from 1,135€

Excellent 4.8rating (147)

Island Teaching & School Development

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • This Island lies in the outer regions of the Mamanuca Islands, approximately 1 hour fast ferry from the mainland.
  • You’ll have full access to and will take part in one of the few traditional Fijian island villages left in this region.
  • Help staff at a local school, situated on a remote island, with stunning views all around
  • Teach from kindergarten to grade 6, teaching English, or even maths, geography and sports
  • Experience in depth the authentic Fijian Island way of living.

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

A truly unique, raw and exclusive local Fijian experience! This Island lies in the outer regions of the Mamanuca Islands, approximately 1 hour fast ferry from mainland.

Teaching in Fiji – Background Information

This is an incredible placement where you can experience in depth the authentic Fijian Island way of living. After presentation of your offering (Kava ceremony) you will be welcomed into the community to live as an honored guest. 

The location

This island ...

About the program

Teaching in Fiji – Background Information

This is an incredible placement where you can experience in depth the authentic Fijian Island way of living. After presentation of your offering (Kava ceremony) you will be welcomed into the community to live as an honored guest. 

The location

This island paradise has extensive views over fringing coral reefs and green-blue tropical seas. It’s a medium sized island (approx 10km in diameter) with cliffs and rolling hills for amazing hikes with views out to surrounding islands where for island hopping or snorkelling. With approx 800 native Fijian inhabitants (some of whom have never seen a car!) Many inhabitant’s work on the local tourist islands. The village’s main source of incomes is handicrafts, pottery and shells, with the local people otherwise relying on subsistence farming and fishing.

The school

The placement is centred around the local public school where approx 100 students from kindergarten through to grade 6 come to learn each day. The school receives very minimal government funding and there are substantial needs in all areas of educational assistance, school resources, community development, infrastructure and vocational support.  

Volunteer work

The volunteers tasks are varied and acceptance into the program will be based on individual applications. Volunteers will need to be self sufficient and competent enough to see areas of opportunity and to assist as appropriate. This is a challenging and raw experience where you can truly make a positive impact and likely gain an appreciation for the simple things in life.  

The role of volunteers will involve working with the remote island school teachers and coordinators to design fun and interactive lessons which enable alternative teaching methods and intercultural learning. As the Fijian school curriculum is very standard, having volunteers provides new ways of viewing the world which benefits the kids by providing alternative ways of thinking. 

Who we are looking for

Volunteers need only to bring a positive attitude and willingness to experience the true Fijian culture.   

You must be willing to go with the flow. There are many customs which are ingrained within the Fijian culture that you will not change overnight.  Volunteers need to be open and accepting of the culture, beliefs and operational systems with a view to help by providing alternative ways of thinking in a constructive non critical way. 

* Please be aware, this project only runs in school term times. The dates for 2024 are as follows:

Term One – Monday, 29th January – to Friday 3rd May

Term Two – Monday 20th May – to Friday 23rd August

Term Three – Monday 9th September – to Friday 6th December



Typical day

As you will be living within the school compound which is literally on the beach on a small island setting with an approx 3km perimeter coastline, your life will be centered around the school activities and daily rituals associated. 

Wake-up with roosters crowing at 5am. Help in early morning chores ...

Typical day

As you will be living within the school compound which is literally on the beach on a small island setting with an approx 3km perimeter coastline, your life will be centered around the school activities and daily rituals associated. 

Wake-up with roosters crowing at 5am. Help in early morning chores and excercise, feeding the boarding students. 

Preparing lessons for the day.Teaching a lesson or two. Maybe maths, english, sports, geography, you'll be surprised how much insight you can offer! The students here are very sheltered from the outside world and take so much away from your involvement in their lives even for a short period of time.  


Free-time activities

You are located on a proper Fijian remote island in the manamunca island range.  Island hopping to local tourist resort islands is the most likely past time for volunteers in this region. This is truly a unique placement as foreigners are not allowed to visit the island without express consent from ...

Free-time activities

You are located on a proper Fijian remote island in the manamunca island range.  Island hopping to local tourist resort islands is the most likely past time for volunteers in this region. This is truly a unique placement as foreigners are not allowed to visit the island without express consent from the island chief. As part of the volunteer arrival you must bring Yaqona (Cava) as an offering to the chief. 

Island hopping, snorkeling, surfing, boating, craft making & hiking as the island is mountainous are all options involved. 

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.

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.
  • 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.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

We require your Police Clearance and Passport page and Vaccination Card 30 days prior to the project start date.

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:30 - 12:30

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

Return airport pickup/drop off
Accommodation  (Home Stays – Sharing with other volunteers)
2 meals p/day (Breakfast & Dinner)
Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea daily
Full day orientation & training + cultural sightseeing
In country 24/7 coordination & emergency assistance
Fundraising support
University course credits (where applicable)
Certificate of Completion    

  • Please note there is an additional cost for ferry transfers not included in the above pricing.  You'll pay the local rates which work out to approx US$50 return for the fast ferry or local boat which we'll provide for you.

