preparation booklet aiesec cameroon

AIESEC in Cameroon|BP 10338 Douala| 431 Bessengue Douala-Cameroon

www.cm.aiesec.org| email : [email protected] | Tel : (+237) 77 71 13 60

AIESEC in

CAMEROON

Last Update : September 2010

Landry NOUMSI

NST for Outgoing Exchange 2010/2011

(+237) 99 72 99 98 | [email protected]

Guy TABUE

NST for Incoming Exchange 2010/2011

(+237) 75 50 90 47 | [email protected]

Preparation Booklet for Incoming Interns



Congratulations!!! You are going to be in one of the most exciting countries in Africa, and hopefully you will have an amazing adventure. You will discover a new culture, new people, and learn more about the world that we live in. In the next few pages you will find some information that will help you to be prepared for your stay in Cameroon.

To make your experience as pleasant as possible we recommend you to go through this booklet. The information focuses on your role as an intern and an AIESECer in Cameroon.

This Guide is aimed at giving your more information about your stay including culture, working style, people, etc. We will also try to help you set realistic expectations about Cameroon, and what to expect from AIESEC.

For you to have a successful traineeship in Cameroon, it is very important for you to have realistic expectations about the Cameroonian environment.

Welcome to Cameroon!



1. Cameroon General Information

2. Customs and Courtesies

3. Working Environment

4. Culture Shock and Mindsets 5. Basic Living Expenses 6. Visa process 7. FAQ

Table of Contents



Official Name : Republic of Cameroon Currency : francs CFA Area : 469.400 Km Time : GMT +1Hours Area Code: +237 Country Capital : Yaoundé Coasts : 402 Km Population : aprox. 20 million Cool web sites : www.crtv.com / www.camerounplus.com / www.spm.gov.cm Official Language : English and French Electricity : 220v (two-pin type)

It is Cameroon!! Cameroon is located in Central Africa, and is surrounded by the Gulf of Guinea. Its borders are surrounded by TChad to the North, to the east with the Central African Republic, to the south with Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, and to the west with Nigeria.

Cameroon is divided into 10 regions. The national capital, Yaoundé, is located in the Center Region. This is a country that is composed by several big cities which include:

. . YAOUNDE, the political capital of the country which accounts for more than 2.5 million of habitants.

DOUALA , the economical capital that counts for more than 3 millions habitants.

Some other cities like: Bafoussam, Maroua, Bamenda, Garoua… which are important urban centres.

Population : 240 ethnicities corresponding to 240 national languages distributed in 3 principal groups Bantous Semi-Bantous and Sudanean Languages : French and English are the official languages, which are spoken by the 70% and 30% of the population, respectively. Spanish and German are also

taught at high schools.

Religion : Cameroon is a religious state. The two principal religions practiced: Christianity and Islam. It is noticed the practice of Animism by numerous populations.

Feasts : Religious: Holly Friday, Passover, Ascension, Pentecost, Assumption, Christmas, End of Ramadan, Fest of Sheep. Legal Fests: Year’s Eve, Fest of the Youth, Labour Day, National Day the 20

th

of May

Touristic season : Besides hunting which is practiced in the part of the country from November to May, tourists can come to Cameroon all along the year. Hard rain periods: March to September and harsh dry seasons from October to March

Schedules : Shops (8:00am to 8:00pm), Offices (8:00am to 3:30pm), Banks (8:00am to 12:00pm & 2:00pm – 4:00pm)

CAMEROON GENERAL INFORMATION



Greetings : The most common greeting is a handshake, although it is not too vigorous. Men often shake hands with everyone when entering a home, greeting a group or leaving. Women kiss each other on the cheek if they are acquainted, but they offer handshakes most often. It is customary to address people by a title (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Fai, Shey, Doctor, among others) when being introduced. First names are not used between strangers. Common terms include “good morning”, “bonjour”, etc.

Visiting Politeness and proper etiquette are emphasized in Cameroon. It is improper to put one’s feet on furniture when visiting, or to step into rugs without taking out the shoes.

Eating: The country is located in a fertile area, where rain forests and numerous mountains offer their citizens abundant of fruits and vegetable. Pleasant conversation is welcome at the table, as it simulates a feeling of goodwill. Overeating is impolite; a host may offer more helpings, but these should be politely refused. In a group, it is impolite to take anything to eat without first offering it to others.

