A gap year in Tunisia
Gap years in Tunisia
The dramatic mountain gorges and dusty deserts make Tunisia prime photography territory. Ancient towns and villages, grouchy camels and Berber rug-makers bring life and colour to the country. But its charms are overlooked by most visitors - on the coast, budget holidayers smother themselves in suncream and barely move for a week. Want to discover the real Tunisia? Take a gap year, and delve a little deeper.
Gap Year Opportunities
You’ll have to search to find voluntary projects in Tunisia; these can range from archaeological digs to environmental projects.
But – great news for gappers – there is an abundance of well-paid jobs in Tunisia. Look for a post with a tour operator, where you can work with children (aka playing football all day) or manage resort centres to help holidays run smoothly. Some employers will pay your travel, food and accommodation costs. Your Western salary should be enough to get you on your way when the summer season is finished.
Qualified or experienced sports enthusiasts will also find opportunities to teach at one of Tunisia’s many windsurf, golf, tennis or sailing schools.
About Tunisia
Conquered by Romans, Arab Muslims, Sicilians, Berbers, and French armies before being declared independent in 1956, modern Tunisia’s architecture displays a glorious mixture of influences. It has a particularly appealing position in north Africa, with a long stretch of Mediterranean coast.
Tunisia’s economy is fairly stable, with a heavy reliance on agriculture, mining and petrol. After agreement from the EU, Tunisia became able to trade with European countries, and has seen overall economic growth. This translates to a good lifestyle for the Tunisian people. Every child aged 6-16 attends compulsory education classes.
Almost half of Tunisia is the Sahara Desert. The other half is remarkably fertile, varying from mountain gorges to low-lying plains. The country’s wondrous landscape has made it very popular with film directors: scenes from Star Wars, The English Patient, and Monty Python were all filmed here!
As for the population, 98% is Arabic Muslim. It’s advanced in terms of women’s rights: 25% of the working population and 58% of university students are female. Polygamy and marriage for minors have been abolished. Out and about, you’ll notice that women are more confident and assertive than in other African countries. However, women visiting Tunisia should dress modestly and, in the smaller rural towns, be aware of creating a stir; Western women are often harassed for dates. Old customs die hard.
Where to go?
Firstly, the threat of terrorism in Tunisia should not be dismissed. Visitors are advised to exercise caution, and if you plan to travel through Algeria it is best to book with a reputable operator. Driving and even crossing main roads should be approached with great care! Despite these warnings, Tunisia is a popular place for Western travellers. And rightly so.
Tunisian towns, whichever you pick, are breathtaking. You’ll seldom find a modern building in this country. Capital Tunis is packed with mosques and mosaics, a local speciality, on every turn. Even Sousse, despite being one of the biggest tourist spots in the country, is an appealing ancient city with a UNESCO world heritage site at its heart. From go-karting and wildlife parks to traditional mosques and Roman catacombs, the town’s history and modern tourist attractions are hand-in-hand.
Unmissable for the photo album, Sidi Bou Said, in northern Tunisia, would be perfectly at home on Italy’s sophisticated Amalfi coast. The blue sea and white sands have inspired pure white buildings and blue-and-white pottery in every souvenir shop. It’s near to the ancient Roman city of Carthage; venture further towards the Atlas mountains to find more Roman ruins and rural settlements.