Primary English Teaching

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Experience the Fijian way of life in a rural community.
  • Empower children and communities through education and creative lessons.
  • Meet likeminded individuals and lifelong friends in fun and exciting scenarios.
  • Explore the numerous stunning locations in Fiji
  • Feel the powerful impact your presence has on the local community and embrace local activities.


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Empower local children by bringing education and awareness to local communities where socioeconomic issues prevent a strong public school curriculum.

In Fiji, the public school curriculum is quite limited with socio-economic issues and geographical distribution of ethnic groups providing very limited variety of other cultures and experiences. Most locals on Fiji can’t afford to travel, and in the villages there is little chance of contact with ...

About the program

In Fiji, the public school curriculum is quite limited with socio-economic issues and geographical distribution of ethnic groups providing very limited variety of other cultures and experiences. Most locals on Fiji can’t afford to travel, and in the villages there is little chance of contact with the outside world. The young population are in much need of assistance to broaden their awareness.

Volunteers experience life in both rural and urban areas, which is quite different from the average journey followed by a tourist. Volunteer teachers enable students to form relationships with someone from another culture, and the teachers can learn different teaching methods and techniques.

Mainly, volunteers assist the regular school teacher. So volunteers do not need to have any teaching background. However qualified teachers are very much in need and encouraged to apply. The volunteer will teach and educate to different age groups of children in different levels. The participants are free to be creative.

Teaching volunteers may choose to focus on  Music, and Arts and Crafts or expertise of volunteer. You will teach primary school students. As a teaching assistant, you will follow a customized timetable. If you have artistic skills, you have the opportunity to teach music or arts and crafts. You will be spending part of your day in a formal teaching setting and, therefore, you will have to follow the Fijian Ministry of Education’s formal dress code.

Kids Club

During the school holidays, we organise a kids’ club to provide a fun and educational experience for children during their breaks. The kids club takes place in community halls and is open to children aged 5 to 16 years old. Each week, the children are taught a specific theme, which is then further divided into subtopics to make learning easier for them. The club’s activities typically run from Monday to Friday, starting at 9 am and ending at 2:30 pm. In the afternoons, you, with the assistance of local coordinators, plan the lessons for the following day.

Furthermore, on Fridays, the kids’ club focuses on Sports Education, offering an exciting and active way for the children to engage and learn.

Location

Coral Coast is noted as the ‘adventure capital of Fiji’ and is located about 1 hour from Suva and 1 hour from Nadi. It is known for it’s incredibly beautiful coast line, tourist beaches and resorts and heaps of activities from 4 wheel drive tours, shark feeding, surfing, rivers & waterfalls, golf etc and is home to the famous Bega lagoon and bega fire walkers. Sigatoka is the gateway to the Coral coast and home to several of our projects.

Project Tasks

Volunteers will help teach and educate primary school children of different ages at different academic and physical levels. Tasks may include but are not limited to;

  • Planning lessons
  • Doing crafts
  • Computer class
  • Conversational skils
  • English language teaching
  • Level exams



Typical day

You may choose to focus on music, arts and crafts, or any expertise that you already have. You will teach primary school students. As a teaching assistant, you will follow a customized timetable. You will be spending part of your day in a formal teaching setting, and you will therefore have to ...

Typical day

You may choose to focus on music, arts and crafts, or any expertise that you already have. You will teach primary school students. As a teaching assistant, you will follow a customized timetable. You will be spending part of your day in a formal teaching setting, and you will therefore have to follow the Fijian Ministry of Education’s formal dress code.

Program Activities: Planning lessons, Doing crafts, computer classes, conversation, English language teaching, preparing for level exams, games, and various dynamic activities.

Your session at school will start at 9AM and will continue until 2PM. You will take a packed lunch and have it at school.

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***   

*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience. 


Free-time activities

Coral Coast/ Sigatoka

  • Visit the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park: This national park in Sigatoka is home to ancient Fijian archaeological sites and offers stunning views of the coastline.
  • Be adventourous with white-water rafting, shark feeding, jet ski tours, zip lining and diving.
  • Go on a river ...

