Medical and Education in Ethiopia

Actually, Ethiopia is very safe. It is known for having a really low crime rate.

Thanks a ton Hannah, you have taken a big tension out of my head. Could you also be kind enough to give me some input about Medical and Educational facilities?  I am anxiously waiting for some input. Thanks in advance.

Happy to help. Regarding educational facilities, there are a wide variety of good quality private primary and middle schools that teach in several foreign languages. Again, with medical institutions, private is often best. Pediatric specialists and clinics are available throughout the city but as with schooling, their price often matches their quality.

Thanks again, Hannah. I need a little more help. Sorry for taking your valuable time.

If I get a salary of 59,000 Birr (around 3000 USD per month), do you think I can save approximately half of it ,i.e with a family of a couple and a baby? I know this question is tough, But any approximate figure is really helpful for me. We eat vegetarian(no fish, meat,egg), we lead a moderate lifestyle. For commodities, we don't care much about brands and places as long as the quality is good. We will need a playschool for the baby.

Kindly give your opinion. It matters a lot to me.

No problem, I'm glad to help. However, it may be a little difficult for me to estimate your costs without fully being aware of the type of housing you'll require. Groceries and incidental costs can be quite moderate and even more so for a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. For much of the year,Christian Ethiopians fast and abstain from animal products so there's always a good supply of  affordable vegan/veggie foods. Personally, I think  housing may be the most outstanding cost. Housing can run anywhere from 600 to 700 USD for a small studio or one bedroom flat all the way to 2-3000 USD for a furnished home with garden. It really depends on your family and your particular needs.Schooling for a very young child is far less expensive than middle or secondary school but even so, an international/english speaking pre-school can cost quite a bit. There's an Indian community school here which probably has subsidized costs for Indian nationals. I'm not absolutely certain of  private schooling prices for young children but I'm sure there are parents on this forum who can accurately reply. Automobile costs can add up too so it depends on whether you'll be buying or renting one.

All told, it seems quite likely that you will be able to save close to half your salary but housing is the most important factor-I suggest checking out some of the housing ads on this forum for an idea of what the costs are and what you'd like. After housing, I'd say most costs are comparatively moderate. I'd like to invite other members here who have a clearer idea on playschools/pre-schools and incidental costs to comment.

Hanna

Hi...

Can u pls tell the rent u mentioned in the above post i.e. USD 600 to USD 3000 ...Is it per month basis or yearly...

Hi,
The rent stated above is on a monthly basis. Sorry for the miscommunication! Have you checked out the housing forum? It will give you a pretty good idea of what is available but generally, studio and 1 bed flats from about 600 USD monthly and upwards.

As a foreigner in Addis with two young children maybe I can give you my perspective.  It's very expensive here.  Cars are very expensive to buy or rent and you will feel uncomfortable walking anywhere because of the street hassle (not so much crime) and stray dogs.  So be prepared for high car costs.  Rents are high too but don't skimp too much as quality housing is important (make sure you have a down tank for water cuts so you can deliver water).  Imported food is also expensive.  Healthcare is basic (good up to the point where you would actually have any invasive treatment like in hospital), some good doctors but all they can really give is advice you need good international health insurance with Medivac.  Have lots of vaccinations.  I don't think Ebola or HIV are top of the my list of worries, but anything you can catch from food/water (e.g. Typhoid, dysentery, Hep A) or respiratory is a problem.  For a 16 month old your only option will be to hire a nanny, most education only starts at around 3, get on the waiting lists as there only a few quality places.  I don't think there are that many good schools considering the size of the expat community.  No real early years options or nurseries.  On a positive I would say 16 months is not a bad age to bring a child, you are in no rush on the education side so you can have a couple of years here before your child is school age and you can spend quality time together which is a precious commodity in many countries and for that I am grateful.