In this interview, we hear from Christina Gutel. Christina is a Peace Corps volunteer working as a Community Economic Empowerment Program (CEEP) volunteer in Fiji. What Christina shares gives us a better understanding of the work volunteers do. We learn about the challenges, rewards, and personal growth that happens from volunteering in a new place. Christina talks about living in a different country, working with local people, and dealing with surprise situations. Join us as we learn about Christina’s journey and see how volunteering with Peace Corps can change lives.
Table of Contents
- Volunteer Experience and Motivation
- Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
- Surprises and Challenges
- Advice and Support
- Practical Tips and Language Learning
- Social Identity during Service
- Final Thoughts
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
1. Tell us more about serving as an CED volunteer in Fiji
As a CEEP volunteer in Fiji, my role revolves around working alongside communities to create and implement sustainable economic opportunities.
A typical day includes interacting with the community and performing normal chores and activities of daily living. Once a week or so, I will collaborate with local leaders, Mataqali’s (land-owning units), women’s groups, and youth organizations through workshops, training sessions, and project planning.
I also conduct governance training or assist in identifying funding opportunities for community-led projects. It has been a profound privilege to learn about the iTaukei culture and its rich history, particularly within the interior of Fiji, where traditions are deeply rooted and provide invaluable insights into the community’s identity and resilience.
2. What motivated you to join the Peace Corps and choose Fiji?
After two decades of professional legal and international experience, I sought to redirect my expertise toward humanitarian and community-focused work. I chose to submit a general application to the Peace Corps without specifying a particular country, trusting that I would be placed where my skills, experience, and curiosity about other cultures could provide the most impact. I like to believe that I was perfectly placed in Fiji, where I can use my background to achieve meaningful results.
Joining the Peace Corps offered the unique opportunity to engage directly with grassroots efforts, where meaningful change is most visible. Fiji’s emphasis on traditional governance and environmental resilience has provided an incredible platform for growth and collaboration. The chance to contribute to a culture that deeply respects Vanua (the land) and Lotu (faith) has been both humbling and inspiring, reaffirming my decision to serve in a role that promotes sustainable and inclusive development.
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. Tell us more about your home situation
I’ve had the privilege of experiencing life in five different villages. Each place has provided a unique perspective on Fijian culture and hospitality. Currently, I live alone in a small village in the Naitasiri Province’s interior. My home, situated in the heart of the village, is a comfortable and functional space with basic amenities, including a dining room table and chairs.
It is highly unusual for anyone, certainly female, to live in a home by themselves. Despite language and cultural differences, we connect through shared goals of family well-being and community prosperity. Living in a rural setting offers a simple yet fulfilling lifestyle, with meals often featuring fresh root crops such as dalo and cassava, fish, and seasonal tropical fruits.
I am fortunate to live in an incredibly beautiful area and scenic walks are the highlight of my day, especially in the morning. It is a benefit to learn more about the iTaukei, especially New Year’s and holiday celebrations, where you just may get splashed with water!
4. Any memorable experiences or interactions you’ve had?
One of the most profound aspects of my Peace Corps experience in Fiji has been the opportunity to learn about the rich history and traditions of the iTaukei people. Through old stories, customs, and daily interactions, I’ve been privileged to gain insights into the deep connection that the iTaukei have with their land—Vanua—and how this bond influences their identity, governance, and way of life. These stories are not only a reflection of the past but are living narratives that continue to shape the culture today.
The history of Fiji comes alive through the explanations from each village and the tales of ancestors that are shared in a manner both intimate and sacred. These stories are priceless treasures, often only offered when trust and mutual respect are established. They carry lessons of resilience, wisdom, and adaptability—values that have guided the iTaukei through centuries of change. It is an honor to be entrusted with these narratives, and I deeply respect the responsibility that comes with listening to and preserving them.
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about challenges in Fiji?
One of the most remarkable aspects of working with the iTaukei people is witnessing their inherent ability to adapt to any task, new idea, or concept entirely on their own. The greatest challenge I face as a volunteer is learning to slow down and align my efforts with the pace of the community.
Progress here operates on a timeline that reflects the priorities and values of the people, not the expectations I might initially bring. I am learning more about myself and adopting aspects of the local culture than I am influencing my community. Patience and humility have been my greatest gifts—and my greatest personal challenges.
