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:
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Be open minded. There are so many views and opinions and so much to learn
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Bring positive energy. Though it may look like a long time, your time in the bush flies by so get stuck in!
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Embrace the basic life. Remember, your first bucket shower is the worst. There is also limited electricity and phone signal
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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.
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Ask questions. The Research Assistants and Guides are amazing at what they do!
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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.