About Us
Planning for your expedition
The planning for every expedition is meticulous. Every single expedition is carefully designed and delivered by Think Pacific in conjunction with our local project partners, which include the Lomaiviti Provincial Council and the Integrated Community Development Taskforce in Fiji. Together we assess our long term and short term objectives, volunteer roles and responsibilities, timeframes, support, logistics and risk assessments - all the elements that will be in place when you arrive.
By the time you reach your project, your adventures are just beginning, but the local communities, our local project partners and Think Pacific are at the culmination of months upon months of talking, designing, working and planning. So don't be surprised by how excited everyone is by your arrival!
As you can see, a huge amount goes into making our expeditions happen. Everything rests on what our volunteers achieve when you finally arrive in Fiji and begin your expedition. It's therefore essential that you receive all the support you need, so that you are prepared, informed, enthused and raring to go!
From the moment your place is confirmed you will be given a dedicated pre-departure contact at Think Pacific, some one who knows you by name, and if you attend our briefing, or come for a one-to-one meeting at the University of Leeds, someone you will have met in person.
Help and AdviceOur aim is to ensure that your gap year or career break is the amazing 'once in a lifetime' experience it should be. We have years of experience exploring the South Pacific. We're here to offer essential advice from vaccinations, visas and kit lists to helping you plan your travels before or after your expedition. You will also receive assistance from our official UK travel partners to help you arrange the best flights deals and the most comprehensive travel insurance.
Be-Spoke AimsEvery project has long term volunteer aims and every team plays a key role in the achievement of vital and specific conservation or community development objectives as part of their experience. During your UK briefing, we will explain the be-spoke objectives of your particular project by powerpoint presentation and talk through what will be expected of you and your team as Think Pacific work towards the successful completion of the local action plans. A full report of every expedition is written and filed for the local government and our partner organisations, including reccomendations for the further development of the aims.
Comprehensive Information
Six months before departure you will receive a comprehensive project pack including information about your individual project as well as heath and safety information, kit list advice, travel essentials and your expedition itinerary. A few weeks before departure we hold a briefing at the University of Leeds. This is a great opportunity for you to meet Think Pacific staff, talk to past volunteers and swap contact details with your future Fiji team mates so you can get to know each other before departure.
Guidance and supportOur expedition leaders guide each expedition from start to finish, living with you throughout the experience and providing direction to achieve the project aims and daily support as you adjust to your new life in the tropics and all the exciting times and challenges that await you as part of your South Pacific adventure.
Katie Thorn, DerbyshireThe whole 5 weeks was absolutely amazing, never a dull moment, it really was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
