Volunteer Opportunities

My boyfriend and I are traveling to Fiji and Samoa for three months total. While we're there, we'd like to do some volunteering at schools or otherwise. Is there a way to get involved once we're there? I've been looking online but everything we find looks like a package deal that requires a lot of money for the group to provide amenities like orientation, transportation, housing, etc.
We mostly just want to find activities that aren't super expensive but are worthwhile, and we thought it would be a good way to immerse ourselves in the culture.
Thoughts?

If you are expecting someone to give you room and board for it then I doubt it. If you just want to help out you could always just visit the local school and offer your services....English conversation or maybe you have extra talents in art or sports you want to share.

Yes, it will have a lot to do with your own motivations. Schools, as an example, like some sort of commitment, and not a backpacker who wanders by for a couple of days for a feel-good experience (if I may put it bluntly).

On the other hand, there can be some possibilities if you approach a local school directly, and have something concrete to offer. I did meet a couple of people doing this, but they also made a commitment for a month's worth of lessons/tutorials. 100% voluntary. No fees for 3rd party organization, no salary.

I once had an unusual experience (not in Fiji) while wandering around a small village. A couple of kids approached me and asked if I'd go speak English with the other kids in the school. Their regular teacher didn't show up that day and they wanted something to do. I had to give them credit for initiative, so I took a couple of hours off from my day and gave an impromptu conversational English tutorial. Very educational for me as well, because I got them talking about their daily village life .. in itself a humbling experience.

Bula Luna.Rae
It is important you gain the correct permissions to volunteer in Fiji. There are very strict rules surrounding this, which is why I would say that there are lots of companies providing this opportunity - they will cover you with the appropriate permissions. That's not to say that the locals won't be overjoyed with your help - they certainly will - but being allowed to do it in accordance with the strict immigration laws and just arriving somewhere to help out is very different.
Good luck! You will love Fiji - it's amazing and it's people are even better!

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