Volunteer Abroad

Please note:

1. This description is intended only as a broad overview of the work. There is no typical day or script to follow. Remember, volunteers are serving in the developing world where conditions can change in an instant. Being flexible, open and able think on your feet are crucial characteristics of a good international volunteer. It is each volunteer’s role to fit in with their project and not the other way around. We expect volunteers to contribute wherever the need arises, even if it means being involved in activities they were not expecting to work in. Being able to adapt, adjust and fit in is challenging, but also what makes international volunteering so special.

2. In their application, volunteers must provide their resume/CV.

3. As noted in the “cost” tab above, on this project volunteers pay an additional US$200 as a donation to the medical facility.

4. Medical placements can be very rewarding, but they are also very challenging. Ghanaian hospitals are very different than Western hospitals – there is a serious lack of resources and manpower. Volunteers accepted into the project must exercise a high level of independence. While the doctors and nurses are glad to provide support to volunteers, the priority of the local professionals is the patients. Volunteers must be proactive in contributing their skills and being ready for a context that can be very chaotic, resource-poor and unstructured compared to their home country.

5. Volunteers must bring their own basic medical equipment, including doctor coats, eye protection, stethoscopes and rubber gloves.

6. Volunteers must bring to Accra an official transcript from their university showing their coursework and/or a certificate proving they are a medical professional.

7. Prior to arrival, volunteers must provide a police background check. Without it, volunteers will not be allowed on the project.