Gap Year Programs in Fiji

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34 Gap Year Programs in Fiji


International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
4.68
828
At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. ...
See All 5 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
4.76
41
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med
See All 4 ProgramsSeamester Study Abroad at Sea
4.76
51
Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real out
See All 2 ProgramsPacific Discovery
4.71
24
Journey through Hawaii, Fiji, and New Zealand on a 10-week adventure that blends exploration, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Surf volcanic coastlines, hike through lush rainforests, and volunteer on conservation projects that protect Polynesian ecosystems and honor Indigenous traditions.
See All 2 ProgramsTravel For Teens
4.5
2
On this extended version of our 13-day Fiji program to the land of smiles, you get a little more of everything with a full 40 hours of community service and more sensational days to really savor Fiji time in paradise. See the direct positive impact of your hard work and earn service credits as you s
Volunteer World
4.29
17
Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller g
See All 2 ProgramsInstitute for Global Studies
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Fiji has hosted IGS interns since 2001. We have partnered with a world-renowned reef ecologist, allowing students to carry out research on and document marine protected areas. After a three-day training period, they begin with research. Living in a Fijian village is one of the highlights. Research f
See All 16 ProgramsRustic Pathways
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Sign up for one of our Rustic Pathways Gap programs, which run for a semester. No matter what you join, we guarantee incredible opportunities for travel, service, non-cognitive skills development, and cultural immersion. Our gap programs integrate several options and activities. You can immerse you
ARCC Programs
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Journey to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean where we immerse ourselves in the island lifestyles of Sumatra, Bali, and Fiji. Students will have the opportunity to assist in native mangrove and coral reef restoration, help restore age-old Bataknese houses in a Sumatran village, and gain insight in
A Guide to Gap Year in Fiji
Popular locations
Fiji is a nation made up of over 300 islands and is about the size of New Jersey or Connecticut. How the heck do you narrow down living in Fiji?
Mamanucas. Pack your underwater camera and stop on by to the island group off to the West; the Mamanuca islands are to die for. Once you can catch a breath from the transcendental views, grab another and dive under the surface to catch sights of some of the most colorful water organisms in the world. Land yourself a sweet gig working in Fiji as a scuba dive instructor and you can call this view yours for the next year. Even if you are spending your gap year in another part of Fiji, the Mamanucas are see a must-see for you to spend a handful of weekend getaways at.
Suva. Throughout in the middle of the ocean, Suva is the largest city in the South Pacific with around 74,000 people. Downtown is an exciting blend of colonial architecture, traditional construction, sacred temples and mosques, and vibrantly colorful fruit stands with a splash of Indian flair. Suva is on a main island so finding loads to do while you work or volunteer in Fiji will be simple.
Popular activities
Hmm...what to do during your gap year in Fiji? I’ll state the obvious:
Scuba Diving Instruction. Fiji is a top notch location for being underwater. On some days you can see 40 meters (meters, that’s nearly half a football field) into the watery horizon. Scuba diving instructors really have the best jobs ever, they make their living while working in Fiji’s most popular gems. You can even arrive a few weeks early to get your advanced open water diving certification to polish up your resume, find a better job, AND be able to take more weekend adventures yourself during your gap year program.
Adventure Travel. The land is just as idyllic as the water here. Fiji has views that can make a National Geographic photographer tear up. Hike your way up lush, emerald, rolling hills and lose your breath to the most mesmerizing views of islands you have ever seen. Zipline into the day as your trek deeper into the wild, away from the busyness of the urban life. Your gap year in Fiji deserves it.
Volunteering. Still a developing country, you can help out with the local community by working with smaller organizations of all types. Want to work in tourism? Check. Desire to work in marine conservation? Check mate. Volunteer in Fiji to make your gap year extra meaningful.
Everything else you need to know about gap years in Fiji
Costs. Fiji is extremely cheap to live in. Public transportation is abundant and food is highly affordable. Make some friends and hit up the night scene and still walk away with money in your wallet. FundMyTravel is another way to gather some extra funds for your gap year in Fiji.
Accommodations. Want to stay in a bungalow? Or a hammock on the beach? You can probably do that here. Gap year programs generally help you find a place to sleep at night but if you take a look around here, a lot of people are living in Fiji in bungalows ;)
Visas. When living in Fiji for this length of time, you WILL need a visa. This is an extra right of passage / entry that you need for your passport. You might be able to get this directly at the airport when you land in Nadi, or you might need to coordinate your visa well in advance. Check with the GoAbroad Embassy Directory to figure out what exactly you will need to do before you leave.
