Like all our destination countries, the culture in Ghana is different to what you're used to. For example, the people are exceptionally friendly and helpful, with big smiles and a relaxed attitude. On the other hand, the living standard falls short of UK or Western standards. And Ghanaian time is when someone says, "See you at 10.a.m.," - what they really mean is, "I'll see you sometime tomorrow" ... And then they may not turn up at all.

The pace of life is slower and more relaxed. This must be borne in mind and you are expected to live within local cultural rules. But you'll quickly get involved in the daily life of the local people and pretty soon you'll feel completely at home - Ghana has that effect on you!

SCHOOL TERMS AND HOLIDAYS:
Teaching is not available during school holidays, so if you're planning to participate in a placement, please take the school term dates into account when planning the timing of your project. During the school holidays Travellers run a Summer Camp for the children to give them something to do and a place to go that provides them with food and keeps them off the street. Find out more details here. On the other hand, if a holiday falls during your proposed placement, you could use this time to do any independent travelling and sightseeing.

ACCOMMODATION
Your accommodation will vary, depending on your work location. You could be staying in a family run hostel. The hostel is a comfortable guest house accommodation, with 11 rooms, the owners are very friendly and they are Ghanaian so you can still experience the amazing culture.

Many of our volunteers remain friends with their host families long after they leave Ghana and in some cases they return to the country later especially to visit their family. Sometimes members of their Ghanaian family have even gone to visit them in their home country.

"My family - Lizzie and Prince are lovely. The children are very sweet, and I feel extremely lucky to have been placed with them. The house is of a Western standard in most ways, and Lizzie's cooking is excellent. I feel a part of their family already."

Food will be local cuisine - again this is to enable you to fully experience living as local Ghanaians do.

When we arrange your placement, we will liaise extensively with you regarding both the placement and your accommodation. As always, our Local Manager will look after you well and will always be on hand to help and offer advice.

TRAVEL:
To read about Travel arrangements and what happens when you arrive in your new country, please click here.