Fiji is an archipelago of 333 sun-kissed, picture perfect islands tucked away in the South Pacific, close to Australia and New Zealand. It’s famed for its rugged landscape of blue lagoons and palm-lined beaches, and eco-activities from mountain climbing and surfing to soft-coral diving and zip-lining. Its major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, contain the lion’s share of the population, meaning much of the country is uncrowded. As the country now diversifies into small-scale industries, the economy is strengthened and revenues provide for expanded public works, infrastructure, health, medical services and education. The country’s central position in the region has been strengthened by recent developments in sea and air communications and transport. Today, Fiji plays a major role in regional affairs and is recognized as the focal point of the South Pacific.
Overview of Volunteer Programs in Fiji
WHY VOLUNTEER IN FIJI
Volunteering in Fiji offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Pacific Islands while making a meaningful impact. The archipelago, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and hospitable locals, faces several challenges, including environmental concerns, educational disparities, and health issues. Volunteers can engage in various projects ranging from marine conservation, teaching in rural schools, to community development, ensuring that their efforts align with the needs and aspirations of the local communities.
Furthermore, volunteering in Fiji fosters personal growth, broadens horizons, and nurtures a global perspective. It allows participants to cultivate a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and practices, while also forging lifelong friendships and memories. Engaging directly with the Fijian communities provides an authentic and enriching experience, enabling volunteers to understand the intricate dynamics of island life and the importance of sustainable practices, making it a truly transformative journey for both the individual and the community.
HIGHLIGHTS OF VOLUNTEERING IN FIJI
Here are just a few of the best things about volunteer work in Fiji:
- Fiji’s 300 islands offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure, from discovering remote villages to snorkeling and diving in pristine underwater ecosystems.
- Make a positive impact on local communities through projects focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainable livelihoods, leaving a lasting legacy.
- Immerse yourself in Fijian cuisine, savoring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional dishes while learning about the cultural significance of food in Fiji.
- Trek through lush rainforests, explore hidden waterfalls, and witness breathtaking vistas from elevated viewpoints, discovering the natural beauty of Fiji.
Our Fiji Volunteer Projects
Browse all of our volunteer projects in Fiji below. If you can’t find a suitable volunteer program, check out our main program finder to continue your search for volunteering beyond Fiji.
Coral Coast Culture Week Volunteer in Fiji
Coral Coast Culture Week Volunteer in Fiji
Various crafts give Fiji a unique identity that along with traditional etiquette and local architecture tells a story of culture and its evolution over time. You will be invited to join a kava ceremony, visit the Fijian markets, attend a weaving class, learn the Fijian language, take a cooking class, and get to know your fellow volunteers and more about the projects. The week consists of three days of activities to introduce you to the Fijian culture and surroundings, and the last two days you will visit your volunteer project for training. Some highlights of Culture Week include:
– Discussions about the culture and people of Fiji
– Tours of Sigatoka town and the village
– Classes in weaving
Coral Coast Teaching Program Volunteer in Fiji
Coral Coast Teaching Program Volunteer in Fiji
Fiji has over 700 primary schools and 150 secondary schools spread across both the public and private sectors. Most expats send their children to a private schools, with the majority selecting the international schools located in either Sigatoka or Nadi. Public schools in Fiji are open to expat enrollment, but are rarely used due to somewhat erratic educational standards. Furthermore, parents are often reluctant to send students to these schools as they find the curriculum one-sided and children who regularly move in and out of school systems may find the experience limited. While public schools are theoretically mixed-race, socio-economic issues and the geographic distribution of ethnic gro
Coral Coast Healthcare Project Volunteer in Fiji
Coral Coast Healthcare Project Volunteer in Fiji
The general health of average Fijians is quite good and robust as most of the youth are interested in sports and they begin their training at an early age. However, as they get older, especially the women, tend to get obese after the birth of their children. Since most of the local populations live in the villages, they have little or no knowledge of hygiene and diet. This leads to a wide range of diseases like high blood sugar, cholesterol, hypertension etc. The other common diseases in the villages are skin eruptions/lesions, urinary infections, gum and heart diseases.