General Attitudes: Cameroonians value courtesy and smiles. The individual is important in society. For this reason, timetables and punctuality will be good signs. However it is not impolite to be late for an appointment, especially in rural areas. Cameroonians are proud of their history of democracy and independence.

As a foreigner you might be approached by people in the streets for greeting you, making a small joke, or maybe some beggars will even ask you for money! Just take these attitudes in a friendly manner and you will surely get some positive experiences out of it (or even new friends!).

When going out, it is common to expect that the person proposing the activity (i.e. cinema, dancing, having a drink, etc.) will also cover the expenses for the partner. Furthermore, women are likely to be invited at all times.

Security : Avoiding robbery or conflictive situations. Normally, you can be out in the streets until 9:30 pm without problems, but it is recommendable that you hang out with another Cameroonian friend (especially for girls) during the first days of your arrival. Avoid taking big bags or glamorous watches when going to the markets or big public places.

TIME Cameroon time is very flexible. In Cameroon, generally people do not stick to time, though the situation has improved a lot. Time is not as important as the outcome is. That is why, you may be waiting, and you may face people being late. If you are told that something will happen in 5 min, it might mean it will happen in half an hour time. Simply, in Cameroon everything takes time.

CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES



The work culture is not something static, it keeps on changing with adjustments in the vision of the organization, in the needs of people and last but not the least change in the need of the society.

Here are some facts about the Cameroonian working s tyle. They are not meant to scare you but to help you set realistic expectations.

1 The Cameroonian working style is very different from the one you are used to, especially if you come from Europe or North America.

2 There would be days when you have not so much work and then there would be days when the work would become over-bearing.

3 In most cases, people tend to take things easily.

4 When working, you have to be very proactive and tak e initiatives:

It is very; very important for you to take a lot of initiatives because that’s the only way you will get the most out of your job, especially when you are working in an NGO. Sometimes you may not have constant supervision but the idea is to be proactive and always look for new things and new areas you can approve on. This is an opportunity for you to take responsibility and ownership of a project and through your own efforts you will see amazing results.

5. Punctuality is not really taken seriously in Cameroon, but try to be on time (become a role model) and have patience when others are late for appointments.

But for sure you will not lose your habits and your reference marks.

Working Environment



Yes cultural shocks will happen in Cameroon, they h appen in every culture! You could

come across the following Symptoms

• Sadness, loneliness, melancholy • Insomnia, desire to sleep too much or too little • Changes in temperament, depression, feeling vulnerable, feeling powerless • Anger, irritability, resentment, unwillingness to interact with others • Identifying with the old culture or idealizing the old country • Loss of identity • Trying too hard to absorb everything in the new culture or country • Lack of confidence • Feelings of inadequacy or insecurity • Developing stereotypes about the new culture • Longing for family • Feelings of being lost, overlooked, exploited or abused How to Fight Culture Shock

• Develop a hobby • Don't forget the good things you already have! • Remember, there are always resources that you can use • Don't try too hard. • Learn to include a regular form of physical activity in your routine. • Maintain contact with your ethnic group. • Maintain contact with the new culture. Learn the language. Volunteer in community activities that allow you to practice the language that you are learning. This will help you feel less stress about language and useful at the same time. • Pay attention to relationships with your family and at work. They will serve as support for you in difficult times. • Establish simple goals and evaluate your progress. Also make sure you incorporate the following traits into your attitude as much as

possible:

• Open Mindedness • Sense of Humor • Communicativeness • Curiosity • Positive Regard for Others • A Strong Sense of Self Some things to think about:

People Stare: Yes in Cameroon people stare and it is not considered as impolite in general. Foreigners are the main targets, so get used to it. Also, particularly if you are European you may hear shouts on the street to get your attention (such as le blanc / la blanche -which means ‘white person’). It is simply a matter of getting used to it and finding humor in the situation. And that’s shortly all Africa in one; Remember that

Culture Shock and Mindsets



Cameroon is Africa in Miniature

Negotiating – The price for a foreigner is always higher, so you need to negotiate every time, you will have some problems in the beginning where everyone will try and overcharge you, but one you learn the art of negotiation, it will be easy.

