WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR A VOLUNTEER IN GHANA PROGRAM?

RVO has offered volunteer and educational trips in Ghana program (including internship) since 2003. We are able to place volunteers at least every month, year round. We recommend applying at least one month in advance before your arrival, to enable us enough weeks to make the necessary arrangement on your requested volunteer placement. But If your application must be expedited for quicker placement, please contact us for such an arrangement.

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I SUBMIT MY DOCUMENTS AND APPLICATION TO VOLUNTEER IN GHANA?

Once we receives and reviews your submitted application, it is then forwarded to our field officers who will then finalize a personal assignment as per your qualifications, experience and requests. Your finalized placement details are forwarded to you upon completion.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS MY APPLICATION TO VOLUNTEER IN GHANA?

The application process may take up to 3-3 weeks occasionally longer given the time of year and influx of applications to your chosen project. However, in the event that an applicant requires quicker placement due to time constraints, we request you contact us prior to submitting an application.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO SUBMIT WITH MY APPLICATION TO VOLUNTEER?

The only initial documentation required is our completed and submitted application form, which can be found on this site. We may ask for some further information or documentation especially from Interns; however, in most situations information provided in the application is sufficient. Applicants have the option to either submit their application online or download the application from the website and submit the completed form to our email with your full CV.

ARE THERE ANY NECESSARY REQUIREMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN VOLUNTEER PROJECTS?

The only qualifications are:

• An open-mind, a willingness to teach others as well a passion for helping those in need.
• Enthusiasm for living abroad, meeting new people and embracing varied cultures.
• Be in good mental and physical health.
• Having kind heart for children

VISA INFORMATION

WHAT ARE THE VISA PROCEDURES?

Securing a tourist visa is the volunteer’s responsibility and we advise all volunteers to get a tourist visa before travelling to Ghana.

After your application has been reviewed and successful, we shall send to you full placement details with host families’ information as well as your invoice for payment. After your payment is made, an official invitation letter will be issued to you for your visa application/obtainment. Please contact your nearest Ghana embassy to learn more about visa, visa fees and visa extensions. Much information can be learned online by searching out Ghana’s embassy or consulate in your country.

PLACEMENT INFORMATION

WHO MANAGES THE VOLUNTEER IN THE PROJECTS?

Our hard working field officers are responsible for researching appropriate volunteer projects as per the qualifications, skills and interests of the applicants.

WHAT ARE THE DAILY SCHEDULES WHILE VOLUNTEERING IN GHANA?

Project schedules vary for each project. Most projects are from Monday to Friday, for approximately 4-5 hours a day. Most volunteers have the weekends and evenings off to sightseeing or explore Ghana on their own.

WHERE ARE THE PROJECTS LOCATED?

When you are volunteering in Ghana, you will be located in and around Kumasi as well as in other regions where we have projects. Your placement documents, which will be sent to you prior to your trip, will contain all of the necessary location information for your specific project. You can also review more in-depth information about the location of your project on our website.

WHAT IS THE LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN GHANA?

Most ex-colonies in Africa retain the colonial language, so in Ghana the official language that is spoken is English. Nine languages have the status of government sponsorship though: Akan, Dagaare/Wale, Dagbani, Dangme, Ewe, Ga, Gonja, Kasem, and Nzema. Two other dialects of Akan are also commonly spoken in Ghana, but are not sponsored by the government; Twi and Fante.

WHEN ARE VOLUNTEER PROJECTS AVAILABLE IN GHANA?

Our programs are available year round with flexible dates which gives applicants the option to volunteer at their own availability period.

HOW LONG CAN I DO VOLUNTEER WORK IN GHANA FOR?

We recommend that participants volunteer for at least 2 weeks as minimum and 50 weeks as maximum given the amount of travel time that is typically necessary from one’s home country. If you would like to stay longer, please contact us to discuss your options.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE INFORMATION

WHO WILL ARRANGE MY FLIGHT TO GHANA?

International flight coordination and payment of international airfare is a volunteer’s responsibility.

AT WHICH AIRPORT SHOULD I ARRIVE?

Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana.

IF MY ASSIGNMENT BEGINS ON MONDAY, WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE IN GHANA?

Please arrive the day before your assignment begins. If you wish to arrive earlier, your accommodation and meals will be your responsibility. Please note : You can apply for our 1 week Language and Cultural immersion which will prepare you towards your stay in Ghana whilst waiting for your project start date.

WILL SOMEONE PICK ME FROM THE AIRPORT? IF SO, HOW WILL I KNOW WHO THEY ARE AND WHERE THEY ARE?

Our airport pick up staff will be at the airport at least 30 munites before your arrival time, but you must send your travel itinerary to us and to us before your arrival in Ghana. He will be holding a sign with your name, awaiting your arrival outside of the airport at the arrival bay.

If you miss our representative due to flight delay or confusion, please call the number provided in your placement details. This rarely happens, but be prepared by keeping this important information with you as you travel. Make sure you look carefully for your pick-up representative, as it is normally busy outside of the airport.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY FLIGHT IS DELAYED?

• Try to call, text or whatsapp the 24 hrs mobile number to notify us of the possible delayed arrival time.
• Check your placement instructions pertaining to details of hotels that have been recommended for late arrival if your flight will arrive after midnight.

Call, text or send whatsapp once you arrive so that we can orchestrate a new pick-up time.

HOW CAN I GET TO MY ACCOMMODATIONS FROM THE AIRPORT, IF I DID NOT CONNECT WITH YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THE AIRPORT?

In the event that your arrival time is changed/delayed, requiring you to stay overnight in a hotel (or if you failed to meet our local airport representative at the airport), you should hire a taxi at the airport. Request the taxi deliver you to the hotel designated in your placement details/pre-departure information. Remember to request a receipt from the driver.

IMPORTANT: Ensure that you have contacted our local coordinator BEFORE boarding a taxi. Participants are advised to contact our airport pick up staff  the next day and let him/her know your whereabouts

WHAT DO I NEED PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FROM MY HOME COUNTRY?

• Please make sure that you pack all your necessary documents: passport, copy of passport and at least one other form of picture ID.
• Please bring your volunteer assignment placement details.
• Prepare financially to cover unforeseen expenses up to $50-100 USD/week for extra expenses and travel to your project each day.

Prepare your mind and spirit for the experience to which you have committed. Culture shock affects everyone and it may be so strong that you want to quit the week after arrival. Take precautions: read

• about the culture and language(s) and learn about food and customs.

IF I WANT TO ARRIVE EARLIER THAN WHEN MY ASSIGNMENT BEGINS, WHERE DO I STAY AND WHO WILL ORGANIZE THE ACCOMMODATIONS?

You can arrive up to a week early for your assignment; however, you are responsible for making and paying for these arrangements (including accommodations and food), and must still meet our staff at the airport on the designated date. We can also book a hotel for your upon request.

WHEN SHOULD I DEPART FROM GHANA AFTER MY VOLUNTEER WORK IN GHANA IS COMPLETE?

You should depart from Ghana a day after the completion of your assignment.

FROM WHICH AIRPORT SHALL I DEPART?

All volunteers should depart from Accra, Ghana (Kotoka International Airport) unless you receive other instructions in your placement details.

WHO WILL BRING ME TO THE AIRPORT FOR MY DEPARTURE?

We does not offer airport drop-off services after your volunteer work in Ghana is complete.You will need to arrange a taxi or bus ride to the airport following your assignment’s completion. This is a simple process and our local staff or your host family can help you with the arrangements. You can also request our staff or host family to go and drop you off at the airport when you pay for their expenses (transportation to and return to his or her home and food.

LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS INFORMATION

WHO WILL ARRANGE MY ACCOMMODATIONS AND WHAT ARE THEY?

During your volunteer in Ghana program,  Our fees include management of volunteers’ meal plans and accommodations throughout projects and travel options. Two times meals a day (breakfast,  dinner) as volunteers are not home during afternoon shall be provided and will consist of local ingredients and feature traditional cuisine choices for Ghana. Our meal program can accommodate vegetarian needs; however, we are not able to provide for other dietary restrictions. Food and drinks outside of mealtimes are the volunteer’s responsibility. In most cases, there are restaurants and markets nearby the homes in which our volunteers stay.

