University Partnerships

Global Mobility Projects & Placements in Fiji
Life-Changing Experiences for Students
In Partnership with the Fijian Government, the University of the South Pacific & 70+ local partners.

Are you a university staff member exploring third-party providers for your next short-term global mobility opportunity? Think Pacific works in collaboration with universities across the world to offer outbound mobility projects to the Fiji Islands that align with specific work experience and employability outcomes – whilst making a positive contribution to government initiatives in the South Pacific.

Our projects provide complete cultural immersion, an invigorating team-based challenge and a structured and inspiring learning and leadership experience. Students collaborate with local youths to work on a range of inspiring initiatives in rural Fijian communities. Implementing health, climate, youth, leadership and sports initiatives in partnership with the Fijian Ministry of Health, Fijian Ministry of Youth & Sports and other local partners.

At a Glance
  • Culturally Immersive In-Country and Remote programs
  • Registered Fijian organisation with HQ in Suva (and Registered UK organisation)
  • 10+ years partnerships with Fijian Government Ministries
  • Formal partners with The University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University
  • Projects aligned with UK Turing Scheme, Canadian Global Skills Opportunities & Australian OS-Help funding.
  • Trusted by 80+ universities globally
  • Gold standards of health and safety to BS8848, H&S Executive and DFAT guidelines
  • 24/7 project guidance and expert pastoral care
  • All projects support the Fiji National Development Plan & UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • We have provided global mobility to 7000+ Students
  • Over $10m invested into Fiji’s sustainable development
Trusted by Over 80 Universities Globally
Proud Provider For

Since 2009, Think Pacific has built a reputation as an expert provider of global mobility for the higher education sector, creating close working relationships with Study Abroad Teams, Careers Centres and International Mobility Departments.

We’re passionate about providing transformational experiences for students that bridge the gap between education and work, whilst supporting higher education institutions to achieve outbound mobility aims within their international strategy.

“I’ve recently received in excess of fifteen case studies and pictures from our students – every single one has said the programme was an amazing experience”  Lucy Williams, Study Abroad Manager, Swansea University.

“Think Pacific are a formally registered third party provider under Western Sydney University Go Global Office for their virtual and mobility programmes. I would encourage more university staff to discuss their programming needs with Think Pacific.” Steven McDonald, Manager, Learning Abroad Short Programs, Western Sydney University

Request a Meeting 💻 🌴

Arrange a Zoom call to discuss our programs with one of our Director’s.

Developing Global Graduates
Boosting Employability

Cultural Immersion + Group Challenge + Contribution = Huge Personal Growth

Our aim is for every student to complete their project with a set of experiences, personal attributes and transferable skills, which can positively impact their future education, career ambitions and transition to life beyond study.

Our projects require students to leave their comfort zone, challenge themselves, adopt a new culture and form new friendships as they become a member of a traditional Fijian village. We support and train students to make a positive contribution as we guide them through a personal journey of self-development.

Students consistently return home with a fresh perspective and heightened appreciation for education, community and the opportunities that have been afforded to them. Experiencing a back-to-basics lifestyle and seeing first-hand the challenges facing youths in Fiji has a life-long impact. Students also celebrate and learn from the remarkable mentality, happiness and unique values of the Fijian people and the South Pacific way of life.

What Can Students Gain?

Whether students join us for a meaningful project during their university holiday, or as part of a credit-bearing course placement, we provide opportunities that expand student’s learning and development. Inclusive of:

  • Communication & Team Work
  • Cultural Intelligence & Global Awareness
  • Resilience & Emotional intelligence
  • Leadership & Integrity
  • Confidence & Adaptability

Core Learning Objectives

  • Students demonstrate 12 examples of Work-Ready skills developed from participation in the programme through a reflective journal.
  • Students demonstrate an understanding of sustainability, global citizenship and civic responsibility by delivering group presentations.
Widening Access & Inclusion

Think Pacific is proud to have worked with numerous universities over the past ten years to provide life-changing experiences via internal widening access programmes and government schemes, to provide unique opportunities that would otherwise not be possible for students from a range of socio-economic backgrounds.

Case Study – UWE Go Global

One example of this is working alongside the UWE Go Global team since 2017. Alongside the Careers team at, UWE, we provide undergraduate students that are eligible for university and UK government widening access support, the opportunity to join a 1-month project in Fiji during the summer period.

Our Student Projects & Placements
In Rural Fijian Communities

We offer 16-day, 1-month or 2-month projects that offer students in groups of up to twenty-four, the chance to live at the heart of a traditional Fijian village, whilst working alongside Fijian youths on community initiatives, which support Fijian Government aims.

Youth Empowerment
Learn More
Building
Learn More
Mental Health
Learn More
Public Health
Learn More
Safe & Structured Placements
Projects Guided With Care, Passion & Expertise

The health and safety of our volunteers is our first priority. Students are under our care and guidance throughout and we take this responsibility seriously, providing exceptional support.

