Cultural Orientation Week Coral Coast, Fiji

WHY we need you in Fiji

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WHAT Does Culture Week Involve?

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Why Involvement Volunteers International?

fiji volunteering sports and english teaching program with IVI

  PROJECT NAME: CULTURAL ORIENTATION WEEK, CORAL COAST

LOCATION: CORAL COAST

  START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS) 

  ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE

  MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK

  MIN AGE: 16+

  SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required

Overview

Welcome to Fiji! The culture week includes language lessons, traditional culture introductions (incl Cava ceremony), visits to various sites and interesting attractions. It’s designed to give a thorough overview and to help you integrate into the local way of life while getting to know your fellow volunteers. You will also be taught the local norms and lanuagage, which can greatly help you when communicating with locals on your project. 

Location 

Coral Coast is noted as the ‘adventure capital of Fiji’ and is located about 1 hour from Suva and 1 hour from Nadi. It is known for it’s incredibly beautiful coast line, tourist beaches and resorts and heaps of activities from 4 wheel drive tours, shark feeding, surfing, rivers & waterfalls, golf etc and is home to the famous Bega lagoon and bega fire walkers. Sigatoka is the gateway to the Coral coast and home to several of our projects.

Project Tasks

  • Learn about the local culture and language
  • See the local sights and get to kow your new surroundings
  • Interact with fellow volunteers and have fun!

Food & Accommodation

Accommodation is in a dedicated house for volunteers with shared bedrooms 4-6 persons per room (single gender rooms). Living with other volunteers in a dormitory-style house is heaps of fun and a great way to meet like minded travellers. The volunteer houses are in close proximity to a basic supermarkets, ATM, fresh fruit and vegetable stands, petrol stations and bus stop.

The bathrooms are shared with western style toilets and cold showers. The accommodation is equipped with free Wi-Fi which volunteers are able to use. Laundry services are available for a small fee. Bed linen and fans are provided. We recommend volunteers bring their own towel. The rooms are lockable and there are also safety deposit boxes available.

*For couples, families or those wanting more privacy, we reccommend a private room, which is available for an additional fee, subject to availability.

You will be served 3 meals on weekdays, and 2 meals on weekends and public holidays. Breakfast is typically Western style, and lunch and dinner will be local Fijian dishes. 

 

 

All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $550
  • 2 Weeks - $655
  • 3 Weeks - $905
  • 1 Month - $1195
  • 2 Months - $2394
  • 3 Months - $3575
Vol House
What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Airport Pickup
  • Local Transportation
  • 1 Day Orientation
  • 24/7 In-Country Support
  • Project Materials & Equipment
  • Pre-departure Expert Advice
  • Preperation Tools & Checklists
  • Certificate of Completion

Testimonials...

FAQ

This week is designed for those wishing to understand more on the local culture to get the best out of their volunteer project. It’s also a great chance to get settled in your new home, learn where to local shops and markets are and just to feel more comfortable with the local area and culture, before the start of your project. 

  • Accommodation
  • 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
  • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
  • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
  • 1 day orientation
  • Daily transportation to project
  • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
  • Fundraising support
  • University course credits (where applicable)
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Airfares
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Nadi International Airport (NAN). You must arrive between 06:00 to 18:00 on either the Saturday or Sunday. There is an extra fee for Saturday night accommodation. 

If you arrive outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer for an extra fee.

If you want to book any extra nights before or after your program, you can do this for an extra fee. 

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From Nadi International Airport to your accommodation by road (taxi or bus) it takes 1 hour & 30 minutes.

Each day will be different, and may vary on circumstances at the time, but generally you will be doing a mixture of activities, from cooking and language lessons, to learning about the culture and trips to local beauty spots! This is a fun and varied week, and gets you ready to start your program. 

Highlights may include:

● Introduction to the local culture

● Sessions on safety, transport and cultural ‘do’s and don’ts’

● Visit to Sigatoka town and local village

● Attend a weaving class

● Attend a class to learn Fijian language and Fijian cooking

● Experience a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony called “Kava Ceremony.”

