Whether your priority’s professional development, cultural immersion, personal growth, or making an impact, internship opportunities in Ghana have so much to offer. If this is your first time investigating Ghana as an internship destination, you might not even realize just how much you stand to gain.
Ghana is culturally rich, historically fascinating, geographically varied, and an objectively exciting travel destination. Simply visiting the country is a tantalizing prospect. If you then consider the benefits you’ll gain from interning specifically, we really shouldn’t need to do much convincing.
Interning in Ghana will give you the opportunity to develop professional skills, gain practical work experience, learn from experts in your field, and (if you choose a program with us!) make a meaningful impact for a worthwhile cause. You’ll work on real-world projects, build a valuable international network, and add something to your CV that will really make it stand out.
Above all this, internships in Ghana are a chance to step outside your comfort zone and grow. This might help you adapt to new environments, working with people from different ways of life and develop resilience and independence.
There’s a lot to take in, we know. So, in this blog we’ve laid out whether or not interning in Ghana is worthwhile (spoilers – it is!), offer a few tips for Ghana internships, then we’ll also recommend some of our best internship opportunities in Ghana too.
Is it worth it to intern in Ghana?
Yes! You might have guessed this would be our answer. Still, let’s unpack exactly why, because there are a few reasons why you’ll want to consider internships in Ghana:
- Personal Growth: Interning in Ghana can be a challenging, rewarding, transformative experience with numerous opportunities for personal growth. Experiencing new ways of life will broaden your mind. Working on real-world projects will strengthen your communication and teamwork. It may be a cliche but putting yourself in a new environment will help you learn about your strengths and weaknesses.
- Professional Development: The first selling point of internship opportunities in Ghana is the possibility for professional development. You will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate with diverse teams, develop new skills, improve your problem-solving abilities, and strengthen your teamwork and communication. What’s more, you’ll add international work experience and experience working within the nonprofit sector to your CV, giving it a huge boost later on in your career.
- Networking: An internship in Ghana will allow you to build professional networks with people from diverse backgrounds and industries. This will help you in your future career prospects, as you may gain valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities or partnerships.
- Travel and Cultural Experiences: Ghana has a rich culture, diverse history, and so much for you to explore and discover. From the UNESCO world heritage site, Cape Coast Castle, to Nzulezu, the village built on stilts over lake Tadane, internships in Ghana can provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures, uncover history, and learn about the customs and unique ways of life.
- Language Learning: For the polyglots out there, Ghana is a country abounding with linguistic diversity. Interning in Ghana will provide a unique opportunity to learn and practice languages such as Twi, Ewe, Ga, and Hausa. Additionally, English is Ghana’s official language, so non-native speakers will have the chance to improve proficiency in the language (It also means if you only speak English, you needn’t worry).
- Making an Impact – Ghana is among the U.N.’s least developed countries with 4 out of 10 living in poverty. Thus, the majority of internship opportunities in Ghana are with non-profits, social enterprises, and other do-good organizations. There are a host of organizations you can join, all doing vital work for important causes, each with a variety of roles in different academic focuses. In addition to the personal growth and professional development you’ll gain, you’ll be helping to make the world a better place.
Browse our available internships in Ghana
6 tips for interning in Ghana
Interested? Well, there’s a few things you’ll want to know before embarking on your adventure. Here are our top Ghana internship tips:
1. Do your research
Research the organization hosting your internship. Primarily this will make the interview process go smoothly and impress your supervisors. More than this though, knowing a bit about the organization you’ll work with beforehand will help you to have a better idea of where they’ll fit within it. It will mean you can better prepare for your role and bring your own ideas to the table.
Also, it’s not a bad idea to look into the local culture, customs, and traditions. Investigate some of the local sights and activities in the area too. This will help you when it comes to settling in. It will also ensure that you don’t miss out on the things you really want to do.
2. Be flexible and adaptable
This is one of our top tips for internships in Ghana. Interning abroad can be challenging, especially when working in the nonprofit sector. On top of the culture shock, language barriers, and other obstacles that come with working in a new country, things won’t always go your way when working with start-ups and grassroots organizations.
As such, it’s important to keep an open mind. Be ready to show some perseverance, practice positivity, and embrace new experiences. The times that test you will be the memories you treasure looking back on your internship.
3. Learn some basic phrases in the local languages
While English is the official language in Ghana, there are many local languages spoken throughout the country. Learning some basic phrases in Twi, Ewe, Ga, or another local language can help you connect with local people and show that you are interested in their culture.
The chance to meet and mix with people around the world is one of the most exciting prospects of internship opportunities in Ghana. Having a few key phrases in your pocket will really help with this.
4. Dress appropriately
This doesn’t just mean wearing sunhats and sturdy footwear, though that’s important too. Ghana has a conservative culture with a large amount of the population being devoutly religious. So, it’s important to dress appropriately for your internship. Avoid revealing clothing and wear modest attire when working.
5. Build relationships with colleagues
Never miss a chance to network. Beyond internships in Ghana, this is a good rule to live by. Seriously, you never know when or how a valuable connection might come in handy in your career. You might meet a future employer, employee, or simply someone you can turn to for advice.
Building relationships with your colleagues will help you feel more connected to the local culture and provide valuable networking opportunities. Take the time to get to know your colleagues and show a genuine interest in their work and culture.
6. Be aware of safety issues
‘Stay safe’ is good advice for any international traveler. Ghana is one of the safest countries to travel to in Africa. Nonetheless, it’s important to be aware of safety issues when interning in Ghana. Avoid traveling alone at night, be aware of your surroundings, and follow local safety guidelines and recommendations. Also, check what vaccinations you’ll need with a doctor, check your insurance covers the activities you’ll be engaging in, and don’t drink the tap water.
