Study Abroad Programs in Madagascar

My trip to Madagascar was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was challenging, rewarding and fulfilling all at the same time. Unlike other study abroad programs, your time spent in Madagascar will be extremely immersive, and nothing like the usual European study abroad trip your university prepares you for. We travel to different parts of the country, such as rural and more urban/modernized areas so prepare yourself accordingly. There are large scheduled shifts and dietary changes, so ask for help and support in whatever areas you need. Despite all of the challenges I experienced on this trip, it is an enlightening one where you get to have direct contact with the locals to broaden your understanding of traditional medicine, colonial history and cultural legacies. Prepare yourself to learn Malagasy, experience an "African winter" and see Madagascar's rich biodiversity.

Studying abroad in Madagascar was a transformative experience that blended field research, cultural immersion, and personal growth. I conducted an independent research project on chameleon thermoregulation in Marojejy National Park, designing my methodology, collecting data in remote rainforest environments, and presenting my findings at a symposium. This hands-on approach to learning deepened my understanding of conservation science and ecological research. Beyond academics, living with a host family allowed me to engage with Malagasy culture, improve my French language skills, and gain perspective on the challenges of conservation in a developing country. I adapted to a new way of life, from navigating bustling markets to taking bucket showers, and built lasting relationships along the way. This program pushed me outside my comfort zone, strengthened my resilience and adaptability, and reinforced my passion for environmental research and global engagement. Madagascar’s beauty, biodiversity, and people made a lasting impact on me, and I highly recommend this program to students interested in field-based learning, conservation, and cultural exchange.