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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Want to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people while immersing yourself in island life? Our Travel Roots English Teaching Program in Madagascar offers a unique opportunity to support local education, build cross-cultural connections, and empower students with a vital skill for the future.
Help close the education gap
English is increasingly seen as a pathway to opportunity in Madagascar—opening doors to tourism, higher education, and global communication. However, many rural communities have limited access to trained English teachers or consistent instruction. As a volunteer, you’ll help bridge this gap by teaching basic to intermediate English to children, teens, and adults across villages on Nosy Komba.Support students of all ages
You’ll work primarily with primary and secondary school students, but may also support adult learning classes or community-led literacy groups. Depending on local needs, your lessons might include reading, writing, conversation practice, games, songs, and storytelling—all aimed at building confidence and real-world language use.You don’t need to be a qualified teacher
No prior teaching experience is necessary—just a good grasp of English, a willingness to learn, and a genuine passion for helping others. Our local team will provide support, materials, and guidance to help you create engaging lessons and adapt to local learning styles.Cultural exchange and meaningful impact
More than just a language class, your presence brings inspiration, friendship, and a sense of global connection to communities that are often overlooked. You’ll build relationships that transcend language—sharing stories, laughter, and learning in both directions.Key Activities:
Assisting or leading English lessons in local schools and learning centres
Creating engaging lesson plans and visual teaching aids
Supporting adult literacy classes or informal community groups
Running games, reading circles, and conversational practice sessions
Helping improve pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary in fun, accessible ways
Assisting with homework help and basic classroom tasks
Encouraging cross-cultural exchange through songs, stories, and informal chats
Whether you're helping a child write their first sentence in English or boosting someone’s confidence to speak aloud for the first time, your impact will ripple far beyond the classroom.
By volunteering on our English Teaching Program in Madagascar, you will:
• Help improve education and communication skills in remote communities
• Support students of all ages with their reading, writing, and speaking
• Gain valuable teaching experience—no prior qualifications needed
• Build lasting cross-cultural friendships and foster global connection
• Create fun and engaging lessons that boost student confidence
• Live in a welcoming island village surrounded by natural beauty
• Contribute to long-term language development and opportunity access
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of an English Teaching Volunteer
Life as a teaching volunteer blends meaningful classroom time with cultural exchange, creativity, and tropical island living. Your days will be a mix of preparing lessons, supporting students, and enjoying the slow, welcoming rhythm of village life on Nosy Komba.
Here’s what a typical weekday might look like:
7:00 AM – Wake-Up & Breakfast
Start your day with fresh fruit, Malagasy coffee, and a simple breakfast at the volunteer house. Mornings are peaceful, filled with birdsong and ocean views.8:00 AM – Lesson Planning & Classroom Prep
Use the early part of your day to prepare lessons with help from staff and fellow volunteers. You might create worksheets, visual aids, or games based on that day’s theme—ranging from basic greetings to storytelling or role play.10:00 AM – Morning Classes Begin
Head to a local school or learning space to teach students of varying ages. Most classes are around 45–60 minutes and may involve interactive games, group practice, and pronunciation activities. You’ll often co-teach with another volunteer or local assistant.12:00 PM – Lunch & Midday Break
Enjoy a communal plant-based lunch prepared by the local team. Afterward, relax on the beach, read in a hammock, or walk into the nearest village.2:00 PM – Afternoon Sessions or Community Classes
In the afternoon, you may assist with informal community English sessions—often attended by teens or adults looking to improve their conversational skills. These laid-back sessions might take place in a shaded outdoor area or a local community hall.4:00 PM – Free Time & Reflection
Return to camp and unwind. Take a swim, write in your journal, or work on tomorrow’s lesson plan while chatting with other volunteers.6:00 PM – Dinner & Evening Sharing Circle
Gather for dinner and reflect on the day. Some evenings include optional cultural activities like Malagasy language lessons, traditional dancing, or storytelling from local elders.Days Off
You’ll enjoy two days off per week to explore nearby islands, snorkel coral reefs, hike forest trails, or simply soak up the peaceful surroundings. The balance of meaningful work and adventure makes each week both impactful and inspiring.Whether you’re helping a child spell their name or seeing a shy teen speak up in front of their peers, every moment you spend in the classroom creates real change—and unforgettable memories.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
As a volunteer English teacher, your impact reaches far beyond vocabulary and grammar. You’ll be opening doors to opportunity, confidence, and connection for students who may otherwise never have the chance to learn from a fluent English speaker. In Madagascar, English is increasingly seen as a bridge to better education, sustainable tourism jobs, and broader communication—but access to quality instruction is still limited in many rural areas.
