Welcome to your best source of information for Peace Corps Fiji! If you’re considering volunteering in Fiji, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you more about the history of the Peace Corps in Fiji and explore Fiji as a nation. You’ll learn about the languages spoken in the country and hear about other volunteers experiences. You can find more information about safety and health issues here too. And we’ll tell you how to connect with returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who served in Fiji. Get ready to find out more about information to help you decide if serving in Fiji is right for you.
Volunteers in Fiji work on projects in Community Economic Development (leave in September).
What is the History of Peace Corps in Fiji?
The Peace Corps program in the island country of Fiji started in 1968. Fiji had just become an independent nation. Since then, over 2,500 volunteers have helped with various community development projects.
Volunteers focused on several different program areas over the decades. Peace Corps teachers have taught subjects like English, math, and science. Volunteers worked in environmental education, managing coastal areas, and sustainable farming practices. Youth development programs taught life skills and got kids involved in community service. Health volunteers taught about public health, nutrition, clean water, and HIV/AIDs awareness.
Today, the Community Economic Empowerment Project (CEEP) places volunteers in rural villages. They support the nation’s goal of inclusive socioeconomic growth. They work with their counterparts in 3 areas – project design and management, income-generating activities, and personal money management.
What about Fiji as a nation?
Fiji is a nation made up of over 300 islands in the South Pacific. The two biggest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Almost 900,000 people live in Fiji. The major ethnic groups are Indigenous Fijians, Indo-Fijians, and some other smaller groups. The official languages spoken are English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi.
Fiji used to be a colony ruled by Britain for almost 100 years. It became an independent country in 1970. Since independence, there has been some political instability and military coups. But, Fiji has been a democracy again since 2014. The economy relies heavily on tourists visiting the tropical islands. Fiji also exports exporting sugar cane.
Fiji is part of groups like the Pacific Islands Forum and the Commonwealth of Nations. The climate is warm and tropical with beautiful beaches, and coral reefs with marine life. The main religions are Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. Rugby is the most popular sport in Fiji.
What languages do they speak in Fiji?
English is an official language as Fiji was formerly a British colony. It is widely used for education, government, and commerce.
Fijian is the native language of the ethnic Fijians, who make up around 57% of the population. It has several dialects.
Fiji Hindi is spoken by around 27% of the population, who are Fijians of Indian descent. Their ancestors came to Fiji in the 19th century as laborers during British rule. Fiji Hindi is derived from Awadhi and Bhojpuri dialects mixed with other languages.
During their service in Fiji, Volunteers learn to speak Fijian (vosa vakaviti).
How safe is it serve as a volunteer in Fiji?
In general, 93% of volunteers felt safe or very safe where they lived in Fiji. And 98% felt safe or very safe where they worked. 18% of volunteers early terminated mostly due to resignation. But more detailed information about safety compared to other Peace Corps countries can be found in the Fiji Crime, Harassment, and Early Termination of Service Data.
The medical problems specific to Fiji are:
- dengue fever
- gastrointestinal problems
- Hepatitis A and B, typhoid
- overexposure to the sun
- skin infections
- hazardous marine life and water safety
- diarrhea
- skin infections
- respiratory infections
- minor injuries, and STIs.
Health problems also can result from local environmental factors, such as dust, humidity, insects, and disease-producing microorganisms. But more detailed information about health related issues at Peace Corps Fiji can be found in the Fiji Health and Medical Care Summary.
What do volunteers think of serving in Fiji?
Since 1975, the Annual Volunteer Survey has been a source of information on the state of the Peace Corps (PC) program for the agency, Congress, researchers, the media, and the general public. In 2019, 91% of volunteers found their overall Peace Corps service rewarding or very rewarding. 84% of volunteers would still make the same decision to serve with the Peace Corps today. 82% of volunteers would recommend Peace Corps service to others. More information can be found in the Fiji Annual Volunteer Survey Satisfaction Results.
Where can I learn more about PC Fiji volunteer experiences?
PCV blogs and YouTube channels offer a unique look into the daily life of volunteers serving in Fiji. These blogs and channels can help you understand the challenges and triumphs that come with being a volunteer. Explore these links for inspiring stories and practical advice from current and past volunteers.
Blog and YouTube Channel Links:
- Emma (Health) 2013-14
- Taylor (YD) 2015-17
- Samantha (?) 2011-14
- Ili (?) 2014-15
- Melissa (Health) 2014-16
If you’re interested in learning more about serving in Fiji, I’ve got you covered! Click here to see all of my posts about Peace Corps Fiji with details on the experience, culture, food, packing tips, and more.
How can I connect with Returned PCVs who served in Fiji?
And where can I find official information about Peace Corps Fiji?
- PeaceCorps.gov/Fiji
- Projects in Fiji
- Stories from Fiji
- Preparing to Volunteer
- Living Conditions
- Training
- Health
- Safety and Security
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Packing Guidance
This is an old PC publication called “The Peace Corps Welcomes You to Fiji“, published in 2015. In the past, before the internet, this is how volunteers learned more about Fiji. Even though it is many years old, there is still a lot of good information there. You can download it here but remember it is just for informational purposes. For up-to-date information, always check with you Peace Corps contacts and staff.
Conclusion:
This blog post has provided you with information to help you decide if serving in Fiji is right for you. You have gained insights into the cultural, linguistic, and developmental aspects of the country. We have also touched on the safety considerations and health-related information relevant to volunteers. And, you learned how to connect with returned Peace Corps Volunteers. For more information about Peace Corps Fiji, you can visit the Peace Corps website or explore the provided resources. We hope this post has been helpful in your quest for information on Peace Corps Fiji.
Photos: Peace Corps Media Library
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or the Fiji Government.
