A Comprehensive Guide about Living in Addis Ababa

Life in Addis Ababa

Culture and Leisure

The city of Addis Ababa offers lots to see and do. If you want to know more about the city and its surroundings, the National Museum of Ethiopia is a great place to start. You can find the museum near the Addis Ababa University, and it’s a great place to explore the archaeological history of the country of Ethiopia and Addis Ababa itself.

The city is also home to the largest open air market in Africa: the Addis Merkato. Find gifts to send friends back home, pick up local delicacies and find new clothes as well. Addis Ababa’s places of worship are also worth a visit: St George’s Cathedral and Holy Trinity Cathedral are stunning examples of Ethiopian architecture. For a great weekend activity, visit one of Addis Ababa’s coffee houses with friends and sample the tasty local coffee.

Education in Addis Ababa

The country’s top university is situated in the capital; Addis Ababa University offers educational and teaching opportunities for foreign students and international residents. The local schools offer faith based teaching as a rule, with Catholic and church schools making up the majority of the schooling options for local children. The international school is a great option for expats, with multi-lingual teaching staff and students from all across the globe: among all, a good option is the International Community School.

The curriculum for the international school is designed with business in mind, and many students there are the children of foreign diplomats and businessmen who are living in Addis Ababa for work. Students who choose to go on to further education have the choice of several routes, including the health college and the management institute.

Healthcare in Addis Ababa

Healthcare in Addis Ababa still has a long way to go, and it is generally recommended that expats avoid using the hospitals where possible. Infection control standards are not as rigorous as in some places, and disease quickly spreads in the capital’s healthcare facilities. That said, there are some places which we can recommend – visit the Swedish Clinic, the Korean Hospital or the Kadisco Pediatric Hospital for international staff and a higher care standard on the whole.

If you’re moving to Addis Ababa, you might want to consider taking healthcare supplies such as over the counter medications and first aid supplies – especially if you have a young family to look after. Being prepared could save you time and worry down the line. If you work in healthcare, Addis Ababa con offer many opportunities, and you’ll find it a challenging but rewarding adventure.