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Members' Recommendations

Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience. Information you can gather through  books and the internet, cannot replace first hand experience as shared below by WBFN members. If you are already in the Country Office and have some additional experience/tips you would like to share, please contact the WBFN Local Champion or the WBFN office and we will be glad to amend our members' recommendation for this specific country accordingly. WBFN is happy to share—but cannot endorse—information provided by members [consult WBFN Legal]. You have to be a registered WBFN member in order to access the information below; please log in/register

Members Recommendations

  1. 1. When arriving
  2. 2. Short term housing
  3. 3. Housing & understanding your lease
  4. 4. Neighborhoods
  5. 5. Schools and daycares
  6. 6. Security
  7. 7. Healthcare providers & emergencies
  8. 8. Shopping
  9. 9. Recreational activities
  10. 10. Communities
  11. 11. Useful Resources/Books
  12. 12. Other recommendations
  1. 1. When arriving
    1. 1.1 What to bring with you
      • All your electronics – there is no diplomatic store, and local prices are high and choices limited.
      • Beachwear, rash vests, hats, body surfing boards etc. and sunscreen
      • Clothes, especially light weight cotton clothing
      • Shoes, especially sandals and walking shoes/trainers if needed
      • Any foodstuffs you are particularly attached to, e.g. cheese – supermarket supplies are spasmodic and shortages of specific items are common
      • Children’s toys and books
      • Books or a good electronic reader
      • Medicines for first aid or regular use
  2. 2. Short term housing
    • Some units/serviced apartments are available at Swiss Spirit Hotels and Suites, Home Suites, Jam Lodge and Family Kingdom
    • A popular hotel for WB missions is The Hub –also Home Suites and New Brookfields Hotel - Golden Tulip and Balmoi are near the sea – Radisson Blu is the most expensive
    • Some choose to stay at Country Lodge, but the rooms are old and the new wing is still under construction
  3. 3. Housing & understanding your lease

    Choosing a house  

    • There is limited choice of good standard housing – rent is paid in advance for a year – it’s best to check if other expats have prior knowledge of the landlord, as some are known for not doing repairs, being unavailable until rent is due etc.
    • Check if there is a main water supply or if water is supplied by a tanker, and if the landlord ensures the supply
    • Check whether the landlord supplies and maintains the generator or if it is the tenant’s responsibility
    • There are a lot of new apartment buildings coming up, which some people prefer for security, pools etc.

    Lease

    • Rents are very high – ask around to find out the current rates and negotiate hard.
    • Rents are paid for one year in advance, so be sure there is a diplomatic clause – if necessary negotiate to pay only 6 months in advance.
  4. 4. Neighborhoods
    • Expats generally live in West Ward, around Spur Loop or in Hill Station – some people choose compounds near Lumley Beach, but some have experienced water problems there.
    • The higher you go the more misty/rainy it gets – this is an important consideration as the rainy season is very long – be prepared to fight mould wherever you live.
    • Goderich Complex is near the sea and has ok houses, but there have been burglaries there and there are traffic jams getting into town.
  5. 5. Schools and daycares

    International Schools

    • American International School of Freetown (AISF)  follows an individual tutoring system for International Baccalaureate. Due to the small size of the school, interaction with large numbers of children of the same age is limited. www.ais-freetown.net
    • British International School and Montessori Education Freetown. www.britishinternationalschoolsierraleone.com
    • Ayoub International School, has an American curriculum and many Indian students. www.ayoub-international-school.org
    • Lebanese International School.  http//lebaneseinternationalschool.com/site/
    • Please note that secondary schooling options are very limited. The American School currently has 9th grade as the last class and will be opening a pilot for grade 10yh in the next school year 2018/2019.

    Nursery Schools/nannies 

    • The American International School has a kindergarten.
    • Ayoub International School. www.ayoub-international-school.org
    • Good nannies are available, but it’s very important to check references and go by personal recommendations as far as possible.
    • YAS learning Center offers preschool (kids from 12 months and above if the child if already walking) and afterschool program. Facebook YAS Learning Cener Freetown
  6. 6. Security
    • Generally, it’s quite safe to drive or walk around, though pickpockets can be anywhere, so take usual precautions, such as only carrying the money you need, not using a shoulder bag etc.
    • Better to walk around downtown and on the beach in a pair or group.
    • Expats generally don’t go to the East Ward (e.g. Kissy), but some people find the local shops there fascinating.
    • Kroo Bay has a lot of slums.
    • UNDSS gives a regular security training for staff – spouses can request to attend
  7. 7. Healthcare providers & emergencies

