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HEALTH & MEDICINE

Healthcare & Medicine in Ghana

Gain an authentic insight into the Ghanaian healthcare system and gather valuable experience in a completely new environment. Depending on your training, prior knowledge, and interests, we will support you in finding the right placement in and around Cape Coast.

POTENTIAL AREAS OF SERVICE

Find your path in healthcare.

Medicine

Shadow doctors and medical staff in their daily routines, and gain hands-on insight into different departments of a hospital or medical facility.

Care

Experience the day-to-day of local healthcare, shadow dedicated professionals, and gain hands-on insights into patient care and support.

Physiotherapy

Get to know physiotherapeutic practices and treatment options while accompanying local specialists in their daily work.

Dentistry

Gain firsthand insights into local dental care and shadow the clinic's team during their daily routines.

What awaits you

Your role will be tailored to your background and experience.

Get to know healthcare firsthand – and find out if medicine could be your path.

Our Health & Medicine programme is designed to welcome different levels of experience: from high school students aged 16 and over and school leavers with no prior medical knowledge, to pre-medical volunteers, as well as students, trainees, and qualified professionals from medical or nursing backgrounds.

If you don't have any medical training yet, this programme offers you the chance to experience daily hospital life up close and see if a medical career feels right for you.
For pre-medical volunteers, the main focus is on shadowing and learning. You can accompany doctors and nurses on rounds, observe ward routines, and help out with basic supportive tasks – such as keeping patients company, picking up medication, assisting with meals, or helping with ward transfers. Hands-on medical tasks are not promised to untrained volunteers. Any further insights or duties are at the discretion of the local medical staff, based on your knowledge and the current situation.
For participants with medical training, relevant university studies, or professional experience, more advanced insights and tasks may be possible under professional supervision.

HOSPITAL & MEDICAL OUTREACH
In addition to hospital work, medical outreach and public health education can also be part of the programme.
A typical week might include:
4 days at the hospital
1 day of medical outreach and/or public health education
Medical outreach usually takes place once a week. This can include a visit to the Ankaful Leprosy Camp, where the medical team assists with wound care and other support.
About once a month, public health activities may also take place at local schools.
Topics can include:
Dental hygiene
Menstrual hygiene
Basic first aid
General health education
Specific activities always depend on current needs and local resources.

IMPORTANT FOR PRE-MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS
Your main role is to shadow, learn, and understand.
You don't need to have any medical skills yet, and there is no need to prove yourself. Especially if you are considering a future career in medicine, nursing, or healthcare, this is a wonderful opportunity to gain authentic insights.
Patient safety and the decisions of the professional medical staff always take absolute priority.

The tasks you can take on will depend on your age, qualifications, the specific project, and local guidelines. For students, the focus is mainly on learning, observing, and offering a helping hand. University students and qualified professionals can be placed in roles that match their specific skills and experience.

Your typical day

On hospital days, you will follow the schedules and working hours of your respective ward.
On outreach days, you will visit communities, schools, or other facilities, where you will shadow and support the local team. Working hours can vary, but as a general guide, many projects start around 8:00 AM and wrap up around 3:00 PM. Weekends are always yours to enjoy.

At a glance

Age: 16 and older · no upper age limit

Duration: from 2 weeks or more

Start: Flexible

Location: Cape Coast & surrounding area

Suitable for: high school students, graduates, pre-medical volunteers, university students, and medical or nursing professionals

Previous experience: not required
Placement: Hospital and, depending on schedule, Medical Outreach/Public Health
Accommodation: Host family
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Support: Personal on-site contact partners
Weekends: Free

For participants under 18 years of age, placement and support will be adapted accordingly.

Participants aged 18 and older may have more flexible placement options.

Pricing & Inclusions

2 weeks · €2,290
Each additional week · +€520

WHAT’S INCLUDED
Airport pick-up & drop-off between Accra and Cape Coast
Homestay accommodation with a local family
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner – including weekends
In-country welcome & orientation
Organisation and coordination of your placement
Local transport to and from your project (as scheduled)
Personal, on-the-ground support
One-on-one travel preparation & pre-departure support

NOT INCLUDED
Flights
Visa
Travel & international health insurance
Vaccinations and personal medical preparation
Private excursions and weekend trips
Personal expenses

Not sure which medical field is the right fit for you?

We will guide you personally, working closely with our local partners to find a placement that perfectly matches your age, skills, and interests.

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