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Overview of Volunteer Programs in Madagascar

Madagascar is an exotic country with a high concentration of endemic species, making it a jewel in terms of biodiversity. It is the world’s fourth largest island and its cultural richness differs from one ethnic group to another, with 18 ethnic groups forming the Malagasy population. Malagasy society remains open-hearted to everyone who takes time to discover and enjoy its natural and cultural heritage. This land of smiles and contrasts is ready to take you on your next adventure whether helping out in local communities or just exploring. This island located at the crossroads of the African and Asian worlds will surely amaze your senses. Madagascar will certainly shift the way you see the world.

WHY VOLUNTEER IN MADAGASCAR

Volunteering in Madagascar offers a rare chance to be part of a vital conservation effort in one of the world’s most ecologically diverse and fragile environments. By dedicating your time to volunteer work here, you’ll directly contribute to safeguarding unique flora and fauna, such as lemurs and chameleons, while promoting sustainable practices that benefit local communities. This hands-on involvement in conservation projects allows you to witness the direct impact of your efforts and become a steward of Madagascar’s unparalleled natural heritage.

Beyond the rewarding conservation work, you’ll find yourself immersed in the rich tapestry of Malagasy culture, where traditional beliefs and customs intertwine with a warm and welcoming spirit. Exploring Madagascar’s remote villages, vibrant markets, and breathtaking landscapes will provide you with a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationship between people and nature. Volunteering in Madagascar ombines meaningful impact with immersive cultural experiences.

HIGHLIGHTS OF VOLUNTEERING IN MADAGASCAR

Here are just a few of the best things about volunteer work in Madagascar:

  • Volunteering in Madagascar provides a rare opportunity to work in one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, contributing to conservation efforts that protect unique species like lemurs and chameleons.
  • Immerse yourself in Madagascar’s lush rainforests, discovering hidden waterfalls, rare plant species, and diverse wildlife, including the chance to spot lemurs in their natural habitat.
  • Engage with local communities and learn about Malagasy customs, traditions, and beliefs, forging connections that provide deep insights into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Contribute to marine conservation initiatives, such as protecting coral reefs and marine life, while enjoying opportunities for snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear waters.

Our Madagascar Volunteer Projects

Browse all of our volunteer projects in Madagascar below. If you can’t find a suitable volunteer program, check out our main program finder to continue your search for volunteering beyond Madagascar.

Volunteer Abroad
Madagascar

Nosy Be Culture Week Volunteer in Madagascar

Start your program in Madagascar with a week full of adventures - sightseeing, classes to learn more about the culture and local traditions, and meeting new friends from all over the world!

Nosy Be Culture Week Volunteer in Madagascar

Start your program in Madagascar with a week full of adventures – sightseeing, classes to learn more about the culture and local traditions, and meeting new friends from all over the world!

CULTURE WEEK SCHEDULE
– Monday: Orientation, meet the team and get to know your fellow volunteers, then hike to the summit of Nosy Be’s highest point, Mont Passot, for stunning sunset views
– Tuesday: Walking tour of Nosy Be’s lovely rural landscapes from Ambatozavary to the old village of Marodoka for a picnic, local dance class and pastry class, and Malagasy language lessons
– Wednesday: Visit the sacred banyan tree where locals and mainlanders make offerings and ask for blessings, walk through Hell-Vil

Volunteer Abroad
Madagascar

Teaching Volunteer Project in Madagascar

Most people in Madagascar can't afford to travel, and in villages like Tsararano Ambony there is little chance of contact with the outside world. You, as a foreign teacher, enable the students to form a relationship with someone from a different background and culture.

Teaching Volunteer Project in Madagascar

Most people in Madagascar can’t afford to travel, and in villages like Tsararano Ambony there is little chance of contact with the outside world. You, as a foreign teacher, enable the students to form a relationship with someone from a different background and culture. On the other hand, the local teachers can also learn new and up to date teaching methods and techniques from you. You will mainly assist the regular school teachers in the school and therefore even without a formal teaching background you can participate in this project.

You will teach children from different age groups with different learning capacities. You are free to use your own teaching materials and methods in teaching.

Volunteer Abroad
Madagascar

Construction and Renovation Volunteer in Madagascar

The Construction and Renovation project at Nosy Be supports small communities in and around the island. It aims to build and renovate school buildings that are essential for the growth and development of the children along with the local community.

Construction and Renovation Volunteer in Madagascar

The Construction and Renovation project at Nosy Be supports small communities in and around the island. It aims to build and renovate school buildings that are essential for the growth and development of the children along with the local community. You will work under a local coordinator who will provide you guidance and training to work alongside the local families and other participants. The project involves hard physical and manual labor since you will be laying bricks, doing carpentry, painting, waterproofing, laying tiles, landscaping/gardening, as well as, improving the community’s hygiene and sanitation facilities.

