What inspired you to travel abroad?
After my studies, I really wanted to extend my knowledge and have a wider vision of environmental and social issues around the world.
I wanted to learn from changemakers who were making a big positive impact within their communities. The biodiversity of Southeast Asia has always attracted me, so I thought it would be the perfect area to find thrilling opportunities.
Why did you choose Gili Shark Conservation program?
Gili Shark Conservation program was ticking all the boxes:
-an intense diving schedule
-daily scientific workshops about different topics in marine conservation
-a team of ocean enthusiasts dedicated to their projects
-a center located in the middle of a beautiful island surrounded by clear water
What I loved was that I could feel how much knowledge I would build from passionate scientists on land and underwater.
Attaching coral fragments
What was your favorite part about Indonesia?
Travelling to Indonesia was the best decision I could make. Indonesian people are so friendly, and they made me feel at home from the beginning.
Everyone is trying to make sure you’re able to make the best memories possible. I spent memorable nights singing and dancing with my local friends in some of the most beautiful places I had ever seen!
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The people I met in Indonesia truly made my experience extraordinary. I always felt safe and welcomed, and everyone around me always made sure I was happy.
Being abroad on your own can be very challenging as you are away from everything you know, but Indonesia made me feel at home. I will forever remember my time spent with Gili Shark Conservation!
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff were amazing! We were living in the research center headquarters, so we spent a lot of time together, even after work.
Mira, Joe, Anto, Fayssal and Nila were always making sure that we had smiles on our faces. They were not only people taking care of us. They all truly became friends!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had dedicated more time to exploring Lombok while I was on Gili Air. I dedicated a lot of time on the island, resting after the long days of diving and learning.
If I had to do it differently, I would spend some weekends on the mainland to explore more waterfalls and trek more! I am not sure I will come back to this area of the world so I wanted to make the most out of it. But we cannot do everything at once!
Adrenaline kicking in before diving
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
6.30 am: Wake up and slowly get ready for the day
7:30 am: Eat an amazing breakfast (with yummy vegan pancakes)
8:30 am: With the team, I would go to the dive shop to get my gear ready, then briefing
9:00 am-1:00 pm: Various diving adventures
1:00-2:00 pm: Lunch and then back to headquarters
2:00 -5:00 pm: Workshops and data analysis
Evenings: Time to watch the sunset on the beach and go for dinner!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I really enjoyed spending time exploring the surroundings. I had spent time going to Lombok to explore the cities and trekking in waterfalls.
I went sailing in South Lombok to discover the so-called "Secret Gilis." Also, I spent a lot of time relaxing at the spa or doing yoga classes on the weekends!
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in the 4-bed dorm and it was the best dorm I ever slept in. I am used to staying in hostels, but this shared room was definitely different.
It was super clean (the staff cleans it every day), we had AC, the furniture was really cute, and we even had shark toys next to our beds.
It was really spacious, and I felt super comfortable staying there.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Once you come to Gili Shark Conservation, it's really hard to leave! This program is great for ocean enthusiasts who love learning new things and participate in many different projects.
The schedule is quite intense, so be ready to do a lot of things underwater and on land. The team becomes a family so you might leave tears on the way back.
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?
I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to learn more about marine conservation! First because Gili Air is such an amazing place to dive, with clear water and such diverse marine life.
All the projects are led by the research center and are really exciting. Everyone is dedicated to helping you build your knowledge and skills while still having so much fun.
Cleaning hexdomes structures
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
For me, the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is that it shifts your perspective on a lot of things.
By meeting new people, discovering environments, and being accustomed to new cultures, you are learning so much in a short amount of time and extending your vision and knowledge about the world. Traveling abroad will definitely make you grow.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Back home, I realised this time abroad had such a big impact on my life.
By experiencing different lifestyles, constantly adapting to new environments, and meeting a lot of people from different backgrounds and nationalities, I feel now that I have a way bigger understanding of the world and its inhabitants.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means traveling with a purpose! I never really liked traveling just to spend time in tourist attractions. I like to spend my time doing something that I like and getting involved in community work.
That's why, for me, it was so important to learn about marine conservation in the Gili Islands because I knew the conservation issues happening there.
