How to Get an Internship in Ghana

One of the most accessible countries in Africa, Ghana is a great place to intern abroad for adventurous souls who want to contribute to the greater good. Whether you’re a university student, a future doctor, or an art enthusiast, you can find many opportunities that fit your skills and interests.

Learn how to get an internship in Ghana and set yourself on a path to career success—and adventure.

It’s no wonder you’re considering how to get an internship in Ghana. Doing an internship in Ghana involves learning about its rich culture, going on weekend trips, and meeting locals and fellow international interns. After a busy work day, you can enjoy events with West African dance and drumming, taste the local food, or plan your trips to Kokrobite Mountain and Cape Coast.

If all this sounds appealing, we believe that you’re already looking forward to going to Ghana! Below, we explore common questions about how to get an internship in Ghana and what to expect.

Are internships paid in Ghana?

While it is not impossible to find paid internships in Ghana, most providers charge a program fee. This fee not only supports the local community but also pays for your accommodation, food, training, and activities. Internship programs in Ghana typically run from four to 10 weeks, and the cost you see at the checkout covers all your expenses, apart from your personal purchases.

If you’re worried about finances, make sure to check if you're eligible for study and intern abroad scholarships. These scholarships can get you one step closer to your dreams and make it possible to intern in Ghana.

Do I need a visa to intern in Ghana?

United States citizens need a visa to visit Ghana. So if you’re from the USA, you will need a visa for your internship in Ghana. Depending on your nationality, you might be exempt from a Ghana internship visa. It is best to check this with the Embassy of Ghana in your country.

The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C. advises all visitors to secure a visa before purchasing a plane ticket. For your visa, you will need to have a passport that is valid for at least six months and pay the application fee of $60 for a single-entry or $100 for a multiple-entry visa. Since visa applications take 15 to 20 business days to process, note all the deadlines and complete your application in advance.

5 other requirements for interning in Ghana

What’s that, your internship acceptance?

Besides having a valid passport and a visa, your internship in Ghana might have other requirements. Possible requirements include:

• Yellow Fever vaccination: Ghana requires all visitors to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever at least 10 days before the date of departure. You will need to bring proof of vaccination with you as this will be asked while you’re boarding the plane. Your program provider might also want to see it.
• Age: Most internship programs need you to be over 18 years old.
• GPA: Before applying to an internship program, check if there is a minimum GPA requirement.
• Fluency in English: Ghana is a multilingual country with more than 80 languages spoken by its citizens. That said, English is the official language and will be the language of communication during your internship.
• Experience or strong interest in the subject: A degree or work experience related to the internship program is usually a must for technical subjects, such as medicine and health care. For others, for example community building and development internships, having a strong interest is sufficient.

How to get an internship in Ghana

Visa, check. GPA, check. Vaccination, check. Now comes the interesting part—how to get an internship in Ghana!

1. Choose a subject.

Ghana has a wide range of internship programs to choose from. These include medicine, dentistry, public health, art, community development, and teaching.

By choosing an internship that aligns with your major, you can gain work experience, make professional connections, and improve your knowledge in the field. Alternatively, you could also choose a different program to diversify your career options.

2. Decide when and where to go.

Most internships are based in Accra, the capital and largest city of Ghana. The internships run throughout the year, and in many cases, you can decide when to go. Once you pick your dates, check available internships in the city of your choice.

3. Inquire at your university or choose a program through a provider.

If your home university has partnerships with a Ghanaian university or association, visit the study abroad office to tell them that you’re interested in doing an internship in Ghana. They will be able to tell you if it’s possible and present you with the best options.

If your university doesn’t provide this, consider choosing an independent provider. Once you’re sure of your program, read the requirements carefully, gather all the necessary documents, and apply.

4. Apply for a visa and get vaccinated.

You’re well on the way to an amazing internship experience, so apply for your visa and get ready to go.

When you receive a confirmation from the internship program, apply for a visa if you need one. Don’t forget to get your Yellow Fever vaccination. This is a requirement for everyone visiting Ghana.

5. Check what’s included in your internship program.

Accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, and on-site support are generally included. Flights, visas, vaccinations, and travel costs are not. Although this is standard in most internship programs, it’s always a good idea to double-check. This way, you can plan your budget accordingly for your internship in Ghana.

6. Prepare your departure and book your flights.

Time to go to Ghana! Book your flights, pack appropriate clothes, and ask your program provider any questions you may have. If support is included in your program, you will most likely receive a welcome pack from the program provider guiding you on what to expect and what to bring to Ghana.

Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and get matched with 5 internship programs in Ghana

3 internships in Ghana to consider

Many providers organize internships abroad in Ghana. We picked three internships in three different fields so that you can see how diverse your options are in the West African country:

1. Short-Term Community Development Internship in Ghana

• Highlights: Get involved in women’s empowerment, teaching, public health, or professional development, depending on the local community’s needs at the time of your internship. In this internship, you will make a sustainable impact while immersing yourself in Ghanaian culture. When you’re not working, you will be learning West African dance moves, making Ghanaian fruit smoothies, and surfing on Kokrobite Beach.
• Location: Accra
• Read GVI reviews

2. