In-Country Testimonials & Reviews

Think Pacific Volunteering Reviews

We Are a Very Small and Personal Organisation

People who choose to volunteer with us become a close member of our team and in Fiji, our volunteers are made to feel very much a part of the Fijian families who we support. Many of our volunteers keep in close contact with their ‘Fijian families’ when they return home and we’ve had many volunteers return back to their village to see their Fijian brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and friends again.

If you’re considering joining a volunteer project there’s often nothing better then speaking to someone who has been there and done it. We are always delighted to put potential volunteers in touch with past volunteers, so you can hear all about their experiences. Please email info@thinkpacifc.com and we would be delighted to send you a list of the contact details for some of our recently returned volunteers.

Learn About Our Story & Why We Care So Much

Hear What Our Volunteers Have to Say....

We Interviewed Lots of Volunteers For You

We have been working with Think Pacific to send student volunteering groups since 2014 and they are pleasure to work with. The experiences that the students gain from volunteering in these amazing rural Fijian communities are exceptional. Simon, Harry and the team are so easy to work with and really understand the needs of the students and encourage them to push themselves in scenarios that they are not always confident in. The ethical, sustainable nature of the work that Think Pacific do in Fiji is so important and working alongside the government allow students so many opportunities to gain experiences that will enable them to speak confidently in interviews and on job applications of the future. The long lasting memories of the families and communities that welcomed the groups are still spoken about years later and we look forward to working with Think Pacific for many years to come.

Cara McCosh – Senior Projects Officer – International Volunteering Leeds Beckett University

A truly incredible, heartwarming and rewarding experience. The Fijian family I stayed with were so welcoming and friendly, allowing me to experience the Fijian way of life from cooking to traditional crafts and even coconut husking! The TP leaders live in the same village as you which is great as support is there 24/7, one of several reasons why I chose to go with TP. The project gave us the opportunity to teach in two local primary schools across various year groups. I especially enjoyed teaching lacrosse as this was a completely new and exciting sport for the children and am so grateful for TP arranging lacrosse sticks to be sent all the way to Fiji so I could do this! I wish I could do the project all over again.

Imy Harper, 19, Oxford Brookes Student – 1-month Expedition

I spent one month volunteering in the Tailevu province. It was by far the most incredible, inspiring and rewarding experience of my life! I was very nervous leading up to the project but as soon as I met my team leaders and the rest of the volunteers, any sort of doubt went away instantly. Living with a Fijian family in its most true form was undoubtedly one of the project highlights. Having the chance to live and learn a totally unique culture from the people themselves is an experience that cannot be achieved anywhere else except for Fiji. I now understand what past volunteers meant when they said your Fijian family become much more than hosts, they truly are my second family!

Chloe Davies, Cardiff University Project, Summer 2019

Hear What Fijians Have to Say...

Fijians are some of the most welcoming people on the planet. Hear from those who have lived and worked with our teams over the years.

Fostering Cross-cultural Dialogue and International Exchange

People who choose to volunteer with us become a close member of our team and in Fiji, our volunteers are made to feel very much a part of the Fijian families who we support. Many of our volunteers keep in close contact with their ‘Fijian families’ when they return home and we’ve had many volunteers return back to their village to see their Fijian brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and friends again.

Read More Comments From the South Pacific

Ratu

Nelson Palmer Primary School

Dimua

University of the South Pacific

Tevita

Batiki Island

Maciu

Moturiki Island

Our Volunteer Stories...

Hear from our incredible volunteers about their experiences living and working in rural Fijian communities.

Molly's Story

TP is not for everyone. You’ll need to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone, embrace a new culture and throw yourself into our project aims and daily Fijian life. For these reasons, it’s important we set your expectations fully, get to know you, find out what skills and enthusiasm you’ll bring.

Read More Comments From Our Volunteers

Callum's Story

“The first night on Batiki I think was the best night of my life!”

Hear about how Callum went on to create a coconut oil social enterprise on Batiki Island – Bula Batiki!

Callum Drummond

Click Here to Watch the Full Video

Millie

University of Strathclyde

Ellis

University of Nottingham

Alex

Royal Holloway University

Paul

University of Strathclyde

Sasha

Liverpool John Moores University

Amanda

Newcastle University

Joe

University of Glasgow

Aslam

University College London

Rhya

Sheffield Hallam University

Eleanor

University of Edinburgh

Alice

Hartpury University

George

Gap Year

Courtney

University of Reading

Bailey

Edinburgh Napier University

Shoshana

De Montfort University

Vicky

Charles Darwin University

Ben

University of the West of England

Andy

University of Bath

Parent Reviews

It's Great When the Whole Family is Involved

It’s great when the whole family is involved with the excitement and the adventure of our volunteer expeditions. Family members are often involved in fundraising or listen in on the UK online pre-departure briefings to be fully involved in the planning and preparation.

