Safety is a good question, and a matter we take very seriously. The Fijian Islands were actually chosen as our destination because of the security of the location. VESA staff members meet the designated Group Flight at the arrival hall of the airport, where they are accompanied to our hostel and then on to the village. Our VESA staff members are with the volunteers in the tiny village overnight and the whole group stay in the same village together. There are two to three volunteers per home stay. Our directors and staff are very familiar with the village and villagers and all homes have been checked and provided with bedding etc for our group. The students are supervised and accompanied on all volunteer work, activities, overnight accommodation and in country transportation by a VESA rep. As with all our programs, safety of our participants is our #1 priority. We are aware that for some of our participants this may be their first experience abroad or even away from their families. Should you have any queries or need any assistance while on program there will always be someone nearby to help and you should not hesitate to ask any question at all. We are definitely there to make our volunteers have the best possible experience. VESA closely monitors all political, civil and environmental situations in Fiji. Should we deem that the area is unsafe for travel we will readjust the program accordingly. Please visit your government’s travel website for further information on travelling conditions throughout the South Pacific.

Students on the VESA programme will be accompanied at all times by members of our staff who are all qualified Senior First Aid technicians. In Fiji, we work with an already established Non-Profit organization, and at all times will be accompanied by the organization’s staff as well as two VESA staff members. On tour both staff members as well as a local guide will travel with you.

The climate in Fiji is tropical and warm year-round.

Not at all - the majority of the population speaks English.

There may be limited cell phone coverage whilst on the first week of the program. Internet may not available during the volunteer week but will be available on the boat between islands and for a fee on the islands of Korovou, and Beachcomber. You can email or Skype home from here. Wi-Fi minutes can be purchased at our accommodation in Nadi on the first night. A card can be bought at the reception counter.

All accommodation and food is included in the cost of the program. However, if you wish to buy that special necklace for back home, then you will need to bring along some cash. At Nadi International airport on arrival there are ATMs for you to take out local currency, the Fiji Dollar, for drinks, snacks and souvenirs. It is extremely important that you alert your bank and credit card company that you will be travelling overseas so that they do not put a hold on your card. A quick phone call is all it takes. Optional activities in Fiji i.e. scuba diving can be paid for by credit card or in cash on the spot.

The Fiji Dollar is the only currency accepted in Fiji.

In Fiji we travel by coach as well as inter island boats s whilst on the island-hopping tour!

All participants must be 18 by the date of departure. If you are 17 now but will be 18 by the date of departure you may send in your agreement however it must be signed by your parent or guardian.

Sure, not a problem! All we ask from our participants is that you come with an open mind and a desire to make a difference. Please note however that the majority of our participants are university students and range in age from 18-24yo.

No, not at all. Please let us know on your application if you are Vegetarian or if you have any other dietary requirements. If you are Vegan or have Celiac disease, you are welcome to come, however you may be responsible for purchasing some of your food whilst on the program.