Volunteer in Fiji

I found that the support and guidance before the trip was extremely helpful and made me feel very well prepared. The local team was extremely helpful and welcoming upon my arrival. I feel as if this project has had a massive impact on me. It has inspired me to pursue my dreams of becoming a teacher and gave me closure on why I am so passionate about choosing that career path.

I loved every part of my experience with IVHQ and I will definitely do another program in the future. I gained a lot of knowledge about the Fijian culture and gained an amazing life experience.

I feel as though I have gained an understanding of Fijian culture, a passion for teaching and an immense feeling of gratitude for the experience. I would advise anyone hesitant of joining to 100% sign up. It was truly the most experience ever with lovely people.

Participating in the Sports Education program in Fiji was the best decision I’ve ever made. I am not joking when I say that was the best two weeks of my entire life so far. Not only the volunteering, cultural and adventure aspect, but also the other volunteers I met will be great friends for life! I miss it already and I can’t wait to do some more volunteering in the future.

I had the unique honor of being welcomed by the people of Fiji as part of the International Volunteer HQ on their Construction and Renovation project. Located in Sigatoka, the project involved various construction-related activities alongside the local community to build and maintain a local school central to the district whose student body has nearly doubled in the past 2 years. The project and its volunteers were involved in physically demanding tasks to construct walkways, shelters, flooring, drains, and roof rehabilitation.

Participating in the program gave me first-hand insight into local construction practices and unique challenges in a largely rural community without the luxuries of mechanical equipment and regulations to which I am accustomed back home in Sydney on tier-one mega projects. Despite the absence of this, the resilience, enthusiasm, and camaraderie of the team were palpable as we worked to deliver new classrooms for the rapidly growing school. I am grateful to have been welcomed by my team and a special thanks to our supervisor, Tunai who supplied the tools (and food) to keep us working to meet the project's goals. Talking with the children during lunchtime about their lessons and life ambitions was a great motivator throughout the project. The occasional compliment on my workmanship from passing students as we worked contributed to the upkeep of good morale through blisters and sunburn!

In addition to construction, I had the opportunity to participate in the village's children's evening sports sessions alongside other international volunteers participating in an ongoing teaching program that coincided with the project. Interacting with the children and other volunteers from all over the world proved sport to be a universal language. Making friends with the children and other volunteers made the experience all the more worthwhile and memorable.

Thank you to our program manager and other supervisors for tending to all the volunteer's queries throughout the program, keeping us fed with delicious pioneer fuel, and making us feel safe in each of our solo adventures.

Whenever I read reviews about places like this, I always take what is written with a grain of salt. However, I genuinely had an amazing experience at my placement in Fiji. Everyone that I met, local and other volunteers, were so unbelievably kind and friendly and made the experience that much better. Going in with an open mindset that people and basic things you may be used to, will be different, is the best way to get the most out of your experience. Regardless of where you offer your help, you will feel appreciated and if I could go back for longer, I wouldn't hesitate. This experience is beyond worth it, and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to get out of their comfort zone and help people from another culture.