● Visit your project placement sites and get to know where you will be working

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Nadi and Lautoka area
 
  • Visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant: This beautiful orchid garden in Nadi was founded by actor Raymond Burr and is home to more than 2,000 varieties of orchids.
  • Relax on the beach: There are many beaches in the Nadi and Lautoka area where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Some popular ones include Natadola Beach and Denarau Island.
  • Explore the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool: Located just outside of Nadi, this natural hot spring and mud pool is a great place to relax and rejuvenate.
  • Take a tour of the Viseisei Village: This historic village near Lautoka is considered to be the oldest settlement in Fiji, and you can take a guided tour to learn about its history and culture.
  • Shop at the Nadi Market: This bustling market in the heart of Nadi is a great place to find local handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce.
  • Visit the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple: This beautiful Hindu temple in Nadi is the largest in the southern hemisphere and is worth a visit for its intricate architecture and colorful decor.
  • Take a day trip to the Yasawa Islands: The Yasawa Islands are a chain of islands off the coast of Nadi, and you can take a day trip to explore their beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
  • Learn to surf: Fiji is known for its world-class surf breaks, and there are several surf schools in the Nadi and Lautoka area where you can take lessons and catch some waves.

Coral Coast/ Sigatoka

  • Visit the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park: This national park in Sigatoka is home to ancient Fijian archaeological sites and offers stunning views of the coastline.
  • Be adventourous with white-water rafting, shark feeding, jet ski tours, zip lining and diving.
  • Go on a river safari: Take a guided tour up the Sigatoka River to explore the Fijian interior and see traditional Fijian villages.
  • Explore the Kula Eco Park: This conservation park in Sigatoka is home to many endangered Fijian species, including the Fijian crested iguana and the banded iguana.
  • Relax on the beach: The Coral Coast is home to many beautiful beaches, including Natadola Beach and the beach at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.
  • Take a coral reef tour: Explore the beautiful coral reefs off the coast of the Coral Coast on a snorkeling or diving tour.
  • Visit the Tavuni Hill Fort: This historic fort near Sigatoka dates back to the 1700s and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Visit the Biausevu Waterfall: This beautiful waterfall near Sigatoka is surrounded by lush rainforest and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
  • Go on a sea kayaking tour: Explore the coastline and offshore islands of the Coral Coast on a guided sea kayaking tour.
  • Attend a traditional Fijian ceremony: Many hotels and resorts in the Sigatoka and Coral Coast areas offer traditional Fijian ceremonies, including kava ceremonies and meke dance performances.
  • Visit the Sigatoka Market: This bustling market in the heart of Sigatoka offers fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.   

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: FJ – Holidays – All Programs

Fiji is an archipelago of 330 tropical islands. It’s one of the most developed Pacific Island economies however, a chronic lack in investment and under-employment pose obstacles to sustainable and equitable economic growth in Fiji.

More than 250,000 people in the Fiji islands live in poverty and many more Fijians live on or just above the poverty line. Efficient delivery in health care, in education, in work opportunities and other social services are incredibly difficult in Fiji.

A great disparity exists between the working class communities and the multi-national owned tourism resorts which represent approx 25% of Fiji’s Gross domestic product. Sadly, much of the wealth generated from this sector does not filter down to the local communities.

IVI have a well established program in Fiji build by local Fijian’s with in depth understanding of the local needs. We have a have a variety of skilled and non skilled volunteering options for anyone seeking to live like a local far away from the trendy monotonous tourist resorts.

Fiji enjoys a hot and humid climate year round. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C.

May to October is considered one of the best time to visit, as it’s the dry season. The wet season is from November to April. The island will recieve heavy rain, but in short outbursts. In July and August, temperatures can fall to as low as 18°C, making it a pleasent time to visit for those who enjoy cooler weather! 

The Fijian people have a strong sense of their own culture and customs and highly developed sense of honor. The locals are generally very friendly and welcoming. Within Fijian villages, tribal alliances are still intact and money does not play a significant role in their daily lives. Visitors are not always accustomed to the slow work pace (they call it “Fiji time”). Do not worry too much about this, just go with the flow!

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IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

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Weekends & Extra Tours

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