Location

Madagascar
- Nosy Komba

Length

2 to 12 weeks

Project Types

Community Development Building Projects Conservation Marine Conservation Sea Turtle Conservation Environmental Conservation Reforestation Education Teaching

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Program Details

Language

English

Timeframe

Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round

Housing

Lodge

Travel Type

Budget Family Senior Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price

$580

Price Details

Madagascar Program Fee includes airport pick-up, orientation, program supervision, accommodation and meals during volunteer program period, in-country 24/7 volunteer support and in-country administration costs.

What's Included

Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals

What's Not Included

Airfare Travel Insurance Visa

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Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer Programs in Madagascar from $580

Name: Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer Programs in Madagascar from $580
Brand: International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ
SKU: 43770
Rating: 9.41 (27 reviews)

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Video and Photos

Turtle in a marine nationalparc- Nosy Tanikely

In the Village Ampangorina next to Ilo Village (Hotel and Restaurant)

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About

Trusted by 110,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the most popular volunteer programs in Madagascar and 50+ other destinations around the world.

You can choose from 6 volunteer project options in Madagascar and give back for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Your Program Fee includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support. You’ll be accommodated in locally built huts, with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world.

IVHQ is trusted to support the meaningful adventures of thousands of volunteers every year, so before you even depart for Madagascar, you’ll receive outstanding personalized service from your expert Volunteer Program Manager and exclusive access to superior pre-departure volunteer training.

With IVHQ, you can expect to establish real connections within the local community while supporting projects that make a genuine difference.

Highlights

IVHQ’s Madagascar program is available year-round, starting on the first and third Monday of every month
Highly affordable program fees starting from $550 for two weeks - IVHQ provides the most affordable and top-rated programs
You’ll be joining between 5 and 20 other IVHQ volunteers who start in Madagascar each month
You’ll be traveling with IVHQ, the volunteer travel experts, and joining a network of 110,000+ volunteers. Our outstanding safety systems and track record set us apart, we are the world’s safest organization
Your efforts will have a positive impact because our programs are community-driven with a focus on supporting long-term local needs

Questions & Answers

Is this opportunity available to school groups?

Answer this question

Is there an age limit?

No! Every year we place thousands of volunteers abroad and around 15 percent of these volunteers are aged 30 years and older. While the opportunity to volunteer abroad is popular among young travelers, an increasing number of senior travelers are choosing to volunteer with IVHQ each year, delivering a great deal of value to the communities in which we work. Jordan McFadyen IVHQ Community Manager

By IVHQ on October 30, 2018

What is weather like in December on Nosy Komba?

The weather in December was generally pretty good. Generally in the high 80s for the temperature and varying clouds and sun. It is the transition period into the rainy season though, so towards the end of the December expect a bit more rain especially at night.

By Devin Liang on February 5, 2018

What activities can you do in your sparetime?

Go snorkelling, read in the hammocks, visit the towns and villages, do a long walk on the island, play cards, wash clothes and learn Malagasy

By Eleonor Frost on March 22, 2018

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Reviews

94%

based on 27 reviews

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Volunteer

Impact 8.9
Support 9
Fun 9.1
Value 8.8
Safety 8.9

Good for Solo Travelers, Students, Photographers

Showing 1 - 8 of 27

This was my first experience volunteering through IVHQ and I have nothing but amazing things to say about my entire experience. I received constant support from the IVHQ staff throughout planning the trip, during my trip and when I came returned.

The trip and experience itself was incredible, the staff on site were supportive, encouraging, and overall, amazing. I learned so much in just two weeks, and was able to make lasting memories ad friendships with the staff, other volunteers, and community.

Overall I would highly recommend going on a trip through IVHQ, it was an incredible experience and I plan on scheduling another volunteer trip with them again!

What was your funniest moment?

In the Sea Turtle Conservation Program we complete multiple beach clean ups almost every day and the garbage is the cleaned and organized into hard and soft plastics. Once this is completed we save the garbage so that is isn't burned or left in the environment and then we complete an activity called "Ecobricks". This activity consists of washing all of the plastics, drying each piece and then tightly stuffing the plastic into used water bottles which then are used for support in buildings that the organization builds around camp.

