Backpacking or traveling in French Guiana?

• A little country that still belongs to France and uses the Euro. In French Guiana you can discover the beautiful, ancient Amazon forest, with opportunities to explore unique flora and fauna. The country also offers a mix of French and Creole culture, with interesting markets and a heavy history of slavery with colonial architecture. The country is particularly suitable for the traveler with money as almost everything is expensive. As a backpacker, you can turn to options like hitchhiking and couchsurfing. 
• Getting around is difficult. There is no good public transportation system and hostels are already hard to find. Most of it is impassable rainforest and most tourism is on the coast.
• Activity spotting: discover the mix of cultures in Cayenne; tour the Guyana Space Centre; shiver in the Les du Salut, where the toughest French criminals were incarcerated; experience the modern town of Kourou; cruise the Maroni River and learn about the local tribes who live there; admire the wooden houses of Cocoa; spot wildlife and hike in the Amazon forest. 
• Animal spotting: jaguars, howler monkeys, tapirs, caimans, Harpy eagles, large aras, anacondas, yellow-bellied snakes, golden tree frogs, large butterflies and giant ants. 

Studying in French Guiana?

• French Guiana is not a popular country to study in. The country has only one university, the University of French Guiana, founded in 2014. The university is not on international rankings and its facilities are limited. A small number of studies are available, in languages and humanities, law and economics, science and technology and education. 
• Study cities: Cayenne. 
• Language: French.

Internship in French Guiana?

• In particular, consider internships in ecology, the environment and the aerospace sector. 
• The number of internships available may be limited, but there are opportunities in the aforementioned sectors and with local governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Doing volunteer work in French Guiana?

• There are limited volunteer opportunities in French Guiana. For example, you can help in the rainforest with community development, or as a ranch caretaker. Private individuals also sometimes ask for help on eco farms or with stray dog shelters. 

Working in French Guiana?

• It is incredibly difficult to find a job in French Guiana unless you are excellent in the space and speak French.

Working as a digital nomad in French Guiana?

• French Guiana is not popular among digital nomads. This is mainly due to its poor travelability, high costs and limited facilities. 

Living in French Guiana?

• It is a beautiful country, with a mix of ancient local cultures and French influences. You can enjoy delicious fresh food daily and there is much to experience, but you pay a high price. 
• The country has a mixed, dynamic population and an expat community that is welcoming to foreigners. 
• The climate is tropical and humid, with lots of rainfall. So you have to be prepared for that.
• It can be difficult to find accommodation and it is not a safe country. There is a lot of crime, especially because of the large gap between rich and poor.  
• Health insurance: health care is relatively okay, but make sure you have your own well-covered health insurance.

Stories, tips and experiences from French Guiana