Make A Difference in Fiji this Summer with Madventurer

I have been on several service-learning projects abroad and this one blew them all away. We lived in a small village and were completely apart of the community. I still cannot believe the relationships we created in the short time we were there. We had great discussions as a group that challenged and deepened how each of us thought about the world, service, culture, community, and many other things. We worked alongside people from the village to help build a community center that would serve many functions, but most of all be a meeting place for the whole community to come together. That is where they drew their strength and we got to be apart of building on that strength (literally). But really, they gave to us so much more then we could ever return. They cooked amazing food for us, welcomed us into their lifestyle and traditions, taught us how to dance, weave, cook, hammer in a nail, spearfish, and much more. And they showed us how happy life can be when you approach it with the right spirit and attitude. When we left, we all agreed it felt like we were leaving home.

I am a faculty member who had the privilege of participating in this adventure. I have devoted my pursuits to researching the impacts service-learning experiences have on college students, and I have not found an experience to match that of the Fiji project. Too often service-learning is confounded with charity projects. The Madventurer Service-Learning project in Fiji accomplishes what most projects aspire- creating a truly reciprocal relationship between the students and villagers, such that both become service-learners. The Fiji project creates a unique setting where these lines are blurred and all collaborate on a multifaceted objective to simultaneously complete the concrete task and develop a shared understanding of unique cultures.

Going to Fiji with Madventurer was the experience of a lifetime. The amazing experiences I had--whether it was going to the waterfall, snorkeling, learning traditional Fijian dances, or just playing games with the kids, really made this trip more amazing then I ever dreamed it would be. Working alongside the villagers to build the community center, helping to make a tangible difference in their lives, was beyond rewarding. However, the most powerful aspect of this trip was the cultural immersion I experienced. Traveling to Fiji opened my eyes to a new way of life and gave me perspective that I did not have before. Traveling abroad allowed me to grow, and traveling abroad through service made that growth all the more meaningful. I would recommend this trip to anymore with a sense of adventure, a love of people, and a willingness to explore!

Never being out of the country before going to Fiji, I was extremely nervous, yet excited. Once I got to Fiji and was engulfed in the beautiful village, I was completely comfortable around people I had just met. The Fijians were so friendly and welcoming. Throughout my time in the village, I got to know so many natives and learn about their culture, which was a first-time experience for me. It was so neat to work alongside the Fijians while painting their community center. They were all so patient with us and made us feel like we were at home during our stay in the village. I would definitely recommend working with Madventurer and going to Naboutini, Fiji to anyone and everyone who is interested! It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I'm so thankful to have had such a great opportunity to work with a fantastic organization.

Bula! I had such an amazing experience working with the good people of Madventurer and the village of Naboutini, Fiji, and would recommend Madventurer to anyone interested in having an incredible service experience!

A typical day in Fiji: each day, we would wake up by the ocean to the sound of chickens crowing in response to the changing on the tide. The villagers would make us a huge breakfast, and then we would get to work. Our team's project was completing the community center—painting, sanding, and finishing the roof and walls. We would work through the day, but we were constantly interrupting to take a break in the ocean, or to eat MORE food, or to learn some new cultural activity (cooking, horseback riding, coconut shredding, etc). After our tangible service was done for the day, we would play sports or take excursions to the waterfall. The best part was every night, after dinner. We would gather in the community center for grog time: drinking grog, playing cards, listening to music, and getting to know the villagers better.
Are there difficulties? Sure. The weather is hot, but you're constantly in the ocean or the nearby waterfalls. Sometimes it's difficult to get used to the fluidity of time. But the villagers are the friendliest people you will ever encounter, always inviting you into their homes for food and laughter. It truly is a magical place, and I would recommend Fiji to anyone.