Authentic, educational cultural immersion in Fiji for university students, small groups and families.
Bridge the Gap: Vorovoro (BTG) is a small, U.S.-based company that works with the Mali tribe in northern Fiji to identify sustainable and culturally sensitive ways to diversify its livelihood. BTG then seeks to pair those goals with colleges, universities and individual travelers who, through study-abroad programs and responsible group travel, can have a mutually beneficial experience with the peo
ple of Vorovoro and Mali. Bridge the Gap: Vorovoro is the result of a unique longstanding friendship and partnership between our Director, Jenny Cahill and Chief Tui Mali, his family and other members of Mali district. Over the years as the Fijians shared their dreams and goals, Jenny realized these were achievable if a few progress-stalling gaps were bridged. “I came to understand clearly that with the proper investment of time, education, and training, there was no reason why this dynamic and motivated community couldn’t reach its goals,” she says of how Bridge the Gap: Vorovoro began. It was through the development of a close personal relationship, built on mutual trust and respect, that Bridge the Gap’s mission and business model were solidified, and a unique partnership was born. Bridge the Gap leverages the community’s skills, ingenuity and work ethic in strategic partnerships that support community goals. It also develops culturally rich and hugely enjoyable educational and tourism experiences focused on preserving and promoting local traditions, culture and the environment.
22/04/2025
Happy Earth Day, friends! 🌏💚
On Vorovoro, every day is Earth Day! From living sustainably alongside the land and sea to embracing the rhythms of nature, the island reminds us how interconnected we are with our environment. 🌱🐚
Whether it’s planting trees, conserving resources, or simply appreciating the beauty of a Fijian sunrise, the spirit of caring for the earth is woven into daily life here.
Today, let’s celebrate our planet and commit to nurturing it — just as Vorovoro teaches us to do. 🌿
How are you honoring Earth Day? 🌎✨
21/04/2025
Meet the Team: Sarah! 🌍✨
We're thrilled to have Sarah back on Vorovoro this summer as an intern! After first experiencing the island as a study abroad student in Summer 2024, she will be taking on the role of assistant trip leader this summer, bringing her passion for learning, connecting, and growing to the team 🌺
Currently pursuing her Master’s of Development Practice at Auburn University, Sarah brings an incredible curiosity for other cultures, and a gift for teaching and sharing knowledge. Add in her bright smile and genuine kindness, and she’s already an irreplaceable part of our team. 💙
Vinaka vakalevu, Sarah—we can’t wait to have you on the island! 🌴🙌
19/04/2025
Medicinal Plants of Vorovoro: The Powerful Papaya Tree 🍃🌿
Pawpaw (papaya) trees are everywhere on Vorovoro, and their benefits go far beyond their sweet, delicious fruit! 🌞
While some parts of Fiji export papayas, here on the island, we use them in traditional cooking—like creamy pawpaw curry with coconut milk. 🥥🍛
But did you know the entire tree has medicinal uses? The leaves can tenderize tough meats, and their juice is a natural remedy for reducing fevers. 🌡️✨ Nature truly provides everything we need!
Have you tried any traditional remedies with papaya? Share your stories in the comments! ⬇️
15/04/2025
Throwback to when Vorovoro Island was featured in the Washington Post! 📰✨
"On Vorovoro we are slowly returned to a kind of wisdom we had as kids, when we didn't pretend to have all the answers. This isn't an island bulwarked with answers and certainty; it's honest about its vulnerability, its questions."
- Dave Barnette (The Washington Post, 2018)
On Vorovoro, we are reminded of a wisdom we once had as children—the ability to embrace the unknown, to ask rather than claim certainty. Here, climate change is not abstract; it is felt, seen, and lived. Yet, in facing this challenge, there is also resilience—the wisdom to adapt, to care for the land and ocean, and to move forward together.
Vorovoro’s remote beauty is unmatched, but it also faces challenges many never consider—from rising sea levels to ocean currents delivering trash to Vorovoro's shores. Here, the impact of a changing climate isn’t in headlines but in daily life.
