Swansea University Student Megan Heath Shares What She Gained From Volunteering in Fiji

This summer, 3rd year civil engineering Swansea University student, Megan Heath, joined Think Pacific on a one month community build project.

In partnership with the Fiji Government, Ministry of Health and local partners, these projects have contributed to Fiji’s National Development Plan and the UN’s Sustainability Goals.

We caught up with Megan to reflect on her time on project and how her experience in Fiji has helped her studies and career opportunities.

“It showed how to communicate with others.”

Global Mobility and the Turing/Taith Schemes

Launched in 2021, the Turing Scheme has replaced the Erasmus+ programme in providing funding for participants in UK universities, colleges, and schools, to go on international study and work placements.

The Taith programme will run from 2022 to 2026, supported by an investment of £65m from Welsh Government. It aims to fund 15,000 people from Wales to go on exchanges over the first four years, with 10,000 people from all over the world coming to study, train, volunteer or work in Wales.

Swansea University successfully applied for Turing/Taith Scheme funding to help their students embark on a unique 4 week global, work-based programme in the Fiji Islands led by Think Pacific, in partnership with the Fijian Government and other local partners.

Throughout the project, participating students expanded their cultural fluency and global citizenship, as well as accessing Think Pacific’s influential partners at an international level.

Megan Heath’s Story

Megan joined the project to Nativi, Ra.

In the interview below, Megan shares her experience of life in a Fijian village.

Want to learn more about our projects in Fiji?

Watch the video below or click here to explore our programmes.