“The chance to actually DO something is right there in front of your eyes, you just have to be ready to ask to help... be proactive, respectful and open minded!”
Karina (nursing elective)

Takoradi, on the Atlantic coast of Ghana is completely off the tourist trail (which is why you won't find it in many of the guidebooks). Twinned with Sekondi it's the regions capital, so it offers elective students and placements a real insight into how traditional attitudes and economic limitations impact on healthcare delivery in the developing world.

We have developed strong relationships with both large and small government regional and community hospitals as well as private and charity clinics, and have dedicated in-country staff there to support you and ensure you have a structured placement in an area that matches your interest. We are happy to arrange a split placement to help you make the most of your time and have also developed a village healthcare experience that will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional village life.

“It didn't take long for the Work the World house to feel like home, especially with the caterer Ophelia looking after us all – not only was she an incredible cook, but she was also very kind and caring, going out of her way to make sure we all had everything we needed. ”
Holly (medical elective)

Our Work the World house is based in the market town of Takoradi, a quick tro-tro ride away from your healthcare placement. It accommodates up to 28 people in comfortable rooms shared between two or four, with spacious 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 Ophelia, our caterer, prepares delicious Ghanaian food that will keep you full, happy and desperate for the recipe! The staff live on-site so along with a hearty breakfast and dinner every weekday, they make sure you have a fully stocked kitchen and plenty of purified drinking water.

“The people of Ghana are some of the friendliest, giving people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Not once in my 6 weeks of being in Ghana did I ever feel threatened or uncomfortable. ”
Laura (nursing elective)

The lively drumming and 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' – simple places playing lively African music, bizarrely interspersed with the odd Shaggy or Celine Dion tune! Our favourite for great atmosphere and tasty goat kebabs is Bertsak Ventures, just five minutes walk from the house. 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 or to Kakum Rainforest National Park where you can rig up mosquito nets and sleep amongst the sounds of the jungle.