Now is our chance to listen, learn, and be part of the solution. Together, we can turn awareness into action and carry forward a wisdom that protects our planet for generations to come! 🌏💙
13/04/2025
Let the voices and the waves remind you to pause, breathe, and unwind.🌅🎶 Take a moment to rest, just as the sun does. 🌞
11/04/2025
Fijian Language Lesson 🇫🇯✨
Start your day the Fijian way! ☀️
"Yadra Sia" (yahn-drah see-ah) means "Good Morning" in Fijian. Whether you're greeting a friend, enjoying the sunrise, or sipping your morning tea, it’s the perfect way to share a little island warmth.
Practice it with us and bring a bit of Vorovoro into your day! 💛
09/04/2025
🌍✨ Travel has the power to enrich your life in countless ways—opening your heart to new cultures, perspectives, and connections.
On Vorovoro, every journey is an invitation to immerse, learn, and grow alongside the community. Whether it’s sharing stories around the tanoa, exploring the island’s breathtaking beauty, or embracing sustainable living practices, travel reminds us that the greatest discoveries often come when we step outside our comfort zones. 🌿💭
Ready to connect, learn, and expand your world? Let the world be your classroom. 🏝️💫
07/04/2025
Meet the Team Monday 💙
Say hello to Isabella! 🌟
Isabella is one of the friendly faces you might see on Vorovoro, where she shines as our marketing whiz and trip facilitator. Her journey with Vorovoro started back in 2018, sparked by the stories her husband, Andrew, shared about the island’s magic. ✨
Once Isabella experienced Vorovoro for herself, she felt an instant connection with the island’s values—values that align perfectly with her own beliefs about travel and supporting vulnerable communities. She was an integral part of the 2024 trip, handling everything from logistics to creating unforgettable moments of mischief and fun! We love having her energy and expertise!
With a background in marketing and operations, Isabella joined the BTG team in 2020 and has been using her skills to share Vorovoro's unique story with the world. 🙌
We’re lucky to have her on this journey! 🌍 💙
05/04/2025
🌏✨ As we get ready to welcome our newest faculty partner, let’s take a moment for some Ozzie highlights!
Last summer, LSU Professor Oliver “Ozzie” Crocco visited Vorovoro to experience the island’s rich culture and community firsthand. Now, he’s returning—this time with students! ✈️📚
Alongside Professor Cassie Glaspie, he’ll be co-leading an immersive study abroad experience focused on Indigenous Leadership and Marine Invertebrates 🏝️🐠. We’re thrilled to see this journey come full circle and can’t wait to welcome them all to the island!
01/04/2025
Sustainability in action! It’s the ultimate win-win: 💚
Together, we support local development, safeguard cultural integrity, and protect the environment—all with a deep commitment to long-term sustainability. Every step we take is rooted in respect, responsibility, and the belief that a thriving future starts with the actions we take today. 🌿✨
01/04/2025
📱💻 TECH DRIVE FOR VOROVORO! 🌴
Hey friends! Want to do something simple and impactful to support the amazing community at the Vorovoro Cultural Centre? Here's your chance!
We're collecting gently used, still-working devices—phones, tablets, laptops—to donate directly to our friends at the VCC when we travel there this May.
These devices help with everything from education to communication to documenting cultural knowledge. Here's how you can help:
🔹 Have a device you’re no longer using?
🔹 Still in decent shape and could live another life?
Great! Here’s what to do:
1️⃣ Reset your device to factory settings (super important—make sure it’s not linked to your accounts)
2️⃣ DM us or email [email protected] to get the shipping address
3️⃣ Pop it in the mail
4️⃣ We’ll deliver it personally in May—and you’ll get a tax receipt for your donation!
