Fiji

Overall this project was great. The other volunteers were fantastic, the staff and children at my school were amazing. My coordinator ensured I was working in a class with older children since I would be going on to teach at a secondary school when I returned to the UK, which was lovely.

There were however some issues. There were some ongoing issues with members of staff which created a bit of tension. Our coordinator did not appear to enjoy being in Fiji or working for Frontier. Moreover, the field brief for the project was completely inaccurate and I ended up wasting money on supplies I did not need. The visa situation needs to be emphasized - I came on the wrong visa, as has happened to volunteers in the past, and had to go to New Zealand for a week. I was no reimbursed for that week of my project. It was apparent that communication between London and the project itself was poor, and there is little understanding of what the project needs, although I know they are trying to correct this.

Whilst there were the issues I have mentioned above, I cannot stress enough how wonderful the homestay was, how welcoming my Fijian family were, and how much I loved my time in the school. It was an amazing experience, but I did feel I should mention Frontier's organizational problems.

A spur of the moment decision to volunteer led me to find Projects Abroad and a nutrition project in Fiji. I spent a few days researching different organizations. Many were appealing, however, Projects Abroad seemed to be a very reputable organization that had nearly everything that I was looking for.
From my initial submission of the application I was receiving emails and assistance on how to efficiently finish the other requirements. With the guidance of a volunteer advisor I was assisted on the application process, all of the required documentation, flights and itinerary, visa questions, travel insurance as well as, general advise for travel.
I spent 4 weeks on the nutrition project. I took part in the early stages of the project and was given the opportunity to experiment and implement programs. Although I was unable to make any major contributions to the project in terms of new ideas, I played a role in the existing program. Much of my time was spent going into the public schools around Nadi and providing free health checks to the teachers. This included taking and recording their name, height, weight, waist and him measurements, blood pressure, and blood sugar readings. From there we would consult with them on their lifestyle and health and introduce to them the ‘kana vinaka/healthy eating challenge” and exercise programs.
My experience volunteering was so much more than just the project itself. These 4 weeks would not have been the same without the influence of my host family, the other volunteers, and the PA staff. I was so welcomed by my host family and was grateful for the experience and opportunity to learn about their culture. I was also so glad to have met the other volunteers. We were able to spend a lot of time together in the evenings and on the weekends and I can now say that I have many new friends (from all over the world!). Vinaka vakalevu to the Projects Abroad organization and more importantly to the wonderful PA staff of Nadi, Fiji.

From the moment I stepped foot on the wonderful island of Fiji, I knew my dreams had come true. Since I was young, I had always dreamt of travelling around the world. As I got older, I wanted my travelling to have a purpose. By choosing to volunteer with Projects Abroad, not only did I have plenty of time to explore the country (and in doing so I learned about myself), I was able to feel that I had made an impact on the lives of the local Fijians.

While I was in Fiji, I volunteered on the Nutrition Project. This meant that I was able to partake in health screenings at the local villages, create lesson plans teaching the local students about nutrition and healthy lifestyle as well as make cooking videos and homemade gyms. Lucky for me, this was right up my alley with a Nutrition Certificate in my back pocket!

During my stay, Projects Abroad was super supportive whether it be about my project, my homestay family, other volunteers or my weekend plans. The volunteers were all super friendly and I can honestly say I have made several life long friends. Can not wait for another opportunity to volunteer with Projects Abroad!

I have been involved in the teaching project in Suva, Fiji and it has been great!

The best thing about it is how responsive and grateful the children are to have you as their teacher. It is amazing to see how much progress a child can make if you just spend a bit of one on one time with them- time that the over-stretched teachers often don't have.

It can be quite daunting at first because within your first few days you will be asked to lead your own class with the help of a text book. I would highly recommend that you work out some lesson plans before you arrive as it will come in handy when you are asked to look after a class because a teacher is off sick etc.

The children in here are so friendly and lively. It can be difficult to calm them down so don't be afraid to be assertive from the very beginning. That said they do listen and respect you, and the teachers are all so welcoming that you feel very comfortable coming into school every day.

Taking part in the Fiji Marine Project has been an utterly fantastic experience. From day one everyone makes you feel welcome and at home. The diving has been breath taking and easily a highlight from my time here. Taking part in surveys has added something to the diving and made me appreciate the sea life even more.

The projects is able to run so well thanks to Kris who seems to work day and night to make sure our time here runs smoothly.

I would recommend bringing lots of snacks for those with big appetites and a solar charger is vital. I also suggest climbing the mountain and eating at the finely crafted table now available at camp.

I arrived in Fiji to see the unfamiliar, extremely tanned face of Kris waiting to welcome us and escort us to Beqa Island. After embracing camp life for the last 4 weeks, Kris has become as much a friend as a Principle Investigator and Dive Instructor. Life here could not be run the same without him.

The week days are intense and crazy with early mornings to allow for all the diving and camp chores, but these could not contrast more with the incredibly mellow and chilled weekends, which truly embrace the concept of Fiji time.
Kris has embraced our requests to take us to the most picturesque place on earth on countless times. The almost hour long boat trip is a small price to pay to have a BBQ as the sun is setting on the sandbar, which can only be described as paradise.

