Volunteer in Madagascar – New Experiences, New Friends

Volunteer James Barker from Sheffield, England, spent 10 weeks participating in our forest conservation, marine conservation and teaching volunteer programs. His aim was to experience something completely different from his everyday life, which he certainly did — leaving not only with plenty of photos but also with new friends.

“I am incredibly lucky. Sheffield is one of the greenest cities in Europe, and I live on the doorstep of one of the UK’s largest National Parks. I spend much of my free time cycling the scenic, winding country roads of this area of outstanding natural beauty. But my friend Vincent and I wanted to see something completely different, and that’s where we found Madagascar — the polar opposite of Sheffield.”

We arrived in Nosy Be, and even just on the drive from the airport to the boat port, we experienced something completely contrasting to life in Sheffield: mountains, forests, and roadside stalls selling bananas, green oranges, and vanilla.

Thrown into this unfamiliar environment, unlike anything we had experienced before, we quickly immersed ourselves in life here, which was better than anything we could have imagined. We were lucky enough to participate in forest conservation, marine conservation, and the teaching programme.

The forest programme gave us the chance to see Madagascar’s famous lemurs, its incredible diversity of chameleon species in all shapes, sizes, and colours, and the numerous insects and geckos. All while conducting proactive surveys of reptiles, birds, and lemurs, collecting valuable data about species populations across different habitats from plantations to dense forest.

In marine conservation, we learned new skills, starting as PADI Open Water divers, then completing Advanced Open Water. With guidance from amazing on-site instructors and dive masters, we became competent in fish identification, allowing us to participate in fish surveying. Diving in Madagascar, swimming with rays, turtles, countless fish species, and even sharks, was an unforgettable and surreal experience.

Teaching was incredibly rewarding and fun. We worked with students of all ages and abilities — from 5-year-olds with very basic English but boundless enthusiasm, to adults with impressive English, eager to refine their skills. Beyond teaching, it was a joy to meet local people, who were warm, welcoming, and fun to be around.

I left Madagascar knowing I might never experience anything quite as special anywhere else, but with a mind full of new knowledge, a camera full of memories, and new friends I will never forget.

If you’re looking to take a gap year abroad and experience something both meaningful and completely different, contact us today!