Our healthcare education initiative is in its infancy and requires the skills of both established medical and healthcare p
Coral Coast Kindergarten Teaching Volunteer in Fiji
Coral Coast Kindergarten Teaching Volunteer in Fiji
Fiji is a country in much need of external help, especially with its younger population. You will experience life in both rural and urban areas, which is quite different from the average journey followed by a tourist. Most locals in Fiji can’t afford to travel and in the villages there is little chance of contact with the outside world. You will enable students to form relationships with someone from another culture and the teachers can learn different teaching methods and techniques. You will mainly assist the regular school teacher, so you do not need to have any teaching background. The class sizes are large at the kindergartens so it’s difficult for the local staff to give each child as
Coral Coast Construction and Renovation Volunteer in Fiji
Coral Coast Construction and Renovation Volunteer in Fiji
We have initiated the construction project to support the local community by sheltering those in need and start reconstructing some of what had been lost during the cyclone disaster. This project is based in the Sigatoka area and is a fantastic opportunity to provide tangible benefits and assistance to the local community in general and schools in particular. Bring out your carpentry skills and participate along with the local community in the construction project. In addition to the basic project, you may also take part in landscaping the surrounding area, painting local schools and renovating classrooms. Many of the schools we work with do not have the funding to renovate their classrooms
Coral Coast Sports Education Volunteer in Fiji
Coral Coast Sports Education Volunteer in Fiji
Our very own Sports Academy was created keeping these factors in mind and was designed in such a way that your interest in sports and the enthusiasm to share your knowledge and energy could come and spend meaningful time in the playground. Children from the nearby community come after school hours and are grouped in teams. So, along with a local coach, you can impart your training to these budding sportsmen, give them workouts and at the end of the session enjoy some refreshments with them. We hope someday these young sportsmen will proudly represent their country on an international field. A sport in a child’s life is of great importance for his/her physical development and will affect thei
Location
About Coral Coast
Known as Fiji’s adventure capital, Coral Coast is the coastline connecting Suva and Sigatoka, stretching over a large area along the Southeast coast of Fiji. The area lives up to its reputation as a spot for adrenaline junkies, offering a wide variety of activities to get your heart racing, from surfing and shark feeding to four-wheel-drive tours. For a more laid-back experience try a round of golf on the championship course, or enjoy a spot of fishing. Offering lush rainforests, rivers and waterfalls at your back door and a beach looking across to Beqa Island which is world famous for fire walking.
Dates & costs
The World Endeavors Volunteer in Fiji program is flexible in duration, and can be tailored to last between 1 to 12 weeks. Admissions are rolling, and World Endeavors volunteers can choose when they would like to start their program. Due to holidays, traditional vacation schedules, and seasonal work availability, there might be better times than others to volunteer at a specific location or in a specific project.
When you are ready to start planning your volunteer trip to Fiji, contact us. Our experienced advisors will help you sort through any timing considerations unique to your destination or your volunteer project.
Please wait until after you are accepted into the program and you have received the confirmed arrival and departure dates before you book your flight.
Eligibility
- Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, though exceptions to this age requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis.
- Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in the culture.
- Keep in mind that all countries have different visa restrictions for varying types of passports.
Housing
Volunteers stay in a shared volunteer house and stay in shared rooms by gender. Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. Breakfast is western style and lunch and dinner are typical Fijian style.
Every World Endeavors Volunteer Project Includes
Our carefully designed international volunteer programs encompass everything necessary for your success and well-being while abroad.
YOUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
- Volunteer project customized to match your interests and goals and meet community needs
- Year-round program availability
- Flexible durations from 2 to 12 weeks
PEACE OF MIND
- Comprehensive travel medical insurance
- Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
- 24/7 emergency travel assistance
ACCOMMODATION
- Host family or shared volunteer house, depending on destination
- Vetted and hand-selected with quality and safety in mind
- 2 to 3 meals per day included
PREPARATION AND SUPPORT
- Airport pickup
- Pre-arrival and on-site orientation
- 24/7 local support
TEAM OF EXPERTS
- Dedicated one-on-one advisor
- Local on-site coordinator
- Volunteer project supervisor
RE-ENTRY AND CAREER INTEGRATION
- Re-entry handbook and support
- Assistance with resume updates
- World Endeavors Alumni Network
HEALTH & SAFETY
When you feel safe and respected abroad, you will flourish. World Endeavors participants are transformed through enriching, rewarding and safe experiences around the world. We meticulously monitor travel recommendations and will only facilitate programs where we can ensure our participants’ safety.
