Travel to Cote d'Ivoire to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

Backpacking or travelling in Ivory Coast?

• Ivory Coast is a diverse destination, full of vibrant cities, unspoilt nature and friendly locals who greet you with a smile (and sometimes a plate of rice). Despite its tumultuous history, and the caution that is still advised in some places, there is something for everyone here - whether you fancy a cultural immersion in the city or want to lace up your boots and head into the jungle.
• Activities to spot: admire the skyline of “the Paris of West Africa” - Abidjan; visit the town of Grand-Bassam for colonial architecture and beach fun; hike to the top of Mont Nimba and the tri-border area; dance with the locals; canoe on the Bandama River; visit the gigantic but almost empty Basilica of Yamoussoukro - bigger than St. Peter's in Vatican City (really!); take a mask-making class; explore Tai National Park - one of the last remaining primary rainforests in West Africa; learn about cocoa on a cocoa plantation; swim in the lagoons of Assinie-Mafia.
• Spot animals: chimpanzees, African elephants, grey hornbill, black crowned crane, crocodiles, zebra duikers, large butterflies, meerkats, pythons, royal eagles, friendly geckos.
• Spot food: the local pride attiéké (cassava dish), aloko (plantain), kedjenou (chicken stew), foutou (yam or plantain dough dish), garba (popular street food), poule raise (grilled chicken), toh (local version of polenta), bangui (palm wine, nice and strong!).

Study in Ivory Coast?

• Studying in Ivory Coast is for adventurers! There are several universities that offer a wide range of study options. The quality varies greatly. While the quality at public institutions is generally not very good, it is often a lot better at international institutions, but also a lot more expensive. You will find almost exclusively internationals here because locals cannot afford it.
• Popular subjects include (sustainable) agriculture, ecology and natural sciences, humanities and philosophy, and accounting and business administration. In addition, you can learn about the culture and ethnic groups and master the local languages.
• Study city: Abidjan.
• Language: French, but also some options in English at international universities.

Internship in Ivory Coast?

• An internship in Ivory Coast is a mix of tropical adventures and serious study. It is not the easiest country to find an internship, but you may be able to contribute to development projects, sustainability programs, or perhaps even in the flourishing cocoa industry. You will gain practical and intercultural skills that you will not easily find elsewhere. Especially look at local organizations or international aid organizations and make sure you speak some French.
• Competencies: French language skills, intercultural communication, leadership, working in a rapidly changing environment, entrepreneurship, relationship management, problem solving skills.
• Volunteering in Ivory Coast? Ivory Coast is burdened by a turbulent history in the early years of this century. The country is not very stable, people are poor and often have health problems and there are many orphans. Volunteer work is therefore very welcome. Think for example of work in education, health programs, working with (orphan) children, small businesses. Finding work in nature and animal protection is also possible, but difficult to find.

Working in Ivory Coast?

• The economy of Ivory Coast mainly depends on the export of agricultural products such as coffee, cocoa and palm oil, and tourism. Many expats work in senior positions in agriculture, forest management, fishing, tourism or at NGOs. There are also more and more jobs for English teachers.
• Work culture: the Ivory Coast work culture is a combination of business/formal and social. Punctuality is important, but a lot of attention is also paid to building personal relationships with colleagues. Communication is often indirect (but honest!), especially when you talk to people higher up in the hierarchy. Working as a digital nomad in Ivory Coast?
• In Abidjan in particular, you will find many expats, so it is a pleasant environment with a lot to do if you come to live here as a digital nomad for a while. Because it is a well-developed city, there are also quite a few co-working spaces with good internet. In addition, the food is delicious, with many western options, there are many nightlife options and the people are friendly. A comfortable place for digital nomads. Outside the city it is a different story.
• Favorite locations: Abidjan, Grand-Bassam, Yamoussoukro. But also lesser-known places such as Korhogo, San-Pedro, Bouake.

Living in Ivory Coast?

• Living in Ivory Coast is a feast for the senses! The country offers a mix of modern cities, such as Abidjan, and quiet rural areas. Expect lively markets, music on every street corner, and the sound of rain on a tin roof during the rainy season. Depending on where you choose to live, the costs can be quite high.
• Education: Ivory Coast is a friendly country for expat families with good international schools in Abidjan. Local education is in French and the quality can vary greatly.
• Expat community: There is a large expat community and there are many activities to attend such as sporting events (especially football!), hiking, water sports and wildlife watching. The locals are also very welcoming and love to mix with the expat community.
• Safety: Ivory Coast is generally safe, especially in the major cities and tourist areas. However, it is important to watch out for petty crime, especially in busy markets or remote areas, and to keep a close eye on the political situation.
• Culture: Rich and varied, from traditional music and dance to contemporary art. Expect lots of festivals, colourful markets and delicious food that will tickle your taste buds.
• Climate: tropical with warm temperatures, two rainy seasons and a few dry months.
• Note: be aware of the warm climate and make sure you always have water with you. A good knowledge of French (or a good translation app) is also a good idea.
• Health insurance: healthcare in Ivory Coast varies in quality. There are reasonable hospitals and clinics in the big cities, but it is important to have your own good health insurance.

Safety, insurances and packing list for Cote d'Ivoire