Madagascar Volunteer

Research & Conservation Institute

   
  • HOME
  • About Us
    • Mission Statement
    • Meet The Team
    • Partners in Conservation
    • Commendations
    • Achievements
    • Volunteers FAQ’s
  • Programs
    • Marine Conservation
    • Sea Turtle Monitoring
    • Forest Conservation
    • English Teaching
    • Community Development
  • PADI Courses
  • Camp
  • Reviews
  • Blog
    • Teaching
    • Forest Conservation
    • Marine Conservation
    • Sea Turtle Monitoring
    • Community Development
    • Island Life
    • Gallery
  • Madagascar
  • Job Vacancies
  • Contact

Experience English Teaching in Madagascar

Author: Michaela Ondríková, Teaching Volunteer

Volunteer English Teaching Experience

Experience of a Lifetime

The time I spent in Madagascar were 3 incredible weeks. Why? Shortly, changing a perspective by going out of a bubble, allows you see the things, you didn’t see before. Not just like a phrase. Living the local life is totally different than to be closed in one of big hotel resorts. And watching children playing on the beach from small boat differs from the feeling when you know each other’s names.

I mean for me the highlight of the “island life” was the moment when I came to the village and children were shouting my name.  I spent few weeks in small island, Nosy Komba, in the north of Madagascar. Changing life experience? My life is the same but with a different point of view. There are many things that influence you when you are in so unknown part of the world. Going alone to this experience made me more open-minded. And of course, it’s pretty cool to know people from all over the world. It could be another chapter about people in the camp with their life stories and experiences.

My part of this story started one day, while sitting in my room, searching for an opportunity of volunteering abroad. I decided for Madagascar. Or probably it was the beating of my heart when I imagined myself in fairy tale of Madagascar, that decided for me. Ok, my thoughts are sometimes out of reality. But I like the moment when it becomes real. This time it was stunning! To find few free weeks wasn’t such a big deal, with my winter break of study, as the fact that I realized after booking my flight, that it’s rainy season there. Great, Mishka! Prepared for the cyclones, storms and rains, with bags full of waterproof everything and few shorts -in any case, I boarded the plane.

Volunteer English Teaching Experience

After landing in the middle of the new world, there was a good and a bad new. All my waterproof stuff, few really important things (as sleeping bag, some medicals etc.), and tones of donations were stuck on the other side of planet. Well done, life. Welcome to Madagascar. The good one was that the three weeks I spent there were sometimes in between of two big cyclones. So, the shorts and t-shirts were quite useful even if while packing them back in Slovakia, during -15 degrees, it felt little bit weird.

Teaching that children and people from community, was just experience I wish to everybody. An English class with 40 children, without bigger previous experience with teaching. Firstly, it scared me a bit. Than local English teachers showed me the villages, schools, introduced me and made it much better. With their willing to help me and show me everything needed, it became a pleasure. And lessons with children was time of “English games”.  Although planning lessons and walking to village and back was exhausting, the moment when I step to the room full of smiling children, expecting what are we going to do, made me forget the fact that I am all wet, pink (partly red), their activity and life, just didn’t let me passive. After all, what could a class of 40 children, not wild just a little bit noisy, not restless but active, give you? Of course, just positivity, energy and joy!

Volunteer English Teaching Experience

With the youngest it was funny, when I tried to draw them really simple and clear pictures. But my candies became fish and chocolate a mobile-phone. Never mind, at least I know what should I get better in.

Most of the volunteers came to Nosy Komba alone, as I did. However, I felt never lonely. Everyone there was so friendly. They just became your family for few weeks. The closest people you have in that time. Even if in few days you are thousand miles far away, friendships remain. And memories from together local trips, as well.

I could describe every day differently because it was so different. Even walking to nearest village for teaching changed according to the sea tides. In the beginning their life style “mora-mora” (slowly, slowly) was quite strange for me. However, later I realized that it’s actually important to share what time we do have with others.

Getting to know the culture and life just started and I had to already leave. Maybe it’s too cliché, but yes, I brought a bit of Madagascar back home with me. As memories for clear blue ocean, forest with all colors, joyful and helpful people, smiles of children, new friendships – Emotions I am not able to describe…

Now, I am really thankful for this “unknown journey”, that became more familiar than I could ever imagine.

Learn More about our English Teaching Program!

 

Volunteer English Teaching Experience

 

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Marine Conservation Team: Solly
  • Volunteering in Madagascar during a Pandemic
  • Mitsios Boat Trip
  • Dive Certification Well Earned
Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

6 days ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Look at the goodies we just recieved! As our volunteers and staff know, getting new eqipment, spare parts etc. is a real challenge! Luckily, @lunamoonsailing just arrived from South Africa, with a “boat-load” of spare parts, new aluminium tanks, a new generator and many other things! It feels like Christmas morning!#Madagascarvolunteer #mrci #nosybe #nosykomba #lunamoon ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

1 month ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Thanks all for the funds that we received up until now ❤️ Solly has worked so hard to get where he is and we need your support now to achieving his final dream as a PADI Instructor in his professional diving career! 🎉If you feel like you could support Solly, click on the link below to donate! 🙏🏼🎉https://gofund.me/176e591d#madagascar #madagascarvolunteer #sollysdream #fundraiser #padiinstructor #PADIIDC2023 #PADIIDC2024 #paditv #localmarinebiologist #marineresearch #padiprofessional #futurecareer #gofundme ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

2 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Look at these cool finds from one of our recent drift dives! Have you ever seen a nudibranch feeding train? #madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

2 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Do you want to join our teaching program? We teach many different classes, at different levels and with many different age groups!In fact our classes are becoming so popular, that we have to double the number of classes per level! Join us via the link in our bio!#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

2 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
When we’re not exploring the island and surrounding reef, our volunteers prepare presentations to educate their fellow volunteers!Once presented on camp, we head to Be village, to present in a class filled with students who are eager to learn more about their surroundings!#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Look at this cool find! We see some cool stuff on our sunrise dives - yesterday we found 28 nudibranchs! Some of them over 14cm! #madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated #oceanconservation #marineconservation ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Sophie is teaching our local kids class🌞We love to see how the kids are so engaged and motivated to learn.To join our community program, check our link in bio! #madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Did you know we go on night hikes every week?Lots of creatures are mostly active at night and look at this cool find! #madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Meet our volunteer of the week Fionn! Along with forest officer Fedy and Donna, staff of the week!Fionn has been a great champion on Forest program and a great friend all around! 🦎#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Happy independence day! 🇲🇬🇲🇬🇲🇬#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-9-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-8-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-7-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-6-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-5-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-4-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-3-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-2-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-1-of-9-Web.png

Contact Us

Madagascar Office: Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute, Home Sakalava, Rue R Tsiomeko, Hell-Ville, Nosy Be, Madagascar
Phone: +261 32 50 891 57
Office Hours: Please take note of the time zone differences when contacting us.
Email: volunteer@madagascarvolunteer.com

Social Profiles

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Accepted Payment Methods

Visa / Mastercard / American Express / EFT / Direct Deposit.

Log In

Teaching | Marine Conservation | Forest Conservation | Combinations

Disclaimer:  We reserve the right to change our Volunteer Programs at any time, without prior notice.