A Summer in Fiji

Name
Lily Jones

Academic School
School of Law and Politics

Where did you go?
Fiji, with Think Pacific

What type of placement did you complete?
Volunteering – summer programme

What motivated you to take up a Global Opportunity?~
I have always had a desire and passion for travelling, I have been fortunate enough to visit several countries with friends and family however I have never had the opportunity to travel to the other side of the world, (especially by myself!) I have a passion to experience new cultures, seeing new places and meeting amazing people. I felt that by taking up a global opportunity this would help me to improve my self-confidence, meet new people, and to be able to see a beautiful country and make memories that I will never forget.

What were your top 3 highlights from your time abroad?

My top 3 highlights from my time abroad were:

1- Living with my Fijian family, during my time in Fiji I stayed with a family in a village called Verevere. We were placed with families who hosted our group of volunteers for the time we were there, and the family who hosted me became like a second family. Meeting everyone in the family and in the village, and the kindness from everybody in the village who welcomed us into their homes is like something I have never experienced before and is something that I will always cherish.

2- Our welcome into the village, we experienced a traditional Fijian welcome as we arrived into the village and seeing everyone for the first time who we would be spending the next 3 weeks with was a surreal feeling, it was very emotional and another moment I will never forget.

3- The beauty of the village and of rural Fiji is one of the most amazing and beautiful things I have ever seen, being able to wake up to it everyday is something that I miss and certainly won’t forget.

What was your biggest challenge? How did you overcome it?
I was in Fiji from the months of July to August which is their Winter, however it still can be very hot which could sometimes be a struggle, as the clothing that we had to wear in the village was long skirts/sulus and t-shirts or shirts, but we had fans handy to help us cool down! Another challenge is certainly taking the leap to go, it is going into the unknown and for me before getting on that flight it felt very scary, however once you take that leap and do it, it is such a proud moment.

How has your placement been beneficial to your studies at Cardiff University or your future career?
My time abroad this summer has been beneficial as it has certainly provided me with new skills that I will be able to use in a future career and my studies, it has taught me perseverance, a new found self-confidence, and has made me think about possible future job opportunities to do with travelling, so has helped me to want to continue with my passion for travelling and exploring the world.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you left?
One thing that I wish I had known before I left is that it is okay to feel overwhelmed at first and that the feeling is completely normal, going to a country you have never been to before it will be a bit of a culture shock and it might take a few days even a week or two to fully adapt and that is okay!

What would you say to a student that was unsure about spending a period abroad?
I would say it is definitely a nerve-racking moment until you step off the plane at your destination and even from there it may feel scary, but the opportunity that you are about to do and the time you are going to spend abroad will be one of the best things you have ever done in your life, so even if you are feeling unsure just know you can overcome those fears and can go and have the most amazing time and there will always be someone there to help you whenever you need it!

What are 3 things to do in your host destination?
Fiji is such a beautiful country, and there are so many amazing islands and places to explore. I spent the majority of my time whilst in Fiji in the village, however when arriving into Fiji many people arrive into Nadi and from there, there are many day trips and islands that are easily accessible to get to from there.

– Visiting Suva- the capital of Fiji (stopped off here for some shopping)

– Yasawa Islands

-Malamala Beach club- (somewhere I got the chance to go to and had such an amazing day, was able to snorkel and it is the most beautiful island)

Share your top tips for thriving in your programme destination

To thrive in your programme destination it is always good to research the country and have an idea of the places you may be going! Learning some of the language, customs, making sure you know what is best to pack etc, making sure you are confident with the travelling aspect- airports, transfer flights, what to do when arriving into your host country etc, all of these things will make your experience a lot less stressful and hopefully smooth sailing.

Please sum up your experience abroad in one sentence
My experience in Fiji living in Verevere village was one of the best experiences I have ever had, I feel so lucky to have met such lovely people and to see the most beautiful country.