On one of my last days we were working on ecobricks and we had laid a tarp down to prevent the plastics from getting dusty and we used some random shoes to keep the tarp down. one of the volunteers didn't realize that these shoes were actually someone and she ended up cutting up a different volunteers shoe by accident.

We hysterically laughed, and the one shoe that was destroyed now hangs up on a wall to remind everyone of the story.

My experience in Madagascar didn't just meet my expectations, it beat them, by far.
The landscape is breathtaking, the locals are very friendly and the volunteers will become your best friends in no time. I went to Madagascar for just two weeks but I know it will be an experience I will remember my whole life.
The nature is challenging and at times a little difficult to adapt to but totally worth it. I did teaching but I had the chance to try out some of the other programs such as construction and forest conservation. Even though it was super fun, I can say that teaching was the most fulfilling of them all. Not only did you see the impact of your help inmediatly but the happiness and energy you get from the kids is just incredible. Little tip: I totally recommend bringing ballons or pencils or any other material for the class as it will make a huge dofference!!
So if you are sitting there just doubting about if you should go or not, just listen to me, GO!! I was scared and doubted and was intimidated too, it's normal but trust me, you will have no regrets and IVHQ is honestly a great organization that will make things very easy and make you feel safe at all times.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My main advice would be to pack good!! What do I mean by this? Well, get a GOOD mosquito net and two pairs of sheets because when I was there it rained so you couldn't wash anything as it wouldn't dry. Bring beach towels, a lot of sun cream and clothes for very hot weather, that will dry soon when cleaned. Also, bring a BIG watter bottle and A LOT of snacks. Your diet is just going to be carb based so I would recommend maybe some dried fruits, nuts, bars...Of course you will be able to buy stuff once you are there but as you usually only go to the supermarkets on the weekeds, you might not have anything the first week. Finally, if possible, exchange money in the Nosy Be airport!!

This was the beach on the camp were all volunteers stayed, this was our backyard

Pictures I took walking to the school, the landscapes were unreal

I loved my experience in Madagascar! The forest conservation program was everything I hoped for and more! I went to Madagascar for the turtles and the lemurs and it didnt disappoint. The programme was structured and we were always doing meaningful work. I loved that we were given a chance to interact with the locals and participate in community building activities while also accomplishing our own agenda.

My first time solo travelling abroad was made more special with IVHQ as I felt more confident and safe in my journey. I am definitely going to be going back to madagascar again!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

The regret I had at the completion of my programme was that I was leaving way earlier than I had wanted to. 4 weeks seemed like a long time in the beginning but it was definitely not. I wish I could have stayed longer.

Trying to collect lemur urine samples and failing miserably!😅

It was one of the best experiences of my life. MRCI camp made me feel like I was truly living an adventure. Exploring the main island of Nosy Be was also a huge source of fun and entertainment. The staff were all amazing and incredibly nice and helpful. If there is anything that I would note is that you should choose your programs wisely because they are truly the deciding factor in everything. I would definitely go back for another round because life in Madagascar truly charmed me.
I am currently planning my next IVHQ volunteering trip to a new destination in the world. Then maybe I'll head back to visit Madagascar later.

Program details:
I did both construction and Turtle conservation. They were both amazing programs. While doing those, I also joined the teaching english programs in my extra time, and I have to say, they all had me visiting different amazing places and meeting the new cultures.

Free time:
Nosy be is an amazing place to hang out. Whether its renting scootors and cruising(funny story happened to me with that!) or simply taking boats and exploring other islands. And its extremely cheap considering the normal expenses you have in everyday life.

What was your funniest moment?

I rented a scooter from a vendor, my friends told me to get from them from someone else, but I got lazy. Broke down 30 mins later and had to drag it back to the vendor. Then I rented from the other person and all was good. But that hour dragging back the scooter uphill wasnt fun.