Your support brings consistency, encouragement, and new learning techniques to classrooms that often lack resources. From helping a young child master the alphabet to guiding adults in conversation practice, each session you lead builds language skills and self-belief. These small victories add up—boosting school engagement, supporting long-term development, and helping create pathways to opportunity.
But your presence does more than teach a language.
You’ll also foster cross-cultural exchange, spark curiosity about the wider world, and show that learning can be fun, interactive, and empowering. Students will remember your energy, kindness, and the confidence you helped them build long after your time on the island ends.
You don’t need to be a professional teacher to make a professional-level impact. Your time, patience, and care help shape futures—and you’ll leave knowing you were part of something bigger than yourself.
Your Home on Nosy Komba
Set into the lush hillside of Nosy Komba with sweeping views across the Indian Ocean, your accommodation at Turtle Cove is rustic, communal, and designed for immersive island living. Built across multiple levels to blend naturally with the terrain, the camp sits above a coral reef and faces the breathtaking Lokobe Forest Reserve on nearby Nosy Be.
Sleeping Arrangements
Volunteers stay in traditional, locally built same-sex bungalows nestled among tropical gardens. Each bungalow houses 4–6 people in double bunks, with enough space to store your backpack and belongings. Lockable storage boxes are provided in each hut for small valuables, and volunteers are encouraged to bring a personal padlock.
Private rooms may be available upon request, at an additional cost of $210 per week, and are subject to availability.
What to Bring
You’ll need to bring:A mosquito net
Lightweight bedding or sleeping bag
Towel(s)
Solar charging kit or battery pack for small electronics
Facilities & Amenities
• 10 shared bathroom units with flush toilets and cold-water showers
• Separate kitchen and spacious dining area surrounded by gardens
• Solar-powered lighting throughout the camp
• No Wi-Fi or in-room electricity—perfect for a digital detox
• Charging stations for small devices available occasionally via generator
• Additional charging available in the local village of Ampang (30-min walk)The main house also serves as the daytime hangout and social area. Relax on the decks in a hammock or bean bag, meet with fellow volunteers, and soak in the uninterrupted ocean view—ideal for unwinding after a dive or marine workshop.
Meals & Dining
Three traditional Malagasy meals are served daily in the open-air dining area. Meals are predominantly vegetarian, with rice, beans, fresh vegetables, and occasional fish or meat dishes prepared by local staff. Fresh fruit, filtered water, and tea are always available, and the volunteer team eats together in a communal setting that fosters connection and shared experience.
Sustainable Living
Turtle Cove is fully solar-powered and water-reliant, meaning conscious living is essential. Volunteers are asked to:
Limit showers to once per day
Turn off lights and taps when not in use
Avoid charging high-wattage items (laptops, hairdryers, etc.)
Living off-grid on Nosy Komba is part of what makes this program so special. You’ll experience a peaceful, low-impact lifestyle close to nature—and discover how simplicity can be deeply fulfilling.
History
Established in 2013, our trusted local partner has become a vital hub for conservation, education, and community development along Madagascar’s northwestern coastline. With a fully government-approved research centre known as Turtle Cove, the organization has developed a strong foundation for hosting long-term environmental initiatives across both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Strategically located on Nosy Komba—an island known for its tranquillity, biodiversity, and roadless natural setting—the centre lies just across from the iconic Lokobe Forest Reserve and collaborates closely with the Centre National de Recherchés Océanographiques (CNRO). This partnership has enabled them to support some of the region’s most impactful marine biodiversity programs, contributing to international data networks and local knowledge-sharing.
Over the years, the team has welcomed volunteers from all over the world to join efforts in marine conservation, forest monitoring, sea turtle protection, and educational outreach. From reef health assessments to sustainable village projects, their grassroots impact is woven deeply into the communities and natural systems they serve.
Mission & Vision
The mission is simple but ambitious: to safeguard Madagascar’s unparalleled biodiversity through collaborative research, environmental stewardship, and local empowerment. By combining scientific monitoring with community-based education and sustainable development, the organization works to protect the fragile balance between people and nature.
Their vision is to create a future where Madagascar’s unique ecosystems—both underwater and on land—are preserved for generations to come. Through consistent long-term data collection, international partnerships, and hands-on local engagement, they aim to inspire global responsibility and local pride in protecting one of the world’s most ecologically important island nations.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fee
Duration Fee (€)
1 week €6562 weeks €902
3 weeks €1,148
4 weeks €1,395
5 weeks €1,641
6 weeks €1,889
7 weeks €2,135
8 weeks €2,381
9 weeks €2,628
10 weeks €2,967
11 weeks €3,212
12 weeks €3,460
Payment Terms
• Program fees are due 30 days before your start date
• If applying within 30 days of arrival, full payment is due within 48 hours of confirmationWhat’s Included
Your program fees cover everything you need for a rewarding and supported teaching experience:
✅ Shared accommodation in a local volunteer house on Nosy Komba
✅ Three traditional Malagasy meals per day
✅ Airport pickup and boat transfer from Nosy Be
✅ Welcome pack full of necessary and useful info
✅ All teaching materials and classroom resources
✅ Flexible start dates and free date changes
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ Guidance and training from local education staff
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✅ So much moreYour Investment in Education & Community Empowerment
By volunteering your time to teach English, you’re investing in brighter futures for students and communities that often go underserved. In return, you’ll grow your own confidence, communication skills, and cultural awareness—living and learning alongside the people you’re supporting.
