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Volunteer in Fiji in Summer 2026 with Think Pacific and support youth empowerment through education, sports, and community projects. You'll live in a traditional village with a Fijian family, and work as part of a team making a lasting impact on children’s lives. The programme combines meaningful volunteer work with cultural immersion and adventurous experiences across the Fiji Islands.
Promote Youth Empowerment in Fiji
Programme Description
In partnership with the Fijian Government, volunteering in Fiji with Think Pacific’s projects offer you the opportunity to join a traditional village, become a member of a Fijian family and work as a team to contribute to education, youth and sports development projects.
On each project volunteers work as a team to transform the lives of children living in hardship. You'll start your project in Nadi, where you'll get to know your teammates and the Think Pacific team, and the Fijian Government will brief you on the aims and life ahead in the traditional Fijian communities.
During the project you will be adopted by a traditional Fijian family and work to complete a diverse set of projects, which are making a lasting difference to Fijian children. You will also have the opportunity to go on guided adventure days and unique cultural experiences.
This project is for enthusiastic individuals who want to step out of their comfort zone, experience true cultural immersion and develop their skills, whilst exploring and contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The result is one of the most rewarding and extraordinary experiences of your life.
Find out more about the project on Think Pacific's Ulster-only webpage.
Information Sessions
For more information you can join us at one of our information sessions! This will be a chance to learn about the project in more detail and ask any questions you may have.
Check back in September for details of our next information session.
Key Information | |
Programme Provider | |
Dates | June – July 2026 (plus a few days for travelling) |
Eligibility | Open to registered Undergraduate and Postgraduate students (not suitable for final years). |
Programme Cost | Project Cost: £2145 to be paid by student to Think Pacific (this includes the £195 registration fee) Turing funding (opens in new window) is available for eligible students to assist towards the project cost. Students will be expected to contribute the following amounts towards the project cost: £665 for most students or £195 if your household income is less than £25,000* |
Flights | An additional scholarship of up to £1500 is available towards the cost of your return flights. This will be paid to students once flights are confirmed and evidence (receipts) are provided. |
Programme Cost Includes |
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Additional Costs | Approx. £300 for spending money. |
Application Information
Application | Applications are currently closed. |
Application Deadline | Applications are currently closed. |
Interview | You will be invited to an online group interview if you are shortlisted at application stage. Interview dates will be released shortly. |
Interview Guidance | If you require support and guidance to help you prepare for interview reach out to your Employability & Graduate Futures Team. You can request a 1:1 appointment via Handshake or contact the team via e-mail: graduatefutures@ulster.ac.uk |
Widening Access and Participation
You will be eligible for a higher rate of Turing Scheme funding if you meet one of the criteria below:
- You are in receipt of an Ulster University Access Bursary
- You are from an area of low higher education participation, low household income or low socioeconomic status (including those with an annual household income of £25,000 or less)
- You receive Income Support or Universal Credit and are financially supporting yourself or financially supporting yourself and someone who is dependent on you and living with them, such as a child or partner
- You are from a background of care
- You have caring responsibilities
- You have no living parents
- Your parents cannot be found or it is not reasonably practicable to get in touch with either of them (estranged students)
- You are a refugee or asylum seeker
Proof of the above criteria will be required as part of your application.
Pre-Departure Information
If you are selected for this opportunity following successful application and interview, the following details will help you prepare for pre-departure:
Visa Requirements | You are responsible for ensuring that you meet the host country's immigration requirements. This will vary depending on the type of passport you hold. Further advice on the visa application will be provided as part of the pre-departure process, but it is your responsibility to ensure your familiarity with this. Please note, if travelling out of Dublin airport, students without a British or Irish passport may also need an additional Irish visa. |
Foreign Travel Advice | Ensure you read through the Government Travel Guidance Advice for Fiji: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/fiji |
Healthcare & Travel Insurance | You will automatically be covered for emergency travel insurance and medical emergency cover through Ulster University’s Group Personal Accident and Travel insurance policy for the duration of this programme. Print and carry a copy of the Travel Cover Summary (opens in new window) Review the cover thoroughly to check it's sufficient for your needs; if it does not cover everything, you will need to take out additional cover. |
Vaccinations | Ensure you read through the recommended vaccine requirements for the country you are travelling to: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/79/fiji#Vaccine_Recommendations |
Pre-departure Guide | There’s lots to think about before, during and after your programme. Read the Pre-departure Guide (opens in new window) thoroughly for advice on to how to prepare and what to expect from your experience abroad. |
Pre-departure Information Sessions | Once final candidates have been selected you will be invited to a number of mandatory pre-departure sessions to help you prepare for your programme. This will be an opportunity for you to meet other students who will be joining you and it is a requirement of the programme that you attend. |
Travel Preparation and Medical Disclosure | As part of the pre-departure preparation, you will be asked to submit a mandatory travel preparation form and a medical disclosure form. Both forms are required so we can assess that you are fully prepared for the programme and can provide you with additional support if required. |
