Travel to Comoros to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

Backpacking or traveling in Comoros?

• Ah, Comoros, an exotic paradise hidden in the Indian Ocean, between Madagascar and the African mainland. This island country is like that secret beach that no one knows about, but once you're there, you don't want to share it with anyone.
• Traveling in Comoros is like following a treasure map where you expect to discover something around every corner: breathtaking beaches, dense jungles, and friendly locals. Tourism is not yet fully developed, so you feel like you are the only explorer on these islands.
• Activity spotting: climb the active volcano Mount Karthala; swim in Lac Salé, a saltwater lake surrounded by volcanic landscape; visit the medina of Moroni, a town with winding streets and colorful markets; snorkel in Mitsamiouli; kitesurf in Chomoni; explore the sultan's palaces and ruins of the village of Iconi; sail around the islands; spot giant turtles in Mohéli Marine Park; visit the ylang-ylang plantations; go on an herbal tour; fish with local fishermen; relax on the beautiful beaches. 
• Animal spotting: giant turtles, humpback whales, lemurs, fruit bats, a myriad of colorful fish, Comorian kingfisher, Comorian nightjar, red Madagascar weaver, day gecko, Mayotte chameleon, chameleon spider.
• Food spotting: African, Arab and French influences with on the menu langouste (fresh lobster from the ocean), mkatra foutra (coconut pancake), pilaou (rice dish with meat or fish), Madaba (cassava leaf stew), samousasas (Comorian samosas) and fruit salads.

Studying in the Comoros?

• Studying in Comoros is as peaceful as the island itself. You have a few universities there, but don't expect Harvard atmospheres. Most students looking for specialized studies tend to go abroad, usually to France or another African country. Studies and research fields that may be of interest in Comoros include marine biology and conservation.  
• Study cities: Moroni. 
• Language: mostly French, sometimes Arabic. 

Internship in Comoros?

• Want to do an internship on an island paradise? Comoros offers limited opportunities in development, conservation and education. In particular, NGOs and local projects are open to international interns, especially when it comes to sustainability and the protection of fragile ecosystems.
• Competencies: adaptability (working on an island is a bit different!), nature management and conservation experience, French and perhaps Arabic language skills, community-oriented work in a small-scale environment. 

Volunteering in Comoros?

• There is much to do in Comoros and it is very rewarding work with considerable impact. The education sector suffers from underfunding, there is a drinking water shortage partly due to volcanic activity and there are often diseases. There is also work to be done in the area of conservation. Think of projects to help children, help in agriculture and sustainable development, health care and marine animal protection (for example, research on dolphins and turtles).     

Work in the Comoros?

• Finding work as a foreigner in Comoros is not always easy; many locals already have a hard time finding work. You stand the best chance if you have specific and well-developed skills in a particular field. 
• Popular work for foreigners is in education, healthcare, nature conservation and ecotourism and humanitarian development projects such as NGOs.

Working as a digital nomad in the Comoros?

• Comoros is not a common digital nomad destination. Yes, they are beautiful tropical islands, but at the same time there is a lot of poverty. The Internet in Comoros is .... let's say, adventurous. Don't expect super-fast wifi like in Bali, but if you're a little creative with your working hours (and patient), you can certainly chill and work here for a few weeks from a bungalow overlooking the sea. The surroundings make up for a lot!
• Favorite locations: Moroni for facilities and Mitsamiouli if you like the beach. 

Living in Comoros?

• Living in Comoros means adapting your pace to island life. The locals are relaxed and friendly, and the culture is a mixture of African and Arab influences. It is safe and relatively inexpensive, but you should be prepared for a life that is simpler than what you are used to and various challenges related to the Internet and health.
• Also be aware of possible political unrest. 
• Climate: tropically warm with a wet and dry season. It can get quite humid, especially during the rainy season, so keep your umbrella handy.
• Culture: diverse mix of cultures, liberal form of Islam, social organization is generational, with religious and ritual duties falling mainly on elders, who also have political dominance. 
• Health insurance: health care is limited. For specialist treatment, many people travel to France or other African countries. So be sure to have your own well-covered health insurance.

Safety and insurances for Comoros