My Madagascar Adventure

Creative Events Management BA(Hons) student, Freya Pretty, shares her "life changing" experience of working with graduate-founded social impact charity TSAP Travel in Madgascar.

In the summer of 2023, I made a lifechanging decision and went to Madagascar for six weeks with TSAP Travel - a non-profit set up by Cornwall Business School graduate Chloe Lingard. I met the beautiful people of Madagascar and was embedded into their incredible community and culture. Fierce friendships were formed, sunsets were seen, turtles were swum with, and lifelong memories were made. I came home from my six weeks and my first thought was: ‘when can I go back?’.

As a part of the work there, I taught English as a Foreign Language, conducted beach cleans, organised, and took part in Women in Leadership events, held sporting events and designed logos for aspiring local businesses.

Having the opportunity to go to Madagascar between my second and third year at Falmouth University was one of the best things to ever happen to me. Chloe encouraged and showed me how to start my own business and create plans. Not only that, whilst out there I came up with my dissertation title for my final project and fully used the opportunity to conduct some primary research.

My memories of Madagascar will stay with me – beyond these words, beyond the pictures, always. I know I will never, ever forget my summer of 2023.

I flew home and was more than ready to start my third year. The fact that I was learning immensely while creating an impact in people’s lives there, which I could feel, made me feel so prepared! The skills I have learnt during my trip will go a long way in enhancing my career. I am an events management student at Cornwall Business School, and Chloe made sure that I could organise and execute my own events out there in Madagascar – which was something I cherished a lot. 

It was the most incredible experience for me and has greatly enhanced my university experience beyond words. Now I am back to complete my final year of BA(Hons) Creative Events Management and I am more motivated than ever. And my memories of Madagascar will stay with me – beyond these words, beyond the pictures, always. I know I will never, ever forget my Summer of 2023.

Thinking about studying Creative Events Management? Chat now to current student Laurenjade