Think Pacific

Program Reviews

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Aayush
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TP review - Aayush

It was absolutely incredible. It was insanely interesting experiencing the culture of traditional Fijians in the Village. The scenic country is amazing and would recommend this to anyone. Teaching in schools was challenging and highly rewarding. The Kava ceremonies was a big part of getting involved with the culture and was extremely fun. We also leant and performance the whole mekke Infront of the whole village which was funny! Being a part of the TP team was insane and made friends for life. The food although was repetitive was actually very tasty and they respect all dietary requirements! The Saturday excursions were part of the highlights of my trip, being with the whole team, trekking/swimming etc. Living with the Fijian family also was very interesting and i will miss my family loads!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The quality of education in the schools was very surprising
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Olivia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The most incredible month ever

I volunteered with TP back in May-June 2018 on Koro Island. I can't recommend this experience more highly. You will come away with the most incredible memories, the best Fijian family and some lifelong friends (plus some hilarious t-shirt tan lines). There's nothing more special than seeing the excitement of the village and the school when you arrive and there's nothing harder than having to leave it all behind. I taught 5 and 6 year olds and whilst challenging at times, it was the most rewarding thing I've ever done. You teach the children who are struggling the most for the majority of the time and for me, we mainly focussed on A-Z and 1-20. I also got to run an Early Years music class with them. Over a year later and I'm still in contact with all my Fijian family and the majority of the village we stayed in. This will be an experience you will never forget and will never stop talking about how incredible it was!

What was your funniest moment?
My family laughing about how pale I am - constantly
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Sam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wauosi Village

My time in Wauosi village was an amazing experience - with the perfect mixture of challenge, fun and sense of achievement. The locals make you feel so integrated into the community and it is incredible to throw yourself into village life. Think Pacific provide the perfect balance of making you feel safe and knowing there is assistance when needed, whilst also letting you roam free around your new settlement.
It was great to try new foods and take part in local ceremonies with your family and other volunteers.
Teaching in the school is so rewarding and the kids have a real enthusiasm to learn, so you are always provided with evidence of your work going a long way as you see the children develop along the weeks.
I cannot recommend the project enough for people seeking an adventure whilst also making a real difference.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Cassava. This is a locally grown vegetable which resembles a potato. Fijians love to have it with every meal and it can be either boiled or fried, but it always goes down well whatever you dinner or lunch is.
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Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Village life

Think Pacific were fantastic in integrating the volunteers into village life. Being in a rural community, I truly felt like I was a part of their family and daily activities due to the welcoming and open atmosphere. The month spent in Fiji has truly stuck with me daily through the life lessons learnt by the Fijians and my team. Think Pacific make a real effort in ensuring that there is a team bond built to ensure that the aims of the project are fulfilled but also that you as a volunteer have the best time. Having no modern amenities such as phones truly meant that you got to know your team inside out. Being in Fiji and experiencing such a different culture and way of life has shaped how I see modern day. Fijians are truly the most welcoming and happiest individuals despite the struggles they face daily.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment was meeting my family and initially going into their home. Establishing their level of English and conditions were the most anticipated part of my experience.
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Carly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Carly’s review

I loved being in Fiji for a month. It’s the most fulfilling project I’ve ever done. All the families were amazing and so welcoming. They never stop smiling. If your having a bad day you can count on them to make you smile. Our group was full of big loud and friendly characters, and we had the best time. It’s certainly made me want to travel more and see what else other countries have to offer. Fiji is such a beautiful country and you can to see that right from the heart of a village. The school experience was an unforgettable one. We have all taken some memories we will treasure forever, and although we were there to teach, I think we also learned a lot about ourselves whilst on project. I couldn’t recommend this project enough and given the chance I would 100% do it again

What was your funniest moment?
Dancing with all the families in the village and seeing how much fun they had when all our group would get up and dance
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Niamh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fiji Think Pacific Project

