Program Reviews

It was an awesome time volunteering at Animals Fiji Nadi clinic. I learnt so many new skills and have seen a new perspective on the animal industry in a third world country.

I loved being apart of both the shelter team and clinic and applying my own strengths to them as well as developing my weaknesses. My highlight was being able to observe and help at the Loutoka desexing drive.

The team were lovely. The accomodation was good. There was only one night where there was no food provided. This would have been fine if we had known in advance.

In the Philippines, I was able to travel with a rural health unit to local communities administering vaccinations and giving out maintenance medications. While I was unable to do some of the tasks, there was plenty to see to keep yourself interested. Everyone on my trip from my host family to clinic staff to volunteer staff were all very welcoming and accommodating. Volunteers for the Visayan's staff were very friendly and helpful. They checked in on their volunteers regularly and provided us with two retreats to see the area. The accommodations were accurate to described and I found the food to be quite good as the homestay was accommodating. The only improvement I would add is more communication throughout the planning process as I did things that were not necessary or had questions I had trouble getting the answers to.

The volunteering was amazing!! I really enjoyed my time in Fiji working with all the staff members at Animals Fiji, they were all amazing and made us feel so welcome.
During the volunteering I spent time in the shelter working with the puppies, dogs and kittens, the tasks included health checks, cleaning, walking the animals, feeding, and giving medication. Within the clinic I spent time in the hospital, working with the vet assistants and vets. I learnt so much during the trip which included checking vitals, administering medications and how to conduct an initial consultation.
One of the highlights for me was definitely attending the desexing clinic in Laukato, and working with the staff.

The team at the shelter were extremely welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly. They made the transition there very easy and helped whenever they could. The food and accommodations were lovely, with the family and other volunteers there were very welcoming. Having other volunteers with us, made the transition easier as we were able to discuss our experiences as well as meet a variety of different people from different backgrounds. Ideas for donations that Animals Fiji might need at the time volunteers are coming.

Beautiful people and scenery. Everyone we met was so lovely and we had such a good time. Extremely rewarding and we felt like we were applying our knowledge to help the community.

Highlight - having the villages provide us local food. Beautiful - Masi and Mari (and their extended family) were so incredibly accomodating, kind and informative. They ensured we were as comfortable as could be. Food - fresh and beautifully home made. Really helped us feel at home. Accomodation - Latouka homes were very comfortable and even the farm was as comfortable as could be .

Carrun - very, very kind and helpful. Her experiences were very valuable and equipped us to go out as a team to the villages and have a great time. Potentially multiple villages per day - while the afternoon break was really nice - we felt like we were only working for a couple hours each day - felt like we could have done more.

The team were very supportive! We went to get firewood, went to get water, painted
houses with cow shit and beaded with the women.

There were no sockets to charge anything but there was lights in the volunteer
accommodation.

The food was amazing .

The local team were extremely helpful.

The food was AMAZING and there was loads of it.

Accommodation was very basic but that's the nature of the project. Still a lot better
conditions then the people themselves live .

Volunteering was excellent, I got to experience what it was like to be working with animals in Fiji. I had conversations with locals which gave me great insight into religious and cultural beliefs which impact animal control.

Being immersed in local culture was fantastic and gave an experience which I would not have had the chance outside of this project. Our home stay was lovely, always willing to help out and teach us about the local culture.

During the first week, we painted cages at an animal shelter called Welfare for Animals in Goa. We had a cook who would make amazing local meals. On weekends we were free to go out and explore the state. During the second and third weeks of my visit I was painting rooms in a compound for adults with intellectual disabilities. I was able to meet a lot of local people as well as other volunteers from the same program and other programs. The coordinator was very helpful, although it was difficult for me because there were no other volunteers present for most of my stay. The food was almost always delicious, and I was thoroughly exposed to popular dishes in Goa as well as general India. The house we stayed in was quite nice and met all the requirements for comfort.

A life experience!

Food program was very fulfilling, I felt useful and loved shearing moment with locals.
I didn't "cook" or prepared food as I expected, but I enjoyed anyways. We served the trays and filled the containers for take away meals. After working, we ate lunch at the food shop with the workers of the restaurant, and food was delicious! The afternoons were free time, to visit the city, enjoy moments with your new friends or have a nap...

Weekends are for discovering the county, going to another city or another county... I visited Mui Né and Hoi An and really liked it. I met lots of people, had fun and practiced my english!

My trip was absolutely amazing. It was definitely a hard adjustment at the start I must say, but so rewarding in the end. I made such strong connections with everyone I met, and formed lifelong memories. My whole perspective of the world is changed now, and I am so appreciative that I could experience this. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who is up for a challenge and great experience.

My host family was the kindest. Always welcoming and loving. The food was amazing. Accommodations were very nice considering the living conditions of most people on the island.

Tell us as much as you can about your volunteer trip! Were there any highlights from your placement? What was the daily volunteering like? Volunteering was great, kids and staff were lovely. Felt very supported and comfortable with everyone.

Comments on local team, food and accommodation Food was wonderful, accommodation was average in terms of the ammenities however I had low standards so it was okay. The toilets were gross, especially sharing with people who had bali belly.