from 624€

Fantastic 4.5rating (41)

Mental Health and Psychology Internship

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Our programs are based in the cities of Cape Coast, and Kumasi where volunteers or interns will be placed in larger city hospitals.
  • Volunteers or interns can work in the smaller towns of Koforidua or Akuapem Hills in local hospitals.
  • Go on weekend excursions or join social events together with other OGVO volunteers and interns
  • Enjoy optimum flexibility in your program duration, which could be one week to one year!
  • Volunteers or interns will have the chance to not only work on mental health and psychology skills but learn about a different culture.

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups

About the program

Mental health issues often come last on the list of priorities for policy makers and hence mental illnesses receive very little attention from the government.

In Ghana there are no strong national policies on alcohol or tobacco consumption; consequently, their advertising, distribution and sale are largely uncontrolled. Mental health issues often come last on the list of priorities for policy makers and hence mental illnesses receive very little attention ...

About the program

In Ghana there are no strong national policies on alcohol or tobacco consumption; consequently, their advertising, distribution and sale are largely uncontrolled. Mental health issues often come last on the list of priorities for policy makers and hence mental illnesses receive very little attention from the government. Health in general is still a poorly funded area of social services in most African countries and, compared to other areas of health, mental health services are poorly developed.

Alcohol, tobacco and drug related problems are becoming an increasing concern in Ghana. Many of the countries in Africa are used as transit points for illicit drug trade and these drugs are finding their way into local populations, adding to the indigenous problems associated with cannabis consumption. There is also an increased demand for home-brewed beer or locally distilled liquor.

The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted two resolutions to improve mental health services and each country was expected to formulate mental health policies, programs and action plans. A survey conducted to see if the countries that had adopted these resolutions had done anything to implement them. Despite some modest achievements, the situation of mental health programs, policies and action plan in Ghana was found to be unsatisfactory. Evidence shows that a large proportion of the global health burden is due to mental disorders, and this proportion is projected to rise in many African countries. Patients suffering from many different mental health issues, such as psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, dementia and other mental related issues are becoming a problem in Ghana lately.

Duties and Qualifications of volunteer interns;

The duties include but not limited to the following, you will be shadowing the professionals in charge at the psychiatric hospital and you will be working in a wide scope of settings and duties ranging from taking patients' medical histories, conducting physical and psychological assessment, create treatment plans, manage ongoing care, Individual counseling, Psycho-therapy, providing harm reduction psychotherapy, administering performance, aptitude, intelligence or personality tests, work in the outpatient departments, provide services in prisons and many other duties that will be assigned time to time.
You should be compassionate, patient, have a positive attitude and be enthusiastic.

Can I use this program as part of a college or university placement? 

It is certainly possible to use one of OGVO’s programs as part of your university or college placement. Project staff can sign off any paperwork required by your course tutors. OGVO regularly receives medical, childcare, psychology and nursing placement students at our projects across Ghana and we have ties with some of the leading universities.

If you’re a course tutor and would like further information about how one of OGVO’s programs could meet the placement requirements for your degree course then please contact us directly.


Typical day

Usual working days go from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Typical day

Usual working days go from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.


Free-time activities

During weekends Volunteers/Interns have the opportunity to visit all that Ghana has to offer. Weekend trips available include visits to Mole National Park in the Northern Region of Ghana. This National Park offers a great Safari-like experience and is one of the biggest Elephant Sanctuaries in ...

Free-time activities

During weekends Volunteers/Interns have the opportunity to visit all that Ghana has to offer. Weekend trips available include visits to Mole National Park in the Northern Region of Ghana. This National Park offers a great Safari-like experience and is one of the biggest Elephant Sanctuaries in Africa with the chance to spot Lions, Leopards & Antelopes in their natural habitat.
Volunteers can also take a trip to Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana to relax in the beautiful beaches and see the famous Cape Coast castle, the Kakum Canopy walkway and Elmina castle, where slave trade begun.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

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.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level) or English (basic level)

Education Requirements

at High School / University /College etc. level

Required Documents

CV/Resume

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

No previous experience is required.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 14:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Our Generation Voluntary Organization

Airport pick-up and transportation from Accra to your project sites - Three times daily local dishes - Introduction to host family and program - Accommodation - Placement and supervision in program - Medical Assistance - 24/7 Hotline for support - Recommendation Letter / Certificate - In country introduction/orientation - Regular Culture/Recreational Activities (Personal spending not included)

Airport Pickup at Kotoka International Airport

The nearest airport is Kotoka (ACC) in Accra.

You will be met upon arrival and you will be transfer to your project site, it's about 4 -5 hours drive from the airport, Accra.

Accommodation

All accommodation with a Ghana home-stay family is included. Rooms are private (you can share with other volunteers but the price will remain the same) and have all the basic furnishings you could expect, including running water, electricity & clean bathrooms. The home-stay families have been specially chosen by OGVO and have hosted many volunteers over the course of several years. Our home-stay families form some of the most memorable parts of Volunteer Programs and provide amazing insight…..