Hi my name is Matt Bradley, I am from Cape Town, South Africa. Volunteering in Madagascar on the Island Outreach Program was easily the most incredible experience I’ve had. With so many endemic species and untouched coastlines, you are able to get a real feel for how nature should be thriving. Conducting field surveys, cleaning up beaches, interacting with the local communities and working with an international team of volunteers definitely gave me a different perspective on life. The field surveys were an eye opening experience as you get an understanding to the extent of the variety of different species that call Madagascar their home. The highlight of the program would have to be the turtle watch surveys as well as playing football with the locals after the English lectures. IVHQ were extremely helpful and made all of this possible.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Go to Madagascar with an open mind and be willing to contribute to the growth and progress of this program.

Hi, I'm Laura, from Reus, Spain. I am 22 years old and I volunteered in Madagascar for three weeks in the teaching project. The experience was amazing! I could teach kids classes in the mornings, and also English classes to adults in the afternoons. All the local people from Nosy Komba are so nice, friendly and interested in learning english as much as they can. This attitude and their smiles in their faces made my day everyday. Their lifestyle is really calm and atracts you to join their culture and all the beauty of the country.
On the other hand, there are all the other volunteers, lovely and open-minded people that you have to share everything with, and I will never forget. I am so glad to still be in touch with some of them and hope to see again soon!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

I was snorkling in the ocean when all of a sudden I saw this amazing and giant turtle swimming in front of me, moving it's fins in the most beautiful way. It was something I will never forget

I loved my experience volunteering in Madagascar -- I had signed up to be on the Construction Project, but right away when I arrived on camp I learned that I could also do the Teaching Project! This was amazing because I was busy everyday and always felt like I was contributing as much as I could be. Also, the other volunteers were amazing! I made some lifelong friends while I was there. The locals were some of the most friendly and inviting people I have ever met, they will forever be in my heart. Also, I felt safe the entire trip; the staff does a great job of making you feel comfortable. They also give volunteers lots of freedom on the weekends to do whatever they want! I went on some really fun and beautiful trips to nearby islands. Everything was amazing.

What would you improve about this program?

This program is very well put together, and there isn't anything that jumps out at me as needing to be improved. I think the organization is constantly looking for ways to improve though -- which is reassuring.

Dinner in the nearby village, Ampangorina.

Being on the teaching program was very fulfilling, the students are so interested and willing to learn!

Being on the construction program was so much fun, and the project we were working on, a trash system, will be so nice for the community when it is finished.

Every day a new adventure awaits on the coast of Nosy Komba. If you go on this journey be prepared to fall in love with the lush mountains and the water. Be prepared to miss Madagascar every day you aren't there after you've left. I learned so much about myself, so many things I'd never learn had IVHQ not been available to me. Madagascar will teach you things you didn't even know were possible. I've never had more fun in my whole life. Every day was exciting and brought new things. The housing was huts, that were nice and comfy. The food provided was great. Wifi isn't really a thing unless you get a local phone with data, which is highly recommended. The nightlife is so awesome if you love loud music and dancing. Everyone who thinks they should go to Madagascar SHOULD go to Madagascar, and I hope if you've spent the time to read this you will highly consider letting this place change the way you think. I'm grateful for IVHQ because without them my experience wouldn't be the same in any way.

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with IVHQ in Madagascar?

Venesia: I decided to volunteer abroad with IVHQ because my friend volunteered through them doing childcare work in Cambodia last year. She had an incredible time and looked so happy in pictures.

Volunteering has always made me happy… it’s an important part of who I am. So volunteering abroad combines probably the two things I love the most: helping people and traveling.

Besides, it’s been a really tough year… I really needed to get away to regroup and I definitely needed the boost that comes from doing something you love. I chose Madagascar after browsing the IVHQ website.

I knew I wanted to do a project in Africa because people have told me about the landscape, the animals, the cultures… and it all sounded like such a wonderful experience, the perfect escape paradise. Participating in the Teaching Project in Madagascar seemed like an appropriate choice because I can speak and write in French and because I am studying to become a teacher.

