Meet the ambassador – Lily – LAWPL, Fiji

Name: Lily Jones

School, Degree Programme: School of Law and Politics, Politics and International relations, Year 3

Host destination: Fiji

Tell us about your global opportunity—where did you go, and what did you do?
This summer I was involved in a Youth Empowerment Project with Think Pacific that I took part of in the village of Verevere. The Youth Empowerment project involved working with the youth in the village on important topics where as a collective we were presenting and delivering workshops, working alongside the youth in the village to deliver and take part in these workshop sessions. These workshops took place in the morning and we had culture courses in the afternoon delivered by people in the village where we were taught about different Fijian traditions and customs and also the different work that many people do in the village such as farming and weaving.

I was apart of a group of 15 volunteers and we were all placed with different families in the village, so whilst we were there we lived with a family who during the time we spent in Fiji became like a second family. It was an amazing way to truly immerse into the Fijian culture and learn so much about the beautiful culture and traditions.

What surprised you the most about your host country/programme/time abroad?
What surprised me most about my time abroad is that even though I was thousands of miles away from the UK, whilst I was in the village I truly felt at home. I still missed my family and friends very much in the UK, however the village felt like such a home to me whilst I was there due to the fact that we were welcomed so kindly into the people of Verevere’s homes.

What is the one thing you miss about your time abroad?
I certainly miss my Fijian family, and the delicious Fijian food that we had whilst we were there, one of my favourite foods was called Cassava which is a root vegetable and it is delicious, something I am definitely missing!! The Kava and hop hop sessions, where Kava would be drank and everyone would dance during the Kava ceremonies was such a fun time and something I miss very much.

What’s something you’re passionate about outside of your studies?
I really like baking, (when I have the time) and try to bake some nice things for my housemates and try and improve on not burning my creations.

What’s your favourite place on campus/in Cardiff?
Bute park- it is such a nice place to walk around, especially when the weather is nice in Cardiff!!

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year (a dream destination), where would it be—and why?
If I could live anywhere in the world it would have to be Paris, it has always been at the top of my bucket list. It seems like such a beautiful city and I would love to see it in the Christmas time.

What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
I have actually been on a CBBC show!

Describe your global experience in three words:
Unforgettable, extraordinary, fulfilling

What advice would you give to students considering a global opportunity?
To any students considering a global opportunity I’d say definitely do it, it may seem scary and nerve-racking but it will all be worth it when you have so many amazing memories. There will always be people to help with the process of applying to whichever opportunity you want to do abroad and even when you are over there. It will be such an amazing experience!