Some ways to avoid being cheated:

• Stay with a group of interns, which have already been in the city for some time, they can teach you best. • Go shopping with a Cameroonian in the beginning to make sure that you know the right prices • Whatever the price people quote, slice down half of it, for example if the taxi fare is 400 it would be 200.



Money You may exchange your money in any bank, money houses or even streets. The Cameroonian currency is the “francs CFA”: Coins: 1, 2, 5,10, 25, 50, 100 and 500. Bank notes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5.000 and 10.000

* Check for example www.oanda.com for currency conversions

Budgeting The following is a list of approximately of how much you will spend on major expenses per month in Cameroon:

Accommodation 40-75 USD Food 60-95 USD Transportation 30 USD Prices Prices for goods vary considerably depending of the city and the store. Please note that things bought out of the shop are always negotiable, here is a partial list of “average” prices:

Milk (1 liter): 1.500 CFA Restaurant: Breakfast: 500 CFA Bread: 150 CFA Lunch: 1.000 CFA Coffee (cup) : 100 CFA Dinner: 1.000 CFA Eggs (one tray 30): 1.500 CFA Film (36 exposure): 1.500 CFA Meat (one Kg): 1.500 CFA Haircut: 500 CFA Candy (bar): 200 CFA Newspaper: 300 CFA Beer (Restaurant or bar):500 CFA

Town collective taxi costs 200 F CFA, i.e. 0.30 Euros. For an individual journey in town, the price is to be discussed but generally, it is 1,500 F CFA (i.e. 2.30 Euros as a minimum). A daytime journey to the airport costs 3,500 F CFA (i.e. 5.50 Euros), and 5,000 F CFA (i.e. 8 Euros) at night after 6pm. A regular minibus and bus service connects the main towns of Cameroon. Connections inside the country can also be done by airplanes and trains. Aerodromes exist in Ngaoundéré, Bertoua, Bafoussam and Maroua. A railway called “the transcamerounais”, is more than 1,500 Km long and crosses the country from West to East. It connects Douala in Ngaoundéré by way of Yaoundé. In villages and urban areas, bush taxis regularly operate the transport of travellers. Road toll : 500 F CFA by vehicle and by tollgate.

Telephone There are two main providers of telecommunications: MTN and Orange. You can buy a SIM card as soon as you arrive. Phones based on the European cell phone network work very well here as long as you get a Cameroonian Sim card. You can also use “call boxes” which are simply public phones managed by a individuals. In most cities you can find telephones for local, national and international calls.

If you have an emergency just call:

POLICE : 117(mobil phone) , 12( fixed phone)

FIRE BRIGADE : 118(mobil phone), 18 (fixed phone)

Basic living expenses



IMPORTANT NOTE: a visa is required to citizens from all nationaliti es

*If a Cameroonian embassy is present in your country you must purchase your visa before you arrive *If a Cameroonian embassy is not present in your country then we strongly recommend you to get the visa in a neighboring country. Otherwise, you will not have any other choice but to purchase the visa at the airport (validity: max. 30 days), and face uncomfortable situations during the renewal procedures (see below ‘Process for Extensions of Visa’).

Type of Visa to purchase : Tourist Visa (visas are classified only in terms of short or long term)

Process for Visa

1. Present acceptance note or invitation letter to the Cameroonian embassy in the country.

2. Present visa application form, 2 pictures, flight ticket (at the embassy) and vaccination card (at the airport). There are no guidelines; authorities consider each relevant document that supports the visa application. You must have the address of your accommodation in Cameroon in advance as well.

3. To get your visa you will have to get a yellow fever shot and must provide proof that you have received this by presenting a vaccination card

4. Costs for visa for short term (3 months): aprox. 93 USD, for long term (6 months): aprox. 186 USD

5. The visa process takes on average 48 hours.

6. The visa can be delivered at the airport, only in cases where there is no Cameroonian embassy in the home country. For this purpose, a letter of invitation from AIESEC Cameroon has to be presented and legalized by the authorities at the airport prior to the arrival of the intern (process takes 48 hours). A short term visa (max. 1 month) will be automatically delivered to the intern at the airport. (This visa will cost aprox. 93 USD).

Process for Extensions of Visa *It is possible to gain an extension on your visa i n Cameroon, however we strongly recommend you to get the visa p rior to your arrival in case your internship lasts 6 or less months.

