Have you ever wondered what it’s like to volunteer in tropical paradise?
At Unleashed Grad Trips, we offer the exhilarating opportunity to join our Fijian adventure as part of our Destination Crew. The Destination Crew is responsible for ensuring that Unleashed travellers have an unforgettable experience from start to finish. From greeting travellers at the airports in Australia to guiding travellers through activities, experiences and epic parties! Destination Crew are the friendly faces that make every step of the journey smooth and seamless. They're always approachable, ready to address any questions, issues, or concerns that may arise, and they go above and beyond to support our graddies.
Today, we're excited to share Mel’s experience as a crew member, who came away with us on this incredible journey last year in Fiji. Stay tuned as we delve into Mel's firsthand experiences and discover the magic of volunteering with Unleashed in the stunning Fijian paradise…
How did you find out about volunteering with the Unleashed crew and have you been on an Unleashed trip before?
One day at the gym, I saw a Facebook ad for Crew. It was the last day to apply, and having been bitten by the travel bug after spending the past year overseas, I thought, "Why not?" So, I applied and was fortunate enough to get through to the interview rounds. I had never been on an Unleashed Trip before and hadn't even heard of Unleashed Grad Trips.
What motivated you to volunteer for the Fiji trip with Unleashed?
I love meeting new people and making friends, so I was looking for like-minded people with similar interests and values. Plus, I have a passion for travel. Being part of the Unleashed Crew gave me the best of both worlds.
What specific activities were you involved in during your time there?
I was part of the student recruitment team, which allowed me to assist with both the day and night activities. I loved being involved in all the activities and parties, such as pool parties, the Unleashed Floating Party, snorkelling, Mr and Mrs Unleashed, dance battles and more. My role was to build relationships with the students and act as an older sister figure. Attending all the activities and parties enabled me to interact with as many students as possible, further strengthening those important connections.
What were some of the most memorable moments or experiences you had while travelling with Unleashed?
I was fortunate to make some amazing friends and share the entire experience with them. It's hard to narrow down three weeks of memories to just a few favourites, but the Cultural Day definitely stands out for me. One of the best parts of being in a new country is experiencing the local culture, and the Cultural Day allowed us to do that with the help of the Fijian communities. As a member of the student recruitment team, I formed strong connections with the students, and watching them come out of their shells and have the trip of a lifetime was incredibly rewarding.
Did volunteering in Fiji meet your expectations?
Going into the experience, I wasn't sure what to expect. While I was excited about spending three weeks in Fiji, I didn't fully grasp what I had signed up for. The Unleashed team hosted a weekend for training which was super informative and great to meet other crew travelling, and I was told "when I arrive it will all click". Upon arriving on destination, I was greeted at the jetty with cheers and immediately felt welcomed. The entire crew, both experienced and new, helped make the experience truly amazing. It's easy to see why the crew members return year after year. I met a Crew member, Jess that was onto her 10th year!
Did you find that your interactions with locals enhanced your understanding of Fijian culture and traditions?
Absolutely! The locals were always so kind, greeting us with "Bula" and "Vinaka." They loved sharing their culture with us, inviting us to Kava ceremonies and providing opportunities to participate in Cultural Days. During these events, we learn't Fijian language, dance, art, and more. Watching their traditional fire dances made me appreciate their culture even more.
Can you share any lessons or skills you gained from your volunteer experience in Fiji that you believe will be valuable in your future endeavours?
Volunteering as a crew member in Fiji with Unleashed helped me grow as a person and boosted my confidence. Going to Fiji without knowing anyone and immediately becoming part of a team (that soon becomes your family) requires being outgoing, confident, and adaptable. These are valuable skills for the future, whether for work, study, or travel.
How do you think the Unleashed team's approach to organising and supporting volunteering trips, like the one in Fiji, sets it apart from other organisations?
Volunteering with Unleashed in Fiji is truly a unique experience. The Unleashed Team organised everything for me, from dates and flights down to my SIM card, making travel incredibly easy. This allowed me to be fully present for the students and parents who might have needed extra support. The Unleashed team was also there to support the crew whenever needed. They weren't just the Unleashed team; they became our family as well.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Unleashed crew?
Be yourself in the application and interviews. Unleashed seeks individuals who are genuine, helpful, team players, and true to themselves. Take the time to thoroughly complete your application. The Unleashed team looks for candidates with similar role experience, demonstrated leadership skills, and a willingness to try new things. If you are thinking about it, DO IT! You won't regret it!
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Looking back on your time volunteering in Fiji, how has the experience impacted you personally?
Volunteering in Fiji with Unleashed allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, forge life-long friendships, create cherished memories, foster friendships and relationships among students, learn valuable workplace skills, gain confidence, and grow as a person. The positive impacts of volunteering with Unleashed are difficult to describe until you experience them fully, but I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and look forward to continuing this journey. Returning to Fiji with the Unleashed Crew is something I look forward to every year.
Mel's experience sounds absolutely incredible, doesn't it?
Perhaps, as you read this, you found yourself wanting to become a crew member yourself? Well, what if we told you that YOU have the opportunity to become a crew member? Our applications are now open until 7th July 2024, we are offering you the chance to join us in creating unforgettable experiences for our Grad Trip graddies.
Picture yourself soaking up the sun on the aesthetic Fijian resorts, making a positive impact while creating memories that last a lifetime, as well as friends. So take the time, fill out the form and apply for this #jobofalifetime. We have three different resorts and opportunities to travel from 2-4 weeks in paradise!
APPLY NOW: https://bit.ly/FijiCrew2024
We can't wait to welcome you aboard!
Blog by Mel Holt & Tiara Bates