Let’s get good tech into good hands. 💛
📩 DM us to donate & make a difference! Vinaka vakalevu! 💙
30/03/2025
A coconut tree, the ocean, and a fresh breeze—simple reminders of resilience and renewal. As spring unfolds, it’s a chance to embrace new beginnings, to grow, and to move forward with fresh energy. 🌴 🌊
Like the tides, life is always shifting, bringing change and new opportunities. Take a moment today to pause, breathe, and welcome what’s ahead. 💙
28/03/2025
"I’ve never felt more at home in a place that wasn’t my home." 💙✨
Vorovoro isn’t just a destination—it’s a family. A place where people from all over the world come together, share in the same laughter, lessons, and love for this island and its people. 🏝 🌊
Here, one plus one truly is one.🌍
Centre
26/03/2025
No trendy audio, just real island moments! 🌊✨
Enjoy the unfiltered sounds of Fijian life: gentle waves, kava preparation, laughter, and singing - no soundtrack needed, just good vibes all around! 😄🎶
24/03/2025
📸 POV: You brought your film camera to Vorovoro 🌴✨
A big vinaka to Ollie and Riley for capturing the heart of the island on film! 🎞️
22/03/2025
💧 Every drop counts. 💧
On Vorovoro, we learn the value of conserving freshwater through sustainable practices woven into daily life. Fresh water comes solely from the catchment of rainwater. Rainwater is collected in tanks, and thanks to a water catchment system engineered by past students, many village structures help gather and store rain—turning nature’s gift into a shared resource. 🌧️🌱
This , we celebrate these simple yet impactful ways of honoring water and invite everyone to reflect on how we can protect this precious resource. 💙
21/03/2025
In Fiji, gratitude is at the heart of community and culture, and one of the most common ways to express thanks is by saying “Vinaka Vakalevu” (pronounced vee-NAH-kah vah-kah-LEH-voo).
If you want to sound like a Mali local, you can drop the "K" and say "Vina'a Va'a Levu! 😉
🌺 Vinaka = Thank you
🌺 Vakalevu = Very much / A lot
19/03/2025
✨ "Since we have started partnering with Bridge the Gap and running this Fiji study abroad program, we have had multiple Fulbright Scholars, Truman Finalists, and students who have gone on to win incredible awards or accomplish amazing things...and for all of these students, Vorovoro is where it all started. These are the experiences they wrote about in their applications...this is the place they talk about where their life really changed."
-- Dr. Sara Gonzalez, Auburn University
Dr. Gonzalez explains how the study abroad experience at the Vorovoro Cultural Center enhances every facet of students’ lives—academically, professionally, and personally. The hands-on learning, deep cultural immersion, and leadership development gained here set students apart, making them more competitive in the job market and positioning them for long-term success. Employers, scholarship committees, and graduate programs recognize the value of these transformative experiences. 🌍
For faculty partners considering study abroad options, this program offers a uniquely impactful opportunity that benefits both students and universities alike. 🌿📚
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Our Story
On a pristine 200 acre island in remote Fiji, Bridge the Gap and the chiefly family of Vorovoro Island partner to facilitate life-changing community immersion experiences that celebrate and embody the Fijian cultural cornerstones of humility, respect, kindness, and joy. The product of a friendship and working relationship that spans the last decade, BTG director Jenny Cahill and the Vorovoro chiefly family share a partnership that allows small groups to live and learn alongside the local tribe in ways that benefit visitors and Fijians alike. Our customized programs are designed to support local community development goals, while preserving and celebrating native Fijian identity, culture and environment.
Vorovoro and BTG invite you to join our inclusive community where we live and learn from one another through cultural immersion, cultural exchange, skill sharing and living island life on "island time" - where each day unveils limitless opportunities for growth and learning through connections, exploration, adventure and shared experiences. Visitors are considered an extension of the local tribal community and are welcomed to participate in truly authentic and beneficial ways. As such, we are invited to take part in aspects of Fijian life that are not typically made available to visitors to Fiji.
Bring your open mind, open heart, and a desire to understand more deeply than you ever have before how connected we all really are. Tui Mali, the tribal chief of Vorovoro, says it best: "On Vorovoro, there is no line in the sand that separates visitors and natives. We are one. On Vorovoro, 1 + 1 = 1."
Through daily island life, come to to understand more thoroughly the challenges that remote indigenous island communities face daily as a result of the world's rapidly changing climate. See and experience these challenges first hand, and participate in discussions about how each of us can live lives that support communities living in the most vulnerable regions of the world.
Dive pristine and endangered Cakaulevu Reef, the 3rd longest reef in the world. Cakaulevu Reef is sacred to the indigenous people of this region and the primary source of most income and food. Custom dives, dive courses, and reef education are available, lead by an certified dive instructor from the local Fijian community.
If you are interested in coming to Vorovoro or want to learn more about bringing your family or group to Vorovoro, please visit our website at www.btgvorovoro.com or email us at [email protected].
Authentic, educational cultural immersion in Fiji for university students, small groups and families.