Food & Beverages

Three meals a day are provided by the home-stay families and consist mainly of traditional Ghanaian meals with some flexibility for home comforts when available. If you have special eating needs, you can indicate that while applying. Even though special eating needs are not something we can guarantee, we will do our best to meet your needs.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ghana. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

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. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Ghana you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ghana. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

This program is available all year round, so volunteers or interns can arrive any day of the week or any month of the year with advance notice!

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 624€
24 weeks (max. stay) 2,736€
Average fees 212€/week

Program fees

212€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 24 weeks

Deposit

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.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Our Generation Voluntary Organization during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Our Generation Voluntary Organization

Fantastic 4.5 rating (41 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2004

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Frank

Spoken languages: English

About the project

Our Generation Voluntary Organization (OGVO) works to foster cross-cultural understanding through travel and volunteer work experiences in Ghana, Africa.

Meet your organization

The Our Generation Voluntary Organization (OGVO) was founded in 2004 in order to enable young people to use their leisure time for international volunteering, interns, cultural exchange programs etc. in Ghana. Our Generation Voluntary Organization is a non-profit and non-governmental African Organisation. Our volunteer programs/projects are suitable for anyone on a Gap Year, Career Break or for anyone looking to do a short term volunteer program.

Our Generation Voluntary Organisation provides safe, unique, flexible, meaningful and extremely affordable volunteer programs and non-paid internships work-experience in Ghana. We have a variety of programs on offer at affordable prices. Our projects are designed to cater to the needs of people from all backgrounds. 

Since its inception in 2004, OGVO has delivered great experiences to thousands of volunteers across the ten regions of Ghana. Our Medical and Healthcare internships are much admired amongst the medical students, and this is where medics get hands-on knowledge into complex medical procedures. Be it for college credits or an internship or volunteer certificate or even a service learning trip - schoolies, gapers and numerous high school students enroll for our programs throughout the year.

Our Generation Voluntary Organisation's volunteer and intern programs are available in both urban and rural areas. OGVO has flexible start dates and durations that runs from 1 week to 6 months depending on the program of your choice. Extensions can be arranged with advanced notice. You can arrive any day of the year with advanced notice as well. During this time, you will be staying in the home of a local Ghanaian family. Our host families are carefully screened, socially respected and experienced with hosting international volunteers.  Accommodation is simple but clean and includes 3 meals a day of local cuisine. Typically, volunteers eat breakfast and dinner at the host family and have lunch at their project.  

OGVO believes that home stays offer you the best experience during your time in Ghana by allowing you to save money, while providing you with an easy way to integrate into Ghanaian culture. In most cases, you will share a room with volunteers (of same gender). Your weekends are free to explore some of the amazing sights that Ghana has to offer. Volunteers regularly travel together and our team will help you plan weekend trips. Our staff visits volunteers regularly and always happy to help our volunteers in any way needed.

At Our Generation Voluntary Organisation  our programs are designed to help the local communities at the same time of providing a valuable learning and cultural experience to our volunteers and interns. We invite you to volunteer or intern in Ghana with us, and have the experience of your lifetime!

As a volunteer or intern in Ghana you will have the opportunity to work in number of different capacities including Teaching English & other subjects to kids, Medical & healthcare internships, Dental electives,Veterinary, and many more!

41 reviews · rating4.5

Elisavet Goulia rating5

2023 at Mental Health and Psychology Internship

It was a greatful experience as the host family as my experience at Pantang hospital. Ghana is a polite and peaceful country with people with good vibes and the appetite for dance and ...
Kelvin Baffour Ankrah rating5

2020 at Mental Health and Psychology Internship

This placement was one of the best decision I have made so far. I was introduced to the Administrator of the Hospital, the Deputy Head of the Biomedical Scientists Department, the Laboratory manager, other Biomedical Scientists and the trainee staff in the department. They took me through the ...
Coming to Ghana for a 14-weeks internship was the right decision although it wasn´t always easy. Indeed, Ghana - it´s culture and just everyday life - held some challenges for me such as the local language or the spiciness of the food. But I guess, that´s what is it all about when going abroad. ..
Fenna van den Berg rating4.4

2023 at Animal Care Supporter

Me and my son worked at the Kumasi zoo for 2 weeks. From the moment we arrived everything had been arranged, we where picked up, and someone showed us what bus we had to take to go from the guesthouse to the zoo. Although we where somewhat overwhelmed by the bussride and the fact that the kumasi ...
Leila Leloup rating5

2023 at Construction & Renovation

2 friends and I, aged 16 and 17, from the Uk, spent 2 weeks helping with construction in Senya Beraku, a small fishing village. We stayed with Seth and Naomi, our host family. Seth and Frank greeted us at the airport and we took a taxi to where we were staying. We arrived late so we set up our room ...
charles girard rating3.6

2023 at Environmental Protection & Conservation

First, if you are going with this organization to Ghana, do not rely on the photos. There are at least 15 destinations in Ghana if you are leaving with this organization so pay attention to the comment, inform yourself about the destination before. On the other hand, I imagine that all destinations ...

Location

Africa > Western Africa > Ghana > Kumasi

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