Volunteer in Teaching in Fiji | IVHQ

From the beginning, my volunteer trip to Fiji with IVHQ was amazing. I participated in the teaching program, where I was assigned to a class at a local school - in my case, year 5 - and gave them new learning experiences. I mainly taught English, geography, and art classes, and it was such a fun challenge to find creative ways to give the children engaging lessons. It challenged me in new ways, but I loved seeing the energy from the students when they were finally being given creative outlets with my lessons. I also loved being completely immersed in the Fijian culture, all the way down to becoming friends with some locals. If anyone was on the fence about participating in an IVHQ program, as long as you go in with no expectations, the experience will change your life.

Will forever be one of my most cherished experiences and memories. Volunteering in Fiji not only provided an opportunity for me to be independent and travel solo for the first time, but also re instil my interest for childcare and education. IVHQ provides amazing programs for anyone, but I would highly recommend them for young people wanting to travel and volunteer overseas. IVHQ ensures you feel safe, cared for and nurtured while away, allowing you to fully focus on your experience. From the moment I got to Fiji I felt supported by the local team, they delivered not only what I requested but continually went above and beyond. I will always remember my local co ordinator fondly, as well as the fellow volunteers and people I met.

When I arrived on Fiji, I had no expectations but held on to the possibility of developing once in a lifetime, multicultural relationships, through giving, in an environment where I could rest and heal my heart: physically. From the time I made contact with our local time until the time I left the center in a taxi for my return flight to Oregon, I experienced so much more that I could have imagined or expected. Within the culture of Fiji, relationships were built with staff, other volunteers, and my program participants that spiritually healed my heart ad touched me profoundly. The Fijian people were so genuine, simple, caring, cooperative, and reminded me of things like true community, openly sharing culture with no expectations, family, and a return to simply remembering what is important. I’ve never felt so unconditionally accepted and welcomed or such happiness, despite challenges to daily living. My cooperating teacher provided me many opportunities to work directly with students in a meaningful and impactful way, which created relationships with students that I will carry forever. From the program standpoint, the local team met every dietary and food restriction I have, and was respectful toward and supportive of my health and wellness. Being chief of our tribe, leading the kavu ceremony, and “conducting a wedding”, were especially unique. Meals and free time with other volunteers developed genuine lifetime connections due to an environment where everyone was themselves. I arrived on Fiji with a physically and emotionally broken heart and through my experience, left healed and with abundance. Fiji, and my IVHQ experience impacted me in ways that gave me perspective, hope, and recovery. Forever grateful and cannot wait to go back. Au sa lesu tale. Sa vakabulai na lomaqu. Au na rarawa kina iko. Vanaka Kalou . Translated: “I will return”. “My heart is healed and my spirit is restored”. “I will miss you”. “Thank you, God”.