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  Fiji

• : 
Nadi

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Inquire for dates

Description: Volunteering on a Care project in Fiji is an ideal way to get involved with the local community of this fascinating island. Whether you are on a gap year, summer placement, or career break we will arrange a great project for you.

Volunteers with specific qualifications and experience are welcome, though you don't need either to join us as a Care volunteer. All we ask is that you bring energy, passion, and commitment to the placement.

Volunteer Work in Kindergartens and with Children who have Special Needs

The Fijian islands in the South Pacific are home to a courteous, sincere people with ancient traditions. However, Fiji is facing increased poverty as more people move from villages to cities centers.

Our Care placements are based in and around Nadi, which is located on the east coast of Viti Levu. Most volunteers work at kindergartens, though there are also opportunities to volunteer in either an orphanage or center for children with learning disabilities. Please let us know if you have a preference on your application so we can place you according to your skills and interest.

The class sizes are large at the kindergartens so its difficult for local staff to give each child as much attention as they need. Volunteers working here will be able to provide a helping hand by looking after and caring for the children. It is also the perfect opportunity to put any skills and interests you have to use, whether you make arts and crafts, or teach games and songs to the children - your suggestions will be well received. By showing initiative and enthusiasm the options are endless.

Projects Abroad also works with a day care center for children who have learning disabilities. Volunteers at this placement provide the children with extra care and attention they require, which can be challenging yet extremely rewarding. Your specific schedule will be decided with your supervisor when you arrive and will be based on your interests and experience.

Volunteers normally live with a host family that is either walking distance or a short bus ride from their project.

Your Role as a Care Volunteering in Fiji

In whichever Care project in Fiji you find yourself, you need to be ready for a challenge. It is in your role as a volunteer - spending time with the children, playing with them and putting a smile on their face - that you will learn how your help impacts those you work with. Whether you're taking a group out for a trip to the beach, helping with homework, playing a game, or reading a story to the younger ones, you will be an essential part of the children's development.

The majority of care centers and kindergartens in Fiji have a vacation period from the beginning of December to the end of January. Volunteers working during this time will be at a kindergarten with children who still attend during the holiday period. Additional activities will also be arranged such as teaching sports or painting a kindergarten.

Highlights: Volunteers in Fiji are spoiled when it comes to travel opportunities in the South Pacific. You can travel around the islands either during the weekends or after finishing your volunteering project. The island of Viti Levu where Projects Abroad is based is well worth exploring during weekends with excellent trekking in the dramatic highland interior, remote villages and colorful festivals that will introduce you to the music and customs of traditional Fijian life.

Explore a little further and join the hunt for the perfect beach. The South West of Viti Levu boasts the best of the island's beaches with incredible scuba diving in the reefs at Nananu-i-Ra or at the Beqa lagoon. Or take a boat island hopping through the Mamanucas island chain, north west of Nadi for the ultimate in beach relaxation. It would take you months to explore all the islands, but travel through the archipelago has never been more accessible even for those on smaller budgets. So, if you have the time, pack a hammock and sarong and head for paradise!

Intern Type: Social Work

Type of Program: Community Service / Volunteerism

Language: English

Cost in US$: USD 2,895 and up

Cost Includes: Food, Housing, In-country orientation/Training, In-country staff support, Medical insurance and Registration fees

All accommodation, food, travel and medical insurance, custom tailored placement, 24 hour in country staff support, and airport transfers.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer Projects: childcare/children, education, literacy, orphans, primary education, recreation and youth

Age Range: 16 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangement: Home-stays

Participants Travel to Fiji Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time Is 10 days

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992