Safety. Luckily, Fiji is a pretty safe place to live—say “Bula!” to friendships and community, not pickpocketing or harassment. You’ll need to worry more about getting too much sunshine than a bad person. In all serious though, you shouldn’t take this for granted. Keep your wits near you, always!
GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop
Pop quiz time. Are gap years (A) the best education possible, (B) retirement coming early, or (C) the adventure you didn’t know you needed? ALL OF THEM. Gap years, in Fiji especially, are an epic (and perfect!) excuse for an interdisciplinary recess. Work hard, play hard. You’ll be rewarded for it.
Keep in mind that Fiji’s economy benefits heavily from its thriving tourism industry. This means that #resortlife is rampant, and expensive. Even though you’re a meaningful traveler, this can hit your pocket book, too. The farther away you get from major cities in Fiji, the steeper prices climb for anything that you need to buy. So load up on supplies before you head out on that remote adventure!
If you are looking for a stellar gap year abroad where smiling locals is as warm of the tropical sun, pencil in Fiji as your gap year program destination.
Feeling hesitant or nervous about taking a gap year...don’t! Keep reading!
Latest Program Reviews
I was pushed out of my comfort zones and became a better person because of it.
November 20, 2025by: Bronwyn JonesProgram: New Zealand & Fiji Summer Program | Pacific Discovery
Pacific Discovery will always have a special place in my heart. I learned so much about myself as well as other places and other people. I was pushed out of my comfort zones and became a better person because of it.
Life-changing experience
April 30, 2025by: Yuval MironiProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
Life changing experience, made memories for life. I would passionately recommend this program to anyone unsure of their gap year plans.
It was a life changing experience for him.
April 27, 2025by: Amos KamilProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
Our son was having a difficult time at school and needed reset. Pacific Discovery provided that and so much more. I’d go so far as to say it was a life changing experience for him.
The most amazing time, gained friends and experiences that he will cherish forever
April 21, 2025by: Elisheva MironiProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
As a parent, I felt my son was in the best hands. He had the most amazing time, gained friends and experiences that he will cherish forever. The program was a great combination between seeing new places, learning about different cultures and doing community service, as well as having fun. For me, receiving regular updates from Pacific Discovery, as well as personal updates when necessary, put my mind at ease.
Step out of my comfort zone
April 12, 2025by: Alice BeginProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
Awesome experience. Was able to step out of my comfort zone plenty of times and got to experience things I never thought I would. So many experiences like village stay and camping near the beach in New Zealand that I’d never thought in à million years I would experience. Amazing program. I recommend 100%
I had learned more during this 10 week program than I have in the two years of college.
November 27, 2024by: Cheyne LenhardProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
This was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done in my entire life. I would say with confidence that I had learned more during this 10 week program than I have in the two years of college that I have already attended.
Best friends for life
November 17, 2024by: Jolina BöttcherProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
I went on the polynesian gap year journey not knowing exactly what to expect. I remember a day before it hit me that i would be spending 10 weeks with complete strangers. However, these were some of the best people I have met and best friends for life. There were many experiences that one would unlikely ever experience without doing a programme as such and i therefore highly recommend it. Many people were put out of their comfort zones and had to take risks which caused them to growth as an individual.
My Polynesian journey has helped me get over a lot of my fears and anxiety around social interaction and relationships.
November 16, 2024by: Liam OttProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
My Polynesian journey with Pacific Discovery has helped me get over a lot of my fears and anxiety around social interaction and relationships as well as my physical fears and it has really helped me to grow as a person
The time of a lifetime
November 06, 2024by: Aidan SullivanProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
Literally the time of a lifetime, never experienced something like this ever, and even though I’m young this will be something I will 100% tell my kids about. So much happened in only 10 weeks it’s hard to even fathom.
I only wish I had taken this opportunity after high school!
April 11, 2024by: Michelle DeSimoneProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
I would highly recommend Pacific Discovery for any student with uncertain post high school plans. Pacific Discovery turned our daughter's semester into an amazing opportunity to immerse in new cultures, meet lifelong friends and participate in new experiences (surfing!). I only wish I had taken this opportunity after high school!
