Testimonials & Reviews
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 MuchPeople 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.
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.
It’s great when the whole family is involved with the excitement and the adventure of our volunteer expeditions. We invite all of our volunteers to get family members involved in fundraising and listen in on the UK online pre departure briefing and to be fully involved in the planning and preparation.
Once overseas, we keep family and friends at home informed and enthused with photos, updates and daily diaries from our teams in the Pacific via our gap year blog.
If your child is also contemplating a project to the South Pacific, then we are always happy to chat through the expedition in careful detail with you, or even better then a call, why not pop over for a cup of tea and you can learn more about what the expedition will involve by the very people who will be leading your child through the South Pacific. There is nothing more reassuring than spending an hour or two having your questions answered in person.
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.tails for some of our recently returned volunteers.
Read Our Parent ReviewsHannah Cornish, Cardiff
Katie Thorn, Derbyshire
Scott Hooker, London
Joe Lawrence, Shropshire
Tom, Bedford
Michael, Newcastle
Alex Jenkinson, Belfast
Angell, London
Louise, Leeds
Chris Coroniti, Boston, USA
Laura Burnett, Edinburgh
Maria Gentil Martins, Sweden
Hanna, Surrey
Nicola, Nottingham
Alex Marsh, Sydney
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.
“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
“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
“During my time at Yanuca Island School, I’ve made a real conscious effort to make sure I take the opportunity to teach each class, and really throw myself into the challenges that each class brings. Whether it be Kindi, where getting them to say, “I’m fine, thank you”, feels like the biggest win in the world; or teaching class 7&8’s on gender equality in which we have mature discussions of which I could probably have with most of my friends.”
Ruth, Scotland, Jan 2017
Bula!! I was told before I left England that Fijian people were the friendliest in the world, and so far, I am happy to confirm this statement. I have been blown away since we arrived in the village by the community’s efforts to ensure we are comfortable and happy.
Nicole Waide
I don’t want to bore you all with yet another account of everything which we achieved because undoubtedly you’ve been told already in every other blog entry, so I’m going to attempt to describe Fijian life- “The way it should be”, which engulfed me entirely and made me reflect on how things are so extremely different compared to home.
Rob Willmore
So yeah, sorry for getting all emotional and philosophical, I’m a bit worn out myself now! I really have had the time of my life though and as I write this overlooking the clear blue sea and yet another gorgeous beach, I can’t help but think that I’ll be very sad to leave this country, where the scenery is nearly as amazing as the people.
Will Jackson
“I’m sure every TP blog says the same but no matter how many times you say it, it will never quite be enough to describe Fiji, it is just INCREDIBLE here. It is truly one of the most enchantingly beautiful and friendliest places in the world. The village we are living in, Nasesara, is just buzzing with activity all day long. You rarely walk anywhere without a hearty “bula!” being thrown your way or a smiley neighbour inviting you in for tea and/or food! Which is endless, let’s just say I am glad the first phrase I learnt in Fijian was “I’m full”. The children are the cutest, most adorable and enthusiastic children I have ever encountered, each one as endearing as the next.”
Miranda
“The day we had to leave the village and say goodbye was one of the hardest moments of my life. Fiji has changed me as a person, but in a way I would not have imagined last September. My message to anyone considering Think Pacific is to put your soul into it. Say “yes” to things you never would have considered and see where those new experiences take you. You never know where you’ll end up at the friends you will make.”
Chris Newman
“From the small daily interactions with the Fijian community, to those life changing moments. As a team, we grew so close and as a village we bonded as one big family. There’s not enough time to say all we achieved and experienced, but I will keep those memories throughout my life. Fiji is a truly amazing place and I’ve had the time of my life.”
Natalie Spence, 18, London, 2 Month Gap Year Project
“The biggest thing we all took from Fiji was the sense of community and we all returned with a second home in Fiji. The family that I lived with were so lovely and we are still in contact now I’m back in England. I still refer to them as mum and dad and talk about my little Fijian brother constantly. The children in the village were so happy to see you, play with you and hug you; you were never left alone but I loved this. It was a blessing to be made so welcome by the whole community. I would recommend Think Pacific to anyone who is willing to get stuck in and has a positive attitude. I would go back in heartbeat. Hopefully, Fiji and Think Pacific haven’t seen the back of me yet!”
Annily Skye-Jeffries, 21, University Project
“The experience surpassed every expectation I had. It was a privilege to work with the kids and be adopted by the village. Their genuine excitement at seeing us arrive, scrambling to carry out bags and welcome us into their homes was incredible. Within 20 minutes we were on the sports field throwing a ball around. I’ve never seen children so excited for sports, and rugby in particular – their dedication and enthusiasm is something to admire and the Fijian outlook on life something I’ll certainly take home with me.”
Rob Brereton, 20, Exeter Uni Project
“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
“If there was one feeling I have felt more than any other from my summer in Fiji it would be envy. Envy at the closeness of the community, and envy at the selflessness and generosity the whole of the village shows. Seeing the simplicity of life in a Fijian village has changed my outlook on life at home, and made me re-evaluate my priorities. It has also highlighted how we obsess over trivial possessions; often forgetting what the most important things in life are. I am fairly-confident that I am not only speaking for myself when I say that this experience has changed my life for the better, and that I will be forever in debt to the people of Fiji for the kindness and hospitality that they have shown towards us, and for accepting us as one of their family.”
Will Newman, 18, Summer Project
“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, Exeter University
Hear Charlie’s story as he went from a nervous volunteer to expedition leader for Think Pacific.
Watch Charlie’s Interview in Fiji
