Fiji Medical Project

The Fijian archipelago lies scattered lazily in the achingly blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, bathed in the radiant antipodean sunlight. Its towns and villages are veritable melting pots of cultural influences – see multicoloured Hindu temples perched next to relics of the traditional indigenous spirit houses with their lingering sense of an ancient magic.

Its irresistible shores are fringed with picture-perfect palm trees, and the azure waters that surround the islands are inhabited by an astonishing array of marine creatures; over 1,200 species of fish including clownfish, triggerfish, blue tangs, 12 species of whales and dolphin, anemones, soft coral and much more.

Enjoy fragrant sun drenched days and balmy exotic nights – try a Fijian beach party for whirling fire dancers, traditional dancing and delectable food cooked in a traditional underground oven. Fiji will enchant you with its infectious, chilled out "Fiji time" lifestyle and its heavenly beaches, the perfect paradise location for your Frontier adventure! 

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit this irresistible tropical paradise and gain valuable medical work experience
• Make lifelong friends with your new healthcare colleagues
• Make a difference to the health and welfare of the Fijian communities

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

• Intermediate level of English required
• All placements are dependent upon the submission of an up-to-date CV and proof of medical qualifications.

PLEASE CHECK AVAILABILITY WHEN APPLYING FOR THIS POPULAR PROGRAMME

Location	Viti Levu, Fiji
Activities	Shadow doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers in the field Raise awareness within communities of critical medical and health related issues Assist with medical outreach programmes addressing family planning and HIV/AIDS Assist with patient care and record vital signs  Work in hospital laboratories, assist with medical administration
Transport	Airport pickup (subject to arrival date)
Accommodation	Homestay (hostel upgrade available at extra cost)

Before you go	Pre-departure support Travel & medical advice & documentation Equipment advice Discounted medical kit Free Frontier t-shirt
In-country	Airport pickup & transfer to Suva (subject to arrival date) Two meals per day Basic accommodation (hostel upgrade available at extra cost) Local orientation and training  In-country emergency support 24-hour international HQ back-up In-country transfers subject to start date

 

What Next? Apply Now!

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

This is a fantastic opportunity for medical practitioners, qualified doctors and final year medical students to develop your hands on experience in the healthcare field and learn about the running of community hospitals and medical clinics in Fiji.

As a Frontier medical volunteer you will spend your time undertaking a variety of different medical tasks working with medical and healthcare professionals from local Fijian medical organisations and charities. The placement is tailor made for you and will reflect your previous work experience, interests and skills while taking into account the changing needs and priorities of the healthcare agencies to which you are attached. 

If you are assigned to a local Non Governmental Organisation or health care charity you could be shadowing doctors, nurses or other healthcare workers as they go about delivering services in a local health clinic. You may be also be assisting with medical screening programmes, raising local awareness and recording vital signs. You may find you are delivering first aid and safety training to local community groups, providing support and home care to disabled or elderly patients, assisting with administration, filing, report writing or editing, or working on HIV/AIDS awareness outreach programmes.

Wherever you end up you will be offered a warm Fijian style welcome by your new colleagues who will be keen to greet enthusiastic and eager volunteers. You will be warmly embraced and then rushed off your feet! The key to your success will depend on how much you are willing to contribute and how hard you are able to work. With an open mind and flexible attitude you will enjoy an experience to remember, make friends for life, and gain valuable work experience on important health related programmes. 

All placements are dependent upon the submission of an up-to-date CV and proof of medical qualifications and medical work experience.

What Next? Apply Now!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?

Upon arrival you will either be met at the airport if you are arriving on the first Monday of the month, or you will make your own way from Nadi International Airport to the capital Suva. You can take the frequent bus service for this four hour trip across Viti Levu. Upon arrival in Suva you'll be met by your project host and escorted to your new home.

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

Your home in Fiji will be a comfortable and welcoming homestay with an hospitable Fijian family or, if you choose to upgrade, in a  simple and comfortable lodge near the centre of Suva, where you will be in a single sex dorm with access to a kitchen, hot showers, wi-fi connection, TV, bar, garden, sun deck, laundry service, linen and towels, (an extra cost of US$96 a week applies for hostel accommodation) . From here it will take you half an hour to get to your project in the mornings travelling by local bus.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?

If you are in the lodge you'll be provided with breakfast and an allowance to purchase and prepare your own meals using fresh, locally available ingredients, or alternatively you may be able to sample Fijian home-cooked meals for an additional contribution. If you are in a homestay you will be offered two or three delicious meals a day during your stay. So look forward to enjoying a variety of tantalising local dishes including taro, breadfruit, sweet potato, cassava, and cassava chips, coconut and fabulous shellfish and seafood. A delicious Fijian speciality is a lovo feast, which is a meal cooked in a hole in the ground – unusual but very tasty!

