Description

Ethiopia, in Eastern Africa, is a fascinating place to volunteer abroad and a destination where our volunteers can make a huge difference. Our volunteer projects in Ethiopia are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, including those on a gap year, career break or volunteer vacation.

Projects Abroad Ethiopia is based in the capital city of Addis Ababa. Our international volunteering opportunities are located in schools teaching English or on care projects in orphanages and care homes. Volunteers can also take part in physical therapy and international journalism internships. Projects Abroad volunteers live with local host families during their time overseas, guaranteeing that they'll experience another underrated aspect of Ethiopia - its friendly and welcoming people.

Addis Ababa is a rapidly growing city that combines elements of old and new Ethiopia. Located in the center of the country at an altitude of 2400m, Addis is the third highest capital city in the world and has a pleasant, temperate climate with warm days and cool nights.

It is impossible to think of Ethiopia and not recall the haunting images of famine from the 1980s and 2000s. With the unpredictable rains, a lack of food in the dry northern areas of the country will undoubtedly occur again. However, with an increased international presence and early warning indicators in place, famine on the scale of previous disasters should become an increasingly distant memory. This region of Africa still needs much support and it is a great location for anyone wishing to help by doing some international volunteer work.

Ethiopia is the size of France and Spain combined, so most first time visitors are amazed by the variety of lush landscapes and spectacular scenery the country offers. From the fertile countryside and multicolored lakes of the Rift Valley to the rocky backdrop of the world renowned Lalibela churches or the dramatic snowcapped peaks of the rugged Simien Mountains, most of Ethiopia is nothing like the parched and barren land that comes to mind from news reports.

Highlights

During the weekends, you can take time off from your volunteer work to explore the attractions of Addis Ababa. It's fascinating to see the mud huts basking in the shadows of lavish high-rise hotels. Priests in traditional dress hurry along the streets alongside suited businessmen chatting on cell phones, avoiding the passing donkeys and speeding Land Rovers.
The choice of entertainment is equally varied with plenty of activities to choose from. You can spend hours exploring the Merkato, one of the largest markets in Africa, visit a tej beat - a traditional local pub - or catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster at a movie theater. Addis Ababa is also home to some of the best museums in Africa as well as great restaurants, serving some of the most highly seasoned food anywhere on the African continent. Popular traditional Ethiopian specialties include the stew-like wat and the staple bread, injera.

At the end of your international volunteer experience, you can take the opportunity to travel to Lalibela, a place of pilgrimage with churches hewn straight out of the bedrock, located 2630m above sea level. Although Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's main visitor attractions, it still remains very isolated and you'll feel like you've traveled back many centuries.

Independent travel in Ethiopia is hugely rewarding, even though the infrastructure of the country is fairly basic. You'll get used to the curiosity that you attract as a Westerner and you'll make many warm and genuine friends here.

Qualifications

none

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

16 and up

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992