While volunteering in Ghana, most volunteers will stay in our Homebase. This concept is a permanent residence set up especially for international volunteers. There are several bedrooms at our Homebase and volunteers will normally share a room with a same gender volunteer. There are community rooms and a television. The environment is very relaxed and social and a great place to unwind after a busy day. The kitchen and bathrooms are shared, and there is running water and “western-style” toilets. The neighborhood is very safe and clean. There are many amenities nearby like internet cafes, grocery stores, restaurants and mass transit stops. Orphanage volunteers in Ghana might have the opportunity to stay with the children as many orphanages provide private rooms for international volunteers. These volunteer rooms will normally be shared with a volunteer of the same gender.

In some cases, we also place our volunteers with a host family. Volunteers usually have a single bedroom, but may occasionally share a room with another volunteer of the same gender. Our host families are chosen carefully and are esteemed community members, who have experience in the realm of hosting international travelers. Host family residences are in comfortable, clean and safe neighborhoods and rooms are simply furnished and tidy. Staying with a host family can offer the support system a volunteer will crave during their program and it is a great way to learn about a host country’s culture and customs. Most volunteers who have stayed with a host family note that their stay truly enriched their entire experience abroad.

A unique and important part off our successful volunteer in Ghana programs is our volunteer support in-country. We put safety and comfort first as we deliver enriching and consistent experiences for our international travelers. Our support is multi-faceted while volunteers are in Ghana and our staff is in contact with our volunteers on a regular basis either with face-to-face visits or via phone/email. Key support comes from our country coordinator and in-country field staff. These individuals are employed by our company and committed to ensuring your experience the best it can be. Your chosen project staff and host family offers support as well, and they are familiar with working with international volunteers and accustomed to answering questions and providing guidance. Volunteers also have access to all our field officers mobile number for emergencies. With longer assignments, our field staff visits regularly (every 2-4 weeks) to ensure the experience is meeting your expectations. Sometimes an assignment may be too far to visit physically, so staff members will touch-base via phone/email. You are also welcome to stop in the offices at any time. You are never alone.

ARE SINGLE ROOMS AVAILABLE?

Occasionally, in most cases you will share a room with a same-gender volunteer. Please note your request and we will do our best to meet your needs.

IF I ARRIVE WITH MY FRIEND, OR GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND, CAN WE STAY TOGETHER?

In many situations yes, but please contact our office regarding your situation, since it may depend upon individual accommodation availability and time-of-year circumstances. Please be reminded that volunteers of different genders are often not permitted to stay in the same room, unless they are a married couple.

WILL THERE BE OTHER FOREIGN VOLUNTEERS/INTERNS AT MY PLACEMENT?

Yes, more often than not, but this depends on the exact assignment and accommodation placement. If you want to travel with a companion or group, we allow and encourage this option. You may be placed with different host families, but these residences will generally be located close (within one to two miles) to each other. Please be reminded that volunteers of different genders will normally not be allowed to stay in the same room, unless they are a married couple.

WHAT ARE THE BATHROOM FACILITIES LIKE?

Bathroom facilities depend up on the location and project. Most of our host families have running water and western (or modern)-style toilets. However, in few projects/accommodations there are varying toilet and bathroom situations.

WHAT ARE THE LAUNDRY ARRANGEMENTS?

In most cases, laundry will be washed by hand. It is the responsibility of volunteers.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO LAUNDRY?

In most cases, laundry will be washed by hand. It is the responsibility of volunteers to do their own laundry

CAN I USE APPLIANCES IF I BRING THEM FROM MY HOME COUNTRY?

Yes, but you will need an electrical converter. Information for different countries can be found on the Internet, for example http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity.

Your local small appliance specialty or travel retailer can advise you on plugs and voltage converters.

WHO MANAGES MY MEALS?

