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LIBERIA

Overview

Liberia offers a truly unique and meaningful experience for an internship. As Africa’s oldest republic, with deep historical ties to the United States and a vibrant culture, it’s a place where you can make a real impact while learning from its resilient and friendly people!

Page content developed and maintained by Sele Max Fuah.

Fast Facts

Population: Approximately 5.4 million
Capital City: Monrovia
Official Language: English
Currency: Liberian Dollar (LRD)
Time Zone: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Climate: Tropical, with distinct rainy (May–October) and dry (November–April) seasons
Key Cultural Aspects: Strong community ties, hospitality, and a love for storytelling and traditional music.

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Explore more data from the region at the gapminder website.

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History and Society

Founded in 1847 by freed African Americans and other enslaved people, Liberia holds a significant place in African and global history as Africa’s first independent republic. Its history is marked by resilience through multiple stages of civil war and recovery.

Key Cultural Values and Traditions:

Respect for elders
Communal living
Rich oral storytelling traditions
Celebrations often feature music, dance, and traditional attire
The concept of unity is deeply valued, expressed in the Kpelle phrase Kokatounu ("we are one").

Local Languages and Common Greetings

While English is official, over 20 indigenous languages are spoken. Liberia Pidgin English is commonly used for casual communication. The emphasis on consistent greetings and acknowledgement of others reflect the vibrant and friendly nature of Liberian society.

Common greetings:

- “Yor hello oh” (Hello).
- “Your morni’ o” (Good morning).

Living in Liberia: What To Expect

Daily Life and Local Norms

Expect a warm and welcoming community. Social connections are highly valued, and friendliness is the norm.

If you are visiting from a low-context culture, you may at first be alarmed at the perceived lack of personal boundaries. Far from "disrespectful", this is a mark of Liberians' comfort with togetherness and community.

Social greeting before "getting to business" is expected.
Handshakes are common, often with a unique ‘snap’ handshake gesture.
Punctuality is flexible – ‘Ghana time’ means events may start later than scheduled.

Weather

Monrovia is the "wettest capital city in the world", with annual rainfall averaging 182 in (4,600 mm).
There is a wet season and a dry season, but that is relative - precipitation is consistent, even during the dry season.
Temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year, averaging around 79.5 °F (26.4 °C).

Food

Try local staples like Jollof rice, cassava leaves, and palm butter.
Street food is popular and delicious!
More adventurous visitors enjoy indulgences like pre-cut sugarcane, but be careful - hygiene standards vary!

Getting Around (Transportation)

Public mini-busses and shared taxis are common but often crowded.
Motorbikes are a quick way to get around, but not for the faint of heart!
For more private commuting, you can "charter" a vehicle, which means paying for all the seats usually sold singly in order to travel alone or with your group.

Telecommunication (Connectivity)

Mobile networks are widely available and, although network coverage is often patchy/unreliable in some locations, it is usually possible to make simple calls and attend meetings online.
E-sims are available and offer the convenience of not needing to remove and replace your existing sim card.
Common mobile service providers include Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia (formerly known as Cellcom)
Mobile money services are commonly used for monetary transactions.

Work Culture and Professional Norms

Workplace Expectations

Workplace Expectations: Punctuality is appreciated, though a flexible, relational approach to time is common. A good rule of thumb: be on time yourself, but understand that others often will not be. Be patient and adaptable.
Communication Styles: Politeness and respect are important; addressing people formally is a sign of respect.

Common Cultural Misunderstandings to Avoid

Avoid being overly blunt, as this may come across as rude.
Be mindful of the hierarchical reporting structures still common in Liberian workplaces - engage with your support team for guidance on giving feedback and seeking clarity.

Building Positive Relationships

Building Positive Relationships: Show genuine interest in colleagues' lives and share about yourself - relationship-building is key!
Stay off your cellphone in social settings! Think: low tech, high engagement.

Safety and Health Considerations

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Local Laws and Cultural Considerations

While in Liberia, interns should be mindful of local laws and customs. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, and respect religious and cultural practices. Random police checks are to be expected. Pre-Departure Training can cover these aspects in detail to ensure interns are well-prepared. A few key legal considerations are outlined below.

You must carry photo identification. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it is lost or confiscated.
Photography and filming of military installations, airports and seaports, bridges and important government buildings is prohibited.
Possession of pornographic material is illegal.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
2SLGBTQI+ rights are limited - Liberian law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex:
- To ensure interns safety and respect local customs, we recommend non-disclosure of sexual orientation and avoiding public displays of affection. Detailed guidance and support can be provided during Pre-Departure Training to help interns navigate these cultural sensitivities.

Health Tips

Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccine is required; malaria prevention is recommended.
Malaria is prevalent, so take preventive measures like using mosquito nets and repellents.
Tap water is not always safe to drink – use bottled or filtered water.
Be cautious with street food to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Travel and Exploring

Must-See Destinations

Sapo National Park: Liberia’s largest protected rainforest
Robertsport: Stunning beaches and great surfing
Providence Island: Rich in history and culture
Libassa Ecolodge: A sustainable resort nestled amid a palm-forested lagoon in Grand Cape County, Liberia
Links to learn more: Liberia Tourism

Additional Resources and Useful Links

Books and Articles

'Liberia: Portrait of a Failed State' by John-Peter Pham
'Murder in the Cassava Patch' by Bai T. Moore - A classic Liberian novel exploring themes of love, betrayal, and justice.
'The Dragons, the Giant, the Women' by Wayétu Moore - A memoir about the author's escape from Liberia during the civil war.
'This Child Will Be Great: Memoir of A Remarkable Life by Africa's First Woman President' by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
'Liberia & the Quest for Freedom' by C. Patrick Burrowes - A historical analysis of Liberia's journey to statehood.

Videos and Documentaries

Pray the Devil Back to Hell (documentary highlighting Liberian women's peace efforts)
YouTube Resources:
- JZyNO - Butta My Bread (Official Video) ft. Lasmid: A great introduction to Liberia's contemporary music scene.Royda Urey - Liberia’s Culture, Traditions, Surfing, Food, and More: A vibrant channel covering Liberia's culture, traditions, amazing food, and surfing adventures.
- Your Favorite Liberian Boy Phizzle: Another exciting channel showcasing Liberia’s daily life, culture, and traditions.
- Miatta Fahnbulleh - OBAA Performance at the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Concert: A legendary Liberian artist delivering an unforgettable performance, rich in cultural pride and musical excellence.