Think Pacific is a Fijian charity and UK social enterprise, working in formal partnership with the Fijian Government to develop grassroots education, sports, and health projects for young people living in remote villages of Fiji.
Think Pacific is the largest student volunteer program in the South Pacific Islands, guiding hundreds of university students each summer through a life-changing journey. Their programmes are creating hugely positive outcomes in Fiji, facilitating local empowerment and local skills training, increasing jobs, and access to information and expanding opportunities for young Fijians.
How does it work?
On a Think Pacific Expedition, you’ll join a team of approximately 20 like-minded students from all over the UK and take on the immense experience of living in a traditional village and contributing to Fiji’s National Development Plan.
Each project is guided from start to finish by Think Pacific’s Expedition Leaders and each day is busy with dynamic activities and initiatives as you work with Fijian youth groups, children, and rural communities to deliver aims on behalf of the Fijian Ministry of Health and Fijian Ministry of Youth and Sports.
You’ll gain over 120 hours of practical work experience in areas of health, education, sports, and youth development, whilst building your own personal development through challenging team-based activities, remote living, and cultural immersion.
Where could I go?
Think Pacific only operates in Fiji, they are a registered Fijian charity with over 80 staff based in-country. They are the Fiji specialists and believe that it’s their unique focus, knowledge, and understanding of these incredible 330 islands that make their projects so special.
How long do the placements last and what do they involve?
Think Pacific offer programmes for 1 or 2 months. The programmes are community build, youth empowerment, mental health, sports development and public health (new for 2023!).
You don’t need any specific skills to join the project as full training, learning materials, and daily guidance is provided by the Think Pacific team, but you do need to come with a learning mindset and a desire to understand Fijian culture and traditional lifestyle and throw yourself into a range of new activities and initiatives.
Living in a Fijian homestay is a truly astounding experience. Each team visits a different village to support the government's aims. The warmth and kindness of the local people is profound. You’ll return with a family and a second home in Fiji.
Throughout each project, you’ll achieve the ‘TP Award’ gaining personal growth, professional enhancement, teamwork, and leadership skills and expanding your international experience and cultural intelligence – all the things employers are looking for from young and ambitious graduates.
How much does it cost?
If your application is successful, you'll be asked to pay a non-refundable acceptance fee of £195 which guarantees your place on the program.
The placement fee varies depending on which program you take part in and how long your placement is. As an example, a 4-week placement starts from £1,500 and the estimated average cost of a programme is £2145.
The placement fees cover all briefing, workshops, training, transport, materials, homestay accommodation with three meals a day, activities, and excursions such as jungle treks or waterfall visits and 24-hour support. In addition, you'll also need to factor in finances for flights, visas, and insurance.
When do the placements start and when do I need to apply?
Projects run throughout the year. Summer placements are very popular and can get booked up months in advance, so it's best to get your application in and secure your place as soon as you can.
Interested?
Visit the University of Essex students to Fiji webpages for more details and information on how to apply. Keep an eye out for talks we'll be doing with Think Pacific.
Upcoming information sessions
Think Pacific run regular information sessions each Monday at 5:00pm on zoom. Register online for these sessions.
What do our students say?
Andre completed a Think Pacific project over summer 2022 and said "I'd recommend a Think Pacific Project to anyone who is looking to challenge themselves and experience a new culture. Going to Fiji for a whole month certainly had it's challenges, but living with a Fijian family and being located in a village who were so welcoming made the transition much easier! We got to experience much of the Fijian culture, which included learning a traditional dance and trying the local food. I was also able to meet people from the UK but also from the other side of the world, and I am so grateful I now have another home away from home!".
Funding opportunities from Essex Abroad
There is funding available to support you to take part in this opportunity. Visit our summer abroad funding pages to find out more.
Big Essex Award
You will be eligible to apply for the Big Essex Award upon successful completion of this programme. This will appear on your transcript when you graduate. Register for the Volunteering Abroad units now.