What inspired you to travel abroad?
I was certified as a recreational open water diver in 2016 in Canada. Post-pandemic, I was so eager to dive for an extended period of time and learn new skills. I am a marketing professional and reconnecting with water and the ocean sparked the desire to see if I could make diving my life as a marketer.
I was obsessed with the idea of diving and was seeking to reconnect to myself, nature and others. Inspiration was endless once I arrived in Indonesia and it was the fuel I needed to validate my life's work and use the IndoOcean project as a catalyst to officially commit to my next venture as an entrepreneur.
Why did you choose the Indo Ocean Project?
I was so pleased that there was an emphasis on allowing citizen scientists to participate in research projects. I always thought that I needed to be a marine biologist to find my footing in the ocean sustainability space. Becoming a divemaster was empowering and life changing.
Between the different site options, Nusa Penida was a 45-min fast boat ride from mainland Bali - less remote than some of the other options. Manta rays were noted as a key species that we'd be working with and the coral restoration project was of significant interest to me as well.
This is me happily dancing on the beach in Indonesia. Such a great experience.
What was your favorite part about Indonesia?
The kindness of the people and being situated on a dive island and in the community. Diving with other professional divers with a purpose was a new and welcomed experience. Nusa Penida felt very safe and the people were very friendly and welcoming.
It was not overwhelmingly busy (even during the high-tourist season). If there was anything that you needed, the main island was not too far. It was very central and accessible to island hop to other top dive destinations.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Being completely immersed in the diving industry and working closely with professional divers and conservationists from all different backgrounds. It was beyond inspiring to feel like we were working towards a collective goal, saving the ocean and owning our individual gifts and strengths. Meeting new divers and learning to guide other tourists and give them positive ocean experiences is something that I can't wait to do again.
Picture of me post-dive in Indonesia and very happy in life and what I do daily.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
Including us in their customs, leveraging their indigenous knowledge and relationship to the ocean while teaching us the language. The hospitality on the island was incredible. The people genuinely took an interest in us interns as we were clearly there for longer periods than most tourists passing through.
Did the Indo Ocean Project provide specific pre-departure Covid support? If yes, tell us what kind of support you received.
At the time when I was traveling, the restrictions were lightening up. We were supported through the visa process before and during our stay which helped alleviate some of the stress and logistics. Coming from Canada in April 2022, I was fortunate that the essentials were pretty straightforward and once arrived in Bali, masks were required in certain spaces only.
How did the Indo Ocean Project help you stay (and feel) safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic?
Having accommodation that was recommended and protocols with the dive shop were very helpful. Fortunately, I was traveling at a time when the severity was reduced and I felt safe, comfortable and able to enjoy my experience fully. I arrived when there weren't too many tourists as well, so it was amazing to get to experience what I assume will become more developed over the next 5 years in its natural, uncrowded, beautiful state.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
Hard to say. I came in with the intention to maximize the experience of working as a diver and seeing if this was a viable lifestyle. When I travel, I love integrating and feeling like I "fit in' to wherever I am.
I focused on diving, fun diving and freediving in and around Nusa Penida. I would have taken advantage of some other islands and sites next time, but no regrets as the diving was challenging and unique every time we set out. Diving with different shops was a great experience too!
Post-BRUV deployment, we ran tests on a variety of things including water quality during our surface interval.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
The best days were when I was diving with a purpose collecting data, deploying underwater cameras or doing a clean up dive. I loved waking up early and that going to work meant getting in the water. It was a different kind of leadership, teamwork and set of communication skills I'd never experienced.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I loved waking up and starting my day in the water, working or training and then spending time on my business in the evening or late afternoons. Time spent with friends that I am still connected to, whose amazing work is taking them around the world. Getting massages and savoring the delicious food.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I experienced a series of options but the most enjoyable was the Suda Cottage homestay where I had a private room on the water not far from town. I lived right on the water and the other rooms were also occupied by divers doing their divemaster or instructor training. During the internship, it was great to live on site with the other interns and have roommates as we were going through the same challenges and experiences and it was beautiful to share. I am an introvert, so moving to a private space towards the end was a personal choice but I am very happy with everything I experienced prior.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
It will be an intense but very rewarding experience. Come in with an open mind, be intentional and work hard. But also, rest and take care of yourself first. You will be supported throughout your entire training and the staff are there to help make the most of your experience.
You can also network before your arrival with the other interns in the Facebook and networking groups. Lead with curiosity and there are no stupid questions! Reach out to any alumni (hint hint) if you need anything!
Just a little mind-mapping different shark species in a conservation workshop.
Would you recommend the Indo Ocean Project to others? Why?
Always and forever. Experiencing Indonesia through the IndoOcean Project, we were given a meaningful and respectful introduction to the country and island in a way that many tourists on holiday would not experience. With diving as the center, it was a great way to connect with many locals and expats.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Connecting and experiencing new perspectives. Whether it is a personal or professional evolution you are seeking, travel experience will always gift you something beautiful. I left a corporate job marketing wine and spirits not knowing where it would lead. I was so eager to leap into something
completely new, ask questions and work on projects that I never even imagined I would work on.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Becoming a divemaster is now part of my identity. It is something I use to network and connect now that I am back in Canada and building a business in the ocean sustainability space. I lead with the fact that I am a founder and a divemaster building a company inspired by the human-ocean connection.
Connecting with universities and other ocean-minded entrepreneurs, it is a level of purpose that I could not have imagined. In February 2023, I attended the IMPAC5 (International Marine Protected Area Congress), met Sylvia Earle and had conversations all week about the role of diving in saving the ocean. Ocean literacy is the branch of this conversation where I will make my life as a marketer focused on leading conversations on ocean conservation.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
It means moving through the world consciously. If we want to experience the world as we see it online, we must travel sustainably. Being conscious about the culture, the food, the sustainability of our travel habits as we live, work or play in a place that is foreign to us. It means being extra intentional about consumerism, educating ourselves and others on more sustainable ways to experience new and unexpected places.
