I felt very supported while in Fiji, I had no trouble finding where I needed to be. The local staff was amazing and even with Visa changing right before my trip I had guidance through each step of the process. We were well provided for, and I had a lot of fun meeting a ton of new people while there. The opportunities to experience the culture there and also have local guides was the way to go. You are able to do as much or as little as you would like, and days are extremely flexible outside of school hours. As someone who has never really traveled outside of the US much, especially solo, I would highly recommend!

The support from IVHQ was excellent. They made sure we were ready for our trip and we knew what we would encounter. It was easy to reach them by email and were always happy to answer. I would defenitly recommend this program and tell people not to doubt themselves and jump in the experience. I will remember this trip for the rest of my life. It also changed me as a human being. Since you live like a local, you get to experience the country in another way. It opens up your eyes on realities you are not used to.

From the beginning, my volunteer trip to Fiji with IVHQ was amazing. I participated in the teaching program, where I was assigned to a class at a local school - in my case, year 5 - and gave them new learning experiences. I mainly taught English, geography, and art classes, and it was such a fun challenge to find creative ways to give the children engaging lessons. It challenged me in new ways, but I loved seeing the energy from the students when they were finally being given creative outlets with my lessons. I also loved being completely immersed in the Fijian culture, all the way down to becoming friends with some locals. If anyone was on the fence about participating in an IVHQ program, as long as you go in with no expectations, the experience will change your life.

My volunteer trip to Fiji had a really positive impact on me, especially through the childcare and sports programs I worked in. Spending time with the kids, helping with daily activities, and supporting their learning showed me how meaningful even small acts of care can be. Coaching and playing sports with them also helped build confidence, teamwork, and genuine connections. The experience opened my eyes to the importance of community, patience, and giving back, and it’s something that will stay with me for a long time

Excellent communication from the local team. The accommodations were not luxurious, but they were clean and well-maintained. The food featured a lot of rice, but that is to be expected in Fiji. There is a lot of places to visit around the volunteer house, including a beach right across the street! I felt useful at the Construction Project, doing a lot of different things, including painting, welding, digging, and helping out the local staff of the school when needed. I feel this is a very worthwhile project in a very friendly and welcoming environment.

Had the best 5 weeks in Fiji, the local team were the most welcoming people ever, felt so welcome and supported from day 1! The other volunteers out there felt like family, and I’ve made memories and friends for life! Went alone at 17 and felt so comfortable and at home, even so far away. The program was so fun, and it felt like we were really part of something important! Would say just do it to anyone considering it, you will have the best time!

IVHQ's pre-departure advice was so helpful, too!

Fiji was amazing, I will forever love my time volunteering. The local team was better than I could imagine and the other volunteers made it so much fun. I was a little scared to volunteer, I’ve been solo traveling for a while, but not volunteering. Now all my travels will be volunteer work. I did sports education and seeing kids light up when we entered the town and play with them was pure bliss. Leaving was even harder. They made it bittersweet, I will forever remember my time in Fiji and with the kids.

I’ve had the opportunity to join two different volunteer programs through IVHQ, and both have been truly life-changing experiences. If you’re considering volunteering or starting your solo travel journey, I can confidently say this is one of the best ways to do it — especially if you’re new to traveling alone and want to connect deeply with people and culture.

One of the most unforgettable parts of my journey was my time in Fiji. From the moment I landed, I felt a sense of warmth — not just from the tropical weather, but from the people. The local IVHQ team in Fiji went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt welcome and comfortable. You could immediately feel that they genuinely cared, not only about the volunteers but also about the community projects we were part of. Their energy and positivity were infectious. I’ve truly never met people so open-hearted and joyful.

There’s a saying that “the happiest people are from Fiji,” and after spending time there, I can 100% say it’s true. Every conversation, every shared meal, every group activity felt full of laughter, kindness, and connection. The local coordinators were not just there to guide us — they became friends, mentors, and a big part of what made the experience so special.

During my time volunteering, I was able to contribute to meaningful community initiatives. Whether it was education, construction, or environmental work, there was a strong sense that our efforts were genuinely appreciated and impactful. And beyond the work itself, the cultural immersion was incredible — from learning traditional dances and cooking local meals to weekend trips exploring Fiji’s natural beauty.

Another huge benefit was meeting fellow volunteers from all over the world. I’ve built friendships that I know will last a lifetime. When you’re living, working, and exploring alongside like-minded people, something beautiful happens — walls come down, stories are shared, and you realize just how much you have in common with people from completely different backgrounds.

Looking back, I’m so grateful I took the leap. I know how intimidating it can be to step into the unknown, especially when traveling alone. But this experience showed me just how much magic there is outside of our comfort zones. Volunteering with IVHQ didn’t just give me memories — it gave me perspective, confidence, and a renewed appreciation for human connection.

If you’re on the fence about it — don’t hesitate. Say yes. Go. You’ll never regret choosing adventure, kindness, and growth. Fiji, and the people I met there, will always have a special place in my heart.