Preperation
Supportive learning environment from application to post project de-brief
Training
3-day induction and group workshops and ongoing learning & practice
Leadership
Leaders guide the team, living with the group from start to finish (1 -8 ratio)
Liability Insurance
Piece of mind with Employers (£20M) and Public (£2M) Liability coverage.
Skilled Management
Overseeing each aspect of delivery with unrivalled knowledge of Fiji.
Risk Assessments
Comprehensive planning and updated assessment for every project.
24/7 Support
Always on call with a professional team of over 80 staff within Fiji.
BS8848 Standards
We operate to strict British industry regulations for running overseas projects
Trusted Partners
Working in direct partnership with Universities and the Fijian Government
Crisis Management
Proactive and professional planning for any situation
Health Care
Our #1 priority. Ensuring access to medical care is always available
Pastoral Support
Personal, caring and motivating, guiding students to overcome challenges.
University Case Studies

“The organisation of the projects is always second to none”. Chris Gale, Program Manager, Global Opportunities. Our 5-year partnership has seen over 250 Cardiff students volunteer in Fiji

“Think Pacific is so easy to work with and really understand the needs of students”. Cara McCosh, Program Manager, Leeds Beckett Study Abroad. Think Pacific designed its first bespoke student project for the Carnegie Faculty.

Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Information For University Staff
Who Can Take Part?

Our placements are very popular for students who have a specialist interest in Psychology, Sports, Education, Geography, Health and International Development – sometimes as a course-related or work-experience placement. However, students from all disciplines join our teams and gain huge value from our programmes. Our projects run across the whole year with our most popular periods being during the university summer holidays. It’s the chance for students to have a meaningful summer break and gain unique global experience, personal attributes and soft skills, which are transferable to all education and career goals.

What Training Is Provided?

During a 3-day induction, we cover health, safety, cultural awareness and local language as well as engage and instruct students in the specific skills needed to deliver workshops in rural communities as per the Fijian Ministry of Youth & Sports standards. Training is delivered through team-based tasks, presentations and group seminars. Throughout the project, students have briefings with our leaders and management staff to progress their understanding and skill development. Students demonstrate learning outcomes through presentations, journals and observations.

Where Will Students Live?

Students sample a way of life that few people will ever be fortunate enough to see as they live with families at the heart of a remote and traditional Fijian village.  This experience consistently has a profound impact upon our volunteers as they are adopted into the community. The villages are incredibly safe, friendly and hospitable places and the local people treat our volunteers as family. Students experience the simplest of conditions, cold water showers, limited electricity and a back-to-basics lifestyle. They also immerse fully into daily subsistence life, from learning to farm or fish to exploring Fijian customs, language and history.

What Is The Application Process?

Students must complete an application form and have an interview (which can be made by phone or Zoom) or attend one of our university selection days. Throughout the project, students will need to challenge themselves, embrace a new culture and throw themselves into our project aims and daily Fijian life. We work hard to achieve important government directives and provide real support for rural communities. For these reasons, it’s important we set expectations fully, get to know students and find out what skills and enthusiasm each person shall bring.

What Are The Project Costs?

Think Pacific is a UK social enterprise and a registered charity with ethical and transparent project fees, 30% of our costs directly fund the communities we work with through resources, training and long-term support. Over 70% of our volunteers raise their entire project costs through university funding or charity fundraising. Project fees are £2,145 for a 1-month placement and include food, accommodation, in-country travel, resort briefings, training, weekend adventure activities, emergency support and an expedition leader team living alongside the students 24/7.

How Could We Work Together?

We work with universities in various ways to enhance the student experience and increase employability outcomes. We can support you with bids for government funding to provide summer mobility opportunities or design-specific placements for academic courses. When working with our team, we are proud to offer plenty of support to university staff. Our staff members in the UK and Fiji can handle all presentations, application interviews and pre-departure support, to remove the added workloads from you and your colleagues.

 

Global Impact, with a Local Approach
Supporting the UN SDG's & Investing in Fiji's Future

Think Pacific is a ‘For Impact’ organisation.

As a registered charity in Fiji, we invest in locally-led initiatives and the capacity building of local people. Our sustainability measures include using only local suppliers, investing in our local staff team, providing local job creation and training; adding capacity to local Fijian organisations and expanding the professional skills and global understanding of Fijian students and youths in rural communities. Through our Foundation, we support local Fijian charities and community groups in our network with resources, donations and support. Areas we support in Fiji include public health promotion, mental health services, youth training and education, community cyclone preparedness, environmental protection and enterprise creation.

Our Fijian Partners
  • Fijian Ministry of Health & Medical Services
  • Fijian Ministry of Youth & Sports
  • Fijian Ministry of Economy, Climate Change and International Cooperation Division
  • Fiji National Sports Commission
  • Ministry of ITaukei Affairs
  • Fiji National University
  • University of the South Pacific
  • National Sporting Organisations (NRL Fiji, Cricket Fiji, Athletics Fiji, Netball Fiji, Fiji RFU, Fiji, Paralympic Association).
  • Fiji National Employment Centre
  • Leadership Fiji
Supporting The Fiji National Development Plan
Championing the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Next Steps...
Discuss Our Programmes

We would be delighted to arrange a meeting to explore the potential of collaborating on a Turing Scheme proposal. Please click here to book a time to chat with one of our Directors.