The program orientation begins every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Suva on the day before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive in Fiji. There are two airport options for arriving to the Fiji program - Nausori International Airport (SUV) in Suva or Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Nadi.
Nausori International Airport is the most convenient for an airport pick-up, which are provided here on Saturdays and Sundays only. Nadi International Airport is the main international airport, where direct flights are more common and less expensive. Some volunteers opt to fly here and then take a 4.5 hour bus trip to Suva. If you choose this option and arrive into Nadi between 6am and 6pm on Saturday or Sunday, you will be met at the airport by a member of the local team who will provide assistance with your bus transfer to Suva, where you will be picked up at the bus station. If you arrive on a weekday or after 6pm on the weekend, you can arrange your own accommodation in Nadi and then make your way to Suva via bus the following morning. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Fiji prior to your volunteer program, you will need to make your own way to the volunteer accommodation and the local team will provide guidance on this.
There are two options for orientation for the Fiji Program. The first option is a one-day orientation, which begins on the morning of your chosen start date and runs for a full day. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Fiji, including an introduction to Fiji, Culture and Customs, Rules and Expectations, Safety, Travel Opportunities and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
The second option is Introduction Week, hosted by our Fiji team in Suva. The Introduction Week begins on the morning of your chosen start date and runs for the first five days of your stay. It is an awesome way to kickstart your volunteer abroad experience and it covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Fiji, plus you’ll learn more about the culture and get to tick off must-do Fiji experiences! Please note, the Introduction week is included in your total duration on the program.
The Introduction Week schedule is outlined below:
Monday |
Volunteer orientation (an introduction to Fiji and your program, Fijian culture lessons, travel and tour opportunities), followed by a tour of Suva city and a Kava Welcome Ceremony |
Tuesday |
Visit Mosquito Island and enjoy swimming and relaxing at the beach |
Wednesday |
Fijian Cooking class and languages class |
Thursday |
Museum and Colo-I-Suva Waterfall visit |
Friday |
Weaving Class and project preparation |
This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on the needs of the program, local weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
If you wish to participate in the Introduction Week, you can indicate this on your application form when you apply for the program or let your Program Manager know at least two weeks before you begin the program. Your IVHQ Program Manager will then add this to your file, as you need to book your place prior to departing for Fiji.