Volunteer Abroad in The Ivory Coast with The Humanity Exchange

  Ivory Coast

Abidjan

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Please contact us for details.

Description: GET ACTIVE ONLINE AND RECEIVE UP TO USD500 OFF OF YOUR PROGRAM FEE! CLICK 'DOWNLOAD BROCHURE' FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Volunteer Abroad is our most popular program. We have Volunteer Abroad opportunities at each and everyone of our program sites. This program is designed with flexibility in mind, ensuring that you can volunteer according to the time that you have available. In fact, a placement volunteering abroad can either be short term (as little as two weeks) or long term (up to six months). In addition, we will make sure you have time to get to know the country of your placement; we think this is incredibly valuable. It is important not just to volunteer, but also to get to know the country you are volunteering in. By learning more about the country, as well as it's people, you will benefit from a well-rounded learning experience.

The work of The Humanity Exchange in The Ivory Coast is in Abidjan. While the political capital is located further north in the country, Abidjan is the major hub and economic capital of The Ivory Coast. It is home to approximately five million people. Lagoons and ocean edge along the south side of Abidjan. It is a busy metropolitan city, as you will see from visiting Le Plateau. However, there is also great disparity. There are many cartiers, or neighbourhoods, with varying degrees of poverty. In Abidjan you can complete a medical, human services & childcare, physical labour, education, or community development placement.

Highlights: Indigenous tribes flourished in the Ivory Coast until 1840. The French met great resistance, but eventually colonized the area. As its name suggests, the major export was Ivory, but coffee and cocoa were also grown as export crops. In 1960, the Ivory Coast gained independence. A prominent labour union leader, Felix Houphouet Boigny, became the first president of the Ivory Coast. He claimed he would turn the Ivory Coast into a "Garden of Eden" by expanding cocoa production. The production of cocoa increased dramatically, and citizens from surrounding countries migrated to the Ivory Coast to start cultivating the crop. The economy improved dramatically, and modernization took hold of Abidjan. However, as cocoa prices started to fall from 1980 onwards, it became apparent that the Ivory Coast was struggling. Poverty was on the rise, and civil war erupted in 2002. It was relatively brief, and peace accords were signed the following year. Since that time proud Ivorians have worked hard to restore peace in their beloved country.

Things to See and Do
- Grand Bassam or Assinie (expansive beaches east of Abidjan)
- Rural villages
- The Artisan's Market
- Agricultural plantations
- Ile Boulet
- Grand Lahou (beach best visited in September and October, the crab season)
- Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix

Qualifications:
- Adaptability and an open mind.

Cost in US$: Starting at 900 for 2 weeks

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 and above

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ivory Coast Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

The Humanity Exchange's Mission Statement: To provide exceptional international exchange experiences, that foster globally minded conscientious leaders and contribute to development in cooperation with local communities.

Year Founded: 2009