1. If you stay more than 6 months, an extension can be inquired. This can be again for 3 months () or maximum 6 months (cost: aprox. 186 USD).

2. There are no guidelines for this process, it is strongly recommended to show at least: contract from the organization, legalized photocopies of the identity card of the trainee.

3. When receiving your visa at the airport, you can renew it for three months (cost: aprox. 93 USD).

SIDE NOTE: Cameroonian authorities expect to read a contract from the organization, where it is explicitly written that all relevant risks/costs are arranged with the intern (health insurance, accommodation, food). Constant delays will happen if this letter is not explicit. Process can take more than 1 week for renewing a visa. These renewal procedures are done in the capital Yaoundé and patience is highly recommended

And when you are leaving Cameroon? Please be aware of a tax of 10000 CFA (aprox. 18 USD) that has to be paid at the airport

VISA PROCESS



Centre Cultural Français Currently located only in the cities of Douala and Yaoundé, this centre offers diverse cultural events to the public (films, expositions, concerts, library, etc). CCF in Douala: www.ccfdouala.com CCF in Yaoundé: www.ccfyaounde.com Yearly subscription: 8000 CFA for foreign students

Chefferies and palaces

Most cities and villages in Cameroon retain their customs, and they have a “cheff”, which is the maximum authority in the community. They live in beautiful palaces, so do not miss the opportunity to visit them and get a deeper insight in the history of his country.

Pubs, discos, concerts and other cultural events. There are plenty of pubs, discos and night clubs in the major cities of Cameroon. Just don’t forget to inform you first about the security of the zones and void going out alone. Cameroonian like to eat and dance.

Cultural activities and night life



Taking photographs

In the larger towns and throughout the Cameroon territory, photography is permitted except for presidential palaces, airfields, military zones and installations, security and defence personnel and situations liable to harm the customs and good reputation of the country. During official events and for commercial photographs, it is recommended to get a special pass from the communication ministry. Taking photographs inside national parks is subjected to taxes fixed by camera. If you wish to take photographs or film people, it is recommended to ask for their consent.

National Parks

Cameroon contains various national parks spread throughout the country

� The Waza National Park covers an area of 170,000 hectares

� The Bouba Ndjida National Park extends over 220,000 hectares.

� The Bénoué National Park with a surface area of 180,000 hectares

� The Faro National Park, 225km from Garoua, extending over 330,000 hectares,

� The Kalamaloué National Park, with its 45,000 hectares

� The Mozoko Gokoro National Park, covering 1,400 hectares

� The Korup National Park



MEMBER COMMITTEE 2010-2011 (Located in Douala)

MCP: Daniel Clauvis AKEMAMEN ( +237) 79 97 1 1 07 MC VP ER/project: Corine KOUASSEU (+237) 99 42 41 67 MC VPTM: Rabiatou PEMBOURA (+237 ) 75 27 99 37 MC VP FA: Jean Paul KENMOE (+237) 79 69 30 73 NST for outgoing Exchange: Landry NOUMSI (+237) 99 72 99 98 NST for Incoming Exchange: Guy TABUE (+237) 75 5 0 90 47 NST for ER Non Corporate : Simon SAKWE

Local Committees

LC BUEA Located in the base of the great Mont Cameroon (4070 mts), Buea is recognized as the “student town” of the country. Climate is also very comfortable and there are numerous opportunities to make ecotourism in the region. This city is located in the English speaking part of the country, but you will hear people frequently speaking in “pidgin English”.

LC DOUALA The economical capital of Cameroon and home of the biggest harbor in Central Africa, Douala offers its visitors 24hrs live and numerous chances for living the day-to-day business in the country. Its strategically location permits also to reach almost all interesting touristic places in Cameroon (French speaking).

LC YAOUNDE Political capital of the country (French speaking), Yaoundé is home of all embassies and numerous international organizations focused on development issues. Don’t get surprised to find many people from your home country there!

IG BAMENDA Recently incorporated in the AIESEC network; Bamenda is located in the Northwest part of Cameroon (English speaking), surrounded by high beautiful mountains and is entrance to the Sudanese North region. We also locate interns in the town of KUMBO (2 hours on bus), which enriches the chances for doing tourism in the region.

