Physiotherapy Internship (Clinical and Sports)
Coordinator | Lauren
Coordinator | Lauren
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Assist local clinics and sport organizations, as well as treat injured athletes
Further your skills and gain valuable knowledge on Ghanaian healthcare
Get hands on, treating patients through physiotherapy
Treat injured athletes, as well as members of the community who might not have access to this treatment otherwise
Exchange ideas, knowledge and experience with the local healthcare professionals.
Work at community clinics and sports organizations in Ghana and provide physiotherapy treatment to local patients and to injured local athletes.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
Participate in important community and sports development work, on this physiotherapy placement in Ghana. You will deliver hands-on aid and care that is usually inaccessible to many injured locals, as well as dedicated local athletes. You will gain a better awareness of the hurdles many physiotherapists and medical professionals need to overcome in developing countries, whilst at the same time receive valuable advice and knowledge on local practices. This is a great opportunity to further your own skills and be put to the test!
The community clinic is understaffed and underfunded. Many of the patients’ conditions reflect the problems in Ghana: many strokes due to hypertension, car accidents, and a high level of crush injuries to the hand and tendons from cutting and grinding machinery. A hand injury in Ghana typically means no compensation and no income. Those that can afford the two-pound fee per session can receive the needed treatment, but many just simply cannot afford this. There is also a lot of facial palsy from otitis media, which is treated with electrical stimulation. The clinic does have equipment, including a hydrotherapy pool, but it has a good distance to go before the clinic can cope with the needs of the local community.
You will need to be self-motivated and prepared for some long and challenging days. However, as a qualified physiotherapist, you really can make a positive impact to a frequently neglected area of medical care.
The physiotherapy project requires physiotherapists who are already qualified or who have some prior experience in the area (at least to second year degree standard). Physiotherapists work in two main areas in Ghana: clinical and sports institutions.
*Please be advised that you will be responsible for your daily transportation costs to and from your program. This could range from 2.50 to 4.40 USD each day.
Location
Ghana’s largest and capital city is Accra and has a population of over two million. Accra is situated on Ghana’s coast in the South of the country. Your accommodation is located in Teshie, a coastal and suburban town on the Eastern outskirts of Accra. It’s a fast-developing town and growing every day. There is a train station close in the town for convenience.
Typical day
Volunteering will be 4-6 hours each day.
Monday
- Breakfast
- Orientation / Introduction
- Lunch
- Orientation / Introduction
- Dinner
Tuesday to Friday
- Breakfast
- Physiotherapy clinics & in-field work
- Lunch
- Physiotherapy clinics & in-field work
- Dinner
This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Free-time activities
Kakum National Park
Kakum National Park is a coastal rainforest covering an area of 357 kilometres. There are 40 species of monkey, 200 bird species and over 500 species of butterflies. The park is one of the most visited attractions in Ghana, with spectacular scenery and canopy walk for visitors.
Lake Volta
Lake Volta is a picturesque man-made lake, just North from Accra. The building of the Akosombo Dam resulted in lake Volta being formed. You can take a boat tour across the lake or even try kayaking over it.
Elmina Castle
Elmina Castle is situated in the Cape Coast region of Ghana and it has a dark past. During the height of the slave trade around 33,00 slaves were held here, before being shipped off and out of Ghana. Slaves were kept captive and tortured at Elmina Castle, which was built by the Portuguese. You can visit here with a guided tour, that will give you a better understanding of Ghana’s past history.
Manhyia Palace
Built by the British in 1925, Manhyia Palace was made to welcome back the ruler of the Asante state, after many years of banishment from the country. Rooms are still set up as they would have looked at the time, and you can book guided tours and watch a video presentation, explaining the palaces history. The small museum holds displays showing old royal objects, clothing, furniture and photographs.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
This is the site of the grave of Ghana’s first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Situated in the downtown area of Accra, this impressive sculpture is made entirely from Italian marble. Inside, you can see items and photos from the president and information about his life story. The monument is surrounded by water and looks particularly picturesque at sunset.
National Museum of Ghana
The National Museum has been open since 1957 and has three main display areas; art, archaeology and ethnography. The museum is located in Accra and has some interesting exhibits displaying Ghanaian culture and history.
Accra Mall
This is where you can go for all your shopping and clothing needs. Accra mall is a large shopping centre that has clothes shops, a supermarket, restaurants and a cinema.
Bojo Beach
A great day trip from the city is Bojo beach, a large scenic beach, just 5 kilometres from Accra. Getting to the beach requires hopping on to a small boat over a small patch of water. Once here, you can relax and dine at one of the beach cafes. You can also try water sports such as jet skiing!
Aburi Botanical Gardens
Set amongst 160 acres, the beautiful Aburi Botanical Gardens are defiantly worth a visit, particularly for nature lovers. Situated around a 45 minute drive out of Accra, the gardens have a cooler climate and provide a peaceful escape from the city.
Swimming
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
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 (basic level)
Physiotherapy at University level
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Mininmum 2nd year student of physiotherapy.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
Accommodation
3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
1 day orientation
In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
Fundraising support
University course credits (where applicable)
Certificate of Completion
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Kotaka International Airport (ACC). You must arrive between the hours 06:00 - 24:00 on Saturday or Sunday. If arriving during the pickup times on the Saturday, we charge US$50 for the extra night’s accommodation.
If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer for US$50.
If arriving during the week, or on Saturday outside of pickup times, we charge US$50 for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another US$50 fee for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to the Accra accommodation, it takes 30 minutes by car.
Your accommodation in Ghana is situated at our volunteer centre in Accra. The accommodation is located within a gated community. Rooms are generally dorm rooms, with separate bedrooms for male and female. Volunteer projects are situated around 20 to 40 minutes away and you will be responsible for your own transportation costs to and from the project. Staff will be on site at the accommodation 7 days a week to assist with anything you need.
Your accommodation is close by any amenities you need, the closest shops are within a 15-20-minute walk. ATM machine is 15 minutes away by taxi. Restaurants and bars are a 20-minute taxi ride away.
Your meals will be Ghanaian dishes mixed with Western style food, served at your accommodation. Typical Ghanaian food include rice dishes, beans, fruits, vegetables, chicken, beef and fish. They are typically stews and soups.
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
Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
3 - 20 weeks
Program fees
3 weeks
(min. stay)
$1,525
8 weeks
$3,625
12 weeks
$5,265
20 weeks
(max. stay)
$8,665
Average fees
$471
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Involvement Volunteers IVI
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 Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Physiotherapy Internship (Clinical and Sports)
Work at community clinics and sports organizations in Ghana and provide physiotherapy treatment to local patients and to injured local athletes.
$471/week
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