Volunteer Abroad
Madagascar

Kindergarten Teaching Volunteer in Madagascar

The kids at the kindergarten are right at the start of their school careers and the chance to start learning English at such an early age will prove invaluable for them further on. Like in kindergartens throughout the world, the teaching is informal as the children will want to play with you more than be taught.

Kindergarten Teaching Volunteer in Madagascar

The kids at the kindergarten are right at the start of their school careers and the chance to start learning English at such an early age will prove invaluable for them further on. Like in kindergartens throughout the world, the teaching is informal as the children will want to play with you more than be taught. However, just by getting them enthused about coming to school, giving them some very basic English phrases such as simple greetings, you may as well have sown the seeds of a lifelong learning habit. The children will all be excited to see you and welcome you exceptionally, partly due to the natural and genuine friendliness of the people of these villages but also due to the fact that

Location

About Nosy Be

Nosy is an island off the northwest coast of Madagascar. Nosy Be means “big island” in the Malagasy language and is Madagascar’s largest and busiest tourist destination. Here you’ll find volcanic lakes, lemurs, rum distilleries, Ylang Ylang plantations and breathtaking coral reefs that are practically begging to be explored. Perfectly located on the Indian Ocean between Africa and Asia, Nosy-Be evokes feelings of discovery and adventure, the rich and endemic biodiversity will have you begging for more.

Dates & costs

The World Endeavors Volunteer in Madagascar program is flexible in duration and can be tailored to last between 1 to 12 weeks. If you have the time, we recommend a stay of at least 4 weeks. Admissions are rolling, and World Endeavors volunteers can choose when they would like to start their program. Due to holidays, traditional vacation schedules, and seasonal work availability, there might be better times than others to volunteer at a specific location or in a specific project.

When you are ready to start planning your volunteer trip to Madagascar contact us. Our experienced advisors will help you sort through any timing considerations unique to your destination or your volunteer project.

Please wait until after you are accepted into the program and you have received the confirmed arrival and departure dates before you book your flight.

First Week: $3,390 | Each Additional Week: $1,490

Eligibility

  • Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, though exceptions to this age requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis.
  • Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in the culture.
  • Keep in mind that all countries have different visa restrictions for varying types of passports.

Housing

Volunteers stay in a shared volunteer house and stay in shared rooms by gender. The meals are a mix of Western and Malagasy food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about twice a week. You can also use the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or eat out at any of the local restaurants at your own expense.

Every World Endeavors Volunteer Project Includes

Our carefully designed international volunteer programs encompass everything necessary for your success and well-being while abroad.

YOUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

  • Volunteer project customized to match your interests and goals and meet community needs
  • Year-round program availability
  • Flexible durations from 2 to 12 weeks

PEACE OF MIND

  • Comprehensive travel medical insurance
  • Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance

ACCOMMODATION

  • Host family or shared volunteer house, depending on destination
  • Vetted and hand-selected with quality and safety in mind
  • 2 to 3 meals per day included

PREPARATION AND SUPPORT

  • Airport pickup
  • Pre-arrival and on-site orientation
  • 24/7 local support

TEAM OF EXPERTS

  • Dedicated one-on-one advisor
  • Local on-site coordinator
  • Volunteer project supervisor

RE-ENTRY AND CAREER INTEGRATION

  • Re-entry handbook and support
  • Assistance with resume updates
  • World Endeavors Alumni Network

HEALTH & SAFETY

When you feel safe and respected abroad, you will flourish. World Endeavors participants are transformed through enriching, rewarding and safe experiences around the world. We meticulously monitor travel recommendations and will only facilitate programs where we can ensure our participants’ safety. 

We take key steps to ensure our participants’ well-being, including providing a pre-trip success guide, 24/7 local support, in-country trained staff, pre and post-arrival orientation, comprehensive travel medical insurance, and Mental Health First Aid-certified staff. Please contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME IN MADAGASCAR

In your spare time in Madagascar, there are plenty of enjoyable activities and experiences to pursue. Here are some suggestions:

  • Explore Nature & Wildlife: Visit national parks like Andasibe-Mantadia, Isalo, or Ranomafana to witness lemurs, chameleons, and other endemic species in their natural habitats.
  • Experience Local Culture: Engage with the friendly Malagasy people, visit local markets, and attend traditional dance performances to immerse yourself in Madagascar’s rich heritage.
  • Snorkel Along Coral Reefs: Madagascar’s coastal regions offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling or diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
  • Try Malagasy Cuisine: Sample traditional Malagasy dishes like romazava (beef stew), ravitoto (cassava leaves with meat), and zebu steak, along with tropical fruits like lychee and mango.