Our organization organizes food and accommodations for the extent of your volunteer assignment.

CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE SPECIAL DIETS?

Our organization can provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. We cannot accommodate special dietary needs (i.e. diabetics). If you require a special menu beyond vegetarian/vegan needs, you will need to be responsible for your own meals.

IS THE RUNNING TAP WATER SAFE FOR DRINK?

In most developing countries, tap water is not safe to drink. We recommend that you purchase bottled water for your consumption, but make sure that the cap’s seal is not broken! You can always buy the small size water sachet which is prepared under highly hygienic conditions and very safe to drink.

ARE THERE HOT AND COLD-WATER FACILITIES AVAILABLE?

Specifics pertaining to availability of hot water will be included in participants’ placement details. But it is allowed to ask your host family politely to boil water for you.

WILL BOTTLED WATER BE PROVIDED?

No, the purchase of bottled and sachet water is a volunteer’s responsibility.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

HOW SAFE IS GHANA?

Ghana is one of the most safest and peaceful country to visit. Everyone you meet on the streets of Ghana smiles at you and willing to help you in need. But always we advise volunteers to be careful how they go into deep relationships and friendship with people they meet not long as even though we say Ghana is safe and peaceful but like any other peaceful country we have the bad once as well.

WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLE HEALTH RISKS IN GHANA?

We use the Center for Disease Control traveler’s health recommendations www.cdc.gov. You should also consult a travel doctor who will be knowledgeable about current epidemics, health risks and recommended vaccinations.

IS THE FOOD SAFE IF I BUY IT FROM A STREET VENDOR?

No! Ghana is still considered a developing country and you should be cautious. While you are in Ghana, food safety should be a major consideration. You can hardly resist the tempting novelty of street vendors and their food variety, but you should abstain. Our suggestion is to avoid eating on the streets until you get familiar with the general situation. The food will likely taste quite different from anything you have had before. Food safety problems can range from chemicals and contaminants, to bacteria as well as some other diseases. In Ghana, poor food cooking, preparation, and storage, as well as improper cleaning and disinfecting of cooking supplies is very common among street vendors. Therefore, we do not suggest buying food from street vendors.

WHAT ARE THE SANITARY CONDITIONS IN GHANA?

• Be prepared and never expect a clean toilet 100% of the time. Carry some tissue in case you need to use the public toilet but there are more cleaner toilets you may encounter but generally it depends on the location you may find yourself.
• In Ghana, toilets generally do not do well when flushing large amounts of items or feminine hygiene products so do not flush them and throw them away in the trash.
• In some areas/restaurants, toilet systems are old, have very narrow plumbing and are easily blocked. In these cases, a small basket is usually placed beside the toilet (for your used toilet paper).
• Use hotel lobby toilets; these are everywhere and are tend to be clean. Still, they may not always have toilet paper.

MONEY

ARE ATMS EASILY AVAILABLE WHILE I AM ON MY VOLUNTEER TRIP IN GHANA? IF YES, WHICH DEBIT AND CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED?

Major cities have ATM machines, although not all will accept international cards. You can withdraw cash from most international banks from ATM machines, but $2-4 USD surcharges apply for each transaction.

MasterCard, Visa, Cirrus/Maestro and American Express cards are usually only accepted at the more expensive restaurants and hotels. Use caution when paying by credit card, as there is potential for fraud.

Ensure that you have notified your home bank of your intent to volunteer abroad in Ghana. This will provide you the necessary information and alleviate any confusion at your home bank regarding international transactions, which can result in a cautionary freeze on your account in some cases.

WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY, AND HOW DO I KNOW THE EXCHANGE RATE?

The Ghanaian currency is the cedi (GHS). One cedi is divided into 100 pesewas.

WHERE SHOULD I EXCHANGE MY MONEY?

Money exchanges by cash or traveler’s checks can be made at various bank branches found throughout Ghana – primarily in the major cities.

Remember, you may have to present your passport whenever you change currency or traveler checks.

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING WITH ME WHEN I VOLUNTEER IN GHANA AFTER PAYMENT OF PROGRAM FEE?

