FAQs

Application Process

What happens after I’ve booked?

We’ll ask you for a one-off registration fee of £40, that guarantees your place and allows you to return without having to re-register in the future. You’ll then receive a welcome pack with useful resources and preparation advice that will guide you through the process up to your departure. If there’s any aspect that you are unsure about or want to find out more on, email or message us and one of our team will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Are there any requirements for volunteering? Do I need to have experience?

Apart from hospital placements, it is not essential to have any previous experience or qualifications. All we ask is that you bring enthusiasm and passion for the work we do! Part of the life-affirming aspect of volunteering comes through the skills and knowledge that you pick up while on our placements.

To support our volunteers with less experience in teaching or community work, we provide detailed learning resources and suggestions to prepare for different projects in the welcome pack you’ll be sent after booking.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome! We strongly believe that the diversity of age and experience in our volunteer groups is an important element of our work and our growing volunteer community. If you’re looking to accompany someone who is under 18 on one of our placements, get in touch and we can discuss this with you.

When do I need to pay my placement fees?

If you’re using our flexi-booking system, you’ll need to pay a deposit that is your registration fee, then the rest of the cost can be paid anytime up to one week before your departure.

Travelling and Arrival

Are there fixed arrival dates?

There are no required dates for volunteers to arrive or depart, so it's whatever fits around your schedule. Most cheaper flights end up getting in early in the morning - but it's also worth noting that long flight stopovers can leave you needing a day to rest and recuperate after arriving and might not be worth the slight saving.

Will I be met on arrival?

Yes, one of our drivers will meet you at the airport (spot the guy with the sign!) and take you back to the volunteer house. Our coordinator will then give you an induction the next day, which will include buying essential provisions and a Ghanaian SIM. Return transfer is also provided.

Make sure you’ve confirmed your flight arrival times with us and try to communicate with one of the coordinators if there is a delay to your flight, as this can otherwise affect your pickup.

How will I get around during my time there?

Taxis are the easiest and cheapest way to get around in Accra. Our team will show you how to use this service when you get here.

What do I need to take?

We’ll send you a suggested kit list in your welcome pack. All rooms are fitted with mosquito screening, but you can still bring a mosquito net if you’d prefer, particularly to use when travelling to more remote locations or if sleeping out under the stars.

Facilities & Amenities

Where will I be staying?

All our volunteers stay in modern shared accommodation in the western municipality of Accra, close to our project locations. View and read more about the volunteer house on our accommodation page.

Are meals provided?

The accommodation is generally self-catering - you’ll have access to a kitchen and the local food market stocks a variety of produce. There are also supermarkets not too far away which can be used to purchase a wider variety of food types. If you have any food allergies or concerns about eating arrangements, let us know on your personal info form or get in touch with us.

Breakfast can be provided upon requ dest by one of our in-house team. There are also numerous food stands and other local dishes that can be purchased for less than £2.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

No - you will be able to easily purchase filtered water in bottles or bags from local vendors.

Will I have access to Wifi?

Yes! We’ve managed to source some refurbished routers which provide serviceable Wi-Fi in the volunteer house - mobile data is also cheap to purchase on a Ghanaian SIM, plus there are internet cafes and other facilities in Accra which you can also use if needed.

How can I stay connected to family and friends at home?

For mobiles, the best course is to purchase a Ghanaian SIM upon arrival during your induction, for which you’ll need an unlocked phone. You can either bring this from home or there are cheap ones to buy when out here.

Finances & Admin

Do I need a visa?

Yes, you will need to apply for a visa through the Ghana High Commission. We can provide letters of introduction if required at any time as soon as you have flights. If travelling for more than 60 days, you will also need to review it at the local immigration office. More information on this, along with a full pre-departure preparation schedule (i.e. yellow fever certificate, vaccinations etc.) will be emailed to you in the welcome pack.

NOTE: Because of Coronavirus, visa applications may be slightly affected - if you encounter any problems, send us a message and we’ll do our best to help you resolve it.

What money should I take?

The national currency of Ghana is the Cedi (roughly equivalent to £0.13 or $0.17). You will be able to exchange or withdraw at one of the local ATMs - our team will help you with this upon arrival. Pound sterling, USD and euros can all be exchanged freely. We’ve found with volunteers travelling from the UK that a combination of pounds and dollars is particularly useful. Try also to bring larger notes (e.g. £20 or above) that are clean and not torn - this will help you to get the best exchange rate.

Make sure to notify your bank that you’ll be using your card abroad before setting off and check their exchange rates. Some banks such as Monzo or Revolut are particularly good when travelling, so you might want to look into their account options. If you are in need of emergency money when out in Ghana, then Western Union also allows relatives/friends to send money from home.

What language is spoken in Ghana?

The official language of Ghana is English, although Twi and other local dialects are also spoken depending on what region you are in. There is no need to learn Twi before coming, but it can be fun to know a few useful phrases!

Medaase – Thank you. Mepacho – please. Tinase – sit down. Etesen? – How are you? Me ho eye – I am well. Maa kye – Good morning. Maa ha – Good afternoon. Maa yo – Good evening. Akwaaba – Welcome

I'm coming with friends - will we be placed together?

You are able to specify this on your application form - friends coming at the same time will be placed together or in adjoining rooms whenever possible. Feel free to contact us if you want to discuss more with our team about travelling out with someone else or in a group.

I am worried about travelling on my own – can I buddy up with someone?

If you’d like to travel out with someone who is going at the same time, let us know and we’ll do our best to put you in contact with them.

Is Ghana safe?

Ghana is one of the most politically stable, safe and secure countries you can visit in Africa. The locals are incredibly welcoming and friendly, our team is on hand 24/7 and you’ll be within a group of volunteers who will all look out for each other. As long as you’re respectful of the local culture and follow your common sense, you’ll be all set to have a great experience!