What inspired you to travel abroad?
I have always loved traveling and scuba diving. I love exploring new cultures, places, and dive spots. I also was very keen to explore Indonesia because I had been inside so much in England during the pandemic and was excited to go and start a new life somewhere warm, next to the ocean! I had previously spent time in Bali so I knew I loved it and wanted to go back.
In front of the ocean with my group of interns that were on the project with me.
Why did you choose the Indo Ocean Project?
My biggest passion is scuba diving, and my degree is Zoology and conservation. I wanted to combine these two areas of my life. At the same time I was trying to get practical experience in conservation work. Indo Ocean Project offered a divemaster internship and while allowing me to work on a research project for marine conservation.
What was your favorite part about Indonesia?
I loved being so connected to the ocean, because every day being in the most magical waters with manta rays and sharks and stunning coral reefs. That was a dream! Also the local people are wonderful and the scenery and other things to do there is incredible. I loved it so much I ended up living there for 1 year afterwards!
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
There were so many amazing things that made it extraordinary! The people that ran my project (the staff at Indo Ocean Project) were so incredible, supportive and kind that it felt like I was with family straight away. The project itself allowed me to grow SO much as a person and in my career. The other interns and people I met when I was there totally changed my life too.
This photo is of me exploring the jaw drooping, gorgeous Nusa Penida island.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
They went above and beyond to support me. I have a prosthetic leg and needed some specific adjustments/adaptations to island life which they provided so graciously and thoughtfully. I had a driver who would help drive me around the island because walking and motorbiking weren't good, I had tons of support in adjusting my program to fit my needs and work best for me: from the types of fin, to the boat access to carrying equipment. They couldn't have done more!
Did the Indo Ocean Project provide specific pre-departure Covid support? If yes, tell us what kind of support you received.
I traveled during COVID and had daily messages with the staff on the ground in Nusa Penida. They would talk to me constantly about my worries, about the regulations, about what I needed to do to get here. When plans changed because of COVID and lockdowns they very clearly communicated it to me and helped me replan and rebook things.
How did the Indo Ocean Project help you stay (and feel) safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic?
I felt INCREDIBLY safe during this time, despite being in the middle of lockdowns and the pandemic. The staff took absolutely no risks and were so careful about every intern's safety and health. Many protocols and safety features were put into place for us and very clear communication was also key to maintaining this.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I was so carried away by the incredible experience, and the amount of fun that it was, that I sometimes didn't look after myself too well. I had some bad health issues at times where I hadn't been eating right or drinking enough water. I would be more mindful of that in the future so that it didn't disrupt my trip.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Waking up at about 7-8 am, heading to the dive shop and picking up a banana pancake on the way from the most wonderful local family restaurant. We would then set up the gear to go diving and load it into our trucks. We would spend the day on the boat doing research dives, studying fish species and more. In the afternoon we would do some private study time (and nap time) before meeting up with everyone to have dinner, beers and play cards.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I spent a lot of time with the other interns and became very close. We would play poker, go out for dinner and explore the island. In our free time we would also take trips to mainland Bali, to other local islands nearby such as Lembongan. We would love to have some time off to have drinks together and let our hair down a bit!
Leading my first discover scuba dive with a local girl from the island. So fun!
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a little bungalow in the jungle of Nusa Penida and I loved it so much. I prefer my own space, not the bunk beds or shared rooms. I loved how authentic the accommodation was and how in touch with island life we were staying there, even if it meant sharing a room with some geckos!
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
It's going to be the best time of your life! My experience was so far above what I expected and it still remains as one of the best periods of my life. Prepare for that so you can be totally present and enjoy and make the most of every second you spend there. Also it's a big culture shock, making sure to prepare for that.
Would you recommend the Indo Ocean Project to others? Why?
Yes I would 100%! It was such a life changing experience that gave me months of pure joy and happiness of how much fun I was having, whilst also led me to develop so many new skills. Because of this program I ended up in a career path I now feel so aligned with and fulfilled by. I also met people that have stayed in my life since.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Experiencing new cultures, meeting different kinds of people and being in different environments! Also I think that spending time on your own, and having life changing experiences teaches you so much about yourself that you can bring into every aspect of your life afterwards. I think everyone should travel abroad wherever they can!
This is me while on a dive during my project. There's nothing else like seeing the ocean this way.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Because of my time in Bali for the Indo Ocean Project I have gained skills that have led me to the job I am currently in, which I love! I also met best friends who have stayed in my life. I met my partner who I now live with in Spain. I learnt so much about myself and have carried a lot of those lessons into my daily life.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Traveling to a country where you experience it authentically, getting in touch and learning about the local culture, traditions and life. Meeting local people and making meaningful connections, being present and respectful of the land you are on, immersing yourself in the culture and embracing every opportunity.
