Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Fiji
- Approx 34% of the population in Fiji live below the poverty line
- Rates for education and literacy are low, making it hard for many local people to find skilled work
- Lack of adamant nutrition is prominant in Fiji, increased by the cheap imported food available, leading to obesity problems, as well as problems such as type 2 diabetes & micronutrient deficiencies
- Malutrition is also seen in Fiji, particually with the under 5's, showing signs such as stunted growth and wasting (loosing muscle mass)
HOW can you help?
- Help staff at various primary schools on the Coral Coast
- Work in local primary schools.
- Work alongside a local teacher, giving an extra pair of hands and increasing the students cultural awareness
- Pick what you teach, from Music, Arts and Crafts or anything else you specialise in
WHAT can you do?
- Teach English conversational skills, writing, reading, drawing, through fun activities
- Inspire the kids to learn English and practice speaking
- Create daily lesson plans
- If teaching, assist a local teacher, with daily classes, including computer class
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 35+ Years Experience
- 16 Projects to Choose From in Fiji
- Social Experiences - Sharing with International Volunteers
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: ENGLISH TEACHING
LOCATION: CORAL COAST (SIGATOKA)
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
In Fiji, the public school curriculum is quite limited with socio-economic issues and geographical distribution of ethnic groups providing very limited variety of other cultures and experiences. Most locals on Fiji can’t afford to travel, and in the villages there is little chance of contact with the outside world. The young population are in much need of assistance to broaden their awareness.
Volunteers experience life in both rural and urban areas, which is quite different from the average journey followed by a tourist. Volunteer teachers enable students to form relationships with someone from another culture, and the teachers can learn different teaching methods and techniques.
Mainly, volunteers assist the regular school teacher. So volunteers do not need to have any teaching background. However qualified teachers are very much in need and encouraged to apply. The volunteer will teach and educate to different age groups of children in different levels. The participants are free to be creative.
Teaching volunteers may choose to focus on Music, and Arts and Crafts or expertise of volunteer. You will teach primary school students. As a teaching assistant, you will follow a customized timetable. If you have artistic skills, you have the opportunity to teach music or arts and crafts. You will be spending part of your day in a formal teaching setting and, therefore, you will have to follow the Fijian Ministry of Education’s formal dress code.
Kids Club
During the school holidays, we organise a kids’ club to provide a fun and educational experience for children during their breaks. The kids club takes place in community halls and is open to children aged 5 to 16 years old. Each week, the children are taught a specific theme, which is then further divided into subtopics to make learning easier for them. The club’s activities typically run from Monday to Friday, starting at 9 am and ending at 2:30 pm. In the afternoons, you, with the assistance of local coordinators, plan the lessons for the following day.
Furthermore, on Fridays, the kids’ club focuses on Sports Education, offering an exciting and active way for the children to engage and learn.
Location
Coral Coast is noted as the ‘adventure capital of Fiji’ and is located about 1 hour from Suva and 1 hour from Nadi. It is known for it’s incredibly beautiful coast line, tourist beaches and resorts and heaps of activities from 4 wheel drive tours, shark feeding, surfing, rivers & waterfalls, golf etc and is home to the famous Bega lagoon and bega fire walkers. Sigatoka is the gateway to the Coral coast and home to several of our projects.
Project Tasks
Volunteers will help teach and educate primary school children of different ages at different academic and physical levels. Tasks may include but are not limited to;
- Planning lessons
- Doing crafts
- Computer class
- Conversational skils
- English language teaching
- Level exams
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is in a dedicated house for volunteers with shared bedrooms 4-6 persons per room (single gender rooms). Living with other volunteers in a dormitory-style house is heaps of fun and a great way to meet like minded travellers. The volunteer houses are in close proximity to a basic supermarkets, ATM, fresh fruit and vegetable stands, petrol stations and bus stop.
The bathrooms are shared with western style toilets and cold showers. The accommodation is equipped with free Wi-Fi which volunteers are able to use. Laundry services are available for a small fee. Bed linen and fans are provided. We recommend volunteers bring their own towel. The rooms are lockable and there are also safety deposit boxes available.
*For couples, families or those wanting more privacy, we reccommend a private room, which is available for an additional fee, subject to availability.
You will be served 3 meals on weekdays, and 2 meals on weekends and public holidays. Breakfast is typically Western style, and lunch and dinner will be local Fijian dishes.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
Coral Coast
Projects
- Cultural Orientation Week
- Kindergarten Teaching
- English Teaching
- Health Teaching
- Sports Teaching
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1 Week - $550
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2 Weeks - $655
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3 Weeks - $905
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1 Month - $1195
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2 Months - $2394
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3 Months - $3575
- Private rooms cost additional $200 p/week (or hotel $550 p/week)
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
If you love working with children, have bundles of energy and enthusiasm, and want to experience a different way of life, then this is your project! The Fijian people are incredibly welcoming, as are the local children who will be eager to be taught by you.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Nadi International Airport (NAN). You must arrive between 06:00 to 18:00 on either the Saturday or Sunday. There is an extra fee for Saturday night accommodation.
If you arrive outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer for an extra fee.
If you want to book any extra nights before or after your program, you can do this for an extra fee.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From Nadi International Airport to your accommodation by road (taxi or bus) it takes 1 hour & 30 minutes.
