Montserrat Ridge to Reef Expedition

As a gap year student following A levels, this was the first time I had really 'travelled' by myself, so I was quite nervous and spent ages researching where to go before settling with a CCC expedition - and I wasnt disappointed. I signed up to stay on the Montserrat site for 4 weeks and I enjoyed it right from the moment I arrived!
CCC were absolutely brilliant in all aspects, both with the scientific and learning side and also the social side. All of the staff were genuine and great fun - I felt like part of the family almost immediately. The organisation and safety was excellent - something I was concerned about when trying to work out where to travel. I accomplished a lot within the 4 weeks I stayed there (I would definitely stay for at least 8 if I were to do it again!), including an Expedition Care Program, my PADI Rescue Diver, as well as learning how to survey a marine environment.
Everyone was so enthusiastic about the work that CCC do; we also completed a beach clean and I partook in one of the the library sessions about the environment that are held every other week for local children. It was great to be surrounded by like-minded people in such an amazing environment. The locals were also very friendly.
The accommodation was well above my expectations - I was sharing a dorm with one other volunteer and we had an ensuite bathroom with a shower and everything! (I am told this is unusual but it was very nice!). As a group we completed a few chores every day including sweeping and mopping and cooking lunch and dinner/washing up, but it wasn't unmanageable by any means (I quite enjoyed the chores-bonding time!).
We went diving almost every day and the reefs were stunning. The standard of safety when diving was also very reassuring, especially as Montserrat was such a remote location. Often in the morning before a dive there was the chance to go on a trail and experience the terrestrial side of the surveying as well (as a marine volunteer I wasn't expecting to be able to partake in this, but I ended up learning a lot about the birds and certain reptile/amphibian species found on Montserrat too which was great).
Every Sunday was a 'degas day' which allowed you to contact relatives (there was wifi!!!) and enjoy walks to the beach or snorkeling. This also allowed me to experience the island life and culture a bit even though the rest of the week was packed full of activity.
I genuinely cannot recommend this organisation enough, I am already planning on joining another of their expeditions next year and taking my brother with me! And if you are concerned at all about anything, the talks that CCC give at their base in Surrey are brilliant, or you can send them an email and they will reply promptly and helpfully.
Don't let this amazing opportunity working for a wonderful NGO pass you by - I promise you'll have the time of your life whilst helping towards a very important cause!