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Ethiopia - FAQTell me more about Ethiopia?Can you tell me more about your partner in Ethiopia? What is the climate like in Ethiopia? What kind of volunteer work is available? Is there any time of the year when I can't volunteer? Where will I be located? Tell me more about flying into Ethiopia? When do I need to arrive in Ethiopia? How do I get to the project? Tell me more about the accommodation? Do you make provision for special diets? Are there holidays or festivals I should be aware of when traveling? What age do you have to be to volunteer? What immunizations/vaccines will I need? What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program? Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer? Can I bring my family/children to this program with me? Are there more expenses once I arrive? How safe is it to volunteer in Ethiopia? How many volunteers are there on site at the same time? What is the course content of the training? What hours am I expected to take part in the program? Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering? What clothing is appropriate for the program? What resources will be available? How are couples accommodated? Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement? Do I need travel insurance? How do I pay my fees? ------ Tell me more about Ethiopia? Ethiopia is an incredible country rich in tradition, culture, and varied landscape. Ethiopians are very welcoming and friendly to visitors, and is not a widely traveled area by tourists. Ethiopia offers high mountains ranges such as the Simien and the Bale Mountains, as well as the heat of the desert and one of the lowest places on earth: The Danakil Depression. The rock-hewn churches of Tigray and the astounding monoliths of Lalibela, are just a few of the attractions Ethiopia has to offer. Additionally, Ethiopia has its own calendar system, thirteen months in total; each month has 30 days and the last month is one week long, hence the country slogan "Thirteen Months of Sunshine!" For more information we suggest you purchase the Bradt Travel Guide to Ethiopia. Can you tell me more about your partner in Ethiopia? Our partner is a Christian organisation which was founded in 2004 by a group of concerned locals who saw the plight of street children in and around Addis Ababa. Currently they run a boys home for boys ranging from 8 to 14 years old. They are completely dependant on volunteer support and donations to keep the organization running and hope in the near future they will be able to bring in ten more children. What is the climate like in Ethiopia? Located on the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has a varied climate, but overall is quite temperate. In Addis Ababa, where the volunteer project is located, daytime temperatures range from 15-18 C (60-65 F), while in the evenings the temperatures can get down into 5-10 C (40-50 F) range. Around the country the climate can be dramatically different. n the Bale and Simien Mountains one can expect cold temperatures, even snow and frost, due to the altitude. If visiting the Danakil Depression, however, temperatures are often 50 C (120 F). The rainy season is generally between June and early October. Throughout the year many people carry umbrellas, to shade them from the sun and to protect them from the rain. What kind of volunteer work is available? Volunteers should plan to help out in a variety of areas this will include tutoring children, community outreach and assisting the partner with administration and grant writing. Is there any time of the year when I can't volunteer? You can volunteer at any time of the year in Ethiopia, the program starts on the 1st of each month. Where will I be located? Our partner organisation is located in the suburb of Asko, about 25 kms outside the capital city of Addis Ababa. Tell me more about flying into Ethiopia? All volunteers fly into Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa (airport code ADD). You will be met by a representative from our partner organisation. When do I need to arrive in Ethiopia? The program begins on the 1st of each month and volunteers need to arrive a day before the program begins. How do I get to the project? Volunteers are met in Addis Ababa on the designated pickup day and driven to their accommodation in Akso. Tell me more about the accommodation? Volunteers will live in a volunteer house with other volunteers. There are sporadic electricity outages and some running water, but there is no hot water; however, boiled water can be provided for showers. The bathroom has a western style toilet, and a tub for taking bucket showers. Three meals per day will be provided Do you make provision for special diets? Most of the food served in the house is vegetarian and sometimes even vegan. You will need to supplement at your own expense if this is not acceptable to you. Are there holidays or festivals I should be aware of when traveling? There are many holidays and festivities in Ethiopia throughout the year. Because Ethiopia uses its own calendar it is important to clarify which calendar someone is referring to when they give you a date: Ethiopian or Western. The main holidays are: Gena (Christmas, January 7), Timkat (Epiphany, January 19), Kiddest Mikel (St Michael's Day, January 29), Good Friday and Easter (usually a fortnight later), Assumption Day (August 22), and Meskel (The Finding of the True Cross, September 27). September 11 is when Ethiopia celebrates its New Year, and 2007 inaugurated the millennium; they are seven years behind the Western world! One thing about Africa is that schedules are never written in stone; therefore, volunteers should use the break from the regular work schedule to soak up the culture and get to know the people in your community. What age do you have to be to volunteer? You must be between 18 and 59 years old. You also need to be in good health. What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
