Fiji

Fiji is made up of some 330 islands in the tropical South Pacific with a mixture of Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian and European influences.  The local people are warm, friendly and extremely generous, despite often having little in the form of material possessions and wealth.  Fiji is a developing country with an enchanting mix of cultural traditions, strong religious faiths and stunning scenery.  Lattitude volunteers work with a number of local schools and community organisations, where they use skills gained from their own educational background to improve people’s lives.

Placement locations

Placements are located on the main island of Viti Levu and the surrounding islands Ovalau, Moturiki and Vanua Levu, click here to view a map.

Is it for me?

Few placements offer such a culturally rich experience. Volunteers become immersed in the traditional Fijian way of life while contributing to the local community.  It will suit people who are proactive, outgoing and willing to think outside the square, as resources can be in short supply.  The work can be challenging, the accommodation is basic and the food is quite alternative!   However the whole experience is ensured to be truly exhilarating and enormously rewarding.

Placements explained

Community placements are generally in larger towns within kindergartens or centres for children with learning disabilities.  Volunteers either assist the local teacher in the classroom or work more closely with individual students who need extra help in class. There is also a building project in a more rural area, which enables volunteers to help build a centre using sustainable and traditional methods, including the use of such materials bamboo and paper bricks. No previous building experience is required.

Teaching placements are generally in rural areas in schools, where volunteers provide support in various ways as required, including teaching classes, assisting with sports, music and arts or even rolling up the sleeves and helping to paint a classroom or library!

Accommodation & food

Accommodation varies from living in a hostel on site, to staying in a home stay with a local Fijian family.  Food is supplied in conjunction with accommodation.  Dalo (or taro) and cassava are root vegetables and with rice and fruit are the staple diet in rural areas.  In some of the more urban areas, Indian-style dishes amy be more common, with the main meal often being a curry with rice and roti.

Need to know

• Briefing camp - all volunteers are invited to a group briefing camp prior to departure
• On arrival - all volunteers have a three-day orientation in Fiji

Support provided

Before you go:

• We find out more about each volunteer through an interview which helps us select the right people and after a second interview, we match them to a placement that’s right for them.
• Once selected, each volunteer is allocated a Coordinator in the Melbourne office who assists them with all preparations.   They provide briefing materials, support with logistics such as flights and visas and are there to answer any questions.
• Everyone attends a briefing camp to meet other volunteers and Lattitude staff, identify their learning needs and hear from returned volunteers.
• All volunteers sign our Code of Conduct to ensure that our expectations of each volunteer are agreed and clear from the outset.

When you're overseas:

• We have paid staff based in each country.  Our Country Managers oversee the program and work with a team of Local Representatives who provide support in the local areas and develop close relationships with placement hosts.
• Each volunteer attends orientation on arrival and where needed, other courses such as a local language or teaching skills course.
• Each volunteer is visited at their placement soon after arrival by an in-country staff member to check how things are and provide additional support if needed.
• We work with Embassies and High Commissions to ensure we can respond to any situation and provide 24/7 emergency support from Melbourne.

When you're back:

• We recognise that coming home can be difficult and provide one-to-one support, with onward referrals for further professional support if needed.  Volunteers are invited to debriefing events and become part of our network of alumni.
• We undertake reviews against the learning needs identified before going overseas which may form part of a reference provided at the end. A letter can also be provided to use towards an application for Youth Allowance.

Costs

These costs are for Lattitude placements in Fiji in 2013

Lattitude fees (exact costs):

You will also need to budget for the following (approx costs):

Other costs associated with your time away may include obtaining a passport, purchasing any additional clothing required and arranging travel vaccinations.

Travel

The main opportunity for travel will be at the end of your placement.  Tempting as it might be to spend days lying under a palm tree on the white-sand beaches of the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands, the water itself presents its own amazing wonder with snorkellers and divers being able to enjoy some of the finest underwater scenery in the Pacific.  There’s also the Namosi Highlands where you can enjoy trekking, rafting and kayaking, surrounded by stunning mountains.  Be sure to spend some time in Suva as well, which is a rich melting pot of ethnicities and cultures.