Expected Challenges
Everyone will encounter challenges when taking on a Think Pacific project, whether that is learning and practicing new skills or throwing yourself into an entirely new setting for the first time! Life in a Fijian Village will no doubt present some challenges… it is beautiful, it is amazing but it is very different from what we may be used to oversees. See below for some awareness points when it comes to village life.
Some challenges
By ‘Western’ standards, living conditions in a Fijian village are relatively basic. Please be prepared for a simple and comparatively tough lifestyle, with cold bucket showers located a short walk away from your home and very basic toilet facilities.
You will undoubtedly feel a sense of culture shock in your first week in Fiji. Fijian culture is beautiful but the lifestyle will be very different from the one you may be used to and the unfamiliar surroundings can leave you feeling a world away from home.
It is completely normal to feel uncomfortable and out of your depth for the first few days. Don’t be disheartened, remain positive, speak with your leaders if necessary and keep throwing yourself into the experience and the different customs and daily activities. The more you become familiar with people and culture, the more familiar the whole experience will feel!
Trust us when we say that there really is nothing like a Fijian village. You may struggle with different aspects of life to start with, but by the end of the project we find our volunteers look back upon the challenges with so much pride.
Visiting rural Fiji just wouldn’t be the life-changing experience it is, without having the tough times and culture shock to begin with. By the end of your project you will feel as though the community is now like a family to you. It is this transformation from feeling homesick at first, to feeling part of the Fijian community by the end that our volunteers come to cherish most from their project.
Top Tips:
- It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed at first.
- Keep positive, it will get eaiser and by the end of the project you will be incredibly proud!
- Be open and pro-active in sharing concerns with your leaders.
- Take every opportunity to be involved in community activities.
- Refrain from spending time on your phone or trying to call home, it often only makes homesickness worse.
- Use the support of your leaders, your team and your family.
- Be mindful of all the amazing experiences and opportunities around you and that you may never get to be here again.
- Remember that Think Pacific is an experience that is reflective and wouldn’t be as rewarding if it didn’t come with challenges to overcome.