What are the benefits of interning in Ghana?
Of course, the best thing about internships in Ghana, or anywhere abroad for that matter, is that they continue to be of use even after your flight home. In Addition to the excitement of the trip and the projects you’ll work on, there are long-lasting benefits you take home with you. Here’s just a few:
Professional development
First and foremost, you will be much more employable. According to a survey from the International Education of Students, 90% of US university students with overseas learning experience found employment within one year of graduation. During your internship you will develop a specialized skill-set in your academic focus, gain valuable insights and knowledge in your field, and develop an array of soft and hard skills.
CV boost
As well as the professional development gained from internships in Ghana, simply putting international work experience in the nonprofit sector on your CV will really make it stand out to employers. It indicates a global mindset, a philanthropic attitude, and a belief in your own ability to make a difference in the world.
Confidence boost
The most immediate difference you’ll notice will be a huge boost in your confidence. To be blunt, interning in Ghana can be scary. Even just working out how to apply to internships in Ghana can be a daunting prospect. Then, there will be plenty of challenges to contend with throughout the internship itself. Having overcome all of these obstacles will inevitably give you a boost to your self-belief.
Personal growth
Along with the confidence boost, a long list of personal qualities will be enhanced by your internship experience. Putting yourself in an unfamiliar environment will teach you self-awareness. Connecting with people from different ways of life will improve your communication skills. You might discover new passions and interests. If nothing else, you’ll come back with some interesting stories to tell.
Cultural awareness
Traveling to Ghana in any capacity can be hugely beneficial. Learning how other people live will put your own life in perspective, it will improve your tolerance and acceptance, and it will help you better understand the world and your place in it.
Learn even more reasons Ghana is a great internship destination.
What to pack for your internship in Ghana
What you pack will depend on the specific location, duration of your internship, and the nature of your work. However, here are some general guidelines to consider when packing:
- Clothing – The climate in Africa varies widely depending on the region and season. In general though, lightweight and breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton and linen are a good choice. You may also want to pack a few dressier outfits for work-related events.
- Comfortable shoes – You will likely be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are a must.
- Travel documents – Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents, including your passport, visa, and any other required documents.
- Medications – If you take any prescription medications, make sure you have enough to last the duration of your internship. You may also want to pack over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, antihistamines, and antidiarrheal medicine.
- Toiletries – You may not be able to find your preferred toiletries in Africa, so pack enough to last the duration of your internship. This includes items like shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, and sunscreen.
- Electronics – You will likely need to stay connected with family and friends back home, so bring a smartphone, laptop, or tablet with you. Make sure to pack any necessary chargers and adapters.
- Mosquito repellent – Depending on the region, you may need to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects. Pack insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing.
- Water bottle – Staying hydrated is important, so bring a reusable water bottle with you that you can refill throughout the day.
3 best internship opportunities in Ghana
Now that you’re prepared on what to expect from an internship in Ghana, here are some of the best internships for you to consider:
1. MARKETING AND FUNDRAISING INTERNSHIP IN GHANA
Academic focus – Marketing and Fundraising
Duration – Minimum 8 weeks
Location – Accra region
Cost – starting from $2,453
This organization works to teach life skills, nurture talent, and boost confidence in children of rural communities around Accra. You’ll join as part of their marketing and fundraising team spreading word of the vital work they do.
Your responsibilities will include doing fundraising research, applying for grants, assisting with monitoring and evaluation of the programs, and assisting with the overall development of the different systems and programs. You’ll gain insight into communications at a strategic level, practical experience in fundraising, and build a strong portfolio of marketing copywriting.
2. SPORTS COACHING INTERNSHIP IN GHANA
Academic focus – Education and Youth Development
Duration – Minimum 8 weeks
Location – Accra region
Cost – Starting from $2,453
This is one of the best internship opportunities in Ghana for those looking to get ahead in education and youth development. This organization offers sports coaching programs in rural communities around Accra to young people in order to equip them with the necessary life skills and confidence to pursue successful careers later in life.
You’ll help to plan, coordinate, and facilitate these sports sessions. You’ll gain practical sports coaching experience, learn how to support and nurture young talent, and gain insight into how sports can be used as a tool for generating positive change in the nonprofit sector.
3. EVENT MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP IN GHANA
Academic focus – Event Management
Duration – Minimum 8 weeks
Location – Accra region
Cost – Starting from $2,453
This is the ideal program for someone looking to boost their resume with practical experience in event planning. You’ll join a sports-based youth development organization to help manage coaching sessions, educational programs, and fundraising events. Operating in a number of capacities in the rural communities around Accra, this organization is the perfect place to get to grips with a wide array of event planning work.
You’ll play a big role in this small organization, gain excellent work experience in event management and fundraising, and most of all you’ll help to make a huge impact in the lives of children in these disadvantaged communities.
How to apply for internships in Ghana
Internships in Ghana are great for you, providing you with work experience, skill development, and an exciting chance to travel. They’re great for the nonprofits you’ll join, connecting them with young and hungry talent to help further their cause. Then, of course they are great for Ghana, as you’ll be working to support important causes, be that bolstering environmental conservation in the country, empower local communities to break the cycle of poverty, or one of the many other important areas for development.
You’ve read what they are, why you’d do them, and even got a few Ghana internship tips. By now, we hope that you’re convinced that internship opportunities in Ghana are an exciting, beneficial, and worthwhile way to pursue your professional goals. In fact, we hope you’ll now be ready to pick a program and sign up. So, if you’re ready to learn how to apply for internship in Ghana, take your first step today and browse through our available programs now.
Browse our available internships in Ghana
This blog was written by Tom Rusbridge