I had an amazing experience in Fiji thanks to Think Pacific being so well organised and prepared. I learnt so much about the culture and different aspects of there community that I’d of never got the chance to participate in if it wasn’t for TP. I feel I have grown and developed as a person while helping out in the school. TP was very supportive every step of the way, from briefing before the village to help us prepare ourselves, giving advice on lesson planning ideas, encouraging everyone to take part in team sports to helping everyone push through the mental and physical challenges we faced. Overall it was an experience that will never be forgotten and the impact we had on the Fijians was very visible, giving everyone something to be proud of. Big thanks to Think Pacific.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was the fact that all my life I’ve told my self I’m a picky eater, refusing to eat fish, curry or any other adventurous food. In Fiji I was encouraged by everyone to try something new, I picked up a piece of fish and ate it. The group clapped and we all laughed as I was surprised at the fact I actually enjoyed everything I ate. It’s a surprise what you learn to enjoy while out in Fiji.
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victoria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Victoria Higgins

My Think Pacific experience was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as a person, all while feeling safe in the friendly environment of the Fijian village. The leaders of our expedition were amazing and they helped make the experience unforgettable. I would thoroughly recommend Think Pacific to anyone who wants to experience different cultures, see the world, and help those who are less fortunate than us. One of the best parts of the experience for me was teaching the children. This was such a rewarding experience, where you are able to make the most difference on project, and really impact the life of the children that you meet. I also found that I learnt more from them than I could ever teach.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I found actually arriving into the village the hardest and meeting the family for the first time. I over came this with help from the amazing leaders and fellow volunteer's.
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Annabel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Think Pacific Project

The TP project was the most memorable trip of my life. The village experience is something that you cannot put into words. I found the hospitality and warmth of the Fijian community just breathtaking, and they truly accept you in as family. Think Pacific’s work with the village’s and the locals creates bond that is passed down to the volunteers. We as volunteers are bought into the community and instantly feel at home, the communication before project between the team and the village causes the diffusion of tension and allows us to feel a part of our Fijian families instantly. Although looking into project I had the fear of moving into a home with strangers, this was never a concern once we entered the village. The kindness and love that your families give you, alongside the support of your leaders made me feel so safe in our little village. The community that you are apart of, with all the volunteers is one that sticks with you for life. The follow up contact that we have with Think Pacific and the support network provided allows us volunteers to stay connected with our village and creates a home away from home in Fiji. Choosing this think Pacific trip was the best decision I made, and there is no doubt when I say that I will be returning to Fiji soon.

What would you improve about this program?
The only thing I would change is if the volunteers had more information on what sort of things we could bring to the village. I wish I could have bought more teaching supplies, or gifts. There was just a lack of advice in the sector.
Abbie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience!

I volunteered in Fiji with Think Pacific for a month last year. It was honestly the best experience I’ve ever had, the whole trip was so well organised and every slight concern was dealt with so you felt completely at ease and safe throughout it all. It was amazing to see how much of an impact you can have in such a short space of time, with the Maths and English and also the PE. I enjoyed every second of it and made friends for life, in Fijians and other volunteers too. I often speak to my Fijian family, and I’ve also gone on about it all so much one of my friends is now volunteering this year too!

What would you improve about this program?
The organisation of the whole trip was amazing. The only improvement would be to spread the word even further so more people are aware of all the good Think Pacific do!
Dillon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Literally the Best Thing I have Ever Done

I went on a 1-month expedition in 2017 and it was definitely the hardest thing I have ever done but also the most rewarding, being able to learn about new cultures and live amongst true Fijian family was amazing.
The people and the support that was with me on the journey made the experience so much better.
After looking for volunteering projects for a while. Think Pacific really stood out as the one that really wanted to make a difference and you can tell by the passion of the staff drew me into wanting to volunteer with them.

What would you improve about this program?
I personally couldn't fault the team and there work. They have invested so much time into the program and they welcome everyone to their community