Africa at heart manages food and rooms for our volunteers throughout the assignment; therefore, you will not need more money to pay for these expenses. However, if you plan to take part in activities outside of our organization or buy some souvenirs, you will need to bring extra money.

On a side note, you must also remember the fee for visas, which can range from US $50-100 depending on the length of stay. There may also be an airport tax that you pay upon your departure from Ghana, buying souvenirs back home to friends and family, You will want to determine the amount of extra money you bring based on these factors.

IS IT SAFE TO CARRY CASH WITH ME?

Carrying cash is not always safe during your volunteer work in Ghana; therefore, do not carry a large surplus of cash with you. It is advised that you carry cash in a money belt with some additional stashed in your wallet.

COMMUNICATION

HOW DO I CONTACT THE AFRICA AT HEART STAFF WHILE VOLUNTEERING IN GHANA?

The contact details of our field officers will be given in final placement sheet. You can contact him or her by email or telephone.

HOW DO I CONTACT MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS ONCE I ARRIVE IN GHANA?

International Direct Dialing from Ghana is available in cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices, hotels, and phone booths on the streets. In hotels, local calls are generally charged at a nominal fee. Internet cafes are available in most towns.

HOW CAN MY FAMILY MEMBERS CONTACT ME WHILE I AM ON MY VOLUNTEERING TRIP TO GHANA?

Communication options depend on where you are placed. Most placements will have access to a post office, so mail and postcards are an option. If you are in a city placement, there are many places to make international phone calls or access the Internet. You can also keep in contact via whatsup and facebook.

CAN I BRING MY TELEPHONE FROM MY HOME COUNTRY?

Yes, but it may or may not work. You will want to contact your mobile phone provider to make sure that your phone will work while you are in Ghana, but remember that roaming will apply and those charges can be very, very expensive. To avoid them, you may be able to buy a local SIM card to use in your phone. Research and confirm this information before traveling.

CULTURE & CUSTOMS

IS THERE A SPECIAL DRESS CODE THAT I SHOULD FOLLOW WHILE VOLUNTEERING IN GHANA?

Volunteers should dress conservatively when at their assignments. Jeans and a t-shirt are acceptable. No short-shorts and tank tops please. Remember to consider the regional religious beliefs of Ghana, which may be extremely conservative and revealing clothing is unacceptable – shorts and skirts must be at least knee-length and no one should show their shoulders.

Please note: When entering temples, mosques, or buildings of religious importance always check what dress attire is required. In most cases, covering your head is required also take off your shoes and be dressed conservatively.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT RELIGIOUS CONDUCT IN GHANA?

Religious tolerance in Ghana is very high. The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. According to Wikipedia, although no official figures exist to reflect regional distribution of various denominations, it is generally agreed the southern part of the nation is more Christian, while the northern part is more Islamic

HOW DO I RESPECT THE PEOPLE OF GHANA?

Be inclusive and show respect of their culture.
Ghana’s culture is rich in customs and traditions. People of Ghana enjoy sharing their customs and traditions with foreigners so feel free to take part with them. You can go with your host family on outings if they ask you to or invite them along with you to go on an outing. Simply helping your family do household chores will be another bonding experience that you can enjoy.

FREE TIME OPTIONS

When you join a volunteer program in Ghana you will be located in and around Kumasi which knowns “The Garden City”, as due to its many beautiful species of flowers and plants and explore the capital city of Accra.

Projects are also located in Sunyani, Koforidua and its environs, and other regions like Greater Accra, Central, and Volta.

You will have a wide range of activities available to you during your free time during your volunteering experience in Ghana. There are beautiful rainforest canopy tours that offer breathtaking views of Ghana’s dense forests. There are stunning white sand beaches where sea turtle sightings are common. Wildlife is abundant throughout the country!

The urban experience is composed of cathedrals, museums, theaters, restaurants, and so much more. Check out the Cape Coast Castle or the Kejetia Market. There is no shortage of things to do in Ghana! When you do volunteer work in Ghana, you will have plenty of free time to experience all that Ghana has to offer!