Airport Pickup at Nadi International Airport

Included in the cost is an arrival airport transfer from Nadi airport to the marina if heading to the islands directly.  In most cases however, you’ll stay with a home stay in Nadi or Lautoka for 1 or 2 nights before making your way to the island.  

The cost of transfers from the marina to/from the island are not included however we get you the locals discount which brings the cost from approx US$110 return down to approx US$40 return. 

There are 2 ferry trips to/from the island daily departing from Port Denerau each day;

  • Departing Ferrys – 9:15am and 3:00pm
  • Returning Ferrys – 10:15am and 4:00pm

Accommodation

You will live within the large gated school compound where individual family residences exist for the school staff and their families. You’ll normally be provided your own room or sharing with another volunteer. Bedding is usually a mattress on the floor. It’s clean and comfortable, but no frills. The houses are light and airy right next to the ocean but very basic, with normally a living area, sleeping area, kitchen and adjoining bathroom.  

Electricity is a luxury on the island and small solar lamps are used for the evenings. This means, tv’s radio’s, fridges etc are limited.  You’ll be able to charge your laptop or mobile device no problem.  You’ll also have a safe place to store your belongings. 

Please note – Many things that we take for granted in our homes are not available on the island and living conditions are very basic. Borehole water is used for washing and toilets and rainwater is used for cooking and drinking. Toilets are western style and waterseal. They need to be filled with a bucket of water to fill the cisten before flushing.

Food & Beverages

Fresh fruits and vegetables can be quite scarce on the island so it’s recommended to bring a small offering of rice, flour or long lasting vegetables (ie. cabbage) with you along with some snacks for yourself if desired. You will have plenty to eat, but the variety of options will be less than other home stay placements.

Breakfast would normally consist of tea with homemade pancakes, bread and fruit if available. The pancakes are very similar to donuts and very yummy!

Lunch and dinner would mostly consist of fresh fish, chicken, lamb or tinned food. This placement will be difficult for vegetarians who do not eat fish.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Nadi. We assist you to find cheap flights to Fiji. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Fiji provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Fiji you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Fiji. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Preferred arrival dates are Saturday or Sunday, however we can be flexible. 

Included in the cost is an arrival airport transfer from Nadi airport to the marina if heading to the islands directly. In most cases however, you’ll stay with a home stay in Nadi or Lautoka for 1 or 2 nights before making your way to the island.

We can arrange return transfers to/from the marina for US$50 if booked in advance. Just ask while making the booking. Otherwise you can take a bus or a tax will cost approx US$10-15 from Nadi.  

There are 2 ferry trips to/from the island daily departing from Port Denerau each day;

  • Departing Ferrys – 9:15am and 3:00pm
  • Returning Ferrys – 10:15am and 4:00pm

As a volunteer through IVI, you will obtain a large subsidy on the cost of the Ferrys.  The IVI country manager will assist you in the necessary paperwork…

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 1,135€
5 weeks 1,314€
6 weeks 1,470€
7 weeks 1,625€
8 weeks 1,765€
12 weeks (max. stay) 2,396€
Average fees 242€/week

Program fees

242€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers IVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (147 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1989

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

SUPPORT

From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

FUN!
Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

147 reviews · rating4.8

My trip was absolutely amazing. It was definitely a hard adjustment at the start I must say, but so rewarding in the end. I made such strong connections with everyone I met, and formed lifelong memories. My whole perspective of the world is changed now, and I am so appreciative that I could ...
JULIETTE SOPHIE LAURA Crescione rating4

2023 at Island Teaching & School Development

July, 2023 Taking part to this volunteering trip was one of the most enriching experiences I ever had. During those 3 weeks spent on Yanuya Island, I had the chance to live with the locals, dig into the Fijian culture and discover the so-called "Fiji time" way of living, which I would certainly ...
Volunteering on the island was the most life changing and incredible experience. From the moment I arrived on the island I felt welcomed and loved by ever person! I was lucky to teach in the kindergarten class, as well as go and visit other classes in the afternoons. Emerging myself in to every ...
One of the best things I’ve ever done! It was incredible to be involved in the school and spend time with all the children. Outside of school hours was able to spend lots of time with the locals and within the village, as well as exploring the island and surrounding islands. All the school staff ...
Gabin Schwartz rating4.4

2023 at Island Teaching & School Development

Participating in the Humanitarian teaching project by Involvement Volunteers IVI on the serene island of Yanuya in Fiji has been an unforgettable journey that has left an indelible mark on my heart and mind. This initiative goes beyond traditional teaching; it's a life-changing experience that ...
It was such a beautiful experience. everybody on the island is so accommodating and welcomes you with open arms, it is difficult however to adjust to the different routines but so worth it! Again, so accomodating, felt so supported the entire trip, always providing what was ...

Location

Oceania > Melanesia > Fiji > Nadi

You might also be interested in

Contact Lauren
  Very high response rate
English

Most volunteers ask about


Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Lauren
Please do not share personal contact details for your privacy