Work the World elective placements in Ghana, West Africa
From the moment you step off the plane in Ghana you have the sense that you are entering the Africa of your imagination. One hundred ethnic groups call this country their home and for good reason. The cities are a feast of colourful clothes, vibrancy, spices and laughter, while the rural villages are steeped in fascinating traditions, strong family bonds and happy faces. It does not take long to spot the one thing that unites them all - a spirit for life that is contagious.
As you wander around markets full of beads, batik, fruit and yams, or hike through lush green rainforests towards stunning coastline, you will quickly see why Ghana is one of West Africa's most colourful destinations. It is also one of the safest countries in the region, so for those looking to combine excellent travel opportunities with fantastic placements in regional Government hospitals, Ghana is the destination for you.
Where will my healthcare elective be?
Takoradi is completely off the Ghanaian tourist trail (which is why you won't find it in many of the guidebooks). Taking a placement here offers elective students a real insight into how traditional attitudes and economic limitations impact on healthcare delivery in the developing world. It is also a chance to experience West African hospitality at its best.
We have developed strong relationships with both regional and district government hospitals, as well as private and charity clinics, allowing our in-country staff the chance to develop some fantastic placements in an area that matches your interests, as well as split your time in different departments or hospitals. We have also developed a Village Healthcare Experience that will give you the opportunity to live in a rural community, take part in local activities and help to deliver primary healthcare.
Where will I live?
Our Work the World house is based in the market town of Takoradi, a short taxi ride away from your healthcare placement. It is spacious and comfortable, accommodating up to 28 people in rooms shared between two or four, with living and dining areas to relax in or brush up on Mr Arthur's Fante language classes! It's hot, hot, hot in Ghana, but there are plenty of nearby beach resorts that are happy to let you cool off in their swimming pool!
All meals are included during your placement and caterer Ophelia cooks up amazing weekly barbecues. Housekeeper Alhassan regularly gets the dancing started afterwards and Joseph, our programme manager, is the glue that holds this happy family together. The staff live on-site, so make sure that you get a hearty breakfast and dinner every weekday as well as keeping the kitchen fully stocked with snacks, weekend meals and plenty of purified drinking water.
What can I do in my free time?
The lively dancing that typifies Ghanaian culture is never far away and for those who enjoy a cold beer as the sun goes down, there's no shortage of local 'spot bars'. These hotspots are simple places that serve up drinks, goat kebabs and a selection of lively African music interspersed with the odd Shaggy or Celine Dion tune! Lots of students have also started to help out at the Egyam Orphanage, a really fulfilling way of using your spare time.
Heading out of Takoradi on your weekends is easy. With stunning coastline, lush jungle and banana plantations, Ghana is a microcosm of Africa and you can really take advantage of this in your free time. Public transport is cheap and simple (if not exactly dependable!) and many elective students travel together to secluded palm-lined beaches, backpacker-friendly Cape Coast, Mole National Park to see elephants or to Kakum Rainforest National Park where you can rig up mosquito nets and sleep amongst the sounds of the jungle.