Your program fees directly support:
• Local school infrastructure and materials
• Long-term English education and literacy programs
• Employment and training for Malagasy staff
• Development of inclusive, community-based education projectsThis is more than just volunteering—it’s empowerment in action, for both your students and yourself.
Where You’ll Be – Nosy Komba, Madagascar
Your volunteering base is Turtle Cove, nestled into the steep, forested slopes of Nosy Komba—also known as “Lemur Island.” Just six miles from Nosy Be (where the international airport is located), this peaceful volcanic island is a paradise of biodiversity and tranquillity. With no roads or vehicles, life on Nosy Komba flows at a slower pace, deeply connected to nature and traditional Malagasy rhythms.
From your multi-level eco-camp, you’ll overlook turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, with views stretching all the way to the Lokobe Forest Reserve on neighbouring Nosy Be. You’ll be surrounded by dense tropical forest, ocean breezes, and the distant sound of waves breaking on coral reefs.
Despite its off-grid charm, Nosy Komba offers the essentials for a comfortable stay—including nearby villages, hiking trails, and access to traditional markets just a short boat ride or hike away. It’s the perfect blend of seclusion, safety, and cultural immersion.
Madagascar – An Island Like No Other
Madagascar is one of the most unique and biologically rich countries on Earth. Over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else, including iconic lemurs, chameleons, baobab trees—and in the ocean, an equally impressive array of coral, fish, turtles, and reef invertebrates.
This East African island nation boasts an astonishing range of landscapes: from highland rice terraces and dry spiny forests to lush rainforests and vibrant coastal reefs. The marine environment in particular—especially around Nosy Komba and Nosy Be—is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, thriving coral ecosystems, and rare marine species.
The culture of Madagascar is equally captivating. Influenced by African, Asian, and French heritage, the Malagasy people are known for their warmth, hospitality, and deep connection to the land and sea. Traditional fishing villages, handmade crafts, and sacred customs all form part of the daily life you’ll experience.
The climate in this region is tropical—expect hot, sunny days, cooler evenings, and the occasional refreshing rainfall. With its balance of biodiversity, beauty, and peaceful island living, Madagascar offers the ideal environment for volunteers seeking purpose, learning, and unforgettable adventure.
When you're not educating the youth of Madagascar the area offers endless ways to explore, unwind, and connect with nature and culture. From hiking volcanic peaks to swimming with sea turtles, your time off is just as rewarding as your volunteer work.
Island Adventures & Nature Experiences
• Snorkelling in Nosy Tanikely Marine Park – Just a short boat ride away, this protected reserve is home to vibrant coral gardens, sea turtles, and dazzling reef fish.
• Hiking on Nosy Komba – Explore volcanic trails through lush tropical forest, spot wild lemurs, and reach breathtaking viewpoints above the sea.
• Boat Tours to Nosy Iranja or Nosy Sakatia – Visit white sandbar islands, swim in turquoise lagoons, and enjoy a day of island-hopping bliss.
• Whale Watching (seasonal) – From June to September, you might spot migrating humpback whales as they pass through local waters.
Cultural Activities & Village Life
• Visit the local village of Ampang – A scenic 30-minute hike brings you to this charming community where you can shop for handmade crafts, charge electronics, and engage with local life.
• Traditional Malagasy Cooking Classes – Learn to make dishes like coconut rice, smoked fish, or banana fritters with the local team.
• Market Trips to Nosy Be – Head across the water for vibrant markets, delicious street food, and a taste of Madagascar’s urban island culture.
• Craft Workshops – Try your hand at weaving, wood carving, or dyeing fabrics with natural plant-based colours.
Relaxation & Downtime at Camp
• Lounge in a hammock with a book and ocean view
• Swim or snorkel just steps from your bungalow
• Join a yoga session on the deck
• Stargaze from the beach after dinner
• Watch bioluminescence in the water at night
Whether you're chasing adventure or simply soaking in the peaceful pace of island life, your free time in Madagascar will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the land, sea, and culture that surrounds you.
