What inspired you to travel abroad?
I was inspired to go abroad because I learn the most out of life when I am exposing myself to new cultures and places. It really opens my eyes to the privilege I hold and helps me understand what impact I can have. Going abroad helps form me into the most well-rounded and down to earth version of myself.
About to drop a BRUV on the hose reef at Scuba Republic, Raja Ampat in three... two... one!
Why did you choose the Indo Ocean Project?
I chose the Indo Ocean Project for multiple reasons. My main goal was to do a divemaster internship. I found many basic options but the Indo Ocean Project really stood out with their focus on marine conservation. Instead of only receiving a divemaster certification, I also became a scientific diver, coral gardener, and more while learning all about marine ecology and conservation.
What was your favorite part about Raja Ampat?
My favorite part of my host country/city was how untouched it was. The culture there was beyond rich and beautiful to witness. The locals were some of the kindest people I have met and welcomed us in learning their ways. I will never forget seeing the majesty of the ocean and jungle through their eyes.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
My experience abroad was truly extraordinary because of the location and the Indo Ocean Project staff. Raja Ampat is some of the best diving in the world and I can now confirm that. Each day was absolutely unreal.
The culture in this area was also so unique and wholesome. The IOP staff were incredible mentors and friends who I will look up to and be in contact with for life. They are now part of my family.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff supported me throughout the program the best they could. There was a language barrier but they were always determined to figure out and help with whatever we needed. They became our friends and we even started language classes for both them and us. Their food was delicious and they kept us well fed. I would go back in a heartbeat.
Gorgeous unbeatable sunset views while hanging out on the jetty in Raja Ampat.
Did your program provide specific pre-departure Covid support? If yes, tell us what kind of support you received.
Yes, my program provided specific pre-departure support and fully informed us of their procedures. They kept us up to date on travel limitations and other issues we may face. They had a suggested code-of-conduct for traveling which included mask-wearing. I followed their requests and arrived cover free along with every other intern.
How did your program help you stay (and feel) safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic?
My program helped us stay and feel safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic in multiple ways. We had to be very careful when visiting local villages and stores. There were covid tests for anyone who felt ill and if they did test positive they were confined to their own area. The staff took great care to make sure we all felt at ease.
Under the sea looking at coral propagation! So exciting and amazing to see up close.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I did differently during my time abroad was the length of time I spent there. When I was leaving I felt my time there was not yet up. Looking back on it, I wish I could have been there longer to live that life and explore. This means I will have to return, but I don't have a problem with that.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I would wake up and immediately help load scuba tanks on the boat. Then we would all have breakfast, get our gear sorted, and head to the boat. We would then usually do two dives with snacks in between. After that, we would return to base for lunch.
After lunch, there would be time off before a lecture or project might start. In the evening we would all go out on the jetty for sunset before dinner. Afterwards we might play cards, read, hangout, and eventually go to bed. All in the most incredible place on Earth.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
The thing I enjoyed doing most during my free time was snorkeling the house reef at the dive resort. Their house reef was absolutely awe-inspiring. As time passed I began to learn the inhabitants of this reef and where they lived. It was so much fun to jump in and find my cuttlefish friend or the cutest family of clownfish.
I am just a regular farmer gone marine biologist and I seriously love it!
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The accommodation I had was a six-person bungalow. I really liked the spacious shelves each of us got for our belongings and the power outlets on each bed. We also had a mini refrigerator and two fans which was fantastic. In front of it was a little patio area with a table and benches. It was the perfect place to hangout and play cards.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know about my program before it begins is definitely see a travel doctor before going. Raja Ampat is very off the grid and it can be hard to acquire things once you are there. I was very grateful I saw my travel doctor beforehand and was adequately prepared for the jungle.
Would you recommend the Indo Ocean Project to others? Why?
I would absolutely recommend this program to others because it has been the BEST experience of my life. I have never done such incredible and rewarding work. The staff will become your family and you will never want to leave. I am so grateful for this experience as it has shown me my true passion in life, marine conservation.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is how it really broadens your perspective on life. Each time I travel I have such an opportunity to grow and always return a better version of myself. It is hard to detach oneself from the pressures of western culture but going abroad helps wash those stressors away to show you who you really could be.
Group photo of us trying new foods and fun dances with the people in the local village!
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I am home, my time abroad has impacted my life greatly. I have completely changed my career path and have recently become a scuba instructor. I wanted to do this so I can assist others in exploring the wonders of diving and marine conservation. Diving is the love of my life and all I want to do is share it with others in the unforgettable manner it has been shared with me.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means the world to me. Traveling is the time for me to explore who I am and who I could be. It relieves me of the pressures of western culture and allows me to open my mind to things other than money and status.
Travel shows me the beauty and sometimes travesty of life. Seeing these things makes me more well-rounded and open-minded.
