What are the most popular sports in Kiribati?

football, volleyball, weightlifting Popular teams include: Kiribati National Football Team.

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Expat Exchange > Kiribati

Kiribati

Q: What is the educational system like in Kiribati for expats?

The educational system in Kiribati is influenced by its history as a British colony, and it follows a model similar to the British system. Education is compulsory and free for children from ages 6 to 14. The school year in Kiribati begins in January and ends in December, with breaks in between terms. The education system is divided into three levels: primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary. Primary education lasts for six years, and upon completion, students can proceed to junior secondary education, which lasts for three years. After junior secondary, students can choose to continue to senior secondary education, which also lasts for three years. At the end of senior secondary education, students sit for the Kiribati School Certificate. Those who wish to pursue further studies may take the Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate, which is recognized by institutions in the Pacific region. The language of instruction is English, and the curriculum includes subjects such as mathematics, science, social studies, and English, with a growing emphasis on incorporating Kiribati culture and language. The quality of education can vary, with urban areas typically having better resources than more remote islands. The government of Kiribati has been working on improving the educational infrastructure and the quality of education, including teacher training and curriculum development

Q: What is healthcare like in Kiribati for expats?

The healthcare system in Kiribati faces numerous challenges due to its geographic dispersion across many islands and limited resources. The country has a public healthcare system that provides services to its citizens at no or low cost, but the quality of care can be variable and is generally considered to be below international standards. There are a few private clinics, but these are limited and mostly located in South Tarawa, the capital. The public healthcare system includes hospitals and clinics, but they often lack adequate medical supplies, equipment, and trained personnel. Expats and digital nomads may access public healthcare, but it is advisable to have comprehensive health insurance to cover services that may not be available locally or to be able to afford medical evacuation to a country with better healthcare facilities.

Coastal Beaches

Cost of Living: Moderate

Train Access: No

Bus Service: Yes (Tungaru Central Transport, relatively safe)

Kiribati is a sovereign state in Micronesia in the central Pacific Ocean. It is composed of 32 atolls and one raised coral island, dispersed over 3.5 million square kilometers. The country's population is concentrated on the capital island, Tarawa, which is part of the Gilbert Islands. Kiribati is known for its unique culture, which includes traditional music, dance, and handicrafts. The climate is tropical with a rainy season from November to April. The nation faces challenges such as rising sea levels due to climate change, which threatens its very existence. Kiribati's economy is small and relies heavily on foreign financial aid, fishing licenses, and remittances from seafarers. Agriculture is limited due to poor soils and a lack of fresh water, leading to a dependence on imported food. Tourism is growing but remains a small part of the economy. The country's isolation and limited infrastructure can make travel and communication challenging. Despite these challenges, the I-Kiribati people are known for their resilience and strong community ties. The culture emphasizes communal living and sharing resources, which is reflected in the traditional maneaba or meeting house that serves as the heart of community life. Kiribati also has a rich maritime tradition, with navigation and fishing being integral parts of its history and culture. The nation's vast marine territory is home to diverse marine life, making it an important area for conservation efforts. Kiribati's unique position straddling the Equator and the International Date Line also gives it significance in terms of timekeeping and global positioning. The country declared its entire marine area a shark sanctuary in 2012, highlighting its commitment to environmental protection. Kiribati's future is uncertain due to the existential threat posed by climate change, but its people continue to strive for sustainability and cultural preservation.

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Podcasts

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Living in Kiribati

Popular Foods: The cuisine of Kiribati includes a variety of fresh seafood, coconut, and root vegetables such as taro and breadfruit. Rice and fish are staple foods, often accompanied by coconut milk. A popular dessert is te bero, a pudding made from the starch of the pandanus fruit.

Unusual Eats: A traditional dish that may seem unusual to visitors is palu sami, a mix of raw fish, onions, and coconut cream wrapped in taro leaves and cooked in an underground oven.