There’s so much more out there
April 24, 2023by: Joya Karamat AliProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
The experiences that I had on this program made me realize that there’s so much more out there. It made me realize what life is actually about. Life doesn’t revolve around accomplishing achievements and living up to the expectations of others. You can make life as great as you want it to be. Life is about doing the things that make you happy. It’s about finding the things that make you excited about life and chasing them. I’m proud to say that I became the best version of myself on this trip. Time’s too precious to think twice. Don’t be afraid to take a unknown path, break free from routine and enjoy every step of the way. You’re capable of everything that you dream of. I’ve always wanted to see the world and learn all about it and this journey was the perfect balance between those two. It made me even more excited about acting up and making a change. I feel extremely lucky that I’m going home with the most magical memories and best friends I’ve ever made.
These past 10 weeks have been the best of my entire life
April 16, 2023by: Sadie GoldmanProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
These past 10 weeks have been the best of my entire life. I never ever would have expected to have gone on this Polynesian Journey, but it was one of, if not the, best decision of my life. I feel like I have found love for myself and appreciation for the world around me and have been able to see so much more than what I am used to in my bubble back home. I have met so many amazing people. I have met forever friends and genuinely could not have wished for a better experience. I would recommend Pacific Discovery to absolutely everything. If you are trying to find yourself and going to school isn’t what is right for you right now, take this leap of faith. You deserve it and trust me it is worth it.
Awesome time
April 02, 2023by: Maxwell MontgomeryProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
Awesome time. This trip helped me realize there’s more to life then just going straight to college and being a follower just like everyone else. Helped me to understand that I shouldn’t waste time working jobs that I hate that if you do what you love and are good at it, the money will come. I would totally recommend the program to others I had a blast. The program was very helpful to me and brought lots of confidence and happiness. I met some great people that I see as longtime friends now. Each leg of this program is different and brings the group together in different ways. Hell of a time, wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I would recommend this experience for many reasons
December 28, 2022by: Alyssa WestProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
I would recommend this experience for many reasons. I think it greatly helps you grow and become a better person through all of the different experiences, service work and living with others for a period of 10 weeks. I’ve personally gained new perspectives on so many different things and have so many things that I plan on taking away with me from this program that I hope to continue to implement when I return home. I think overall this program was amazing, the instructors were better than I could’ve ever asked for and so were those on the program. You’re truly never judged and can be your true self from day one.
I’ve definitely grown on this program
December 28, 2022by: Babs de BackProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
I’ve definitely grown on this program. My perspective on things have changed and I have learnt so much about other cultures and about environmental issues. Seeing the impact up close really makes you want to act more. I have also just learnt more about myself. I would recommend this program to others, because I have honestly never been happier than on this program. The other students, instructors and the beautiful places you get to meet and see really gives you no reason to worry about other things. I would share with my prior program self that I should enjoy every single second 10 times more than I already did. My experience with Pacific Discovery was everything I could have wished for. It’s a very special way of traveling around the world and learning about other cultures. You do something for others and the environment while also learning so much about yourself, so it’s beneficial in many ways.
This program is absolutely one of a kind in so many ways
December 28, 2022by: Gracie ViscegliaProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
This program is absolutely one of a kind in so many ways. I’ve met some of the best people in the world and have had such unique experiences that I will remember forever. The friendships are something I will never let go of, as well as the memories!
This program pushes boundaries and really promotes growth
December 25, 2022by: Calligraphy LausengProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
This program pushes boundaries and really promotes growth. I was nervous at first and still had some tough days but the people on the trip with you are going through the same thing. Growing together creates such strong friendships and bonds that will truly last forever and it is so worth a little discomfort. So many ideas are planted and can flourish during or after this trip and by far helped me find my passion for school and education.
My experience here in Hawaii has been life changing
December 24, 2022by: Bella WellesProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
My experience here in Hawaii has been life changing. I’ve learned so much and even though I didn’t learn exactly what I wanted to study or do with my life, I learned that being passionate about something makes it a 100x better to do that every day. So also choose passion over the easier way it’ll be worth it in the end.
Changed my life for the better!
December 23, 2022by: Sarah PridemoreProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
If only my past self could see all the amazing places I would visit, the people I would meet, and the person I have become. The Polynesian Journey with Pacific Discovery has changed my life for the better!
I feel that I am able to appreciate culture and nature so much more now
December 22, 2022by: James CampbellProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
I feel that I am able to appreciate culture and nature so much more now. This trip made me so much more comfortable making friends and truly being myself. I feel as if I have grown in so many ways from this trip and gained so many connections and experiences. I am way more confident now. Follow the breadcrumbs of life. Never say no to an experience. Don’t be too quick to judge people.
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