Volunteer in Teaching in Sigatoka, Fiji

Volunteering in an overseas country offers many opportunities to learn about different cultures, countries and languages. It is particularly enjoyable living at close quarters with people from all over the world, with everyone having a similar drive to engage with others

Bula! My volunteer journey in Fiji began with my very first sip of kava, the traditional drink that welcomes you into Fijian culture. From that moment on, I felt I had stepped into a completely different rhythm of life. Most of my memories come from the small coastal town of Sigatoka, where I spent my time teaching English at a local primary school. Working with the children was one of the highlights of my experience. Their curiosity, energy, and laughter filled the classroom every day. One of my favorite memories was helping the students prepare a dance performance for their school’s celebration of Fiji’s national holiday. Watching them perform with such pride and joy reminded me of how powerful cultural traditions can be. Life in Fiji moves at a slower, simpler pace, yet the people there are among the happiest I have ever met. Just across from the volunteer house was a beautiful beach where I watched countless sunsets. The sky would slowly transform—ruby red fading into soft pink, then dissolving into deep blue as night arrived. Those quiet evenings became moments of reflection during my stay. What made the experience truly special, however, was the people. The Fijians I met were incredibly warm and welcoming, with hearts of gold. I loved talking with our program coordinator, who shared stories about her life and why she loved working with volunteers from around the world. The sparkle in her eyes when she talked about cultural exchange is something I will never forget. The volunteer community also created unforgettable moments. On my first night, I lay on a hammock under a sky full of stars with a volunteer from New Zealand. We talked for hours about our fears and dreams for the future. She dreamed of building space rockets and traveling the world, while I shared my wish to experience as many emotions and perspectives as possible in life, collecting small moments that might one day shape something bigger. Along the way, I also learned many “island skills.” I learned how to make fresh coconut milk, how to cook palusami, and even how to properly climb a sand dune without sliding all the way back down. These small lessons made me feel more connected to the local way of life. Thank you to this beautiful land, its incredible people, and IVHQ for making this unforgettable experience possible. Vinaka ❤️

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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”.

I had the most enriching and amazing experience on my recent volunteer trip to Fiji. The local team were incredibly supportive and made the accommodation feel like a home away from home. I learnt so much about the local culture and formed meaningful connections with the community. I met so many amazing people and could not fault the experience one bit.

I recently went through IVHQ to volunteer in Fiji, it was my first time volunteering and I really did not know what to expect. IVHQ was such a great choice and I’d recommend it to anyone. They have so many volunteer options in so many locations, the volunteer program leader was so useful and responded quickly to any of my questions, I was given a program guide that was thorough and covered everything I needed to know and I felt supported through the whole process. I also had compared IVHQ to other volunteer companies and felt that IVHQ was well priced and clear on how the money was used. I am already planning my next trip with IVHQ!

GO FOR IT!!! Loved it so much, the experience is something I’ll be always remember. You’ll meet the best people. Will be returning to volunteering again when I can. My favorite moment from the volunteer experience was playing cards, dancing with the kids, making tea all the time, watching frog racing, failing at volleyball(but dancing instead), running with diner plates to watch the sunset. Etc… The biggest impact my volunteering trip had on me was seeing how caring these kids are towards each other, their incredible singing, their playfulness and how smart they are was an amazing experience and I feel so grateful.

I didn’t have a favorite moment, as every moment was as valuable to me. Getting to see kids smiles when you walk in and hearing them laugh and sing was very fulfilling. I learned how important it is to me to get out of my comfort zone and experience new things. I learned a lot about patience and perseverance, I made a lot of friends worldwide that taught me their cultures and seeing how good it feels to make an impact impulsed me as well to find other ways to keep doing that. Even though it is hard to step out of what you know, you need to push yourself in order to grow. You are going to find a safe space where you feel at home, and the team will be glad to help with that. You never know if your going to like something until you try it, and it is impossible not to be filled with joy when you see how much you have helped local communities.

I had the most amazing experience volunteering through IVHQ. I went to Fiji and it felt like I was immersed with he locals, but yet enjoying a vacation. The entire process was fluid and made me feel comfortable. I have already decided that any future volunteering will be done through IVHQ. This is now the way I plan on vacationing.