Involvement Volunteers International * Currently not running. Check back soon or join another exciting project!
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)
WHAT does the Road Trip Involve?
- Volunteer in local communities
- Travel to some incredible beauty spots!
- Visit local sights, take part in a welcome ceremony and visit local markets
- Make friends with fellow volunteers before your project starts!
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 30+ 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: 21 DAY ROAD TRIP, FIJI
LOCATION: SUVA, OVALAU ISLAND, LEVUKA, PACIFIC HARBOUR
START DATES: 1ST & 3RD MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH (every Monday in July)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE, TRADITIONAL FIJIAN HOUSE, GUEST HOUSE
MIN DURATION: 3 WEEKS
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: N/A
Overview
The Fiji road trip shows you the highlights of this mountainous volcanic corner of the planet. Of the 333 islands, approximately 75% of the total land area of the country accounts to the two islands Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
This 3 week road trip will take you to some of Fiji’s best spots, as well as having a chance to volunteer in local communities, and learn about the local culture, taking part in traditional ceromonies.
For a full overview, please see dropdown section below!
Location
You will stay in various places throughout your 3 week adventure. From colonial cities, to paradise beach resorts and local Fiji style accomodation! See dropdown below for more info.
Food & Accommodation
You’ll be staying in Volunteer Guest Houses, hostels, traditional bure’s and a camp site.
You will be provided 3 meals a day for the duration of the program on weekdays and twice on weekends.
Accommodation in the volunteer house with shared bedrooms 4-8 persons per room (single gender rooms). The volunteer houses are usually 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 hot showers. Bed linen, fans and mosquito protection are all provided.
Testimonials...
FAQ
If you want to both travel and see the sights, as well as give back to local communities, this gives you the best of both worlds. Great for those on little time, as well as the convenience of having everything organised for you!
- Arrival & departure airport transfers
- All ground transportation
- All excursions & entry fees as per itinerary
Island ferry transport (where applicable) - Accommodation – Volunteer Centers &
- Resort Rooms (sharing with other volunteers)
- 3 good meals per day (Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Use of necessary equipment and project materials
- 24/7 in-country support
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Transportation on the trip is provided.
Day 1 – Monday | Introduction
There will be a short Introduction of the Road trip program, and basic do’s and don’ts. Learn about the traditions and culture of the Fijian people and important information prior to visiting villages throughout Fiji
- Visit Singatoka Fort Hill
- Singatoka Sand dunes national park
- Meeting with the Elders in traditional village
- Experience Fijian village life style (stay at traditional
Day 2 -Tuesday | Culture/Language
Fijians are extremely passionate about sharing their culture and customs, and you will learn their language, culture and traditions during your amazing road trip journey through their villages.
- Welcome ceremony and welcome drink (Kava tasting)
- Fijian History/ Traditions and Culture
- Fijian Language Class (stay at traditional Fijian house-Bure)
- Professional guides will provide you with a list of special instructions from basic language lessons to cooking classes where you will prepare and cook a traditional Fijian meal.
Day 3 – Wednesday | Food/Cooking and Dance
Try your hand at traditional Fijian cooking classes where you will learn to prepare and cook a traditional Fijian meal with the locals where you will get step by step instructions on thousand year old cooking methods. You will also learn how to make a traditional Fijian dancing costume.
- Cooking Class
- Fijian Traditional Dancing Costume
- Depart to Pacific harbor and stay overnight
Day 4- Thursday | Stay at Resort near Pacific Harbour
This unique Fiji accommodation boasts a stunning beach front location in Pacific Harbour that looks out over the Pacific Ocean. There are many activities such as snorkelling, Beach-Volleyball, Kayaking and others, or you can just relax by the pool, restaurant or bar in the comfort of the resort setting.
- Resort Accommodation
- Swimming Pool in resort
- Snorkeling
- Beach Volleyball (just meters away)
- Kayaking
- Relaxing on the beach
Day 5- Friday | Travel to Suva and stay at the volunteer centre
Your next destination will be Nausori to the Volunteer Center. When you arrive and settle in, you will have an introduction to Suva and a sightseeing tour of the city and its surroundings.
