Join a volunteer abroad program in Ethiopia with GoEco! Teach English and discover customs and cuisine that are unique to Ethiopia. In a nutshell:
- Sustainable volunteer programs with measurable impacts
- GoEco’s ethical values are behind all volunteer projects
- Award-winning programs with excellent volunteer reviews
- Explore the beautiful Ethiopian waters that are just seconds away from a thriving city
- Experience what it feels like to live in a city planted perfectly alongside a beach
- Conduct meaningful volunteer work in a country seeking a brighter future
Why volunteer in Ethiopia? Ethiopia is the best place to volunteer if you are looking to explore and experience a new and diverse lifestyle. The country has a beautiful combination of modern and ancient elements that take your breath away. There are beautiful sparkling blue waters and tall palm trees covering the land that quickly turns into a bustling city filled with noise and excitement. There is so much to see and do within Bahir Dar. These travel highlights include but are not limited to visits to the large and lively main market, the palace of Haile Selassie, the infamous fish market, the main mosque, and so much more. What to know before you go Take the time to carefully plan your weekends as you do not want to waste a second of time in this busy and vibrant city. Other travel highlights and must-see locations include the Blue Nile Bridge which you can only reach by boat keeping an eye out for hippos and crocodiles, the Martyrs Memorial monument dedicated to those fighting the Derg where you can see the picturesque fountain cascading down into the Blue Nile, and the St. George Church which is one of the largest churches in Bahir Dar and located right alongside the water. The city has some amazing and unique restaurants fitted to serve all tastes. Take a visit to the Wude Coffee cafe for some rich Ethiopian coffee and divine trips, or Lemat restaurant for some traditional Ethiopian cuisine. Try something new and check out Wawi Pizzaria for a unique blend of Italian and Ethiopian food. Looking for a cool place to eat and drink with a view? You must take a trip to Mango Park, a popular lakeside spot. This is a great place to immerse yourself in the culture and talks to locals as it is usually packed with local students and families. Location Bahir Dar is the third-largest city in the nation and is bustling with hum and excitement. It is located just a block away from the beautiful shore of Lake Tana. Bahir Dar is currently serving as the capital of the Amhara Regional State in Ethiopia. Palm trees lay alongside the wide streets and shimmering blue water. There are beautiful churches, museums, markets, and more located alongside the water. The Blue Nile River is located just slightly southeast of the city and faces the towering cliffs at the Blue Nile Falls. There are full-day tours available to see the city and learn a little more about the culture, people, and traditions. There is always the option to explore the city on your own as well. Take a visit to the Bahir Dar University and see the university students of Ethiopia hard at work. Volunteer programs in Ethiopia An English teaching program allows you to interact with the youth of the Bahir Dar area. Enhance your ability to teach adolescence in a remote location. Assist in schools that are working to provide better education and a brighter future for underprivileged children. These families cannot afford luxuries and even sometimes a good education, so your work will help ensure that their children receive the education they deserve. Help set the tone of the learning environment and act as a role model for these young and developing kids. Your wisdom and knowledge of the English language will help instill confidence in the children’s ability to speak, read, and write. Each day you will be proud to see their improvements in their skill and communication abilities in the English language. Attend a Culture Week in the Bahir Dar area and gain insight on Ethiopian traditions, popular delicacies, and famous sights to see. The culture week will include many activities and provide you with many opportunities to experience the local culture. You can Attend a session on Ethiopian and Amharic Culture. Take advantage of the language lesson offered and learn some simple Amharic sentences that are often needed in communication. Have the opportunity to buy all the ingredients that you need at a local market to make some traditional Ethiopian cuisine. Experience a cultural program that will display the importance and meaning behind Amharic folk dances. This culture week also includes a boat tour of Lake Tana where you can visit the picturesque islands and step out into an ancient backdrop of churches. Not only will you get to experience the city life, but you will also see the rural parts of Ethiopia as you explore the natural areas of Lake Tana and see the local wildlife. If you are a coffee lover then you are in luck as you will get to take part in one of Ethiopia’s most treasured traditions; the coffee ceremony. Each day this coffee ceremony is conducted and you will actually get the chance to be a part of one! Drink some of the best coffee Ethiopia has to offer while sitting and socializing with the group during this special relaxation time. The beauty of the trip continues as the group sets off for a picnic at the Blue Nile Waterfalls. The finals days of the culture week are spent visiting a nearby project site and taking part in an orientation to prepare future volunteers for their work. Take the leap! Enroll in one of GoEco’s Ethiopian volunteer opportunities today, or browse more programs in Africa.
