Each week Catelin McLoughlin looks forward to getting photos from a special group of people. While traveling in Fiji, she found that making friends abroad during her teen travel program was easy.
Now, she says her group stays in touch by sending “photo dumps” to keep everyone updated on their lives. They also discuss plans for their futures. On the agenda are hopes they can gather again next summer.
“We formed the purest friendship,” Catelin said. “We hope to hang out this summer in Ohio or Michigan.”
Most students in the group were strangers to Catelin before she traveled to Fiji on the Intro to Community Service program. She planned the trip with two friends from school who are twins. She says the program was “by far one of the best things I’ve done with friends.”

Catelin McLoughlin traveled to Fiji with two friends.
During the trip, Catelin and her classmates made new friends who now join in the weekly photo exchange. They also connected with many local Fijians. Catelin says that journey was eye opening, as she saw a side of Fiji few people see.
Making Friends Abroad While Learning about the Geography of Fiji
Catelin and the other students arrived in Fiji early in the morning. They hopped aboard a small bus to head to an ecolodge that would be their home for the next week. While driving, they got to see some of the country’s scenery. Then they learned about Fijian culture after settling in.
“My first impression was how lucky I was to have this experience. I was taking it all in. Fiji is absolutely beautiful. I didn’t realize how hilly Fiji is,” Catelin said.
Fiji’s islands were formed by volcanic activity. Overall, there are 300 islands, but only 106 of them are inhabited. The island where the students stay is called Viti Levu. It’s the country’s largest island and its most populated. About 70% of Fiji’s population lives on Viti Levu. In total about 924,000 people call Fiji home.
Viti Levu has a central mountain range that splits the island. Rustic Pathways students spend time in both the highlands and the coastal areas. On the first day, the teens headed to the beach to recover from their jet lag.
After getting rest, Catelin says they went to Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. There they did some environmental work cleaning up the sand dunes.

Catelin and her fellow travelers climbed to the top of the sand dunes at Sigatoka National Park in Fiji.
They also took a hike in the forest where Catelin and her group saw fruit bats hanging in a tree. The bats are among the species that take refuge in the park’s habitats. Skinks, lizards and geckos also wander around the park. And there are 22 species of birds, including eight that are endemic to Fiji. This includes the Fiji Bush Warbler, Fiji Goshawk, and Orange-breasted Mycenaean.
Experiencing Indigenous Storytelling and Cultural Traditions with New Friends
After trekking through the park, the teens returned to the base for some cultural immersion. That night the teens were introduced to Fiji’s cultural traditions. Catelin and the other students were given clothing wraps called sulus to wear.
They sat down in a circle for a kava welcoming ceremony where they shared a drink made from a root. Then they saw a traditional meke performance that incorporates indigenous storytelling.
“We watched the Fijian people, and the staff do their dances and songs. Then we learned different dance moves. It was super fun,” Catelin said.
The teens also were taught the importance of local artisanship. Catelin says a Fijian woman showed them how to make pots for the village. They followed all the steps from soaking the pots to putting them in the kiln.

Catelin and the other students learned how to make pottery while in Fiji.
Local crafts provide some income to village women who need to care for children and elderly family members. Other marketable skills include weaving and making cardboard jewelry, plastic wrapper purses and traditional flower necklaces called Salusalu.
For the students, the task of making pots was rewarding but physically easier than the work they would tackle the next day.
Discovering Why Community Service for Teens Matters
One of the service projects in Fiji for Catelin’s group was helping construct toilet facilities for homes. Since 2008, the Rustic Pathways Foundation and other nonprofits have partnered with Bavu Village to improve infrastructure.
Catelin and the other students take a break from their work on infrastructure projects.
The toilet projects are key initiatives both for convenience and sanitation. In the past the village had problems with waste seeping into drinking water. The toilet projects have helped alleviate that. Catelin said she was straining herself at times to do the work, but it was very worthwhile.
“The people were so loving and kind, so we thought, ‘Let’s get this thing done,’” Catelin said. “Afterwards, it was a beautiful thing when the people were thanking us.”
Such moments helped Catelin see a different side of Fiji. She says she associated Fiji with the resort area where everything is glamorous. That wasn’t the case in the real communities of Fiji.
“It shocked me a little. I didn’t expect it to be as underdeveloped as it was,” Catelin said.
Catelin says she was also struck by how friendly everyone was. The villagers embraced the students who came to visit them.
“Everyone said hi to you. Everyone was looking out for us and was super welcoming. They were very open to learning about us,” Catelin said.
This exchange of cultures continued as the students made food for a women’s shelter, did arts and crafts with the local kids and helped a pineapple farmer. During this time, Catelin found one big difference. She says the kids were much better at soccer than her even though she’s a high school athlete.
“They kept faking me out when we played soccer, and I’ve been playing for 13 years,” Catelin said.
That good fun continued as the students explored the islands, doing some adventure activities when they weren’t busy with service.
Diving into Adventure Activities in Fiji
One day Catelin says they boarded a boat to go island hopping and snorkeling. She says the coral reefs were beautiful, as they explored the waters off the coast. Such adventure activities are a key part of many student travel programs.

Catelin and her new friends enjoy island hopping in Fiji.
“The program was such a great mix of service and fun,” Catelin said. “We were both working hard and enjoying our moments exploring a foreign country with our friends.”
At night the teens hung out on hammocks and watched stars. They kicked back around a campfire and chatted. Some of Catelin’s most memorable moments came during those times of connection.
“My favorite part probably would be the van rides. Everyone would be super excited when we were going somewhere, and coming back we’d have fun playing music and talking,” Catelin said. “It was a super cool experience to get so close to the other students in just a few days.”
The program leaders helped solidify these connections. Catelin says local Program Leader Tu Ma was so happy to tell the group about his culture. And Program Leader Emily Tonn was caring and kind.
With their support, the bonds among the group became very strong. By the end, Catelin says they were in tears as they said goodbye. Now, Catelin and her classmates regularly think about their journey.
“It’s such a core memory for all of us now, so we constantly reflect on it when we’re together,” Catelin said. “We wish we could go back.”
Top 11 Tips to Make Friends Abroad
You’re on a Rustic Pathways program; your friendship circle is about to grow. Follow Catelin’s tips to make friends abroad:
- Introduce yourself with a genuine smile and local greeting.
- Stay connected with friends through regular updates and photo exchanges.
- Join group activities to meet new people and form friendships.
- Engage in local cultural practices to deepen connections.
- Participate in community service projects to bond with others.
- Explore local natural environments and landmarks together.
- Learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
- Experience indigenous storytelling and cultural traditions.
- Live with fellow students to expand your social circle.
- Participate in sports and adventure activities to build friendships.
- Reflect on your experiences and maintain connections after returning home.