While I’ve been privileged to contribute meaningful programs and achieve excellent results when invited by the community, I remain diligent in ensuring that these efforts align with what the community wants, on their terms, and in their time. My initial excitement to help has found balance in celebrating the simple joys of daily life, such as successfully catching prawns in the river or mastering the preparation of RouRou (a beloved local dish).
6. What challenges did you face while working on CED projects?
One of the most significant challenges I’ve encountered has been obtaining the “buy-in” from the community for the projects we pursue together. A key example was when I was tasked with assisting in the production of a Sustainable Development Plan for one of my communities. The process involved several layers of community engagement, including focus groups, household surveys, and numerous meetings to gather comprehensive input, but presenting the completed plan in a way that conveyed its importance, and the interconnectedness of its components proved challenging. It required ongoing efforts to build trust and ensure that the community felt a genuine sense of ownership over the plan.
To address this, we developed a “roll-out” program that involved key stakeholders, such as the church, local leaders, and community representatives. We also created a roadmap that included explaining the development plan and outlining the next steps for implementation. While the scope and effort required for implementation initially seemed daunting, the results have been remarkable. The plan is actively working, driving progress, and fostering resilience within the community.
7. Could you share some of the secondary projects you have been involved?
One of the highlights of my secondary projects has been my participation in the inaugural session of the Blue Pacific Youth Initiative in Fiji. This initiative, grounded in the principles of the Blue Pacific 2050 strategy, provided an incredible platform to engage with youth representatives and climate resilience activists and specialists from Vanuatu, Samoa, and Tonga. The program emphasized regional cooperation, environmental sustainability, and the empowerment of youth voices in addressing climate challenges across the Pacific.
Being part of this initiative was both inspiring and educational, as it allowed us to exchange ideas, share innovative practices, and collaborate on strategies to enhance resilience in our respective communities. The interactions with representatives from neighboring Pacific nations fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose, while also highlighting the unique challenges faced by each region.
Advice and Support
8. What advice would you give to someone considering serving as an CED volunteer in Fiji?
Come with an open heart, boundless curiosity, and a willingness to embrace a level of adaptability and resilience you may not have tapped into before. This journey, while profoundly fulfilling, empowering, and professionally rewarding, requires significant flexibility and perseverance. Building strong connections with fellow PCVs, community members, and supporters from home is crucial for navigating the challenges and celebrating the triumphs of your service.
Approach each day with an open mind, ready to learn and adapt. Building trust is paramount—immerse yourself in the culture, honor traditions, and truly listen to the voices of those around you. Success here is not about quick results but about collaboration, patience, and earning the confidence of your community. The rewards of this service are transformative, leaving you with experiences, growth, and relationships that will shape you for a lifetime.
9. How has the Peace Corps training helped you during your service?
Pre-Service Training (PST) is essential for a quick, deep dive into the Peace Corps policies, procedures, and the expectations that come with serving in your future community. It sets a strong foundation for understanding what the administrative staff expects from you as a PCV. PST equips you with critical language skills, cultural insights, and technical training. To make the most of it, I highly recommend asking questions, practicing the language daily, and seizing every chance to connect with your host family. While the work in the communities can sometimes be isolating, PST helps create a support network, with the option to reach out to your supervisor for advice or assistance.
Mid-Service Training (MST) was especially enriching for me as it included bringing a female counterpart from my village. This experience strengthened our friendship and allowed us to develop a solid plan for the remainder of my service. MST further helps refine your goals and adapt your projects as you grow into your role.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
10. Anything that you packed or didn’t pack that you’d like to tell future Fiji volunteers?
If I could do it over again, I would definitely bring better rain gear and waterproof boots! The tropical climate can be unpredictable, and these have been essential for managing the wet conditions. I also recommend bringing an additional pair of sturdy flip-flops or quality beach sandals, especially for river crossings – I’ve gone through several pairs! It’s also important to pack enough of any personal essentials you might need for the full two and a half years. I miscalculated the timing on my hair products and was fortunate that family and friends could help out by sending more.
One thing I’ve found is that I miss many of the conveniences of home, especially the ease with which things are available. For packing, I suggest durable footwear for navigating village terrain, lightweight clothing suited for the tropical climate, and small gifts to show appreciation to your host family, hot sauce is a real winner here!
