Medical Assistant at local Hospital
Coordinator | Guillaume
Coordinator | Guillaume
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
You'll work in a Ghanaian hospital, learning African medical techniques. You'll help a local doctor before getting responsibilities of your own.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
There is a range of different experiences offered, suited to different levels of qualification. Please remember to leave your expectations behind you – healthcare provision in the developing world is likely to shock and challenge you.
After being introduced to the doctors and other staff members with whom you will be volunteering, you will be eased into work – home visits, assisting with rounds, assessing new patients, and checking the condition of overnight patients.
As a student, it is unlikely that you will play a significant role in major procedures, but you may observe and the doctor may call on your help if they feel you are capable. Qualified doctors and nurses will have more leeway but you should expect things to be approached on a case by case basis.
Top Tips
Be aware of cultural and practical differences. The doctors with whom you will be working are skilled professionals, but nevertheless, you may encounter new or different practises while volunteering in Ghana. Your patients may also bring different attitudes and beliefs that you are not accustomed to. Please show respect for others in this area.
On the other hand, don’t be afraid to ask questions (politely, of course)!
Be confident, but be honest. If you are not happy taking on a task that has been suggested, make it known. Doctors will want to make the most of your capabilities, but you will never be forced to take on a task you are uncomfortable carrying out.
Typical day
Volunteers are generally expected to work at their placement five days a week. Weekday mornings will start with breakfast with other volunteers, before you head to your hospital or clinic for around 9am. Mornings will often start with consultation with local staff members to discuss the needs of the day, and you may be asked to help out with a wide range of activities. At around 12pm you’ll get a break for lunch, which you can take with other volunteers and local staff.
You will generally finish your placement at around 5pm, though this will depend on the opening times of your placement. When you finish you’ll get a chance to unwind with other volunteers and local team members over dinner, and we often organise games and activities of our own in the evenings. Weekends are also your own, but there are always plenty of extra Adventures to do in Ghana!
Free-time activities
All of Agape's volunteers in Ghana also get the opportunity to take part in a free tour during their stay in Ghana. This will typically be of Jamestown, an historic area of Accra which is now the site of a fishing village. You’ll be guided around the area, and get the chance to understand a little more of the country’s rich cultural history, as well as life in Ghana’s capital today.
Agape Volunteers offers a variety of extra Adventures for volunteers in Ghana. There’s something for everyone, including jungle trekking, cultural excursions, and visits to a variety of National Parks and animal sanctuaries.
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Sports
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (intermediate level)
Medicine/Nursing at One year of a medical degree level
A copy of your passport, your medical qualification certificates, a letter of recommendation from your workplace, a letter of introduction from you outlining your interest, relevant experience, qualifications and areas of expertise and and what you hope to achieve while you volunteer
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
09:00
- 17:00
What's Included
Your fees include accommodation, and two meals a day, six days a week. They also cover your transfers to and from the airport in Accra, in-country support from our staff, a dedicated trip adviser, a tour of Jamestown, your orientation, and all your administrative costs. It funds a donation to your placement and Agape Insurance.
The fees do not include your registration fees. Please ask your trip adviser which level you need for your qualifications.
You will be picked up at the airport by a member of Agape staff.
Most of our volunteers in Ghana live at the local centre for street-children which also acts as Agape’s base in Ghana. Set right on the beach, it’s a great place to live with plenty going on. You will most likely be sharing dorm-style rooms with other volunteers, and these are typically single-sex.
Beyond that you will have access to showers, toilets, and a kitchen, though food is provided. The centre can be a very vibrant place, with a great mixture of volunteers and local team members, and the beach-side setting provides the opportunity for a host of unique activities.
The fees include two meals a day, six days a week. Breakfast tends to be fairly simple, consisting of bread and butter or jam, coffee and tea. Lunch will be your own responsibility and you can eat very cheaply near your placement. For your evening meal, expect to eat lots of rice and banku (a corn/cassava based dough with a consistency like mashed potato) as a staple. These tend to be served with beans, meat and cabbage, in stews or curry sauces. We’re sure that you’ll enjoy your host’s delicious Ghanaian cooking!
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ghana.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ghana provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Ghana you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ghana.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Shortly before your departure we will be in contact to give you some information about airport pick ups and safety procedures.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 - 50 weeks
Program fees
1 week
(min. stay)
$657
2 weeks
$786
3 weeks
$915
4 weeks
$1,043
8 weeks
$1,559
16 weeks
$2,460
50 weeks
(max. stay)
$5,938
Average fees
$388
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Agape Volunteers
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Agape Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
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application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Agape Volunteers cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Agape Volunteers.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Medical Assistant at local Hospital
You'll work in a Ghanaian hospital, learning African medical techniques. You'll help a local doctor before getting responsibilities of your own.
$388/week
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