- Check in at Volunteer house center
- Program Training Suva Introduction and Town
- Sightseeing
- Program Training
Day 6 – Saturday | Colo-i Suva National Park, visit Waterfall and Picnic
Saturday is a fun packed day visiting the National Park, famous waterfall as well as have a picnic on the grounds
- Visit the National Park
- Visit Waterfall
- Have a Picnic
Day 7 – Sunday | Leave for Levuka by Ferry and stay at the volunteer centre
Prepare for Road Trip to Ovalau Island to start your chosen volunteering program and partake in a traditional welcome ceremony at the village. Your road trip will take you through some of Fijis most beautiful towns and villages whilst travelling along the coastline with breath-taking views of the beaches
- Introduction to Island and Cultural traditional information (compulsory 1hour)
- Start your volunteering program on this amazing secluded Fijian island
- Accommodation will be in a Traditional handmade Bure, sleeping in Fijian style
- Experience the real taste of delicious Fijian fresh local caught fish, cooked in hot red stones just like the ancestors have done for generations
- Part take in the building of traditional Bure, where you will make use of the natural resources around you.
- Participate in a “kava” ceremony to welcome your arrival along with the village elders and their chief.
- Enjoy a local tour around the island, and visit the old historical sites which are preserved for historical value
- Entertainment and bon fires on the beach, where you will see the Fijian sunset on the horizon.
- Go on a tour trekking along the Yaravudi Mountain, Waitovu waterfall and learn how to use traditional herbal medicine.
- Why buy a souvenir, when you can learn how to make one from beads and coconut shells. You will also learn how to weave mats, fans and baskets like the one you see in the handicraft shops by the local Fijian women.
Day 8 – 13 Monday to Friday | Volunteer one week
Each project will ensure a rewarding experience and our coordinator will give you basic training necessary for your volunteer project which includes;
- Kindergarten teaching
- Construction
- Organic Farming
Day 14 – Saturday | Historical Tour and Sightseeing
Levuka Fiji’s first capital Fiji’s first world heritage site experience and be part of a living heritage Levuka is a trip back in time, to a Fiji that is still untouched by mass tourism and commerce. It’s still the way Fiji used to be. You will tour this historical Island town of Levuka with a Sightseeing tour.
- Tour of historical Island Town
- Shopping at local market
Day 15 – Sunday | Free Day
This is your free day to explore and visit the many relaxation areas on the Island. There are many hidden spots that you can seek out.
- Relax on the beach
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Exploring
Day 16 – Monday | Traditional Fiji village experience
Enjoy a Fiji Traditional Village Experience where you will learn how to make a Fijian Bure which was used as accommodation for thousands of years and still exist today.
- Traditional Bure Making
Day 17 – Tuesday | Village Trek, Hiking and Yoga
Take a village trek, Hike & Yoga.
- Village Trek
- Yoga
- Hiking Tour
Day 18 – Wednesday | Visit Sand Banks, Snorkelling, Fish BBQ and beach sports
You will Visit Sand Banks on an Island visit as well as partake in Snorkelling, Fish BBQ and beach sports. There so many relaxing spots for the less active and more adventurous activities for the others.
- Visit Sand Banks
- Snorkeling
- Fish BBQ on the beach
- Beach Sports
Day 19 – Thursday | Village Stay, River rafting and Camping
We will depart at 5am from the camp and arrive in the main Island VittiLevu at 7am. From here you will take a scenic drive on the Kings Road towards Lautoka where you will camp at a local village. Just outside of Lautoka you will be able to participate in Bamboo Rafting and many other outdoor activities.
- Village Stay
- Camping
- Leisure ride on Bamboo rafts
Day 20 – Friday | Visit Sabeto Hills, Mud Pool Hot Springs and Eco areas
Visit the stunning view of Sabeto Hills, in Fiji’s most pristine eco areas where the famous Fijian Mud Pool Hot Springs are.
- Visit Stunning Sabeto Hills
- Visit Mud Pool Hot Spring
- Visit Fijian Eco areas
Day 21 – Saturday | Farewell Party and Traditional Dance
Your last day on Fiji Island: Farewell Party and Traditional Dance
- Farewell Party
- Fijian Traditional Farewell Dance
Day 22 – Sunday | Preparation for departure
Departure to Nadi airport
- No extra requirements
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