Free-time activities

Coral Coast/ Sigatoka

  • Visit the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park: This national park in Sigatoka is home to ancient Fijian archaeological sites and offers stunning views of the coastline.
  • Be adventourous with white-water rafting, shark feeding, jet ski tours, zip lining and diving.
  • Go on a river safari: Take a guided tour up the Sigatoka River to explore the Fijian interior and see traditional Fijian villages.
  • Explore the Kula Eco Park: This conservation park in Sigatoka is home to many endangered Fijian species, including the Fijian crested iguana and the banded iguana.
  • Relax on the beach: The Coral Coast is home to many beautiful beaches, including Natadola Beach and the beach at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.
  • Take a coral reef tour: Explore the beautiful coral reefs off the coast of the Coral Coast on a snorkeling or diving tour.
  • Visit the Tavuni Hill Fort: This historic fort near Sigatoka dates back to the 1700s and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Visit the Biausevu Waterfall: This beautiful waterfall near Sigatoka is surrounded by lush rainforest and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
  • Go on a sea kayaking tour: Explore the coastline and offshore islands of the Coral Coast on a guided sea kayaking tour.
  • Attend a traditional Fijian ceremony: Many hotels and resorts in the Sigatoka and Coral Coast areas offer traditional Fijian ceremonies, including kava ceremonies and meke dance performances.
  • Visit the Sigatoka Market: This bustling market in the heart of Sigatoka offers fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.   


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

Whats Included:


  • Arrival  airport transfer
  • 3 Meals p/day weekdays, 2 meals p/day weekends
  • Accommodation (Volunteer Centers – shared dorm style rooms)
  • Daily ground transportation (to/from project)
  • Training & supervision as required
  • Use of necessary equipment incl program materials
  • 24/7 emergency assistance, volunteer support, local guiding and advice
  • Touring & excursions as per itinerary
  • Certificate of Completion 

Airport Pickup at Nadi International Airport

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Nadi International Airport (NAN). You must arrive between 06:00 to 18:00 on either the Saturday or Sunday. There is an extra fee for Saturday night accommodation. 

If you arrive outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer for an extra fee.

If you want to book any extra nights before or after your program, you can do this for an extra fee. 

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From Nadi International Airport to your accommodation by road (taxi or bus) it takes 1 hour & 30 minutes.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in a dedicated house for volunteers with shared bedrooms 4-6 persons per room (single gender rooms). Living with other volunteers in a dormitory-style house is heaps of fun and a great way to meet like minded travellers. The volunteer houses are in close proximity to a basic supermarkets, ATM, fresh fruit and vegetable stands, petrol stations and bus stop.

The bathrooms are shared with western style toilets and cold showers. The accommodation is equipped with free Wi-Fi which volunteers are able to use. Laundry services are available for a small fee. Bed linen and fans are provided. We recommend volunteers bring their own towel. The rooms are lockable and there are also safety deposit boxes available.

*For couples, families or those wanting more privacy, we reccommend a private room, which is available for an additional fee, subject to availability.

*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.


Food & Beverages

Meals are served at the volunteer house 3 times per day during the week; breakfast and dinner only are served during the weekends. There is also filtered water available at the volunteer center.  Bottled water is readily available in Fiji.  If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you.  

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Nadi. We assist you to find cheap flights to Fiji. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Fiji provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Fiji you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Fiji. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Arrival on Sunday for free pickup.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 1,525€
8 weeks 2,717€
12 weeks (max. stay) 3,891€
Average fees 352€/week

Program fees

352€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers IVI

Brilliant 4.7 rating (204 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1989

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

SUPPORT

From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

FUN!
Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

204 reviews · rating4.7

Miu rating4.8

2024 at Primary English Teaching

I learned a lot about cultural differences, which is interesting. We, the Japanese do not insist on our opinion, but Fijian children insist on what they think a lot. The children were always friendly and welcomed me to Fiji. On 1st day of volunteering, they asked my name and were around me with a ...
Emily rating5

2023 at Primary English Teaching

It was such a beautiful experience. everybody on the island is so accommodating and welcomes you with open arms, it is difficult however to adjust to the different routines but so worth it! Again, so accomodating, felt so supported the entire trip, always providing what was needed. ..
Luura rating5

2019 at Primary English Teaching

It was an amazing opportunity that I will never forget. Will definitely be interested in doing some more volunteering in the near future. Highlights include teaching the kids at Nokonoko District was very fulfilling. Learning more about the Fijian language and overall culture. Day trip to snorkel ...
The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. I am grateful for this experience, for the people I met and for the wonderful people who cared for us throughout the 2 weeks. This trip has inspired me to pursue ...
There were so many highlights to this trip! However the one that stood out the most was living in Moala village for one week. The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. The people we visited in Moala, Yako ...
I am so blessed to have been lead by amazing dietician and naturopathic professionals who have inspired what I hope to be in this field one day. Words and pictures could never capture how life changing this experience was, and what beautiful souls these people hold. Pictures also don’t capture how ...

Location

Oceania > Melanesia > Fiji > Sigatoka

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Contact Lauren
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