The Leap

This 10 week programme was truly the most incredible experience, where I have made amazing friends and immersed myself in getting to know a whole new place and culture. The camp itself has members of all different volunteer programmes, allowing you to develop incredible relationships with people from all over the world in such a unique environment. I did a month of marine conservation and a month of teaching. The marine conservation was beautiful, and being able to get an advanced open water PADI in marine protected areas of Madagascar was very special. As for the teaching, this was something which was so special to me, it allowed me to become so connected with the community, and I created bonds with people that I will truly never forget. Seeing students progress over time was so rewarding and allowed me to develop such close relationships. The staff members are super relaxed and it really feels like your own community! Honestly the best experience!!!

I spent six weeks in Nepal where I taught at a small school outside Kathmandu and Patan.

In the summer of 2019 I decided to take a break from work and commit myself to a volunteer programme. I contacted The Leap since our son had been on projects with The Leap in South America. I received so much support and positive energy from the team at The Leap; nothing was too much trouble, and contact was maintained by e-mail while I was in Nepal. From the first telephone call I was made to feel welcome and valued, and from that first call I became more excited and enthusiastic about my likely assignment.

After discussing the project with the organisers we agreed that the teaching project would be the best one for me to choose; that was my view too, after having looked at the website.

I landed in Kathmandu and I was taken to the hotel for the first night. There was then a briefing and I moved into the hostess's accommodation. There were other gap year volunteers there and we all got on very well. I started to teach within a couple of days of my arrival, supporting a member of staff. However, within a couple of days of my introduction to the schoolchildren I was asked if I wanted to teach on my own, and I accepted that kind offer. So, for just over 5 weeks I was teaching from 10.00 a.m. to around 3.30; I taught 4 or 5 different classes, depending on the timetable. My core subjects were English and maths., but I taught basic hygiene too since there is a lack of understanding amongst the children about germs, hand washing and personal care. I taught from Monday to Friday, and I was at the school by 9.40 each morning since reception is at 9.45 each morning in the playground.

The time in Nepal passed so quickly. I did not do any trekking or trips outside Kathmandu. I did have a couple of nights each weekend in Kathmandu, though. There are opportunities for trips and trekking, but I wanted to focus on the teaching and the sites in Kathmandu.

I shall never forget my time in Nepal. I shall return over the next few years. The people are friendly and welcoming; at no time did I feel threatened or unsafe. The food is lovely, and for vegetarians there is a large variety of dishes. The volunteers get together at the weekends, so there is a social life, and every Friday a social event is organised by the local management and then the volunteers have supper.

If you are thinking of having some time away, and if you want to give your time and skills and energy to a welcoming community, please do think about contacting The Leap and opting for a project in Nepal. Like me, you will have an unforgettable experience ..............

I had an absolutely incredible time on this trip. I believe that this program was the perfect balance. The environmental work was meaningful and interesting. Our Spanish teachers were super fun, accommodating and engaging. And of course we also had a lot of fun as nights and weekends were free.
However, one thing I would have liked to know before going on this trip is that although weekends are free, do not expect to have enough time to take weekend trips to other parts of Costa Rica, as there are excursions/small day trips planned by the camp that most people tend to go on. So what I wish I had done was plan in advance a week to travel other parts of Costa Rica after the program ends.
But regardless of that, I can truly say that I had the best time on this trip and couldn’t have asked for a better group, as I made friends for life in six weeks, and I would recommend this program to everyone.

Made the most incredible friends and made the most amazing memories. I had the opportunity of achieving my advanced PADI course and swimming with seahorses and nudibranchs to whale sharks. Teaching in the local village was very rewarding and humbling, especially teaching the advance class who would proceed to ask for extra lessons as they were so determined to learn. The Island hopping was just unimaginable. going from island to island with lunch being caught fresh off the back of the boat. Camping on the beach and teaching (or attempting to) little children as well as creating bricks fro the local hospital and numerous long but awarding forest hikes. Staff members where very relaxed and would join the volunteers on the weekend. SO MUCH FUN!

I highly recommend first time travellers to use the Leap. The trip to Madagascar is incredible as you get to experience such a diverse, beautiful island. The locals are super friendly and life on camp is great as you start to feel like a family. As the leap is one of three volunteering schemes on the same camp it’s easy to make lots of friends. Scuba diving was the most amazing experience. Teaching was very very rewarding and made it easier to make friends with the local community. As I was ill whilst out there I can honestly say that The Leap was definitely worth the price as I was cared for very well and had someone come to hospital with me and translate everything as well as being very kind and caring. Overall, Madagascar was an amazing trip and I will definitely go back.