I first started diving back in 2014 when I did my OW in Thailand and I instantly knew that I wanted to continue with it. I chose this specific program because a friend of mine recommended it to me. She did her divemaster program at Nomads years ago and really loved it. After looking at their website and speaking to Joma a couple times I knew that I had to do my divemaster there and I'm so happy I did!
Alumni Spotlight: Lisa-Mae Mercorella
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A 25 year old traveller who's obsessed with the ocean and diving
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
Joma sent us a manual before coming to Nusa Penida so I knew what to expect! In the manual he described what living on the island is like, how expensive/cheap everything is and what the course would be like. He also provided the accomodation for the first month and organized a scooter for me as it's the only way of moving around the island.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
I would definitely recommend to anyone to go overseas and try out scuba diving! It's the best feeling ever and I'm so grateful that I was able to do my divemaster on Nusa Penida. One think I wish I had known before is that there are strong currents on the island and it is quite cold compared to other places I've dived before! I didn't know you had to wear a long wetsuit at all times, so if you're thinking of going there I would recommend investing in a good wetsuit!
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
On an average lesson day we would meet in the office and learn lots of interesting things about diving and the ocean. We would take some breaks as the course material can be quite intense at times but Joma always made sure to be professional but not too serious. For lunch we would go to a local warung and eat some typical Indonesian food.
On diving days we would meet early in the morning and set up our gear. Joma chooses the dive sites the week before so everyone knows what the schedule looks like. In between the dives we would eat some fruit, listen to some music and talk about the dives. After our dives we would go back to the dive center and have lunch together.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was definitely the strong currents on the island. In the beginning I was super scared and even panicked a few times. Thanks to Joma I got more confident every time there was a current and eventually started to like them! I realised that there is no point to fight against them and I had to learn to literally go with the flow! I think currents can be really fun and as long as you're mentally prepared for them nothing bad can happen!