Volunteering Projects in the Fiji Islands with Think Pacific

I absolutely loved my time volunteering in Fiji. Before the project the leaders made sure we knew how difficult it was going to be and tried their best to make us aware of what we were going to be facing.
Once in the village, I really felt like we were making a difference in the village and especially in the schools. Think Pacific is different to other similar charities as you stay with families and one of my favourite parts of the trip was getting to know my Fijian family, and especially seeing my nine year old Fijian sister start to trust me more and more as the trip went on.
Another favourite part of the trip was teaching in the Kindi and getting to play with the kids and helping them improve their basic English.
I’d like future participants to know that you’ll most likely be ill for the entire trip but it’s so worth it.

I volunteered in the first Beqa Island project in May 2017. This project focussed heavily on supporting the village kindi, primary and high school as well as local kindis in other villages. It was a challenging but extremely rewarding project. The kids in the village absolutely loved the PE sessions at the end of every school day and the activities we did in the evening with family were so fun (making coconut shell bowls, basket weaving, dancing, quiz night). I made so many amazing friends and although the project was challenging (in terms of living conditions and getting used to the food) I laughed every single day. Since being at home I look upon my time in Fiji with such fond memories and still keep in touch with my Fijian family via Facebook (we called on xmas day). We provided the schools with PE and school equipment so that the things we taught them could carry on for years to come. Our leaders were great fun and so supportive as well.
I would love to go back one day.

All my life I've wanted to visit Fiji and I'm so glad I did it with Think Pacific. It was truly an experience I will never forget. I was nervous about the first meeting at smugglers as I came alone and not as part of a university group but my leaders Rob and Astie made everyone feel comfortable and from the first night we started to form our TP family. I was lucky enough to be part of the first group to ever volunteer on Vatulele island and it was amazing. The 2 hour boat trip was worth it when we saw all the faces of the children and namu's there to greet us on the beach with flower necklaces and coconuts. My family were so welcoming and always made us feel as if we were part of their family. Taking part in the sevu sevu in the villages and hop hop was an experience I'll never forget as well as seeing how excited the kids got every sports afternoon. Saying good bye to my Fiji family on the last day of project was heartbreaking but hopefully one day I'll get to go back and visit! Thank you TP! Shout out to Rob and Astie for being the best leaders ever!

My time in Fiji was an immense experience. I learnt so much and made some friends for life. I returned from Fiji around 8 months ago, but there hasn't been a single day since I came home that I haven't thought about my family in Fiji, the kids I worked and lived with or how much I wish I was still there! I learnt so much in my time out there about myself but also a totally new culture and lifestyle. I never thought a group of 24 people could make such an immense impact on a village on the other side of the world! I could not recommend the experience enough, I can guarantee you won't regret it!

Unbelievable experience, enjoyed every minute of it. Living in a completely different culture and learning all about a different way of life is an opportunity not to pass up. A beautiful island with the nicest people you could meet. Living in the villages with Fijians you become part of a family which is hard to leave at the end of project. But the memories you’ll make will be fantastic, the long flights over are well worth the time!!

Doing Think Pacific’s valunteering programme was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I spent the best 4 weeks in the most incredible location with wonderful people. I didn’t know anyone before I got there and now I have some life long friends.
The amount you learn from the experience is incredible, you learn about different cultures, different ways of living and you learn about yourself! Honestly so worth the money, I would do it 100 times over!

I spent 5 weeks on project in 2014 and I loved every minute.

This trip was very well organised and very enjoyable with plenty of amazing activities planned throughout. Fiji is beautiful and the weather was brilliant. The Fijian families where amazing and very kind. Plenty of amazing memories that I will have the rest of my life.

We had a team of 25 from the UK, Ireland and NZ and the fun we had and some of the stories told, I will remember the rest of my life.

I have Been back three times since!!!

Going on an expedition with Think Pacific was the best decision I've ever made. Working with the charity gives you the opportunity to experience a beautiful part of the world not many people are lucky enough to see, whilst also completing such positive work for the country. Think Pacific were incredibly helpful from the moment I showed interest in volunteering, and had everything covered on both the UK and Fijian sides of the charity. Working with the kids was incredibly rewarding and by the end of my month-long expedition I could see real progress in their education. The changes in lifestyle and diet can be challenging, but it's all part of embracing a new culture. The Fijian people are so friendly, and every host family will treat you as one of their own. I can't wait to head back to my second home of Raiwaqa village in the future!