18/12/2017

The MRCI Marine Conservation program gives you the opportunity to work hard and get serious results, with lots of time left to play on the weekends. Emily is the sweetest manager ever and makes you feel at home right away. The staff on the marine project are relaxed but highly competent, with some of the highest quality instructors I have ever seen. Kyle is very detail oriented and really knows his stuff! Emma answers every question with patience and has piloted some really cool partnerships with other conservation organizations.

The living arrangements are charming and comfortable (huts of six), with western toilets, delicious food, extremely friendly local staff, and gorgeous views. I signed up for a three month volunteer program and ended up being with MRCI’s marine program for nine months because I loved it so much. Highly recommended!

 

“Excellent Marine Conservation Program”

– Anonymous

 

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Honestly, it was definitely the highlight of my trip. I had such an amazing time, the 10 days could not have gone faster. Each day we did something different and new, and were able to experience so much. It was a great opportunity to be able to travel around some of the different islands of Madagascar and to visit the mainland too. I felt that this really gave us a feel of Madagascar, letting us experience more of the Malagasy culture and seeing more of what Madagascar has to offer.

We were definitely treated a lot on the boat: the cooking was delicious, with large portions; we even got desserts too! There was rum punch, we also had a really fun bonfire. The trip was a great bonding experience, bringing everyone closer together. Kyle and Emma were just so amazing, I don’t think I could have asked for a better pair of staff to come with us. They were like the mom and dad of the group, but also were so much fun to have around. I will never forget the marvelous time I spent on ‘The Spirit Of Malala’.

Also, I just want to give feedback in general about the time I spent in Madagascar. At first I was very homesick and I was finding it all very difficult. But as time went on, I learned to cope with everything a lot better and become more confident. The living conditions are very basic, but that’s part pf the fun of it. It makes you appreciate all the luxuries of back home. This is what many people in these countries live like. I really enjoyed the variety of the programs and how each day was different.

Everyone was very friendly and supportive on camp. I was able to experience so much during my time in Madagascar, and its something I’ll never forget. Teaching and working with the community was such a rewarding experience, as you know that you are helping out those less fortunate than you. Seeing how some of the Malagasy lived made me realise that I shouldn’t take anything for granted, and I have definitely come back home with a different mind frame. I feel that I have grown as a person, both in my confidence and in my attitude towards life. It is important to embrace everything that life has to offer, and not to miss out on any opportunities, as you regret what you don’t do, not what you do do.

– Alex

 

The boat trip was amazing. The amount of time was great. All the food was great. Sleeping on the beach in tents was a lot of fun and it was great so that we weren’t on the boat all the time. It gave us a nice break. Emma and Kyle took great care of us and the activities that they planned were a lot of fun. The bon fire we had on our last night was great, we told stories and had smores. For me there isn’t anything that I would change, the whole trip was just fantastic.

– Katie

 

Wow where to begin, it’s hard to put into words just what an amazing experience this boat trip was. When we first got onto the boat and when lunch was laid out I think we all knew we were in for a treat. First of all, Patrick the chef is out of this world. Every meal was amazing including a crab curry, wahoo fish in a sauce and some of the best spaghetti Bolognese ever. Waking up on a beach to a beautiful sunrise is just one of those things you never forget. Camping was so much fun and definitely a bonding experience too (shout out to Heidi). A massive thank you to the staff who really made the trip so amazing – Kyle and Emma were a lot of fun and always knew the best things to do. They taught us so much about marine life which made snorkeling even more exciting. We saw so many turtles, dolphins and even humpback whales (completely breathtaking). Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible, a once in a life time experience!

– Holly

 

Camping on the beach and waking up to the sun rising every morning was amazing. Patrick “Swayze’s” cooking was to die for. There was a good range of different activities like snorkeling, hiking, parties and community involvement such as battery collections. All round, it was amazing and we spent the perfect amount of time on the boat. The staff were fantastic. We love you Emma, Kyle and Abdu! We enjoyed the turtle and bird watching. We would change very little but…more pancakes! Oh, and the toilet door needs to be looked at.

– Stinky Pete and the boys ft. Heidi

 

Absolutely amazing experience! I’ve loved everything about this program. The people are super kind and accommodating, the island is incredible, and I’ve learned a lot more than I thought I would. We even got to see the Calumma boettgeri (a chameleon)! It was a lot hotter and more humid than I expected it to be. The packing list did not lead me to bring exactly the right clothes, but really other than that I have no complaints. Thanks for the wonderful experience and unforgettable memories!

– Roxanne, 4 weeks forest

I loved staying here on Nosy Komba, surrounded by the most amazing people including the staff. The community and teaching programs opened my eyes and I had the opportunity to meet so many fantastic people. MRCI made my stay here so comfortable and I have to say, Alice and Lucy, you two are awesome. I loved the festivities of the camp Olympics and camp parties. Thanks for this fantastic experience and I will never forget this place.

-Linde, 10 weeks mixed