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Sierra Leone is located on the west Coast of Africa, on the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for the white-sand beaches lining the Freetown Peninsula. The country’s weather is tropical: hot and humid, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season (May to October) brings heavy rainfall and temperatures in the 70s and low 80s, on the other hand, the dry season (November to April) is generally hotter and drier, with temperatures often rising above 86°F, which can significantly influence daily activities.

U.S Fulbrighters in Sierra Leone engage in research or academic work in areas such as health, education, sustainable development, culture and governance. They collaborate with local institutions, universities and organizations to strengthen local systems and institutions. Sierra Leone has several major public universities, including the University of Sierra Leone, Njala University, University of Makeni and Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology. The two-semester academic year in Sierra Leone varies between institutions but often starts in mid to late October to December and then February to June with final exams in July. The U.S. Embassy located in Freetown offers guidance on visa, housing and security issues. The American International School of Freetown offers educational programs for dependent children in grades K-8 who accompany the Scholar.

Fulbright grantees often live and work in communities where they find a strong sense of community among fellow grantees, expats, and Sierra Leoneans, who help them understand the money (SLE/SLL) and its value, and navigate their community experience. They also introduce them to Sierra Leone's vibrant culture; its music; festivals; its unique cuisines; traditional ceremonies; and cultural norms, such as time flexibility or "African time", and different work culture. English is the official language, though many grantees find it beneficial to learn some Krio, the lingua franca, to connect more deeply with the locals.

Accommodations can vary widely depending on the location. Freetown and other bigger towns, scholars often have access to reliable housing with basic amenities but frequent electrical outages. In rural areas with limited infrastructure, living conditions might be more modest, with intermittent electricity and water supply. Before coming to Sierra Leone, grantees are advised to take precautions against diseases like yellow fever, malaria and cholera, including taking vaccinations, prophylactics, and being careful with their food and water hygiene.

Sierra Leone is generally safe, but Fulbrighters are advised to follow guidance from the U.S. Embassy Freetown, including avoiding risky areas and being aware of their surroundings. Shared public transportation, like tricycles (Kekeh) and motorbikes are common, however some grantees prefer to use private riders or cars for convenience and safety. There are several good quality international private schools in Freetown for dependents of grantees. 

Fulbrighters often describe their time in Sierra Leone as challenging, but deeply enriching, learning not only about Sierra Leonean culture but also sharing American culture with their hosts. The experience of navigating challenges and living in a different cultural and professional context often fosters resilience and adaptability. Fulbrighters receive support from the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, which offers orientation, resources, and security updates.

In early 2014, the United Nations hailed Sierra Leone as a success story due to its remarkable post-conflict transition following a brutal civil war (1991-2002), which destroyed the country’s infrastructure and hampered its political, social, and economic development. But Sierra Leone’s positive trajectory was interrupted by the deadly Ebola epidemic from 2014-2015 and 5 years later by the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which overwhelmed the country's fragile healthcare system.  The economy, which had experienced a high growth rate before Ebola, contracted due to the epidemics and global drop in prices for its major iron ore exports.  Development plans have made little progress in the years since, due to failing infrastructure, corruption, and lack of funds.  Sierra Leone was awarded a Millennium Challenge Corporation compact that is scheduled to begin its 5-year construction phase in 2027 to repair and extend the electrical grid. 

Despite the many challenges the country has faced, its people exemplify the spirit of resilience and are warm and welcoming to foreigners.