Popular Sports: football, volleyball, weightlifting

Popular Teams: Kiribati National Football Team

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When visiting Kiribati, it is important to dress modestly and conservatively, as revealing clothing can be considered disrespectful. Additionally, one should always ask permission before taking photographs of people, especially in rural areas, as it is considered impolite to do so without consent.

Best Places to Live in Kiribati

Discover the top-ranked towns in Kiribati. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.

Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Employment and Work Permit

Popular Nomad Visa/s: Kiribati does not have a specific digital nomad visa, but tourists can stay for up to 30 days with a possibility of extending for another 60 days.

Obtaining a residency in Kiribati involves several steps and the process can be considered average in terms of difficulty. Expatriates looking to reside in Kiribati typically apply for an Employment and Work Permit if they have secured a job in the country. The employer often assists with the visa application process. To apply for this visa, the expatriate must submit a completed application form, a valid passport, a police clearance, a medical clearance, and proof of employment in Kiribati. Additionally, they must provide evidence of financial support and may need to show a return or onward ticket. The process begins with the expatriate submitting their application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration. The application is then reviewed, and if approved, the expatriate will be granted a visa that allows them to live and work in Kiribati. The duration of the visa depends on the length of the employment contract, but it is typically issued for one year and can be renewed. For those who are not coming to Kiribati for employment, such as retirees or investors, there are other types of residency visas available. These applicants must demonstrate sufficient income or investment in the country and may be subject to different requirements. It is important to note that Kiribati does not currently offer a specific visa for digital nomads. However, tourists can enter Kiribati without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, with the possibility of extending their stay for an additional 60 days. This can be an option for digital nomads who wish to stay in Kiribati for a short period. To extend their stay, they must apply before their initial 30-day period expires and provide a reason for the extension, along with supporting documents such as bank statements to prove financial independence. Overall, while the process is not overly complicated, it does require thorough preparation and adherence to the specific requirements set by the Kiribati government. Expatriates are advised to begin the application process well in advance of their intended move to Kiribati.

Healthcare in Kiribati

The system in Kiribati faces numerous challenges due to its geographic dispersion across many islands and limited resources. The country has a public healthcare system that provides services to its citizens at no or low cost, but the quality of care can be variable and is generally considered to be below international standards. There are a few private clinics, but these are limited and mostly located in South Tarawa, the capital. The public healthcare system includes hospitals and clinics, but they often lack adequate medical supplies, equipment, and trained personnel. Expats and digital nomads may access public healthcare, but it is advisable to have comprehensive health insurance to cover services that may not be available locally or to be able to afford medical evacuation to a country with better healthcare facilities.

Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Kiribati on our Kiribati forum - meet people, get advice and help others.

Visit the Kiribati Community

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Kiribati is moderate compared to other countries in the region. Imported goods can be expensive, but local products and simple lifestyles help to keep the overall cost of living at a reasonable level.

Weather

Kiribati experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round. The islands have a wet season typically from November to April and a dry season from May to October. Despite the tropical climate, there is not a lot of variation in temperature throughout the year.

Educational System in Kiribati

The educational system in Kiribati is influenced by its history as a British colony, and it follows a model similar to the British system. Education is compulsory and free for children from ages 6 to 14. The school year in Kiribati begins in January and ends in December, with breaks in between terms. The education system is divided into three levels: primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary. Primary education lasts for six years, and upon completion, students can proceed to junior secondary education, which lasts for three years. After junior secondary, students can choose to continue to senior secondary education, which also lasts for three years. At the end of senior secondary education, students sit for the Kiribati School Certificate. Those who wish to pursue further studies may take the Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate, which is recognized by institutions in the Pacific region. The language of instruction is English, and the curriculum includes subjects such as mathematics, science, social studies, and English, with a growing emphasis on incorporating Kiribati culture and language. The quality of education can vary, with urban areas typically having better resources than more remote islands. The government of Kiribati has been working on improving the educational infrastructure and the quality of education, including teacher training and curriculum development