Work and Travel in Tunisia

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN TUNISIA FOR TRAVELLERS

Tunisia is fast recovering from the chaos caused by the terrorist attacks that occurred a few years ago. Travel in Tunisia is, once again, safe for adventurers from all over the world. If you want to get under the skin of this country, you’re in the right place.

There are plenty of volunteering opportunities in Tunisia for those interested in history, culture, and making a difference. This travel guide to Tunisia is going to show you some of the projects available throughout the country.

1. Learn About Archaeology in Tunisia

Tunisia was the heart of the once mighty Carthaginian Empire. Destroyed by the Roman Empire, Tunisia was a province of this empire for centuries. You’ll find ruins all over the country, including the spectacular El Djem, a former amphitheatre that’s one of the best preserved in the world.

There are some options for archaeological work in Tunisia. It helps if you have some prior experience, but it’s far from necessary. Plenty of students visit the country to participate in preservation projects throughout the country.

Take note, most of these projects are official projects. Typically, you’ll need to send a formal application and wait for the outcome. You can’t just turn up and hope to get work.

2. Join a Sustainable Living Project in Tunisia

You would have never thought that work and travel in Tunisia would involve sustainable living. But there are a range of projects around Northern Tunisia that specialise in sustainable living.

The majority of them centre primarily on farms. So you’ll nearly always be in rural Tunisia. You’ll be expected to participate with the rest of the community to make the sustainable living area work. It’s not an easy job, but you’re at the forefront of research into a concept that could well change the world going forward.

3. Break Poverty in Tunisia

Visitors to any major city in Tunisia, such as Tunis and Sousse, will see that poverty is rife. Economic stagnation and political corruption have prevented so many ordinary Tunisians from enjoying a decent quality of life.

That’s why international organisations are present in order to help alleviate much of this poverty. They all focus on different areas, such as education, women’s rights, and helping to reconstruct many of the slums.

If you want to make a real difference as you travel in Tunisia, this type of project could be the right choice for you.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR TUNISIA

It’s not difficult to work and travel in Tunisia. Tourism is such a backbone of the economy that most nations don’t need a visa to visit the country.

The UK and all European Union (EU) citizens are able to stay in the country for three months without a visa. The exception is Germany. Germans are able to stay for four months without a visa.

The three-month visa policy also applies to the US, Mexico, South Africa, Russia, India, China, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan.

Canadian citizens are also able to travel in Tunisia for a total of four months without a visa. Rumours also say this applies to the US, but the sources heavily conflict on this matter.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN TUNISIA

SPRING WORK

Tunisia has a coastline in the north and the Sahara Desert in the south. The only real difference is the temperature, and there’s often more rainfall in the north.

The spring season is moderate and one of the best times to work and travel in Tunisia. Consider outdoor projects, such as working in the archaeological sectors. There are even some conservation projects along the Mediterranean coastline.

It’s also possible to work in the rural areas. Cultural exchanges are possible. These usually involve working on farms. You’ll be able to connect with the locals, but you’ll also be expected to work hard. It’s also highly recommended that you have a working knowledge of French.

Finally, spring is an ideal time for community outreach projects. This may involve working on a construction project in a village or simply working with impoverished communities to break down barriers.

SUMMER JOBS

The summer season is as you would expect. Temperatures can be unbearable, particularly if you’re in the south of the country.

This is why the best projects are usually educational ones. Deciding to work with younger children is a great option. Native English speakers can also find projects. Formal volunteering opportunities in Tunisia will typically ask for at least a TEFL qualification, but if you’re working privately this won’t be an issue.

You may also want to work in the country’s growing tourism industry. It’s been revitalised and is open for business again. Working in hotels, hostels, and guesthouses are all options you may want to pick up.

AUTUMN

The autumn season is much like the spring season. Look back at the ‘Spring’ section for some of the best options for work and travel in Tunisia.

WINTER

Winter can be chilly at night, but by and large it’s by far the best time of year to work in Tunisia. You’ll have the pick of the projects.

Look back at any other section for an idea of what’s available during the winter season.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN TUNISIA

Tunisia is not dangerous for travellers. It’s recommended you don’t visit the far south, due to the risk of militants in the desert, but the rest of the country is perfectly safe.

What you do need to be aware of is the hassle factor. You’re going to get hassled in Tunisia, like in the rest of North Africa. You’ll be harassed in any market and all the usual tourist locations. If you’re going to work and travel in Tunisia, you need to be prepared to deal with this.

If you’re the type of person who can put up with the near constant harassment, you’ll have no problems working in the country.

Is work and travel in Tunisia on your bucket list?