Study Abroad Programs in Antananarivo, Madagascar

In Madagascar, I learned how to express myself in three languages, listen closely, and be open to cultural practices different from my own. The program enabled me to engage directly with the subject matter (Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management) instead of speaking abstractly, build positive relationships, and open myself to new worldviews. Most importantly, the program staff are exceptional! Anecdote: Supported by the nonprofit Planet Madagascar, in spring '24 I camped for two weeks between the rural village of Maevetanimbary and a research encampment in Ankarafantsika National Park, a national park in the northwest. To better understand the impact of fire on forested zones, I compared physical characteristics and species diversity between burned and unburned zones. I wrote a project report and presented my work to the national park’s directors in French. To study natural resource management and the ecotourism economy as a study abroad student and a foreigner is an incredibly complex task. My interactions with local scientists, store owners, and governmental workers; coursework on the Malagasy language and the incredible local biodiversity; and relationships with host families built my ability to engage in a good way in a place far from my home. As such, I am proud of the research I conducted in Anakarafantsika and grateful to have had access to such powerful experiential learning.

The program staff were wonderful. The educational content and professors were wonderful, world renowned scientists were often invited to speak in lectures. Language and cultural immersion were a big part of our experience and one of the best parts. I've made life long friends in Mada that I still talk with regularly. Field work was immersive and there was the chance to extend our stay in Mada pursuing science (a few of us stayed 6 months). Science wasn't my major (my BA is in French), and this program inspired me to pursue environmental conservation as a masters. I honestly have nothing but good things to say about the program. You won't regret going it's worth every penny. Feel free to whatsapp me if you have any questions @L.mikayla