Akwaaba, the Ghanaian word for welcome, is what you will hear most in what is rumoured to be the most friendly country in West Africa!

In Ghana you will also hear the beat of traditional rituals resound through the rain-forests, valleys and coastal plains, alongside the bustle and hum of its very modern cities. Wood carving and the weaving of colourful cloths are still strong traditions in this peaceful and welcoming country, which stretches south from Burkina Faso, between Côte d'Ivoire and Togo, to the white sands along the Gulf of Guinea and the warm breezy capital of Accra. One of the most densely-populated countries in West Africa, Ghana is also populated with hippos, crocodiles, water buck, antelope and the occasional big cat! With the USIT Volunteer in Ghana programme, you can find all this out for yourself, by living and working with a local community for three months, in what is guaranteed to be a rewarding and life-changing experience.

Projects

The projects, which we have designated for our programme, have been carefully selected by SYTO (Student and Youth Travel Organisation) our local partner in Ghana. SYTO carefully select volunteer placements based on experience, qualifications, and areas of interest.

Volunteer in Ghana participants are placed within one of many areas, such as: community development projects, public organisations, health, education, non-governmental organisations, HIV/AIDS projects, working with people with disabilities, Eco-tourism and many more.

Opportunities are available in both urban and rural areas, and most participants work either in or near the towns of Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coat and Takoradi.

The projects last three months, and you will generally work five days per week. There will be plenty of time to travel during and/or after the project.

Housing:

Accommodation is organised in advance by SYTO, usually with a host family. You will be welcomed into the community and treated as a member of the family. Food and board in homestay accommodation is at a standard cost of US$120 per month. The locations depend on whether it is an urban or rural project.

Introduction to Ghana with SYTO:

Our local partner in Ghana, SYTO (Student and Youth Travel Organisation), will ease you gently into this unique life experience through a comprehensive orientation course in Accra.

Following the orientation, SYTO will also provide a 24-hour emergency contact and ongoing service and support.

SYTO is a non-profit and non-governmental African educational travel and exchange organisation. Founded in 1994 in Ghana, its philosophy and framework have since been adopted in other parts of West Africa including Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria and Senegal.

Costs & how to apply:

Download application form

The Volunteer in Ghana Programme is open to those who fulfil the following

Age: 18-35 years
Nationality: UK/Ireland passport holder
Education: HND/Degree education is desirable but not essential.
Skills/experience: Be flexible enthusiastic and prepared for integrating into another culture. We recommend that only those who have previous experience as an independent traveller or have participated on another work exchange programme consider this option.

Costs

The fee for the 3-month programme is from £510 and includes

Visa processing service
Organised placement on a community project
Pre-arrangement of accommodation
Airport transfer
4 nights accommodation in Accra
Comprehensive Orientation with SYTO in Accra
Transfer to place of work
24-hour emergency contact
Comprehensive medical support
Ongoing support services of SYTO in Ghana

Additional costs

Flights: From £425 depending on the time of year (taxes extra)
Contribution of $150 per month to homestay for room and all meals
Insurance: From £140 for a 3 month policy designed specially for those working and travelling in exotic places
Visa:
Single Entry Visa: £38
Multi-Entry Visa: £49
You must also make a personal pledge to have £450 in personal funds (in traveller's cheques) entering Ghana

Please note all costs are subject to change due to exchange rate and will be confirmed to you at time of booking.

What Happens Next

If you would like to discuss this opportunity in more detail with a member of our specialist Work and Travel team and to begin making your travel arrangements, please contact 0845 6001316 or info@studenttravel.com

After we have received your application you will be invited to attend an interview in Manchester/London. It will take six weeks to process your application and secure your placement through our partners in Ghana. So, please always remember this when planning your departure.

Please bear in mind that there are several recommended vaccines and prescriptions for travel to Ghana in addition to the required Yellow Fever Certificate. Check these in good time before your departure.

TRAVEL..TRAVEL..TRAVEL..

These are work and TRAVEL opportunities so don't forget to take advantage of your exotic location to do more extensive exploring. We have plenty of ideas for adventure tours and expeditions, local travel passes, stopover suggestions and round the world routings, some of which are cheaper to buy before you go!

From Ghana, there is the possibility of an Ivory Coast or Senegalese bonus to enrich your West African experience!