Describe your day-to-day activities as a volunteer.

Venesia: As a volunteer teacher, after breakfast at seven, we would walk from camp to Ampangorina. It’s about a 35-minute walk depending on the conditions. Some parts are a bit slippery and I’ve definitely had my share of scrapes and cuts… but I’ve discovered a way – walking barefoot… it gives you a better grip.

The school day is not very long but we teach the entire day. Because students live far up the mountain, we would end at approximately one o’clock so that they would have time to walk back. They have two 20-minute breaks in between classes and I love playing with them during this time.

I also really enjoy the exercise sessions they have over by the beach once or twice a week. During my stay, they played a game that resembles “follow-the-leader” and practiced for the regional relay race. After school ends, we would have lunch and discuss how we thought the lessons went.

We would also plan and prepare our lessons for the next day. If we have time, we would help with the painting of the school buildings or go for a swim before our informal adult class in the afternoon. In the adult class, we teach vocabulary and phrases that might help them in their jobs as a tour guide or restaurant owner for example. After this, we would generally boat back.

If you could go back and do something differently, what would it be?

Venesia: Looking back, bringing a recorder or a guitar might have made it easier for us to learn songs. I would also like to have meshed our color lesson with some sort of activity that made use of the art supplies I brought.

It would have been more fun for the students to get creative. If I could go back and do something differently, I would also spend more time with the local teachers because they have a wealth of knowledge to share about what works and what doesn’t.

It would also help me get a better understanding of my students. There is so much to know about each group: learning difficulties, their strengths and weaknesses, their interests, their learning styles and so on.

This information would have helped me plan lessons and present material in a more effective manner. Talking to the teachers would also allow me to learn about the reward systems in place and effective classroom management strategies such as how to line them up or quiet them down.

We learned these as time passed but it would have been good to know them from the start. Keeping to these routines and systems is very important.

Tell me about one person you met.

Venesia: I was very fortunate to be with a great group of volunteers. I met lots of people with diverse backgrounds and different life experiences. I got to spend the most time with my fellow co-teacher Jessi.

We were after all the only teachers there at the time. We worked together to start and implement the teaching program. Along the way, she has taught me a few important things either directly or indirectly.

I hope I can pass these along to more people out there. When life throws any challenges your way, before looking to others for help, look inside yourself. Trust yourself. You’re more capable than you might think.

Never back away from opportunities and from things you might want to do for fear of inadequacy. No one is perfect but that doesn’t mean you don’t try. Rise to the occasion, step up and follow your heart.

One person can change the world, a step at a time. Anybody can make a difference. Don’t be sad when you see inequalities or things that you think could improve… act on it and be a part of the solution. Stay positive. Don’t let one person or one bad experience bring you down. In fact, don’t let anything bring you down!

How has this experience impacted your future?

Venesia: This experience helped me find myself. It helped me develop the confidence and presence a teacher needs and showed me what flexibility really meant. Being around other passionate teachers and such curious and lovely students, I see what education can be. I see a future for the volunteer project, a future for the school, a future for the students.

That’s what I believe education is all about – a future. And I want to be a part of that. As teachers, we’re creating a better future – inspiring curiosity and helping students unlock their potential. I have visions of starting a library in Ampagorina so students have greater access to books.

My hope is that one day they would be able to read to learn, to be entertained, but more importantly to be inspired. Even though I am back, my heart is still with the students and I continue to think of things I could have done better. New ideas, themes, games keep coming to me. And I know I can be a great teacher because I want to be.

About International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

IVHQ is the world’s most trusted and affordable volunteer abroad organization, offering the largest range of safe and impactful volunteer programs in 50+ destinations. Over 110,000 travelers have volunteered abroad with IVHQ over the past 12 years, making IVHQ the world’s most experienced volunteer travel organization with the best safety record...

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Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer Programs in Madagascar from $580

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