Life changing experience!

what an amazing experience! I had been searching for a unique place to do shark research and also accomplish my Dive Master certification while having a life changing experience in a foreign country. This was definitely the right choice! The Shark conservation project is very well run and you learn an incredible amount in a short time. Zara, Andre, Katon, and Josie teach you all about Sharks, Turtles, Fish ID species, and coral health (as well as helping you with all the little things about daily life on the Gilis)! The conservation project is known for the shark conservation but they do so much more. My favorite project was building artificial coral substrates, constructing them on the ocean floor, and then populating the substrates with coral polyps to regrow the reef! You really feel like you are making a difference while having the time of your life. I stayed for seven weeks and I wished I stayed for even more! Time flies when you love the work you are doing. The "Sharkies" (what the research team is called) become family after no time. Its amazing living and working with people from all different ages, backgrounds, and countries. During my time here on Gili Air I also did the Dive Master program with Oceans5 (the dive resort we share space with) and almost everyone there was amazing! The dive Instructors are top notch and focus on your development as a professional diver as well as acting as mentors. The locals are so nice and the foods amazing too! Super safe Island and plenty of fun things to do here or grab a quick boat taxi to the other islands for more adventures! I met many life long friends that I will stay in touch with forever (Zara being my all-time number 1 homie ;) She will invite you to EVERYTHING but she hates cats and Trigger fish so keep that in mind)! Looking forward to a return trip in the future! Amazing experience all around!