in line with their guidelines SNAP. Providing support for them to promote and educate their families in the village.

Thanks again for the amazing experience.

Got to know more about the culture and city. Explored less touristy areas and prepared for volunteering program. Everyone was so helpful with any questions or advice we needed. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming.The hikes were really fun – amazing scenery and nice to be away from the busy city and off the beaten track for a while.

Food is delicious! Just a little bigger than I normally eat. Accommodation was very comfortable, a little noisy at night but you get used to it very quickly. It was nice to see a bit of the city and have Rajesh explain some of the history along the way to the house. Nice to experience the local culture/ customs with the bus. Food is fantastic! Very delicious and filling. Meal times were a good way to have a break and relax. Accommodation was also really good, very easy to commute to breakfast! The bathrooms were also really good. Just a little noisy at night but it’s ok.

best bits...
Language lessons – very helpful, we had great teachers!
Cultural classes – very interesting to understand more
Cooking class – nice to give Dai a break and learn new recipes that is easy to remember for home.
Making a map of the area – would have been nice to be shown around as we got lost!

Coordinators always happy to answer questions or help bookings etc. Super friendling and approachable and welcoming.

My experience has been great so far me and Amelia have really enjoyed it being able to teach the kids art and English, play football with the students and even did swimming lessons for the kindergarten children in the sea. We definitely feel at home with the family here in Fiji too. We’ve been fishing Fiji style, swimming in the rain and climbing up the big rock near the school. Currently, we’ve been organising the library as all the books were on the floor at the back of a room so it's taken a while. Definitely an experience I won’t forget!

Dog program in Kathmandu was by far the most valuable experience I could get and I did a few other volunteer jobs before. The people in Kathmandu and at Kat center are the best, they are doing such an amazing job and were really welcoming and appreciative of my work there.

But the most fulfilling was to see the dogs change and looking forward to me taking them for a walk everyday. I would have loved to stay weeks longer.. I will definitely return. So if you are a dog person, this is the job to do!

I observed surgeons to conduct surgery; assisted physiotherapist with some hands-on works; group activities with other volunteers.

Excellent coordination and very responsible! Food is all good for me. The accommodation is good for me too, but perhaps the bed can be cleaner as I felt something (mites?) was biting me while sleeping! But overall is very good!

I really love the idea of medical placement for pre-med students. However not many people can free multiple weeks for oversea volunteering and therefore 1 week placement is a really good period which I hope all other medical programs can have a 1 week option if possible. But of course only 1 week placement may not enough for us to learn.

Volunteered for two weeks in Ubud Bali. Highlights of my overseas volunteering trip are ... Connecting with the children through games and activities, the last day of teaching party with the children, meeting other volunteers from all over the world.

Comments on the local team, volunteer accommodation and food... Very helpful and kind local team, fresh and varied food, very clean and organised accommodation. Feedback... More guidance on what to teach the children and assistance in planning sessions.

Fiji was such an amazing experience working in the villages with such humble, happy and beautiful people who truly valued our input an experience I’ll never forget. I would just like to also say a big thank you to Danielle, her approach to the project with such a positive and can do attitude was definitely notable, she went above and beyond to make sure we were all happy at all times. She did a great job of looking after us and her training/knowledge was highly commendable. Also Masi and Mere are absolutely fantastic hosts so very kind, nothing was ever a problem they are such beautiful people – safe to say Mere is a FANTASTIC cook too haha.
Vanuatu was also amazing! I had so much fun there and learnt a lot about marine conservation, even got a few surfs in ? Pele really was a little treasure such an incredibly beautiful place. Lynne and Willie both looked after me so well while I was there nothing was ever to much to ask. Being on my own I spent a lot of time with Lynne and the other people in the village outside of work it really became like a second home for me. Lynne looked after me so well always making sure I was taken care of and happy, very lovely lady.
So thank you again for the experience and all your help with getting me there!! Memories I’ll cherish for many years to come ?

Highlights: Being able to see the Galungan and Kuningan celebrations up close and be given the chance to actively participate in it was a once in a lifetime experience.
Comments: The team made us feel right at home and we’re all very quick to help us with anything we needed. They helped us organize trips to the Gilis and Nusa Penida. The food was great for me, considering I have no eating restrictions, but wasn’t for my friend who has several food allergies and lactose and gluten intolerance. On the last few days, they ran out of her almond milk and didn’t get more because she was leaving soon, so she had only a hard boiled egg and water to eat for breakfast.