11. How has learning the language been?
Learning iTaukei has been both challenging and rewarding. I may not be able to fully master the language, but I make a continuous effort to utilize common phrases and important iTaukei references that help me build connections. The schoolchildren in my village have been some of my best teachers, patiently helping me learn new words and phrases every day. I focus on daily practice and embrace my mistakes.
It’s not only about learning the language but also about building relationships and earning trust. The joy on people’s faces when I speak their language makes every effort worthwhile and has been one of the most rewarding parts of my experience.
Social Identity during Service
12. Service Experience:
- In what ways do you think being a woman has shaped your approach to community engagement and service during your Peace Corps assignment?
Being a mature female volunteer in a patriarchal society like Fiji has certainly influenced my approach to community engagement. The traditional leadership structure, particularly the Turaga (male community leaders), can present challenges, especially given that it is uncommon for a woman to advise them, particularly from outside the community and culture.
However, I have found that patience, consistency, and respect for their roles have been key to overcoming these barriers. By taking the time to establish trust and showing genuine respect for their leadership, I have been able to contribute valuable advice and insights.
13. Challenges and Triumphs:
- What challenges have you faced during your Peace Corps service, especially as woman, and how did you overcome them?
As a mother and an experienced professional within the community, I’ve approached my Peace Corps service with a deep sense of responsibility and respect for the roles I hold, both as a woman and as a mother. In my work, I’ve reminded community members that I bring not only my professional expertise but also the wisdom and nurturing spirit that comes with being a mother and a mature PCV. This perspective has helped me bridge generational and cultural gaps in ways that resonate with community members.
By emphasizing my position as a mother and experienced volunteer, I’ve been able to earn respect and build stronger connections, particularly when it comes to community development efforts. This role has allowed me to approach situations with empathy and understanding, reminding people of the importance of family, care, and nurturing within their projects. It has also provided me with a unique position to encourage the younger generation and help guide them, just as I would with my own children.
14. Advice for Aspiring Volunteers:
- What advice would you give to other women considering joining the Peace Corps?
To other individuals who share similar social identities—whether it’s being an experienced professional woman, a mother, or someone from a specific cultural background—considering joining the Peace Corps, I would offer this advice:
- Embrace your identity and experiences: Your life experiences are invaluable. You bring a unique perspective that can enrich your community and the work you do.
- Patience is key: The Peace Corps will push you outside your comfort zone, and it may take time for you to fully integrate into the community. Patience and consistency are essential — change doesn’t happen overnight, but with your steady presence and respect for local customs, you will have a lasting impact.
- Leverage your nurturing instincts: Your natural instincts and qualities will translate to a new community. Don’t underestimate the importance of emotional connections and the sense of security you bring.
- Find allies: Look for other women leaders and supportive community members who understand the challenges you may face and can offer guidance or partnership.
- Be prepared to learn: While you bring valuable knowledge, be open to learning from the community as well. Every experience is an opportunity for growth, and in many cases, the community can teach you just as much as you teach them.
- Be flexible and adaptable: The Peace Corps will demand flexibility, especially when facing new challenges. Your age or background may sometimes mean you need to approach things differently. However, you’ll find that adaptability is an essential skill that will serve you well, both during your service and in future endeavors.
- Trust the process: Your Peace Corps experience is a journey. Trust that everything you experience—whether a challenge or a success—is part of a larger, transformative result of your service that not only impacts the community but also shapes you in profound ways.
Final Thoughts
Christina’s story highlights the profound growth, challenges, and rewards of serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Fiji. Her journey reflects the importance of patience, cultural respect, and adaptability in fostering meaningful community relationships and sustainable change. From navigating daily life in a rural village to embracing the rich iTaukei traditions, Christina’s experiences remind us of the lasting impact of volunteer service—not only on the communities served but also on the volunteers themselves. Her advice to approach this journey with an open heart, curiosity, and resilience resonates deeply, inspiring others to consider the transformative path of Peace Corps service.
What are you waiting for? Opportunities like this don’t come often. If you have a passion for service and an adventurous spirit like Christina’s, apply to the Peace Corps today. Expand your horizons, push your limits, and create positive impact as a volunteer. You never know how serving as a Peace Corps volunteer could change your life.
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or Fiji Government.
