Location
  • Fiji
Length
1 to 12 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
450
Price Details
Fully hosted experience from only $450 for 1 week - this includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
May 01, 2024
Sep 22, 2024
65 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 136,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Fiji and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For the past 6 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ in Fiji.

Our affordable projects start from $29/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-12 weeks. Choose from 4 projects, ranging from Teaching, Sports Education, Kindergarten and Construction in and around Sigatoka on the south eastern coast of mainland Fiji. Plus, you’ll stay with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world (private room options available).

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training before you leave home.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Cheapest volunteer programs from $29/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
  • Volunteer for 1-12 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays.
  • 15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization.
  • Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy.
  • Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Popular Programs

Fiji construction and renovation project

Want to help build a better future for the local communities in the town of Sigatoka, Fiji? IVHQ's construction and renovation project allows volunteers to make a real difference by assisting with building and maintenance at local schools and other community facilities. Lend an extra pair of hands help make these communities safe for people to learn and grow.

Fiji Kindergarten project

Gain experience in early childhood education and help empower young children in this coastal town in Fiji! As a volunteer, you will assist local teachers and provide a different perspective to help focus the lively Fijian kids into focusing on their lessons and other constructive activities towards their development.

Fiji Sports Education

If you love sports and you love kids, then you'll love this volunteer opportunity to teach, coach and mentor children in physical education. With placements in local elementary schools or after school sports programs, you can share your love of sports with local student who are active, lively and enjoy being outdoors!

Fiji Teaching

IVHQ's teaching project give you the opportunity to gain teaching experience by assisting in schools or at after school programs in the capital city of Sigatoka. Your role on this project is critical to help alleviate the teachers' overloaded plates while providing access to education to a variety of students in Fiji.

Program Reviews

4.88 Rating
based on 50 reviews
  • 5 rating 88%
  • 4 rating 12%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.75
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.65
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 50 reviews
Default avatar
Michael
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ- Fiji

I have just returned from my IVHQ trip to Fiji.
The IVHQ team did a wonderful job all the way around. From the pre-trip planning to the last night closing ceremony. Nothing was missed.
The local staff was nothing short of awesome. From the greeting at the airport, transportation, accommodations, and the food.
The introduction week was fantastic. We got to see some of the local attractions, such as a waterfall, the sand dunes, the beaches, a kava ceremony. We also learned about the people, the language, and the culture. We enjoyed a cooking class, a dance class and some weaving.
My only regret is, I didn't choose a longer stay.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
During my free time, I decided to go golfing at a nearby resort.
While playing one of the holes I encountered some wild horses. I thought that was pretty exciting. Once I reached the green, I encountered several horse prints in the ground, that made the putting a little tricky.
Pros
  • The island- it's beautiful!
  • The staff- They are the best!
  • The other volunteers- I met some wonderful people from all over the world!
Cons
  • long flight from the USA.
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Maya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fiji Family Volunteer vacation

My 15 year old daughter wanted to go to Fiji with a volunteer program. None of her friends could go so we looked into a family option. IVHQ was perfect!
My best advice is to show up reading about the culture but with no expectations. We signed up for the fantastic week long orientation which included cava ceremony, walk to waterfall, sand dunes, weaving, cooking, language and singing. The local team coordinators were passionate about sharing their culture! What I liked the most is that they looked into the best programs -for example the best access to the waterfall, where the entrance price gets divided evenly among the families in that village. I also loved the Visitor information center lecture before we went on the Sand Dunes hike, learning about the only Fijian National Park and saving the trees and land and how the rugby team trains there. I wish they also had weekend trips and/or information on the best companies to sign up with, that are culturally and environmentally sound. We tried to surf over the weekends (Natadola beach or the river mouth) but it didn't work out from Sigatoka (hiring a taxi coordinating the tide and winds). We should have added days after the program to visit a surf island (and not right before the Fiji Pro).
We did morning childcare (kindergarten) and afternoon sports (ages 1 to 16ish) I can't even begin to tell you how fun it was. Just to mention a few: the kids taught us (Americans) rugby rules and wanted us to play even if we sucked- never giving up on us. We learned games and songs in Fijian. EVERYONE can sing and harmonize- it is absolutely incredible.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I think if I was to do it again, I would try to coordinate with another family so there is another 15 year old. It's a tricky age where they are not old enough to do outings on their own, but not young enough to want to hang out with their parents ALL THE TIME.
Pros
  • "Fiji time" means no stress about exact departures or hurrying at all.
  • The Fijian laughter and smiles are contagious! Everyone calls out Bulla and teacher!
  • I didn't have to think about food or doing dishes- it was all part of the routine.
Cons
  • The "upgrade" lodging did not have air-conditioning as promised
  • The upgrade or over flow lodging was 15 minutes from the main house, which made it harder to hang out with the other volunteers.
  • It was hard to organize our weekend free time as we didn't have internet or phone reception in our hotel
10 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Taylah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fiji volunteer trip

I took part volunteering for 3 weeks in the childcare program. IVHQ prepares you well and are organised in getting you ready before you leave. It is so helpful having a program manager who you can connect with any questions you have. Fiji is such a beautiful country and volunteering is such a great way to get to know the culture and be part of helping even in a little way. I never felt unsafe there as the local team prepare you and other volunteers are always looking out for each other. Overall it is a wonderful community there that the local team have created.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Honestly if you are nervous in any way that is so normal. I was so nervous before I left but as soon as I got there and met everyone I felt so welcome! You will meet so many people and make friends from all around the world and a lot of them are in the same boat and don’t know anyone else either.
10 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ellie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best experience!