How to choose the best volunteer program

Choosing your volunteer program is easy when you evaluate your priorities. Follow these steps to guide you toward your ideal program.

Explore a New Career

Interning abroad offers a great opportunity to explore your professional and personal interests, and help define your career path. Peruse our internship fields and past examples to find the best fit.

Choose Your Dream Destination

Finding a meaningful way to combine interning and travel to your dream location is a big incentive. Carefully consider which destinations suit your interests and international internship goals.

Improve Language Skills

Immersing yourself in a language-rich environment is the ultimate method for developing fluency. If language-learning is your goal, favor destinations that use your language of choice.

Fit your budget

Explore scholarships and financial aid to determine if these may impact your destination options. Consider the overall cost of the program and cost of living in-country to identify the optimal match.

Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.

SEARCH

Recent Volunteer Abroad Testimonials

Nadia SVolunteer in Argentina

I did a volunteer program in Argentina and I had a wonderful time! I loved the organization that I was placed with and I received great support from start to finish by the World Endeavors team. The program has such great flexibility when it comes to start/finish dates, location options and volunteer opportunities; it's gave me the ability to truly make the experience my own. I'd highly recommend it and will definitly be doing it again.

Autumn RVolunteer in Costa Rica

Amazing experience from start to finish! Everyone involved in the process both here in the states and while abroad was fantastic and readily available when I had any questions!

Arielle TVolunteer in Fiji

I loved every bit of it. I thought it was perfectly balanced between work and having time to go off and explore and hang out with friends I made. I loved the program coordinator, who was one of the ones staying at the house and went off to school with us. I didn’t really have any expectations going in but was completely blown away.

Shannon MVolunteer in Ghana

The World Endeavors program allowed me to venture into a culture and community other than my own and gain the world of experience by doing so. Never in a million years would I have imagined traveling and meeting such amazing souls, and seeing the world through different eyes. I am grateful for the opportunity, and encourage any and all persons to take a trip no matter how long with the program. The advisors are with you every step of the way and will be sure to have u prepared before departure and while you are in your country of choice.

Sara PVolunteer in India

This summer I went to Jaipur, India, to work in a lower income neighborhood with women and children to better their conditions. The experience has been incredible both on the professional side and on the emotional one. The whole experience has fullfilled my soul with many memories and much more knowledge! Thanks to World Endeavors which has helped me with every single detail before, during and after my trip!

Jay CVolunteer in Nepal

After Culture Week, I have been at the monastery for a week. So far, I am having a great time. I have been teaching, taking part in daily rituals, and learning about Buddhism and its philosophical endeavors. It has been lovely!

Madagascar FAQs

Is Madagascar Part of Africa?

Yes, Madagascar is an island off the coast of East Africa. It is considered part of the African continent because it is located in the Indian Ocean, part of the African tectonic plate.

What are People from Madagascar Called?

Malagasy and Madagascan have emerged in literature as English terms to refer to the people and the culture of Madagascar.

What is the Official Language of Madagascar?

The official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy and French. Malagasy is spoken by most of the population, while French is the language of government, education, and business.

What Does it Look Like in Madagascar?

Madagascar is an island nation off the east coast of Africa and home to various flora and fauna. The landscape is diverse, ranging from rainforests to deserts, with multiple mountain ranges and stunning coastal beaches. The country is known for its unique wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and various endemic species of plants and birds, making it one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

What is the Climate Like in Madagascar?

Madagascar has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a warm, wet season from November to April and a cooler, dry season from May to October. Most of the country experiences hot temperatures year-round, with some areas of the highlands experiencing cooler temperatures.

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Our Top Volunteer Abroad Destinations

World Endeavors volunteers support communities in several destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Our programs are located in a variety of sites, including urban and rural, economically developed and developing, and English-speaking and non-English speaking.

How to apply for a Volunteer Abroad Program

You’ve decided to volunteer abroad – congratulations! Applying for your World Endeavors program is easy and stress-free. We can’t wait to get you on your way!

STEP 1
EXPLORE & ASK

Research and compare. If you can’t decide on a program, we can guide you toward the best fit.

STEP 2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Fill out our online application form to share all your relevant details with our team.

STEP 3
ENROLL & PREPARE

Receive your official acceptance and enroll. We’ll give you all the info you need to get ready!

STEP 4
START YOUR ADVENTURE!

You’ve researched, planned and saved. Now you’re ready. It’s time to PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!