If your child is contemplating a project to the South Pacific, then we are always delighted to chat through the expedition in detail with you.

Would you like to read some of our reviews from parents?

Click below to read a brief selection of emails and letters that we have received from parents, whose children have travelled and volunteered with Think Pacific.

Read Our Parent Reviews

Read What Our Volunteers Think About Fiji

From the 2000+ Volunteers We Have Guided to Fiji

It was the best experience of my life. I feel like I've come away with some of the closest friends you can ever make.

Hannah Cornish, Cardiff

The whole 4 weeks was absolutely amazing, never a dull moment, it really was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Katie Thorn, Derbyshire

It was incredible and just about the most memorable thing I may ever do. I cannot thank Simon, Harry & the team enough. The work we did was just unbelievable.

Scott Hooker, London

I'm so grateful that I was able to be a part of Think Pacific. You have really created a great organisation and I love the fact that it is so small and personal.

Joe Lawrence, Shropshire

A tough, eye opening, unforgettable experience. I've learnt more about myself during my time in Fiji then I ever thought possible.

Tom, Bedford

My 4 weeks in Fiji was the absolute highlight of two years travelling around the world.

Michael, Newcastle

I had the absolute time of my life with Think Pacific. Everything was just so far beyond what I could have asked for, or expected.

Alex Jenkinson, Belfast

The South Pacific was just intoxicating. I was lured by visions of tropical islands, but its beautiful way of life and the experience of doing something so worthwhile which will stay with me.

Angell, London

Fiji is just beautiful and Fijian children are simply adorable, there is nothing more fulfilling than being responsible for that beaming smile.

Louise, Leeds

You all do an outstanding job and it’s no surprise you’ve won alot of awards for the project. I cannot thank you enough for the effort you have put in to make my stay in Fiji what it was.

Chris Coroniti, Boston, USA

Think Pacific really was as great as you told me it was going to be, if not better! Now I’m making plans to return to Fiji, I knew as soon as I left the village that I would be back.

Laura Burnett, Edinburgh

My Fiji experience was an unforgettable one, from the team to the village to teaching to sky diving. My expectations were definitely exceeded. Maria Gentil Martins, Sweden

Maria Gentil Martins, Sweden

I have never met people so excited, friendly and kind. The kids are amazing and having now worked in the kindergarten all week, you can see how much we are enriching their lives and it’s a great feeling to have.

Hanna, Surrey

The community shares everything and work together, whilst the children run around, screaming and laughing. It’s a privilege to be part of this.

Nicola, Nottingham

My Think Pacific experience was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. From my project I have a new set of friends, a Fijian family and can call Fiji a home away from home. If you want to experience a once in a lifetime experience, I cannot recommend TP enough!

Alex Marsh, Sydney

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What Do Our Fiji Partners Have to Say?

TP is not for everyone. You’ll need to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone, embrace a new culture and throw yourself into our project aims and daily Fijian life. For these reasons, it’s important we set your expectations fully, get to know you, find out what skills and enthusiasm you’ll bring.

Cara McCosh, Leeds Beckett University

“The experiences that the students gain from volunteering in these amazing rural Fijian communities are exceptional. Simon, Harry and the team are so easy to work with and really understand the needs of the students and encourage them to push themselves in scenarios that they are not always confident in. The ethical, sustainable nature of the work that Think Pacific do in Fiji is so important and working alongside the government allow students so many opportunities to gain experiences that will enable them to speak confidently in interviews and on job applications of the future. The long lasting memories of the families and communities that welcomed the groups are still spoken about years later and we look forward to working with Think Pacific for many years to come.”

Senior Projects Officer, International Volunteering Department, Leeds Beckett University

Chris Hammond, Cardiff University

“It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know the TP team, as well as being lucky enough to travel to Fiji to see the great work you are all doing first hand. We’ll be looking to expand to send more students to Fiji next summer. Staff here in Global Opportunities are all in agreement that Think Pacific is a great opportunity for students. I’m pleased that the partnership with Cardiff University will continue to grow and grow.”

Programmes Manager, Global Opportunities, Cardiff University

See Our Unique Partnerships