Abidjan - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
French is NECESSARY. Enroll in the embassy-offered classes, which are free and available to employees and families. Do as much studying as possible before you arrive. - Mar 2021
YOU need to speak French here. There is almost no English. Embassy has teachers I have heard mixed reviews of them. Institute Francais is expensive but worth it. - May 2020
Yes, one's life will be much easier is one is quite proficient in French. There are plenty of classes and tutors available in French. While there are local languages, they are not commonly spoken in Abidjan. - Feb 2020
There is not much English spoken so I recommend learning at least a small amount of French. Language training is widely available. - Mar 2017
It's very helpful to have at least some French to get around. A few folks speak some English. - Aug 2015
Get that intro to French course. It will help. You need to learn to order in restaurants and shop in the grocery store. - Jun 2009
Very few people speak English here and everything is done in French. You will be much happier getting around knowing at least basic phrases. - Jan 2009
