Careerbreaker Destinations - Fiji
Fiji is an island nation made up of over 330 islands, 110 of which are inhabited. Situated in the south west of the Pacific Ocean, it is west of Tonga and south of Tuvalu. With its palmed-fringed beaches, world famous surfing competitions, colourful nightlife, and wonderful hospitality, many visitors to Fiji often stay longer than they had originally planned.
The islands of Fiji are mountainous (up to 1200 metres high), with sandy beaches, coral reefs and azure blue waters, with tropical rainforests and gorges lying further inland. The mild tropical climate lends itself to lush bright fragrant flowers and exotic plant and bird-life, Fiji can be enjoyed all year round.
Fiji, which has two major islands Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, is as welcoming as it is beautiful. It has a vibrant and diverse culture with a population that is made up of native Fijians of Polynesian and Melanesian ancestry, Indo-Fijians, descendants of the Indian labourers brought by the British during the 19th Century, as well as a large number of smaller ethnic groups, each with a cuisine and culture of their own.
Having obtained independence from the British Crown in 1970, Fiji recognises three official languages, English, Fijian and Hindustani. Christianity is the prevailing religion and there is a significant Hindu and Muslim population. Whilst more developed than some Pacific Islands ancient tribal customs and structure are still respected and within most communities there will be an ancestral chief whose status is acknowledged throughout the village.
Fijians are very warm and welcoming and there is little today to reflect their fierce warrior and cannibalistic heritage. However their infamous and ritualistic drinking of Kava continues today.
Kava is an integral part of the Fijian experience, it is a non-alcoholic, non-narcotic beverage made from the ground root of the pepper plant. Far from being spicy though, the drink slightly numbs the lips and tongue for a few minutes. This effect is short-lived and subtle! A traditional ceremonial drink Kava is drank more and more as a social drink. When you get the opportunity to try it, clap once before you take the cup, and say "bula" (health) just before drinking the kava. When you've drained your cup, clap three times after giving it back to whomever served you. Remember it would be considered rude to decline at least the first cup!
Whilst more developed than some Careerbreaker destinations and with a growing eco-tourism industry, Fiji still has a large population dependant on subsistence farming, and some lack-lustre public services that lack skilled management and expertise. Careerbreaker Sports Placements are based in the capital of Suva, a friendly and lively city with plenty to do on an evening and which is a good base for exploring the islands from.
Whatever project programme you become part of you are guaranteed a warm welcome from the people of this exotic country. Weekends and project breaks can provide opportunity for sight-seeing and there is the option to do some adventurous travel after your volunteer placement with our in house travel agent Gap Club. Why not finish your time as a volunteer by taking a time out to visit the islands and enjoy the fantastic beaches and watersports.
What Can I do In Fiji?
Sports Placements - Rugby | Netball | Hockey | Football
Adventurous Travel
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Destinations Homepage
About Fiji Capital City
Suva.
Population
840,000.
Language
Fijian, English, Hindu.
Greeting
Bula!
Religion
Christian, Hindu, Muslim.
Currency
Fijian $
Price of a Fiji bitter
90p
Climate
Mild tropical. Dry May-Oct. Nov-Apr slightly wetter.
Famous for
Serevi, Kava, Great surf!
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