The unofficial guide to Madagascar based on 7 Volunteers' experiences

Nada's healthcare group in Madagascar. — Health Volunteer Nada meets regularly with a group of mothers and caregivers to discuss health topics in Madagascar.

Curious what life is like on the fourth largest island in the world? Volunteers who served in Madagascar share highlights from their service to inspire and prepare new Volunteers.

Meaningful projects

Peace Corps Madagascar collaborates with in-country partners on community projects within the Agriculture, Education, and Health sectors. Agriculture Volunteers co-train farmers on sustainable techniques to diversify crops or train community members on nutritional cooking. Education Volunteers co-teach English at middle or high schools while Health Volunteers support various initiatives at local clinics.

“I work at the local health clinic two days a week, weighing babies and pregnant women, and tracking vaccinations. I also lead healthcare groups in four villages surrounding my town. I meet with groups of mothers made up of up to 40 pregnant women and caregivers every month. We discuss a variety of health topics such as sanitation hygiene, nutrition, vaccinations, danger signs during pregnancy, and malaria prevention,” shared Health Volunteer, Nada M. (2023-2025).

After a few months at site, Volunteers often identify secondary projects based on the additional needs and interests expressed by community members.

Julia L is a Health Volunteer in Madagascar — Peace Corps Volunteer Julia and her counterpart in Madagascar.

Thomas B. (2022-2024), for example, observed that clean drinking water was not readily available at his school. With the involvement of parents, school staff, the mayor, and even local wholesalers, Thomas and a local NGO constructed a 10,000-liter rainwater tank with a built-in filtration system: “As an Education Volunteer, I don’t know anything about water tanks. Thanks to the Peace Corps network and the generosity of my community, we were able to make a decades-long investment in the health of my school’s 360 students. Peace Corps is often less about doing everything yourself and more about quietly helping things along from the sidelines.”

Julia L. (2023-2025), on the other hand, found creative, capacity-strengthening opportunities at her site: “In the life-skills club, young girls learn various textile-based crafts like sewing, embroidery, crocheting, and bracelet-making using local materials. I am also in the process of starting a radio show that combines English lessons with educational health programming.”

Read more about Volunteer projects in Madagascar.

A community that cares

Peace Corps prepares Volunteers to fully integrate and create lasting friendships. For two-year Volunteers, this translates to three months of intensive pre-service training (PST) in Malagasy culture and language. Gaining a deeper understanding of the country and its people helps Volunteers respectfully engage and, as a result, strangers quickly become friends and family.

“One of my fondest memories is the time I was invited to my counterpart's school so her students could hear an American accent. I spent hours talking with them, and it was dark by the time I was done. I was informed there was a small search party looking for me to ensure I was safe getting home. The way people care for one another and appreciate the simple joys of life is something I truly cherish,” remembered Hewan P. (2024-2026).

Enter alt text — Kamaka stepped outside his comfort zone into a warm and welcoming Malagasy culture.

“People are unbelievably welcoming and love-giving. What surprised me the most is that, while the Malagasy don’t have a lot to give, they still do. We can learn a lot from them. I learned that I am capable of doing so much more than I thought I could. I grew just by being put into new situations. It all starts by stepping outside of your comfort zone,” stated Kamaka D. (2016-2019).

Food promotes connection

Mealtime can serve as an opportunity to learn about customs, practices, and expectations, but it’s also a catalyst for bringing people together. The conversations we have over a shared meal strengthen our ties to one another. Volunteers cite cooking and dining with their host families, neighbors, and/or counterparts as a highlight of their experience.

“In Madagascar, rice is life. They say, ‘Tsy vary tsy voky,’ which roughly translates to ‘No rice, never full.’ It's a staple of most households. To prepare rice for cooking, my host family and I would first pound the rice with a mortar and pestle to de-husk it. Then we'd pour it from a container onto a large mat on the ground. Finally, we'd sift out rocks and bugs. When cooking the rice, you have to stoke the fire continuously as it cooks. Processing rice is hard work, but it’s the tastiest rice you'll ever eat,” said Stephanie S. (2016-2018).

“The way we share watermelon here, I soon realized, is indicative of the hospitality and generosity of the Malagasy people as a whole. It is common for Malagasy to offer their food to guests by saying, “Mandroso! (Come eat!)” Watermelon is no exception. Watermelon is an invitation to join one another and enjoy good company,” revealed Olivia P. (2015-2018).

What to pack

Whether you’re about to serve for 12 months or 27, it can be intimidating to consolidate your life into a 100-pound checked bag. Any current or Returned Volunteer will tell you, though, that reducing what you bring allows you to focus on the intangibles and teaches you about being grateful with less.

With that said, there some recommended items to pack for your new home. In terms of clothing, wrinkle-resistant, modest business casual and closed-toed shoes are ideal. Pants or skirts above the knees should be avoided as well as tight-fitting yoga pants or leggings. Madagascar has a variety of climates, so a packable down jacket, raingear, and breathable clothing will keep you comfortable wherever in country you end up call home.

Other items to consider packing: