Hi
I am planning on booking a trip to the South Pacific- April and March 2014.
I was hoping to do some volunteering (maybe in exchange for accommodation) and a bit of sightseeing.
Is a month and a half to long to spend in the Cook Islands?
Does anyone know of other opportunities to volunteer and live else where in the South Pacific?
Thanks, very open to ideas.
There is really little scope to volunteer short-term with free accommodation anywhere in the South Pacific. Volunteer agences are looking for qualified people for terms of a year or more. Otherwise, you would need to fund your own volunteering. These are very undeveloped countries, and cannot afford to support people from relatively rich countries.
You would have to have a very much needed skill, like a medical doctor or RN. Teachers, computer experts, business experts, agronomists, marine biologists, etc. are a dime a dozen.
You would be better off trying to find a low-cost long-term accommodation. Four weeks for $1500-2000NZD is doable in the Cooks. But it won't be the Ritz.
There is a new volunteer website for the Cook Islands; whose address escapes me at present but I can post again when I gain the details for you.
Rarotonga is well developed and sees a number of global volunteers pass through our shores every year. If you have skills in any of the social services this would be of benefit. The outer islands may appeal by way of care-giving and home-comforts, school support, environmental awareness, mental health and disability assistance etc. You could go to http://www.ck and post a free expression of interest on the site. You will need to display evidence of self-support and a return airline ticket upon arrival into the Cook Islands.
Check out Helpx.net and Workaway. websites.
I found plenty of opportunities to do work exchange in Fiji- -I did a few on Venua levi. I saw one listed in the Cooks on Auitutaki, but I havent tried it- (its mainly helping at an accommodation place.)
Dont go to the one on samoa its a rip off.