Welcome Booklet

A.K.A. everything you need to know to have an awesome experience in Benin!

CONGRATULATIONS

You have just taken your first step to having the experience of a lifetime! As a volunteer in Benin you will have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills, experience a new culture, and make a real long-lasting impact on a part of the world that truly needs well-educated, socially conscious people like you. At AIESEC Benin, our job is give you all the support you need to make that impact and have an amazing experience. We can’t promise that your time in Benin will be easy, but it WILL be full of adventures, challenges, and surprises! Read on for more information on how to prepare for your trip.

CONTENTS

1. BENIN 101

About Benin, A Brief History, Weather & Climate, Things to See

2. Preparing For Your Trip Travel, Health, What to Pack, In Case of Emergency

3. EP Life in Benin When in Africa, Your AIESEC Experience, Accommodation, Transportation, Food, Cellphone, Drinking Water, Basic Living Costs, BE SAFE

BENIN 101

About Benin Benin is located in West Africa, bordered by Togo in the West and Nigeria in the East. It has a population of around 10 million. It is a French speaking country, but local languages such as Yoruba and Fon are commonly spoken. The official capital is Porto-Novo, but the largest city and centre of economic activity is Cotonou. Benin is among the poorest countries in the world, with it’s economy largely dependent on agriculture. Politically, it is one of the more stable democracies in Africa, making it one of the safer destinations. Some of the major focuses for development in Benin include water supply and sanitation, population control, agricultural reform, and education.

A Brief History As in most parts of Africa, the country of Benin is made up of regions controlled by around 42 ethnic groups. One of the most prominent kingdoms was the coastal Kingdom of Dahomey, of the Fon ethnicity. They were known for their military preparation and were nicknamed ‘black Sparta’ by European traders. They were also famous for having a elite force of female soldier corps known as the ‘Ahosi’, or the ‘king’s wives’. In the 1400’s, Dahomey became the main regional power by becoming one of the centres of the transatlantic slave trade through their practice of selling prisoners of war who would otherwise be executed, and the area became famous as the ‘Slave Coast’. By the late 1800’s, the banning of the slave trade caused Dahomey to start losing power. This gave the French a chance to take over and colonize Dahomey. The Republic of Benin was formed after gaining independence from France in 1960.

Weather &

Climate

Climate: Hot and humid Average temperature: 24˚-31˚ C Annual rainfall: 1300 mm (51 inches) Rainy seasons: • April to late July • Late September – November Dry seasons: • December to April • Late July – early September

THINGS TO SEE

COTONOU: DANTOKPA MARKET The biggest market in Benin, if not West Africa, it’s a great place to explore and do some souvenir shopping!

OUIDAH: CENTRE OF VOODOO Discover the centre of voodoo in Africa. If you’re lucky enough to be in Benin in January, don’t miss the vibrant and colourful Voodoo Festival!

PORTO-NOVO: CENTRE SONGHAI The Centre Songhai is a major research, teaching and production centre in sustainable farming. There are one-hour guided tours to visit the plantations and workshops. You can also buy the centre's produce – anything from fresh quail eggs to biscuits and preserves.

PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK The best wildlife park in West Africa, Pendjari’s wildlife is just as diverse and at a fraction of the cost of more famous African safaris!

And much more!

PREPARING FOR

YOUR TRIP

TRAVEL

INSURANCE As an exchange participant of AIESEC, you must purchase travel insurance before leaving your home country.

VISA Countries outside of West Africa require a visa for Benin. If you need a visa, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. Check with your nearest embassy for the correct requirements. Note: You will be required to get a Yellow Fever Vaccination Card to obtain a visa.

GETTING TO BENIN The main airport is in Cotonou, Benin. If your placement is in a different part of Benin we will help you get there by road once you arrive. Note: If you have a stopover in Nigeria, you will require a visa.

Health • Make sure your routine

vaccinations are up to date: – MMR, DTP, polio, yearly flu

vaccine

• Check with a travel clinic for additional recommended vaccinations e.g.:

– Hepatitis A, typhoid, meningitis, malaria

• Yellow Fever (required to obtain a

visa/ enter the country)

• Getting a general health check up is recommended before any trip

What to Pack CLOTHES: • Light casual clothes for hot

weather • Light jacket for cool nights • Rain jacket for rainy season • Long sleeves and long pants/skirts

for mosquitos • Clubbing clothes if you plan to go

clubbing • Beach wear ELECTRONICS • Bring as few as possible • Don’t forget chargers • Plug adapters are easily available SNACKS • Snacks from your country for

when you feel homesick’(and to share with us)

In case of

Emergencies • Bring photocopies of:

– travel documents – ID cards

(You can also scan and save a copy in your email for extra protection)

• Write down a list of emergency contacts in case anything happens to your phone:

– Phone number of home LC contact – Phone number of host LC contact – Phone number of your embassy or

consulate in Benin

• Inform your host entity about your emergency contact at home

Hope for the best but prepare for the worst!

