Backpacking or traveling in Haiti?

• Haiti attracts adventurous travelers who are not afraid of rugged, unpaved trails and unique experiences. The country is known for its many natural disasters in recent years, which have also had an impact on the tourism sector. However, there is still much to be found - from the arty capital Port-au-Prince to the impressive Citadelle Laferrière, it is an original destination where you can experience authentic Caribbean life without too many tourists.
• Activities to spot: visit the Citadelle Laferrière and admire the beautiful views; cool off in the Bassins Bleu; experience a voodoo festival; spot art in Jacmel; snorkel and dive at Île-à-Vache; see colonial architecture in Cap-Haïtien; taste rum, wherever you go!; climb Haiti's highest mountain - the Morne La Selle; explore Port-au-Prince; participate in the Jacmel Carnival.
• Animal spotting: Hispaniolan trogon, Haitian hutia, green sea turtle, boa, fossa lizard, Caribbean monk seals, lionfish, hummingbirds.
• Food spotting: griot, tassot, diri ak djon djon, lambi, bouyon, akra, banann peze, rhum barbancourt.

Study in Haiti?

• In Haiti you can choose from several institutions with decent study programs. You are in a very cultural environment and it can therefore be interesting to follow Afro-Caribbean studies, for example.
• Study cities: Port-au-Prince is the most important study city.
• Language: French and Creole.

Internship in Haiti?

• There are internship opportunities in Haiti, but there are not very many. Due to the low “human development index” there are many challenges in the country. This is also where most internship opportunities lie. For example, you can work in education, health care and social work. There are also opportunities in finance, international relations and sustainable development.
• Competencies: social skills, intercultural communication, problem solving, experience with development projects, French language skills.

Volunteering in Haiti?

• The same applies to volunteering as to internships. It mainly revolves around community development, education, healthcare and nature conservation.

Working in Haiti?

• Haiti and the local economy have had a lot to endure. As a result, there are few employment opportunities, outside of international (aid) organizations and NGOs.

Working as a digital nomad in Haiti?

• It is not a typical destination for digital nomads, mainly because of the lack of good infrastructure. However, if you like a challenge, it can be a special destination with a lot of culture and friendly people. And if you look carefully, especially in the capital, you will also find reasonable internet.
• Favorite location: Port-au-Prince.

Living in Haiti?

• If you move to Haiti, there are two clear sides. On the one hand, the people are warm, there is a lot of culture, music and dance and there is beautiful nature. However, Haiti is also a very poor country and life can be quite hard. There are few professional opportunities, unless you focus on development work or want to start a new business. The country is also prone to natural disasters, which you should definitely take into account.
• Education: The best schools are in Port-au-Prince, but opportunities are limited.
• Expat community: Consists mainly of aid workers and employees of NGOs and is relatively small.
• Safety: Haiti has security challenges, especially in the capital where it is important to be cautious and vigilant.
• Culture: The culture in Haiti is colorful and diverse, strongly influenced by voodoo, music, and dance. Traditional customs and festivities such as carnival and voodoo rituals are important in daily life.
• Note: Flexibility and adaptability are key in Haiti. Expats should prepare for limited facilities, possible safety risks, a slower pace, and the possibility of natural disasters.
• Health insurance: Healthcare is often limited. Many expats opt for private care or travel to other countries for medical treatment. So make sure you have your own health insurance with good coverage.

Stories, tips and experiences from Haïti