    Health providers:

    • Available for small ailments, but medical evacuation is needed for anything serious.
    • UN Clinic – in the UN compound – good local doctors for routine ailments. 
    • Aspen Clinic – WB/Van Breda has an arrangement with Aspen – they have an air ambulance for medical evacuation.
    • Local hospitals include Emergency (Italian), Choitram’s (Indian, local doctors) and Connaught (SL Government Hospital), which has a tie-up with King’s College in London, with visiting doctors – the Cottage Hospital is a local hospital for children.
    • WB has just funded a national ambulance service – emergency number is not yet set up – in case of emergency get the person to Aspen Clinic asap.
  8. 8. Shopping
    • There are no “malls” or western style shopping centres.
    • Local markets are fun, especially for batik fabrics and handcrafts.
    • There are some local tailors who can make good dresses etc. – take recommendations.
    1. 8.1 Supermarkets

      There are many small supermarkets, but they tend to run out of certain products periodically – many supermarkets are along Wilkinson Rd – some of the more popular supermarkets are:

      • St. Mary’s- on the way to Hill Station
      • Freetown Mall
      • Freetown Supermarket
      • Monoprix (not the French one)
      • Anand’s
      • Goodie’s
      • Vegetables and fruit are bought from stall holders outside the supermarkets – much of it is imported from neighbouring countries, such as Guinea – there’s no way of knowing if it is organic – in some areas women bring vegetables to the house to sell.
      • Fresh fish, lobster, prawns etc. can be bought from the fish sellers at Lumley Beach, who buy directly from the fishermen – also some supermarkets, such as St. Mary’s, have a fish seller outside.
      • The US embassy has recently (end 2017) started having a Farmer’s Market once a month, with foodstuffs and handicrafts
  9. 9. Recreational activities
    • The main recreational activity is the beach – recommended beaches are River Number 2, Tokeh, Hamilton and Lakka – weekend trips are available to Banana Island.
    • Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a popular place to visit, especially for families – they also have yoga retreats there.
    • The Golf Club is at Lumley and there is a tennis club at Hill Station – there are several expat and local yoga teachers, and several gyms, such as at Home Suite.s
    • Country Lodge has membership – members can use the pool.
    • There is a small National Museum and a Railway Museum.
    • The Ballanta Music School gives occasional concerts and there is an annual music festival.
    • A choral group has been started recently.
    • NGOs appreciate volunteers e.g. paired reading with disadvantaged girl students at Educaid, activities with children with disabilities at Cheshire Home etc.
    1. 9.1 Restaurants
      • Continental, Lebanese and Chinese food is available – there is also one Korean restaurant
      • Top range restaurants include Radisson Blu, The Hub, Lighthouse, Lagoonda, Bliss, Country Lodge, Swiss Suites and Home Suites.
      • For lunch and more casual meals - Balmaya, at Congo Cross, Crown Bakery in town, and Crown Express, Tessa’s and Gina’s on Wilkinson Road – also Family Kingdom at Lumley Beach and Oasis.
      • There is a top end Chinese restaurant at the Casino in Aberdeen, and another along Lumley Beach – Indochine is also good.
      • Gigi Bonta has good pizza and ice-cream, and Gusto’s has pizza and a delicatessen.
      • There are a lot of bars and restaurants along Lumley Beach, and some have live music, especially at weekends – expats tend to like Papaya, Roy’s and Gigi Bonta – new ones keep coming up all the time.
  10. 10. Communities
    • The International Women’s Club has monthly meetings, weekly walks on Lumley Beach and other activities and outings organized by members, as well as charity projects - https://www.facebook.com/FreetownIWC/
  11. 11. Useful Resources/Books
    • https://www.internations.org/freetown-expats/guide
    • Lonely Planet guidebook on Sierra Leone
    • All the novels by Aminata Fourna
    • “A Long Way Gone” and “Radiance of Tomorrow” by Ishmael Beal
    • “Milo and all that Jazz” by Kitty Fadlu Deen, on music in Sierra Leone
  12. 12. Other recommendations

    Forget “Blood Diamonds” and “Ebola”.  Sierra Leone is a beautiful and welcoming country, which is a lot of fun if you are open minded. The beaches are wonderful and the fish and seafood are great. I have never felt unsafe there and have never been bored.  It’s not your “average” expat experience, and all the better for that!