The Home Stay placements involve a simple and effective orientation which includes a tour of the local area and an overview of the project including any necessary permits, paperwork and logistics. In most cases you will have 1 to 2 days to ease your way into the culture and settle into your new surrounds before commencing in your designated program.
The Volunteer Center placements also have a 1 day orientation or you can choose to do a dedicated orientation week to get you familiar with the Fijian culture. Orientation is hosted in either Suva or the Coral Coast depending on where you’ve chosen to stay. It begins on the first Monday morning of your volunteer program and includes an Introduction to Fiji, culture and customs, local excursions, cooking and art, rules and expectations, safety, introduction to the project and placement.
You may choose to focus on music, arts and crafts, or any expertise that you already have. You will teach primary school students. As a teaching assistant, you will follow a customized timetable. You will be spending part of your day in a formal teaching setting, and you will therefore have to follow the Fijian Ministry of Education’s formal dress code.
Program Activities: Planning lessons, Doing crafts, computer classes, conversation, English language teaching, preparing for level exams, games, and various dynamic activities.
Your session at school will start at 9AM and will continue until 2PM. You will take a packed lunch and have it at school.
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.
- Visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant: This beautiful orchid garden in Nadi was founded by actor Raymond Burr and is home to more than 2,000 varieties of orchids.
- Relax on the beach: There are many beaches in the Nadi and Lautoka area where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Some popular ones include Natadola Beach and Denarau Island.
- Explore the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool: Located just outside of Nadi, this natural hot spring and mud pool is a great place to relax and rejuvenate.
- Take a tour of the Viseisei Village: This historic village near Lautoka is considered to be the oldest settlement in Fiji, and you can take a guided tour to learn about its history and culture.
- Shop at the Nadi Market: This bustling market in the heart of Nadi is a great place to find local handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce.
- Visit the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple: This beautiful Hindu temple in Nadi is the largest in the southern hemisphere and is worth a visit for its intricate architecture and colorful decor.
- Take a day trip to the Yasawa Islands: The Yasawa Islands are a chain of islands off the coast of Nadi, and you can take a day trip to explore their beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
- Learn to surf: Fiji is known for its world-class surf breaks, and there are several surf schools in the Nadi and Lautoka area where you can take lessons and catch some waves.
Coral Coast/ Sigatoka
- Visit the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park: This national park in Sigatoka is home to ancient Fijian archaeological sites and offers stunning views of the coastline.
- Be adventourous with white-water rafting, shark feeding, jet ski tours, zip lining and diving.
- Go on a river safari: Take a guided tour up the Sigatoka River to explore the Fijian interior and see traditional Fijian villages.
- Explore the Kula Eco Park: This conservation park in Sigatoka is home to many endangered Fijian species, including the Fijian crested iguana and the banded iguana.
- Relax on the beach: The Coral Coast is home to many beautiful beaches, including Natadola Beach and the beach at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.
- Take a coral reef tour: Explore the beautiful coral reefs off the coast of the Coral Coast on a snorkeling or diving tour.
- Visit the Tavuni Hill Fort: This historic fort near Sigatoka dates back to the 1700s and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Visit the Biausevu Waterfall: This beautiful waterfall near Sigatoka is surrounded by lush rainforest and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
- Go on a sea kayaking tour: Explore the coastline and offshore islands of the Coral Coast on a guided sea kayaking tour.
- Attend a traditional Fijian ceremony: Many hotels and resorts in the Sigatoka and Coral Coast areas offer traditional Fijian ceremonies, including kava ceremonies and meke dance performances.
- Visit the Sigatoka Market: This bustling market in the heart of Sigatoka offers fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- A valid CRB check is needed for this placement.
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: FJ – Holidays – All Programs
Fiji is an archipelago of 330 tropical islands. It’s one of the most developed Pacific Island economies however, a chronic lack in investment and under-employment pose obstacles to sustainable and equitable economic growth in Fiji.
More than 250,000 people in the Fiji islands live in poverty and many more Fijians live on or just above the poverty line. Efficient delivery in health care, in education, in work opportunities and other social services are incredibly difficult in Fiji.
A great disparity exists between the working class communities and the multi-national owned tourism resorts which represent approx 25% of Fiji’s Gross domestic product. Sadly, much of the wealth generated from this sector does not filter down to the local communities.
IVI have a well established program in Fiji build by local Fijian’s with in depth understanding of the local needs. We have a have a variety of skilled and non skilled volunteering options for anyone seeking to live like a local far away from the trendy monotonous tourist resorts.
Fiji enjoys a hot and humid climate year round. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C.
May to October is considered one of the best time to visit, as it’s the dry season. The wet season is from November to April. The island will recieve heavy rain, but in short outbursts. In July and August, temperatures can fall to as low as 18°C, making it a pleasent time to visit for those who enjoy cooler weather!
The Fijian people have a strong sense of their own culture and customs and highly developed sense of honor. The locals are generally very friendly and welcoming. Within Fijian villages, tribal alliances are still intact and money does not play a significant role in their daily lives. Visitors are not always accustomed to the slow work pace (they call it “Fiji time”). Do not worry too much about this, just go with the flow!
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
We’re not motivated by shareholder profits. Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed.
Safe & Responsible Projects
All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact. All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
Work Experience & University Credits
We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points. Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options
Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising
Weekends & Extra Tours
