Think Pacific - Leeds

Ella Marie

This was hands down the most amazing experience I have ever had! The team were amazing, organised, and there for me 100% of the time.

Living in the village with the locals and being accepted and embraced within the host family as well as the community was so beautiful. I spent 1 month in Fiji working on a build project in Nayavutoka and it felt like a home away from home. The locals taught us their culture and lifestyle, from cooking and house living, to social nights drinking cava.

It was something I will never forget and would recommend to anyone who is looking to make a positive impact on other cultures and communities!

Emily M

I had an incredible time this summer with Think Pacific on the Global Team Internship.
Immersing myself in a new culture was a completely unique and new experience for me which I gained so much from. Working with locals opened my eyes to a different way of life and even made me think about changing some parts of my lifestyle at home. The internship was incredibly rewarding and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Abby Sparrow

Volunteering in Fiji, with Think Pacific, really opened my mind and has definitely been life changing. I was welcomed into the amazing Naseuvou village in the heart of the Naitasiri provence situated in Viti Levu (Fiji’s mainland) on the 18th January and was introduced to my new Fijian family and what an incredible, heartwarming and totally lovely family they were. Nene (Mum), Toutou (Dad) and three siblings, alongside numerous aunts, uncles and cousins! They have truly become my Fijian family and, even now that I’ve left, we are still keeping in contact! They’ll be friends and family for life!

For the Fijian youth, the morning workshops offered education on topics such as mental health (suicide is the biggest killer in Fiji but never gets talked about) alongside the basics of business, leadership, public health, the environment and first aid.

It was quickly evident that these workshops really opened their minds to wider perspectives and possible opportunities open to them. From conversations, many mentioned the enjoyment they felt participating in these workshops as well bringing attention to topics they had never previously discussed. It was heartwarming to see two of the youth sticking up the suicide awareness and warning signs posters made during the mental health workshop in the main village hall for others to see and help spread awareness. These workshops offered a fun, yet educational, discussion for both the youth of the village, and us volunteers. Many of these workshops included, song, dance, and role play.

In exchange, five key youth delivered workshops in the afternoon around the Fijian culture. We learnt skills such as how to perform the Meke (a traditional Fijian dance), prepare traditional desserts, and paid visits to a Fijian farm to plant cassava. These workshops helped us immerse ourselves in the culture and allowed for a cross cultural understanding for both the Fijians and the international volunteers.

Nothing can compare to the depth of experience, learning and self-knowledge that I received during my time in Naseuvou and I would go back in a heartbeat.

Chloe Fudge

Words can’t explain how amazing my time volunteering in Fiji with Think Pacific was. The village we stayed in was so welcoming and it was a privilege to be able to join their families. I had the best time ever and I will always be grateful I had the opportunity to experience it. I have made life long friends with other volunteers and also now have family on the other side of the world. I would recommend volunteering for Think Pacific to anyone as it was one of the best experiences of my life!

Jodie Williams

The project wasn’t without challenges but it was worth so much!!
The families in the village are so warm and welcoming!!
Everyone is so supportive and kind and willing to help you to get the most out of project. From the application process to being back at home, you’re never on your own if you need help or someone to talk to.
Take the opportunity to learn as much as you possibly can from the amazing people around you.
It was so incredible.

Amaani Zaman

Made some of the most amazing memories ! It was a life-changing experience. It was such a nice opportunity to get to know more about the beautiful Fijian culture. I am now part of a Fijian family who I absolutely adore. It was also very rewarding and educating as we got to share views on important topics like mental health. This has given me a new perception on life. I would highly recommend !!!

Lyssa Menhart

I enjoyed my time on placement with Think Pacific. There was some kinks that still need worked out, however I attended during their first year operating in Indonesia. The local staff were very supportive and insightful when teaching us about their culture. All the homestay families were incredible, really integrating all of us (even if we weren't living with them) into their daily lives as if we were family. The placement aspect was also good, however it is not a clinical setting. You are helping mental health in other ways, so this is something to keep in mind when applying. It is a great opportunity to become more aware of mental health practices across cultures and widen your own understanding of the world.

Guy Chalstrey

The month in Fiji I spent was the best month of my life. To be able to have an opportunity to go and live with a Fijian family in a rural Fijian village was simply incredible. To be able to witness the difference we were making in there Fijian youth's confidence and the confidence in ourselves was very rewarding. As well as doing that, being able to explore and see rural areas of the beautiful country was a huge bonus. The best part, for me, was reviving the village rugby team who hadn't played a game in 3 years and are now playing week in week out. I would recommend a Think Pacific Project to anyone and everyone.