Unique experience teaching in Madagascar

I've just spent 6 weeks out on Nosy Komba (an island in the north madagascar) teaching during my Gap Year and couldn't tear myself away! I extended my stay as much as I could and will definitely be going back to this beautiful country soon. The IVHQ program which links to the Marine Research Conservation Institute on the ground was a perfect way to learn the language and get to know the locals, great trips with fellow volunteers on weekends to! If you are thinking of going the Teaching is the program for you, no prior experience needed, just a willingness to jump in and make a difference. Contrary to the other programs (except construction) you really feel the difference you are making in the communities. There are five sites you teach in, all a little bit of a scenic walk away (half hour to an hour maximum) over sandy beaches, over rocks and in the jungle. There are both children's classes (around 10 years old) and adult classes, the schedules are very flexible so if you have a favorite it an be accommodated. The camp was a great buzzing atmosphere with young volunteers from all over the world in an assortment of basic but comfortable huts for 6. There is a lovely common area for reading in hammocks, card games, or just chatting as you overlook the reef with the abundant turtle colony poking their heads up now and again. The food is nice but repetitive with a base of rice and beans, sometimes with meat or fish and some vegetables, but we found ways to spice it up with avocado or curry powder. There is no wifi on camp which is quite refreshing, for a long stay it is easy to get a local sim card, but as a teacher you get access to wifi in some of the villages you visit so might not even need it. For charging devices there is a generator at camp which is on 2 hours a day, otherwise once again teachers have an advantage getting off camp and going to an internet cafe in Nosy Be or a lovely restaurant half hour away in Ampangorina. I loved my volunteering experience meeting so many wonderful people from all over as well as being so immersed in the local culture and making friends with the local students in our english classes. If you do end up applying then make the most of it! Join the facebook page and don't be afraid to ask for any advice. When you apply you can also tick the "Have you been referred to IVHQ by an IVHQ Ambassador or IVHQ Partner?" and enter my code (2f79a30c).