I had the best few weeks in Fiji! The local team was phenomenal and always there to help me in any way that they could! I never felt unsafe or unprepared, I always had someone to help me in someway! Everyone was beyond kind and accomodating, and the local staff never failed to be the first to offer a helping hand, whether I needed help around the city or help in my volunteer placement! I loved the volunteer opportunity and the people that I was able to meet! I will definitely be coming again, hopefully very soon!

What was your funniest moment?
Doing a full blown choreographed performance for some children at sports one afternoon, and we got an audience of around 20 kids.
Pros
  • Easy
  • Good Communication
  • Safe
Cons
  • Have to make weekend plans
  • No lunch on weekends
  • One bathroom for 12 people
13 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience of a Lifetime

My experience with IVHQ was amazing! The local team were so kind and supportive. They took us to the town and showed us some beautiful shops to buy sulu and some gifts. We also had a cava ceremony which allowed us to learn so much about the Fijian culture and made us feel so included. The food was also delicious and every meal was provided which was amazing! I had the best time meeting and helping the kids at the kindergartens too. All the kids and teachers were so welcoming and grateful. I had the best time and will definitely be back!

What was your funniest moment?
All of the jokes and fun times I had with the kids!
Pros
  • Kind and helpful local team
  • Delicious food
  • Amazing location
24 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Adriana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing experience

I am so thrilled to have been part of this life changing experience volunteering in an overseas country. The local team was a great support throughout the adventure and were ever ready to help with any queries. It felt great to be directly contributing to an initiative that was helping the local community. Meeting with the children was also one of the best parts of the experience which made the impact feel tangible. In the school we were involved in various tasks such as tiling, scabbing, painting, form work etc.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Having been to Fiji before, it was surprising to see what it was like outside of the resorts and how people in the village lived.
Pros
  • Great local team
  • Direct construction experience
  • Great activities to do outside of the program
Cons
  • Heat
  • Limited hot water
  • Early dinner time 5:00
23 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sara
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I loved ivhq and the Fiji experience

My experience with ivhq was nothing short of incredible. The local team and coordinators in Fiji offered 100% support and were so incredibly welcoming for me and others staying there. The volunteering itself was fun, safe and relatively organized. The food was great, vibes were great and we had such a chill and fun time. Be prepared to want to stay forever. I would go back to Fiji in a heartbeat. I would definitely recommend this trip to solo travellers who are looking to experience different cultures and experiences!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you choose this program go into it with an open mind. Be prepared to see and experience new things. Do not stress or worry and take a deep breath. Everything will go to plan.
Pros
  • Local team support
  • Gorgeous scenery
  • Ability to change and switch programs easily
Cons
  • Heat
28 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Madison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Make the Jump!!!!

I volunteered through IVHQ in the Sports Education program for 4 weeks in Korotogo Fiji and had the time of my life! This is the first time I have traveled out of the country by myself as well as it being my first volunteer trip and I would 100% recommend this program! The Local team was amazing and always went the extra mile to insure you were having a good experience, great meals, and coordinated amazing excursions for the volunteers. You really feel like you join their family upon arrival! The programs were all very organized and straight forward with clear guidelines to help you prepare for your contribution! Living alongside the locals and being able to really immerse yourself in the culture and community is absolutely incredible and makes leaving the program so bittersweet! If you are looking to gain a new outlook on life, learn more about yourself or another culture, or have a passion for helping others I would highly encourage you to sign up for a volunteer trip through IVHQ!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Me and a few volunteers asked the local coordinators if we could attend church in their village on Sunday with them and were graciously accepted! Not only did we get to experience a traditional Fijian service, her family prepared us a feast after church with all local food grown or caught in the village. We were able to try breadfruit which is a local fruit grown in the trees, but is more similar to a carb and eats kind of similar to bread! We also tried minced meat stuffed taro leaves cooked in coconut cream, fresh fish caught off the coast, as well as a spread of different curries, pastas, and sausages! I would say the breadfruit was the most interesting and unfamiliar food I tried and may have not been my favorite, but the day as a whole was my favorite day of the trip and the love we received by the village that day was so amazing!
Pros
  • Cultural Learning
  • Imacting less fortunate communities
  • Bonds made with locals and fellow volunteers
Cons
  • No air conditioning (as expected, but definately a con)
28 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

I did not travel with my family for this trip, but my oldest child is eleven and I would for sure want to take him on the next volunteer experience. However, I don; think I would take any of my kids younger than that. It also depends on where you go.

No everything is explained upon arrival