The project goals are long term – building community and relationships takes time, and those are what are needed for a paradigm shift. I hope the data I helped collect contributes to policy change to make dolphin tourism more sustainable.

I was lucky enough to be teaching the Masai, who were adults in the local tribe trying to learn to read and write Swahili and speak small bits of English which would help in the tourist industry. Many of them worked as guards or for a local hotel which meant it was good to know some English as well as Swahili. They were all lovely, and were always excited and willing to learn; it was amazing seeing how happy they were after we would tell them they had got something right.

The most important thing is that we did all these amazing things with a bunch of extraordinary people from all around the world and had unlimited support from the amazing staff...!

One day we had recorded about 50 dolphins...Swimming with these large mammals is an experience that I will never forget. 

Most importantly, I am grateful that I was able to take part in a fantastic and meaningful cause...I hope that I can return as soon as I finish grad school. I am looking forward to another amazing adventure. 

I’m halfway into my second volunteer abroad adventure, this time as a Community Outreach volunteer on the island of Zanzibar, Tanzania. So far it has been an amazing experience!  Beautiful. Crazy. Exhausting. Heartwarming. Paradise.