Other highlights of my stay include climbing the nearby mountain to then have unbelievable views of the surrounding coral reef, along with enjoying a tub of Mango ice cream bought from the village of Rukua which was then carried back to camp as quickly as humanly possible in the 30 degree heat before it melted.

Essentials to include when packing is some form of cookbook specifically for rice and other carb based goods to make meal time as tasty as possible. Along with a solar charger if you bring a camera, as electricity is hard to come by.

Make sure to use the finely crafted table which is now a new addition to the camp, and enjoy your time.

Vinaka!

My time at camp has been amazing, creative and revitalising. You realise how little you really need and that you can always find a solution. You can literally see the effort you put in in the ever-changing camp and know that you have made a difference. Nothing’s prefect here but the motivation and initiative of everyone here is inspiring! The camp is such a happy, warm place and I feel I could always have a home here and that’s all down to Kris and the wonderful volunteers.

The diving is so incredible! The beauty and energy of the fishes are infectious and you come to the surface excited after every single. We have had some amazing moments involving white tip sharks who don’t seem to mind getting up close and personal, its breath taking! There’s no real dangers in the water or on land on this beautiful island but there is a high level of respect you feel about the animals and fish and you feel privileged when they are willing to approach you.

A few of my favorite on land moments include the sandbar, a nearby beach that disappears at high tide but is absolute paradise, the stargazing without all the light pollution and the camp cuisine which became increasingly more creative as we used up some supplies. It is a fun experience to watch everyone find their signature dishes and I recommend bringing lots of spices, sweet chili sauce and peanut butter, although it is available from the friendly village in exchange for an hours walk!

The way of life here is friendly, basic and without excess. I feel privileged to be part of it and I hope to take some of the things this project has taught me back home with me. It is the best experience of my life so far and I fully recommend it to anyone who cares about animals, conservation and are prepared to make the best of it!

I participated in the Fiji nutrition project because I am interested in public health, health promotion, nutrition, and health education. I have studied a Bachelor of Health Sciences with majors in Nutrition and Exercise Science

I wanted to take part in an experience that would help me to grow as a practitioner in the future and give me good insight into the work of health promotion and education.

Living and working in Fiji for a month is a really exciting. Getting to know a local family and community, and working with these individuals to teach them about good nutrition and the importance of adopting a healthier lifestyle was very fulfilling.

I like to be hands-on when I do anything, so this project was the perfect style for me to gain the most, but also to give the most. It was also very affordable compared to other organizations I researched and the quality was excellent.

My time in Fiji was so good! I learnt more than I could have hoped for, and the experiences I had will be so beneficial for me in the long run. I was very lucky with the program and have to give a big thanks as I know it was difficult at times to make sure there was enough work for me for the entire 4 weeks. You realise once you are over there that things just don't always go to plan, as we all know "Fiji time". Overall, it was a great experience, Masi and his family were lovely and so hospitable.

I would definitely recommend volunteering in Fiji with IVI especially for nutrition and naturopathy students who want to gain quality experience. There is a serious need in Fiji in this area. Here is the link to the program I was involved with
www.volunteering.org.au/diabetes-and-nutrition-projects-fiji.html

Matia Floyd - Australia, 2014

I lived in Fiji for 4 weeks as a Teaching Volunteer at Dudley Intermediate School.

3 highlights for me: my family, the food and my class!

I stayed with a Fijian family of 11 during my time in Fiji – there were 8 children between the ages of 6 and 23. Mum, Dad and the family were so welcoming; it was easy to fall in love with them and the Fijian lifestyle. Much of my free time was spent with my family, where we would play games, eat and watch movies together. While I was sad to say goodbye, I have every intention to go back and visit them.

Waking up to a Fijian breakfast and coming home to dinner were two points in the day I always looked forward to. Fijian food is delicious, diverse and always in abundance!

My class was amazing and I love how I was given real responsibility from day one. The experience was fun, challenging and rewarding. A word of warning – Fijian children can be very cheeky. This project is not for the timid!

I would thoroughly recommend this project to anyone thinking of teaching abroad. Frontier has been great throughout my time with them and I look forward to taking part in another one of their projects in the future.

I arrived in Fiji to begin a four week journalism placement as organised by Frontier. I was placed at Mai Life Magazine, based in Suva. At the airport I was greeted by my project manager, Ria, and we boarded an express bus to Suva. Once in Suva I met the other volunteers at the Brown St homestay, and then myself and another volunteer were taken to our homestay, where we had our first ever kava ceremony.
After a day or two we started our placement at Mai Life. We were introduced to the staff and were set a list of assignments. It was all very daunting at first, but being plunged in at the deep end was the best thing that could have happened. We were essentially travel journalists, and got to travel to the Yasawa Islands, which were beautiful, and were given the chance to do Zip Lining and White water rafting. The placement was absolutely brilliant - everyone should do journalism!

Our homestay families were also very accommodating. It is a bit of a culture shock at first, but you soon get used to it. Be prepared for cold showers!
I have had such a great time, the project was very well managed and I wish I could do it all over again!