Photo gallery
It is impossible to think of Ethiopia and not recall the haunting images of famine from the 1980s. Famine struck the north of the country again in 2002 and, with the unpredictable rains, lack of food in the dry northern areas will undoubtedly be a problem again. However, with an increased international presence and early warning schemes, famine on the scale of the 1980s should become an increasingly distant memory.
It is important to remember that Ethiopia is the size of France and Spain combined and most first-time visitors are amazed by the variety of landscapes the country offers. From the fertile countryside and multicoloured lakes of the Rift Valley to the rocky backdrop of the world-renowned Lalibela churches or the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the rugged Simien Mountains - most of Ethiopia is a world away from the parched and barren land that comes to mind.
In the last fifteen years many people have moved from the rural north to the towns and cities, most noticeably to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital. Located in the centre of the country at an altitude of 2400m, Addis Ababa is the third highest capital city in the world and has a pleasant, temperate climate with warm days and cool nights.
Teaching & Projects Abroad are based in the capital city, where volunteers work on projects in schools teaching English and on Care & Community projects in orphanages and care homes. Volunteers live with local host families during their placement and this guarantees they experience another underrated aspect of Ethiopia, its friendly and welcoming people.
At weekends you can take time to explore Addis Ababa, a rapidly growing city combining elements of old and new Ethiopia. Mud huts stand in the shadows of lavish high rise hotels, and priests in traditional dress hurry along the streets alongside smart-suited business men chatting on mobile phones, while avoiding the passing donkeys and speeding Land Rovers. The choice of entertainment is equally varied, you could spend hours exploring the Merkato, one of the largest markets in Africa, visit a 'tej beat' - a traditional local pub or catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster at the cinema.
Market in Addis Ababa
Church at Lalibela
Local food - injera
