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Fast facts about Ghana, Africa

If an award was given to the country with the friendliest people, Ghana would be a strong contender.
- Lonely Planet

Traveling to Ghana is a unique experience making it an appealing country to journey to on your gap year or career break. The warm ocean waters, climate and people are what will greet you when you arrive in Ghana. The country is similar in size to Great Britain - bordered to the north by Burkina Faso, east by Togo, west by Ivory Coast and south by the ocean.

Climate: The temperature is regulated by coastal breezes and it is sometimes around 20°C (low 70°F). Between May and June Ghana experiences a lot of rain. Any time of the year is good to visit Ghana.

Currency: Cedi ( ¢). All major currencies such as the United States Dollar, GBP, EURO, YEN etc can be exchanged for cedi once you arrive in Ghana.

Religion: Christian (70%), Muslim (15%), traditional African religions and other religions (15%)

Language: English (official), Ewe, Twi and Ga are commonly spoken - over 50 other dialects.

Population: Over 20 million.

Government: Democracy (elections are held every four years)

Current President: Prof. John Evans Atta Mills

Accra: Accra is the capital of Ghana, Africa. It is home to over a million people from all corners of Ghana with a diverse culture. In the central markets of Accra, you can find beads and locally made beautiful clothes with mouth watering traditional food. Most of the population live in the shanty towns - they line the streets selling different types of products in busy traffic areas. Here, you can find anything from chocolates, sachet and bottled water to plantain chips.

HWI Home Base: The HWI Home Base is located in Accra in an area called Teshie-Nungua Estates - it is home to volunteers and interns working on various projects in Accra. The home has basic facilities such as double sized beds, flushing toilet, bath room, kitchen, a hall among others. Here, new friends are made upon arrival of a new volunteer or intern. Our volunteers and interns are very friendly to each other and they go places together - it is a perfect experience for those desirous to meet new people and learn about other cultures and backgrounds as well as share ideas.

Click here to have a look at our accommodation for volunteers and interns.

Getting there:

Flight: You need to book your flight once you have secured your place with us. There are direct flights to Ghana from the United States and the United Kingdom. Less expensive options can be traveling on transit and booking flights in advance. After securing your place, we can advice you as to the best way to book your flight.

Insurance: You must have travel insurance in place before you travel to Ghana. This must include emergency medical expenses, personal accident and repatriation among others.

Visa: You need a visa to travel to Ghana. This is usually obtained within two weeks - therefore, it must be purchased in advance. Once you secure your place, information about securing your visa will be sent to you.

Arrival: On arrival, we will be at the airport to pick you to your new African home. Instructions as to how you will see us at the airport will be sent to you before you arrive

HOW LONG TO STAY:
Minimum: 1 week
Maximum: 12 weeks

WHEN TO GO:

2013 Academic Calendar Year

Vacation

1

May 10 to July 28, 2013

July 29 to September 9, 2013

2

September 10 to December 17, 2013

December 18, 2013 to January 11, 2014

2014 Academic Calendar Year

Vacation

1

January 11 to April 14, 2014

April 15 to May 9, 2014

2

May 10 to July 28, 2014

July 29 to September 9, 2014

3

September 10 to December 17, 2014

December 18, 2013 to January 11, 2015

Our cost is reasonably priced taking into consideration your health and  safety while in Ghana, Africa. We provide you comfortable housing and there is a lot of flexibility with your volunteer or internship program.

PROGRAM FEE

Volunteer/Internship Benefits:

- Upon successful completion of your volunteer work, you are issued a volunteer certificate and a letter of recommendation.

Included in cost
• Pre-departure support
• Accommodation - facilities include  room, bath, toilet etc.
• 2/3 meals provided daily
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Volunteer/internship card
• 24/7 in-country emergency support

Duration

Fee (USD)

Funding Your Program

You can fundraise if you cannot afford all the cost yourself. If you require fundraising guide, please contact us. Some volunteers or interns who came on our projects fundraise from family, friends etc to pay for their volunteer or internship costs.

Why pay to volunteer or intern?

As a volunteer/intern driven organization, we do not receive funding for our volunteer placement programs. Therefore, volunteers or interns pay fees that cover expenses in arranging their trip and for services and facilities provided during their time here in Ghana, Africa.

Here is a sample itinerary of how a Teach in Africa volunteer or intern's first week in Ghana looks like:

Working Days: Mondays to Fridays (5 days a week)
Working Hours: 8 am to 4 pm (8 hours per day)

Sunday:

8:00 pm: Arrival in Accra. Volunteers or interns picked up by the HWI staff at the airport and taken to their lodging house.

Monday:

7:00 am:    Breakfast served at lodging
8:00 am:    Orientation with HWI leaders, discussion of goals and visions for the trip.
9:00 am:    Volunteer or intern taken to the school to meet with the management, members of staff and get tours of the school.
2:30 pm:    Return to lodging and lunch served, followed by down-time in the afternoon.
5:30 pm:    Dinner
7:00 pm:    Night time activity. You can tour surrounding area, visit a pub to have a drink or go listen and dance to live music. There are a lot of activities that you can engage in.

Tuesday-Thursday:

7:00 am:    Breakfast served at lodging
7:30 am:    Leave for the school using public transportation.
8:00 am: Work begins.
1 pm:    Lunch time.
1.30 pm:    Return to work
4 pm:    Closing time
5:30 pm:    Dinner and socialization with other volunteers and interns.
7:00 pm:    Night time activity. You can tour surrounding area, visit a pub to have a drink or go listen and dance to live music. There are a lot of activities that you can engage in.

Friday:

7:00 am:    Breakfast served at lodging
7:30 am:    Leave for the school using public transportation.
8:00 am: Work begins.
1 pm:    Lunch time.
1.30 pm:    Return to work
4 pm:    Closing time
5:30 pm:    Dinner and socialization with other volunteers and interns.
7:00 pm:    Night time activity. You can tour surrounding area, visit a pub to have a drink or go listen and dance to live music. There are a lot of activities that you can engage in.

Saturday:

5:00 am:   Leave in van with HWI volunteers and interns for a day of sightseeing.
9:00 am:   Arrive at Kakum National Park
9:30 am:   Tour and Canopy Walk at Park
12:00 am:  Lunch time.
1:00 pm:  Arrive at Hans Cottage for Crocodile Viewing
1:45 pm:    Arrive at Cape Coast and Tour of Cape Coast Castle.
3:00 pm:    Exploration of Cape Coast Beaches and Fishing Towns.
4:30 pm:    Depart  from Cape Coast
7:30 pm:    Arrive at lodging, followed by dinner.

Sunday:

7:00 am:    Breakfast Served, followed by downtime.
1:00 pm:    Lunch served, followed by shopping in Accra or any other activity you would like to engage in.
5:30 pm:    Dinner served
7:00 pm:    Night time activity