Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ated at the parameters of the village so as not to disrupt village affairs. For more background
on village visits . For a more thorough introduction into Fijian life, consider joining one of the
internationally organized gap-year education programmes where you assist in teaching at
a remote village school and live with the people (see Organizations for working holidays ) .
Boasting numerous diverse and unchartered coral reefs, Fiji is also the focus for several
global institutions conducting scientific marine research . It's possible to join one of these
groups on a working holiday, volunteering in research and gathering information, often on
remote islands.
Research your trip thoroughly though: there are reports that some for-profit organizations
fail to feed and house volunteers adequately, turning what should be a rewarding break into
an ordeal.
NATIONAL PARKS AND HERITAGE PARKS
Fiji's first official national park, protected by law, is the fascinating Sigatoka Sand Dunes
National Park on the southwest coast of Viti Levu. The fragile sand-dune ecosystem,
scattered with ancient bones and pottery, has an informative visitor centre and two man-
aged trails for exploring.
Otherwise, the lush Bouma National Heritage Park encompasses almost half of
Taveuni; and Koroyanitu National Heritage Park sits inland from Lautoka on Viti Levu.
Both offer managed walking trails to waterfalls, village interaction and community-run ac-
commodation.
Other projects managed by the National Trust of Fiji ( nationaltrust.org.fj ) include
Momi Guns , south of Nadi; Levuka Town on Ovalau; Yadua Taba Island ; and Waisali
Reserve in Vanua Levu.
ORGANIZATIONS FOR WORKING HOLIDAYS
American Institute for Foreign Study US 1 866 906 2437, aifs.com . Language study
and cultural immersion combined with Australian programmes.
Earthwatch Institute US 1 800 776 0188 or 978 461 0081, UK 01865 318 838,
Australia 03 9682 6828, earthwatch.org . Scientific expedition project that spans over
fifty countries with environmental and archeological ventures worldwide.
Frontier UK 020 7613 2422, frontier.ac.uk . English teaching project based in Suva.
£1195 for four weeks includes a weekend of TEFL training. They also run medical, marine,
journalism and animal welfare projects.
Gap Year Diver UK 0845 257 2392, gapyeardiver.com . Four- to ten-week marine con-
servation projects off the south coast of Vanua Levu costing from £2660.
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