Environment Volunteering in Maldives

I was able to complete a scuba diving program which I continue to do regularly. we explored uninhabited islands, learnt about turtles and did lots of fishing. overall I plan to return to the Maldives next year and will definitely use GoECO for future volunteering experiences.

Very good program. Friendly stuff and the local support team. Feels like I saw Maldives otherwise I would not see. Great experience with impact and environmental focus. Would recommend to others who would be interested. Thank you !

Living in the Maldives with so many amazing people, contributing to the conservation efforts of Atoll Marine Center and spending so much time in the ocean on the reef was truly a dream come true. My biggest highlight was going on an excursion to snorkel with nurse sharks and a manta ray!

The staff at the Marine Centre were excellent. We learnt so much every day and were treated to some other amazing experiences like Swimming with sharks and Manta Rays and even night fishing with the locals. Being able to collect Sea Grass for Hope made my heart sing.

I enjoyed some of the activites , but not others. The rivre walk and the walk to the koppies was 10/10. No intrenet was challenging , so 7/10. Jane , Precious , Patrick and Lucas were 10/10. I woul recommend this project to anyone who needs a detox from Social media.

I'm extremely satisfied to have been part of this great program helping children, their future and the future of the country. Accommodation - I was very happy and comfortable in a clean and pleasant environment. Food was always delicious, transport was always good, and cleaning was perfect. Staff were very kind and friendly with very good support; I was always able to reach them. I enjoyed every experience. Thank you so much for everything.

I enjoyed being part of the teaching program very much. Teaching English to year 3&4 was challenging at times but also a lot of fun. Receiving an email 2 weeks before arriving regarding school, classes would have been good. Emphasising the need for a laptop for lesson planning would have helped. I was very satisfied with accommodation; beds and pillows were comfortable, though upgrading to aircon was needed. Having 2 people in hot climate was better than three. Food was excellent and fresh with a great selection of meals all prepared by lovely, helpful staff. Having the occasional chicken meal was welcomed. Enjoyed experiencing Kerala food. We didn't need transport and the room was cleaned once a week & bathroom a few times each week. No complaints. All the staff were incredibly helpful, answering many questions. Working with Reshma was great both in and out of the classroom. She was extermely supportive when doing lesson planning & her help in the classroom with translation & classroom management was fantastic. Staff knew where various yoga places were always willing to suggest places to visit. Great suggestion by Shamla for cooking lesson and Kathkali.

New culture, new people, New Life. When we exchange our perspectives, ideas and plans to make a world better place for everyone. It's good to go different places it helps me view life in many directions

Hice 5 años en haiti, me se su idioma, se toda su cultura, me gustaría volver y apoyarlos en todas las dificultades que tienen, ya que ameritan mucha ayuda de todos nosotros, para ellos poder sobrevivir

I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.

My partner and I signed up for a dive on our last day with the associated dive instructor and had a fantastic time! We saw so many wild sea turtles, and it made us appreciate the sea turtles at the center even more. I'll never forget Hope, Umee, Kanbili, Hadhiya, Olga, Tom and Cora, and look forward to hearing updates from the friends I made who are staying a bit longer!

The most memorable experience was to see us as a family working together with the team under the same purpose and therefore be able to give back to the world and Nature. We have experience an amazing time. Our girls have shown us different sides of themselves and have shown up constructively. We have had lot of fun with crabbing, tender moments with turtle feeding and cleaning, hard sweating work with tank scrubbing and memorable conversations with the team.

After a week there, about 300 people came for a tour from cruise boats. My 13 and 15 year old sons were knowledgeable enough to lead tours. It was amazing to watch. They knew a lot about the animals and their stories, why/how they were being cared for at the reserve, and what tourists could do to help better the experience of local wildlife. We had an amazing week bonding with the animals and the staff!

We recently had the pleasure of spending two incredible weeks at the Atoll Marine Conservation Center, and we can’t recommend this experience enough to other families. Contributing to turtle rescue, ocean clean-up, and connecting with the wonderful local community was both rewarding and inspiring. The island's relaxed and friendly atmosphere provided a refreshing change from our busy lives. We came away with new friends and unforgettable memories. If you're looking for a meaningful and enriching family adventure, this is it!

The opportunity to really make an impact in the Maldives with GoEco has been very rewarding. Our family has loved feeding and caring for the turtles. Excursion day out to an uninhabited island was magical.

Everything else was good except the food which wasn't very tasty. Since this is a family volunteer activity with children participating, I suggest that the meals should include vegetables and fruits to maintain balanced nutrition. Thank you!

This an increasingly popular way for individuals to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. With numerous organizations offering volunteer programs, it's essential to review and research these opportunities to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. *Pros:* 1. *Cultural Immersion*: Living and working with local communities provides an immersive cultural experience. 2. *Skill Development*: Volunteers can develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as teaching, conservation, and community development. 3. *Networking Opportunities*: Volunteers can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. 4. *Personal Growth*: Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. *Cons:* 1. *Cost*: Many volunteer programs come with a hefty price tag, which can be a barrier for some. 2. *Safety Concerns*: Volunteers may face safety risks, such as health concerns or political instability, depending on the destination. 3. *Cultural Differences*: Adapting to local customs and way of life can be challenging for some volunteers. 4. *Quality of Programs*: Some volunteer programs may lack structure, support, or meaningful work, leading to a disappointing experience. *Recommendations:* 1. *Research Thoroughly*: Investigate the organization, program, and destination to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. 2. *Read Reviews*: Look for reviews from past volunteers to gain insight into the program's quality and challenges. 3. *Choose a Reputable Organization*: Select an organization with a proven track record, transparent policies, and adequate support for volunteers. 4. *Prepare Yourself*: Culturally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself for the experience to ensure a smooth transition. By being aware of the pros and cons, doing thorough research, and choosing a reputable organization, volunteers can have a safe, rewarding, and life-changing experience abroad.

As a Social worker i often meet with clients to assess their needs, provide counseling, and develop individualized plans to address their challenges. This could involve sessions with individuals, families, or groups.

I probably had one of the best experiences of my life in Natuwa for a month, feeding the many animals that live there, taking care of them, discovering a different way of life than mine, more minimalist and peaceful. Rodolfo is an extremely understanding man who cares about the well-being of his voluntarios. We had the chance to do several extra activities outside the centre, such as snorkeling near to Isla Tortuga, or swimming at night with bioluminescent planktons, which were dazzling. The workteam is really friendly and allows you to feel integrated quickly and easily. However, you have to expect to work hard sometimes, for example planting trees, doing work to maintain the infrastructure, but this is only a part of the day. outside the centre

The team were amazing and great to work with! Learnt so much from the experience, would recommend this to anyone who lives marine animals and is willing to work hard and get dirty! The meal options should really be improved, the food is fine for short term volunteers.