Peace Corps Adventures: Discovering Madagascar's Unique Experiences

Wherever I roam, I often come across Peace Corps volunteers. A few years back, I met Jessie Beck in Thailand during her vacation from serving in Madagascar. Jessie shares her experiences and invaluable tips for life in this international service.

Jessie Beck dedicated 27 months to teaching English in a small village named Antanifotsy, Madagascar. (Photography by Jessie Beck.)

Name: Jessie Beck
Age: 27
Hometown: Arlington, Virginia (Currently residing in San Francisco)
Countries visited: 30+
Blog/Website: beatnomad.com

1. What sparked your interest in traveling?

My first international journey was at the age of one, when my parents took me to Paris for France’s bicentennial celebration. Sharing a birthday with France seemed fitting to them. My dad joked I'd return for my 100th birthday.

2. Can you describe your Peace Corps experience in Madagascar?

I joined the Peace Corps in 2011, completing the standard 27 months as an Education volunteer. I taught English at a public middle school in Antanifotsy, a village outside Antsirabe. Though I was the only volunteer in my village, I often visited Antsirabe on weekends to connect with other volunteers.

Peace Corps volunteers contribute in three main areas: education, agriculture, and health. (Photography by Jessie Beck.)

3. What roles do Peace Corps volunteers fulfill in Madagascar?

Peace Corps modified its focus during my service. Initially, there were four sectors: education, health, environment, and small business development. Midway through my term, new guidelines limited the sectors to three, merging environment and small business into agriculture.

4. How does vacation time work in the Peace Corps? What destinations did you visit?

While the pay isn’t great [scroll down for financial details], vacation time is generous. Volunteers earn two days per month, totaling about 52 vacation days over the service. Technically, we’re on duty every day, so vacation days are necessary for weekend trips. Most volunteers traveled locally without using vacation days but had to apply them for international travel.

Madagascar is vast and somewhat remote, so many of my adventures occurred within the country. The stunning national parks, such as Andringitra, Isalo, and Ranomafana, were highlights, and despite frequent travels, I still missed some gems.

I also ventured internationally to Thailand (where I met Anna!) and Réunion, a French territory that amazed me with its beauty. It’s a dream for adventure seekers, thanks to its tropical fruits and cozy cafes with excellent espresso.

Ile Saint Marie stood out as one of my favorite spots in Madagascar. (All photos by Jessie Beck)

5. What’s a memorable travel moment from your time there?

One day, a fellow volunteer and I were biking on Ile Saint Marie when a sudden downpour forced us to seek shelter. We found a quaint three-room hotel and ordered coffee. With only the two of us there, my friend struck up a conversation with the owner, while I chatted with her daughter. Soon, we were all laughing and enjoying each other’s company while the rain poured outside.

Experiences like this made me cherish my time in Madagascar. The concept of “mandrosoa,” which means welcoming or inviting, is something I loved about Malagasy culture, even if many locals felt it had faded over the years.

6. What challenges did you face, and how did you manage them?

One of my biggest hurdles was the fear of missing out and feeling out of place as a young adult. While friends back home dated, built careers, and enjoyed social outings, I found myself in a dusty village café discussing laundry. The slow pace sometimes felt tedious, making me feel older than my years.

I coped by connecting with other volunteers, exercising with online videos, and eventually cycling long distances. However, coming home, I was eager to embrace the everyday activities we often take for granted, like dates and yoga classes.

Isalo National Park is one of the incredible places Jessie explored during her Peace Corps journey.

7. What are the key benefits of joining the Peace Corps? Who should apply?

Joining offers many advantages: personal growth, adventures, language acquisition, and the chance to immerse in a new culture long enough to gain a deep understanding. A significant motivator for me was the strong alumni network. Peace Corps volunteers form a close-knit community that’s great to be part of!

However, it’s essential to be genuinely interested in Peace Corps work. Join because you’re passionate about the mission, not because you’re uncertain about your future. Approach the experience with commitment but also be flexible and ready to adapt to challenges!

Jessie hiking in Isalo National Park, Madagascar.

8. What advice do you have for solo travelers? Tips to overcome fear?

My top piece of advice is:

Traveling solo is often less intimidating than it seems, and making friends is easier than expected.

9. What are three essentials you always pack?

A collapsible water bottle (the Platypus), a bar of soap (for hand-washing clothes), and a stylish outfit that makes me feel good.

10. What’s your next travel plan?

I’m hoping to bike through Sweden with my boyfriend this summer! Experiencing a place with 24 hours of sunshine excites me!

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PEACE CORPS Details

Duration: 27 Months

Compensation & Benefits: Volunteers receive a stipend for living expenses during service, along with health insurance. Benefits also include language training and options for student loan deferment or cancellation. After service, volunteers receive $8,000 pre-tax as a bonus. More details can be found here.

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UPCOMING:

In the next Travel Tuesday Interview, I chat with Cath McGuinness about how her family of four spent nearly a year traveling the globe!