Work and Travel in Chad

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN CHAD FOR TRAVELLERS

Chad is a Central African country that has suffered the fate of most of its neighbours. Travellers who come to Chad will quickly realise that the country has been ravaged by war and poverty over the last century. Work and travel in Chad and you’ll experience one of the poorest countries in the world.

You can’t get as far off the beaten track as this. So if you want to travel in Chad you need to get in and make good use of your time. Our volunteer opportunities in Chad will show you exactly what you can do and how you can make a difference.

Take a look at our travel guide to Chad now.

1. Replenish the Game Reserves in Chad

Nobody who decides to travel in Chad talks about the wildlife that can be seen in this part of Africa. The reason for this is that a huge part of the wildlife was killed during the various conflicts to hit the country. But now conservation groups are helping to replenish these game reserves and bring life back to Chad.

You can play a role in areas like the Zakouma national park. Volunteers will be helping to plant trees and improve the conditions necessary for species to return to this part of Africa again.

2. Become a Community Educator in Chad

Chad’s public services are practically non-existent. This is why a good education is rare for anyone but the one percenters in the country.

If you want to work in Chad, work in the area of community education. There are lots of organisations dedicated to training up volunteers who’re willing to dedicate a few months of their time to providing the education that Chad’s government won’t.

Some organisations even opt for total immersion, so they’ll help you adapt to the local culture and teach you some of the language.

3. Provide Technical Support in Chad

You can surely imagine that the level of computer literacy and the quality of the equipment available is lacking. That’s why charities are there to improve literacy rates and to present modern computer systems to help both public organisations and businesses.

To participate in these programs you don’t have to be a professional. It’s enough for you to be a native English speaker who knows their way around a computer.

This is not necessarily advanced subject matter.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR CHAD

Chad’s visa entry requirements are similar to other Central African states. You need to apply for a Chadian visa from an embassy in your home country. There are only 14 nationalities with the right to travel in Chad without a visa. These are all African countries and the United Arab Emirates.

It’s not easy to work and travel in Chad for this reason. This is why you should secure one of the volunteer opportunities in Chad before travelling because your host will be able to provide you with full visa support. Without someone on the ground in the country, you’ll find it extremely difficult to secure a visa.

Make sure you apply for a visa at least a month in advance of travelling as the bureaucracy can be a pain as there’s no online portal for applying for visas.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN CHAD

SPRING WORK

Chad has a hot climate or a tropical climate, depending on the part of the country you’re in. The spring season covers part of the rainy season. The rainy season in the south starts in May, whereas the central rainy season begins in June.

We recommend that for the majority of spring you move to the southern areas of the country. This is an ideal time to work in the game reserve areas and work on conservation.

SUMMER JOBS

Summer is the worst time of year to work and travel in Chad because heavy rains are present across the country. Most outdoor projects are off the table. We wouldn’t recommend heading to the remote areas of Chad. Poor infrastructure means that you will need to be prepared to get stuck for weeks if flooding occurs.

Providing computer literacy classes and working with the local community can be good options to see out the rainy season.

AUTUMN

Depending on where you are, the rainy season will end in either September or October. It’s one of the best times of year for helping out the local community because this is the harvest season. The few crops that Chadians can grow will be harvested before the dry season gets into full swing again.

Many charities provide modern, durable farming tools to the locals during the harvest season. You’ll be able to support them in how to use them efficiently and how they can preserve them.

These projects are about empowering local people to take control of their own destinies.

WINTER

The winter is in the middle of the dry season. The days are hot yet windy as the winds sweep across from the Sahara. We recommend moving away from the desert and trying to get work in the towns and cities.

Conservation work becomes available again in winter, as do many outdoor projects. You should refer back to the previous sections for further information on what you can do during winter. No volunteer opportunities in Chad are off-limits.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN CHAD

Understand that Chad is one of the poorest countries in Africa. Division is still rife in Chad, with many governments cautioning against independent travel in Chad.

This is why you should tread carefully and make sure that you’re working with a reputable project leader who can provide you with the support you need.

But don’t let any of this scare you because if you use common sense your time with work and travel in Chad will be life changing. You’ll have a unique experience on any future job application and you’ll set yourself apart from your fellow travellers.

If you think you’re tough enough, this is the country to work in. Are you ready to travel in Chad?