We take key steps to ensure our participants’ well-being, including providing a pre-trip success guide, 24/7 local support, in-country trained staff, pre and post-arrival orientation, comprehensive travel medical insurance, and Mental Health First Aid-certified staff. Please contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.
WHAT TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME IN FIJI
In your spare time in Fiji, there are plenty of enjoyable activities and experiences to pursue. Here are some suggestions:
- Experience Fijian Culture: Engage with the warm and friendly locals to experience Fijian culture. Participate in traditional ceremonies, enjoy Fijian dance performances, and savor local cuisine.
- Visit Local Markets: Head to local markets like Suva Municipal Market or Nadi Market to immerse yourself in the Fijian way of life and purchase handicrafts and fresh produce.
- Explore Underwater Life: Fiji is a diver’s paradise with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Take part in snorkeling or scuba diving to witness the colorful underwater world.
- Trek Through Nature: Embark on hiking adventures to explore Fiji’s lush rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. Trails like the Colo-I-Suva Forest Park offer picturesque views.
Available Volunteer Project types
Here are the available Volunteer Abroad project types. Don’t panic if you don’t see your preferred project type listed! Our advisors are proud of their ability to find great volunteer projects in interesting locations and will be able to match you to the best project. Contact World Endeavors today to find out more.
How to choose the best volunteer program
Choosing your volunteer program is easy when you evaluate your priorities. Follow these steps to guide you toward your ideal program.
Explore a New Career
Interning abroad offers a great opportunity to explore your professional and personal interests, and help define your career path. Peruse our internship fields and past examples to find the best fit.
Choose Your Dream Destination
Finding a meaningful way to combine interning and travel to your dream location is a big incentive. Carefully consider which destinations suit your interests and international internship goals.
Improve Language Skills
Immersing yourself in a language-rich environment is the ultimate method for developing fluency. If language-learning is your goal, favor destinations that use your language of choice.
Fit your budget
Explore scholarships and financial aid to determine if these may impact your destination options. Consider the overall cost of the program and cost of living in-country to identify the optimal match.
Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.
Recent Volunteer Abroad Testimonials
Fiji FAQs
How Many Islands Are There in Fiji?
Fiji is an archipelago with over 330 islands, although the exact number can vary depending on factors like tides and weather conditions. These islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean and are known for their stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. While there are hundreds of islands in Fiji, not all are inhabited or accessible to tourists.
When is the best time to travel to Fiji?
The best time to visit Fiji is during its dry season, from late April to early October when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
Is Fiji safe to travel?
Fiji is generally considered safe for travelers. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its warm hospitality. However, like any place, there are some safety considerations to remember:
Be cautious of petty theft in crowded areas.
Follow local customs and traditions.
Stay updated on weather conditions, especially during cyclone season.
It’s also wise to refer to the travel advisories from your government before your trip.
Do I need a visa to travel to Fiji?
Visa requirements for Fiji vary by nationality and stay purpose. Many countries have visa-free access for tourism remains up to 4 months. For all World Endeavors programs, our advisors will provide you with detailed requirements and help you to process the right visa for your stay in Fiji.
Is Fiji an expensive place to travel?
Fiji can be relatively expensive for travelers, especially compared to some neighboring countries. Accommodation, dining, and activities can contribute to costs. However, budget options are available, and prices vary based on location, season, and preferences. Planning, researching, opting for local eateries, and considering package deals can help manage expenses while enjoying Fiji’s beauty.
Recent blog posts
Why You Should Volunteer Abroad with World Endeavors
New Program: Intern and Volunteer in Argentina
Our Top Volunteer Abroad Destinations
World Endeavors volunteers support communities in several destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Our programs are located in a variety of sites, including urban and rural, economically developed and developing, and English-speaking and non-English speaking.
How to apply for a Volunteer Abroad Program
You’ve decided to volunteer abroad – congratulations! Applying for your World Endeavors program is easy and stress-free. We can’t wait to get you on your way!
STEP 1
EXPLORE & ASK
Research and compare. If you can’t decide on a program, we can guide you toward the best fit.
STEP 2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Fill out our online application form to share all your relevant details with our team.
STEP 3
ENROLL & PREPARE
Receive your official acceptance and enroll. We’ll give you all the info you need to get ready!
STEP 4
START YOUR ADVENTURE!
You’ve researched, planned and saved. Now you’re ready. It’s time to PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!