Think Pacific

Think Pacific is a UK social enterprise and registered Fijian charity, which works with local government partners to achieve ethical, responsible and sustainable development in remote Fijian communities, whilst allowing university students to have a safe, structured and rewarding experience. Think Pacific offers volunteering opportunities in Fiji and recently Bali.

Think Pacific works as a two-way process. We improve the life-skills, global understanding and personal development of both local Youths and international youths through collaborative learning and volunteering.  

There are 5 different projects available in Fiji. These include:

  • Community Build
  • Mental Health
  • Public Health
  • Sports Development
  • Youth Empowerment (Think Pacific's flagship project, a combination of all the above)

During each, international volunteers live at the heart of a Fijian village, experience challenges, teamwork and cultural differences and work side-by-side with Fijian youths to discuss, explore and implement programmes to tackle a range of social issues. All seek to achieve the aims of Fiji’s National Development Plan. 

In partnership with the Fijian government, the overall goal is to increase access to information, advice and opportunity for children and youths in rural Fijian communities, whilst empowering young people (Fijian and international) to become more self-confident, culturally astute and empathetic leaders, who can tackle local and global challenges.

After 15 years of working solely in the Fiji Islands, Think Pacific has recently expanded its reach to Bali. They aim to continue to be a small and personable organisation that works in direct partnership with government ministries, industry leaders and NGOs across the Asia-Pacific region.

The project available in Bali:

  • Mental Health 

 

  • Anyone over 18 years old can apply to Think Pacific projects.
  • Manchester students can join Think Pacific projects throughout the summer on multiple start dates. Projects last for one month and you'll be volunteering alongside students from other universities.
  • Volunteers will receive pre-departure preparation and support from the Think Pacific Project Coordinator and Team Leader.
  • Once in country the volunteers journey begins with a 3-day resort briefing. This allows you to acclimatise, bond as a team and prepare for the project through project related workshops. The workshops will be based around culture, customs and the work you will be undertaking on your project.
  • Volunteers will stay in a Fijian village in a homestay with a local family and will get involved in local Fijian life alongside the volunteering activities.
  • The approximate total cost of this project is £3,500, this includes:
  • Registration fee £195 - covers UK administration and pre-departure preparation packs, training and support;
  • Project / living costs £1950 - covers all accommodation, food, transport and project related costs as well as outreach activates and guided tours;
  • Flights approximately £1200;
  • Other costs include visas, vaccinations and any additional spending money
  • You can see a breakdown of how Think Pacific invests their project costs here.
  • Students can apply for funding through the Work Experience Bursary and the Travel Awards.
  • Turing Scheme funding may also be available (this will be confirmed March 2024) for eligible students* towards living costs and flights. (*Home fee students on a 4 week placement, with a household income of less than £35k, as assessed by Student Finance). To apply for this funding email volunteers@manchester.ac.uk
  • In addition, support is provided by the University's Volunteering Team to help students fundraise for international projects. Get in touch with us via volunteers@manchester.ac.uk.
  • Please apply by searching for 'Think Pacific' on Volunteer Hub.

Find out more