HOW WILL I GET TO WORK?

Transport from your accommodation to your placement each day will be by local bus, taxi or bicycle (cost not included).

What Next? Apply Now!

FIJI HAS BEEN EXCELLENT FROM THE WORD GO (OR BULA!)  | 30 Apr 2012
My time is Fiji has been excellent from the word go (or Bula)!  I am staying with a lovely h...

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Making a real difference on the Fiji Medical Project  | 26 Nov 2010
Our 20 week FJMe volunteer Camilla is getting stuck in and helping the Red Cross set up their new...

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Loving every minute in Fiji  | 11 Nov 2010
I’ve been living in Fiji for a month now, and even though it feels like I’ve been liv...

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Enjoying 'Fiji Time'  | 11 Oct 2010
So, after a week of “being Fijian” and living with my family, I have begun to feel a ...

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Fiji - Unforgettable  | 2 Aug 2010
Although the locals tend to chill and do things on “Fiji time”, my time here has gone...

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1 week in...  | 19 Jul 2010
I arrived at Nadi airport to meet my fellow volunteers and began the 3 and ½ hour crazy fa...

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It’s over for now, but I will return!  | 12 Jul 2010
WORK: A day on the medical project began at 8am in the Biochemistry Pathology Laboratory at the l...

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Fiji Science Update  | 24 Jun 2009
Another successful phase for the science with all Baseline Survey Protocol (BSP) sites achieved w...

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ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

In your spare time you can enjoy the spectacular scenery and beautiful beaches and go snorkelling in the clear blue waters of Pacific harbour, just a bus ride away. Whatever you do you'll be amazed at the Pacific Islanders' tremendous hospitality and culture. You'll quickly make friends as you play rugby, netball, and other sports with the villagers.

You can take part in traditional ceremonies, learn Fijian cooking, and learn how to weave hats in the local style, visit the hot springs or take a scuba diving course. There is also the opportunity to trek in the nearby rainforest, and bathe in natural waterfall lagoons. Please note that these activities cost extra and we encourage you to book them direct with local providers helping to support the local economy.

 

Nausautoka Village Visit – Day / Weekend Trip

If you want to experience the real rural peaceful and humbling side of Fiji, outside of the City, then Frontier Fiji have a new optional once in a life time cultural excursion available for you!

Visit Nasautoka village, roughly 2 hours north of Suva, where the local community will welcome you with open arms and big smiles, including a traditional performance of a village song and dance! Be treated to the Fijian way of life; experience how they live totally self sufficiently, off the land that surrounds them.

This village trip is available as a day excursion or a weekend trip. A minumum of 4 volunteers need to book for a day trip to be scheduled. This can be booked with your Project Coordinator in country.

A day trip pragramme will include a selection of the following:

Traditional village song and dance

Bamboo Rafting across the Rewa River – don't forget to bring your swimming trunks!

A mountain hike / trek to a spectacular view– walking boots essential

Traditional prawn fishing in the Rewa River

Followed by the traditional Lovo / Bamboo cooking of the prawns – where a Fijian feast will subsequently be laid out for you to indulge! (at extra cost)

Home-stay option (for weekend trip – at extra cost)

A breakdown of costs:

Transport to and from Nasautoka village FJD25 / 9GBP / 15USD (minimum 4 person)

Village Donation FJD10 / 3.50GBP / 6.50USD

Fijian Feast Lunch FJD10 FJD10 / 3.50GBP / 6.50USD

A day out for no more than FJD45 – a unique experience at a bargain price!

Home-stay option of FJD20 per night – this way you will get to do all the activities available over two days, or more!

 

Rest & Recuperation Weekend UPGRADE

Treat yourself and spend your final weekend in Fiji in the lap of luxury with our special R & R weekend upgrade. You can book and pay in country with your Project Coordinator for the special Frontier discount price of US$22/$35FJD per night.

This weekend upgrade facilities include:

Breakfast

Beach front accommodation

150m beach with hammocks and loungers

Popular beach bar with the cheapest beer on the coast on tap & a double happy hour

Swimming pool

Hot showers

Pool and table tennis room

TV lounge

Internet lounge

Free Wifi  

Free activities including sea kayak hire, coconut weaving and jewellery making and beach volley ball

Optional extras include: snorkel trip with kit US$10; bush trek to local waterfalls US$6; beach horse ride US$16; massage US$13 per hour;  2.5 hour surf lesson US$48 

Lunch and dinner is not included and meals cost between US$5 an US$11