Some of these can be taken in oral form so please do discuss all options with your doctor to see what is best for you. Some people can be affected quite differently to others by medication. What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program? Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page which outlines the minimum expectations of what is required for volunteering in this specific program. We also look further at your application as to skills and experience specifically related to the program you have applied to. We look at volunteer experiences, travel experience and also your particular interest in the program to make our decision. Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer? Yes you will need to speak English, as this is the common language and also a subject the children are learning in school. While there are many local languages also spoken in Ethiopia, the majority of people speak English. Can I bring my family/children to this program with me? Due to limited placements in this program, the spaces in the accommodation are reserved for volunteers only. If you are volunteering and would like to bring your family, you will need to address this with the partner organisation well in advance to find out if there is space and if this is a possibility at that time. This will be dealt with on a case by case basis. As the demands of volunteering are quite strenuous, physically, mentally, and most of all, emotionally, we recommend volunteering on your own so that you may focus on the community and your personal health. Are there more expenses once I arrive? The in-country fee covers all meals during your placement. If you arrive early or intend on staying on in Ethiopia for longer than you are volunteering, you will need to budget more money for this time. You will also need money for your weekends off, depending on what you intend doing. For example, a trip to Lake Tana may cost around $12 each way by bus (from Addis), and accommodation around $7-15 per night, while a trip to nearby Weliso may only cost $3 each way on the bus and $6- 15 per night. Other expenses you may incur include the internet ($1-4 per hour), buying extra bottle water ($1 for 2 liters) and having your laundry washed if you choose to do so ($2 to $4). Some volunteers may also choose to buy their lunches or evening meals in the city in order to increase the variety of food they eat ($2-15 depending on the place and type of meal). How safe is it to volunteer in Ethiopia? Ethiopia is considered a safe, stable country with relatively low crime levels compared to other African countries but sensible precautions for foreigners are recommended as you do draw extra attention. Foreigners are perceived as wealthy and although the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by volunteers, not every individual is the same. The most common occurrence of crime is pick pocketing, which usually only occurs in and around the larger cities and bus stations. Volunteers are advised to bring/wear money belts while traveling long distances, however, they can safely lock up their passports, important documents, and extra money in the volunteer house, only taking smaller amounts of money with them into the city. Violent crimes are rare in Ethiopia, however, use good judgment as with any city, and do not travel alone late at night. How many volunteers are there on site at the same time? The volunteer house can accommodate a maximum number of five volunteers at any given time. What is the course content of the training? There is a day of orientation covering aspects of Ethiopia and culture as well as the current needs of the projects. Additionally, practical training as you begin volunteering is given via other local and international volunteers working on your projects. A schedule will be planned for each volunteer. What hours am I expected to take part in the program? Volunteers work with the children during homework and study time between 4:30 and 6:30pm five days a week. Once a week, a commitment to volunteering at the community feeding center occurs between 11am and 1:30pm. A schedule with be planned for each volunteer for the other times; usually during the day volunteers will be developing study strategies, creative projects or games, and working with staff. Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering? Yes. You can travel during your days off or you may want to spend some time in Ethiopia before or after volunteering to see more of the country. You can survive on as little as $20 (U.S) a day in Ethiopia. You can also spend much more if you want a bit of luxury. The Bradt Guide contains many traveling ideas and is very thorough in detailing places to stay along the way. What clothing is appropriate for the program? Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable but tidy attire. It can be hot at certain times of the year, however covering up is important not only for protection from the sun and insects, but also to show respect to your fellow volunteers and members of the community. For women this means long pants, skirts, and dresses. For men, this means long pants, or even nice knee-length shorts if necessary. It does get chilly at night, so sweaters, fleece jackets, warm socks, and even a hat and gloves are encouraged, especially if you are planning on making a trip to one of the mountain ranges. What resources will be available? There are limited resources available it is encourages to bring some teaching resources with you. Some stationery such as notebooks, markers, glue, etc. can be bought at local stationary stores, but do not expect a wide variety or anything you would able to get at home. You can discuss ideas of things to bring with the partner or volunteer coordinator. How are couples accommodated? Since there are only two volunteer bedrooms at the moment, preference is given to single volunteers. However, dependant upon the situation and space available, this can be discussed with the partner organisation on a case by case basis. Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement? Tourist visas can be purchased at the airport upon arrival. Visas are U$20 and will be granted for up to 90 days. Do I need travel insurance? As with any overseas traveling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident cover as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers all fees paid to GVN, Airlines etc (up to US$10,000). The cost is US$150.00 for the first month and then US$100.00 per month after that. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance/. How do I pay my fees? Your application fee secures your place on the program. Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. The program fee is non refundable, in accordance with GVN's legal terms of service. ------ Question not covered here? Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please submit your question here. (We aim to answer all email within 48 hours). Click here to apply for the Ethiopia program. |
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