IG GABON For your surprise, we are not talking about another city, but about the real country Gabon southern from Cameroon. It was recently incorporated to the Cameroonian AIESEC network and we hope to build capacity there, in order that they can also become an independent AIESEC country very soon.

About AIESEC in Cameroon



Some of our Expectations of you

• Get involved – take part in the activities: the best thing for you would be to get involved in AIESEC activities as much as possible, take initiative and don’t wait necessarily for Cameroonian members to organize something, you can do that as well. • All interns are expected to be familiar with AIESEC as organization as we would like to ensure that as many people as possible are gaining opportunity from the organization • In Cameroon every member and intern passes through the AIESEC Experience! If you do not have any AIESEC XP, AIESEC Cameroon will arrange internships about the organization and the benefits you can have from being involved in our international platform. • Ideas for how trainees can get involved:

-Go to meetings of the hosting local committee (usually on a weekly basis) -Help to organize events -Attend events organized by AIESECers -Assist with showing other incoming interns around the city -Attend conferences -Assist with raising another internship at your organization -Help with promoting AIESEC during recruitment period -Organize a cultural presentation about your country for the LC

• Take the first Step: Take the first step, meet people, do new things. • Take care of your own learning and the learning of others • Don’t be just a Tourist: Of course you came to Cameroon for a fantastic experience, but don’t be just as tourist, see the country from the angle of Cameroonian as well, understand the culture, • Why don’t you communicate??? - If you think there are communication Gaps, and you se the situation not improving, you should always take necessary steps, like talking to relevant people, opening up the communication channels and also Giving Feedback. • Your Attitude Matters – The right attitude, positive, and accepting of the new environment WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM AIESEC

Airport Pick up ,Involvement in Local Committee, Integration Internship Social Network Support in finding accommodation (and food, depending on your internship)



Q: What is the weather like in Cameroon?

A: Cameroon is a very hot and humid country with a real tropical climate. During the hottest period you can expect temperatures to reach 35-40 degrees. Temperatures vary from one city to the next with Buea being the coolest (because of elevation) and Douala being the hottest city. There is a rain season between June – September and during this period it really rains a lot so it is a good if you are coming during this time to prepare for the rain!

Q: What special vaccinations do I need before arriv ing in Cameroon?

A: It is a good idea to visit your doctor to get a complete list, but the only vaccination that is REQUIRED to enter Cameroon is Yellow Fever. Others like hepatitis and typhoid are a good idea if it is your first time travelling and you have not already had those vaccinations, but again visit the doctor to have a complete list! For Malaria medication,

Q: Is Cameroon a safe country?

A: Cameroon is a very safe country to live and travel in. It is a very politically stable country as well, and although neighbouring countries have some problems it does not affect life in Cameroon or cause any need for worry. In the cities, just like any where in the world it is a good idea not to be out alone after dark and to avoid certain areas of the city altogether, all this will be explained to you by your “buddy” when you arrive.

Q: Are there any special things I need to bring wit h me from home that I can not find in Cameroon?

A: Most things you can find the markets and grocery stores in the cities (not necessarily in Buea). But things like shampoo and conditioner, feminine products, simple drugs for things like headache, stomach etc., special foods that you like from home, chewing gum, etc. are difficult to find and maybe you can bring it with you.

Q: Is there many things (tourist-like) to see and d o while in Cameroon?

A: YES! Cameroon is referred to as “Africa in Miniature” because of the wide diversity of things to see! From desert in the north, rainforest in the centre and beautiful beaches along the coast… you will have your weekends full of travelling to National Parks and tourist sites in Cameroon. Travelling long distances can be relatively expensive compared to living expenses in Cameroon, so if it is something you are interested in doing be sure to budget for that. For example a 1 week trip to the north of Cameroon (travel by train) can cost up to 200 dollars if you are in a group and can share expenses.

Q: How much should I expect to spend on living expe nses while in Cameroon?

A: You can see a list of typical costs in the reception package.

Q: Are there other interns in the same city as me?



A: Usually yes, or at least in the other cities. It will depend on the time of year you are coming. There are always interns in Cameroon so at least if they are not in the same city you will have people to visit on the weekends in the other cities.

Q :It is possible to use visa or mastercard credit card ?

A : sure

JOIN the Intern facebook group : aiesec yaounde trainee

See you soon in Cameroon

preparation booklet aiesec cameroon

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