WHILE IN BENIN

When in Africa… Power cuts & water cuts Yes they happen. Yes you must deal with it. Keep your phones charged and your water buckets filled. It’s all part of the experience! Slower pace Everything takes more time to happen. Relax and enjoy the slower pace of life! Community Even in major cities there is a strong sense of community. Be friendly and greet your neighbors and local businesses with a ‘Bonjour’ or ‘Bonsoir’ when you pass and make some unexpected new friends! If you’re from Africa, you already a pro at handling these, right?

Your AIESEC

Experience Pick up – Let us know at least 48 hours in advance when and where you will be arriving so we can arrange to pick you up. Welcome party – Be welcomed to Benin by the local AIESEC members and other exchange participants Experience Benin – Interested in the history? The culture? The food? We’re here to help you explore! LEAD Program – Participate in our leadership development program, exclusively for AIESECers. Goodbye party – We won’t let you leave without a proper goodbye!

Accommodation

Arrangements vary from one opportunity to another but expect to share a room with 1 or more people. Some accommodations will have a kitchen. Speak to your host committee to find out the details. *Most opportunities in Benin require an accommodation fee. your Host Committee will give you the DETAILS.

Transportation

‘Zim’ (motorcycle taxi) This is the main form of transportation in Benin. Hail one of the bikes just like any other taxi and negotiate a price before leaving. Prices range from 200-500 CFA for a one-way trip. ‘Bush taxi’ Essentially very old cars and minivans used mainly for transportation between towns. They can be found in major markets. Prices range from 500-2000 CFA depending on vehicle, distance, and amount of luggage.

Food Like most West African countries, we love our yam and maize. Benin has some of the healthiest, most delicious, and cheap food in Africa. Our famous dishes include pounded yam (igname pilé), and akassa, which are both served with meat or fish peanut or tomato based sauces. Come discover our unique Beninese twist on these traditional West African foods. We also have a wide variety of street food for those afternoon cravings! Costs FULL MEAL Street food: 300-500 FCFA Restaurant: 500 – 5000 FCFA SNACKS: 100-400 FCFA

Cellphone The largest service provider is MTN. Local AIESECers will help you get a SIM card when you arrive. Costs Talk: 60 CFA/min Text: 10 CFA/text Data: 250MB – 2000 CFA 1GB – 7000 CFA 3GB – 15000 CFA Ask AIESEC members to help you get special deals and discounts!

Drinking Water

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Benin but different bacteria in the food and water might have an adverse effect on your system. If you choose to drink tap water, it is recommended to boil it first. Price of water 1.5L x 6 bottles: 2500 FCFA Water in 500ml sachets: 25 FCFA Tap water: free

Basic Living Costs

The official currency in Benin Republic is the CFA Franc. It is recommended to bring your money in USD or EURO and exchange it once in Benin. Traveler’s checks are generally not accepted. Exchange rates as of September 2015 are:

The cost of living will usually range from $100-$300 per month (55000 –165000 CFA) depending on your choice of lifestyle. SUMMARY Food: 300 CFA (local food) - 5000 CFA (upscale/international) for a meal Transportation: 600 CFA – 1000 CFA (round trip on a “moto-taxi”) Airtime: Data: 2000 cfa for 250MB – 15000 for 3GB Going out: a beer costs around 500-1200 CFA

Let’s Be safe • Keep a photocopy of your passport, (visa,) and travel documents with you in

case anything happens to the originals (Pro tip: keep a paper copy with you, and an online copy in your email).

• Be cautious about where and what you eat and drink. Ask local AIESECers for recommendations, and let your body adjust to the different environment before trying street food.

• Beware of pickpockets, especially in crowds.

• Keep use of expensive phones, cameras or tablets to a minimum in public.

• Don’t walk around alone after dark, especially in quiet or deserted areas.

ARE YOU EXCITED YET? Because we can’t wait to meet you! If you still need a little more convincing, check out the link below to see how beautiful just a small part of Benin is. See you soon!