Volunteer stories
Considering joining us as a volunteer, but want to know more? Some of our previous volunteers have shared their experiences below. Find out what it's really like living with the lemurs, eating bush breakfast and studying herpetofauna!
Note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our volunteering programmes were suspended throughout 2020 and 2021, so it's been a while since we've received any new stories. Why not join us in Madagascar and write your own story?
Morgan, conservation volunteer (2019)
Read Morgan's full blog post, "Experience the rich biodiversity of Sainte Luce!"If you are considering volunteering for SEED’s conservation program, this IS the experience you have been looking for. From July to September, I spent ten weeks working with international and Malagasy staff, learning all about conservation at its very core.
Millie, conservation volunteer (2019)
Read Millie's blog post on Madagascar's environment and ecosystemOn night walks, the eagle eyed can spot chameleons and the sudden shine of nocturnal lemur eyes, as you hear the squads of fruit bats. It has to be seen to be believed
Josh, conservation volunteer (2019)
You’re permanently surrounded by wildlife - you can sit and watch lemurs around camp, along with chameleons and geckos of all shapes and sizes. It often feels like you’re behind the scenes on those fascinating nature documentaries back home!
If you are considering volunteering for SEED’s conservation program, this IS the experience you have been looking for. From July to September, I spent ten weeks working with international and Malagasy staff, learning all about conservation at its very core.
Robyn, conservation volunteer (2018)
If you come to Madagascar with a love for wildlife, you will leave with a passion for conservation. If you are up for an adventure with SEED Madagascar, here are my top tips:
- Be open minded. There are so many views and opinions and so much to learn
- Bring positive energy. Though it may look like a long time, your time in the bush flies by so get stuck in!
- Embrace the basic life. Remember, your first bucket shower is the worst. There is also limited electricity and phone signal
- Learn some Malagasy before-hand. You will get some lessons whilst you are here but having a headstart comes in handy and helps you build rapport with the community.
- Ask questions. The Research Assistants and Guides are amazing at what they do!
- Bring creature comforts. This might be a pillow or your favourite sauce.
This experience has been something words cannot describe, I felt so strongly about being in Sainte Luce and my experience with the SEED SCRP team that I chose to extend my time here by two weeks. Not only will I be taking home memories, I will also be taking away stories like the time I spotted a Pygmy Chameleon, the joys of forest analysis research and tales around the bonfire. Most importantly, I will be taking home a new outlook on life.
Andre, conservation volunteer (2018)
Madagascar’s uniqueness brought me to a reality that was way out of any possible expectation. Words like ‘simplicity’ and ‘enjoyment’ were relevant for my entire stay in this beautiful country. The culture is so different from anything I’ve been in touch with before and the sense of poverty will change your understanding of life’s necessities. I was able to immerse myself in this world thanks to SEED Madagascar. This south-eastern part of Madagascar offers astonishing nature, jumping lemurs, the beauty of the milky way and constant laughter. In Malagasy culture, laughter is the best way to start the day!
Julie, conversation volunteer (2018)
Madagascar is truly a different world, one that opened my eyes to the luxuries and hardships of life. It’s a place of friendly people, who laugh every day, who live with amazing sights, plants and animals. I’m leaving Madagascar with a new perspective on life, an understanding of how much of an impact I can make and full of inspiration for the world we can make together.
My top tips:
- Needles and raincoats are essentials!
- Dive in! Experience everything you get the opportunity to experience
- Try new things
- Come with an open mind and open heart.
The highlight for me was living in the tranquillity of the bush, getting away from the everyday hustle and bustle and enjoying time with my new-found bush family.
Still not convinced?
You can find even more reviews of our volunteering programmes on ReviewCentre!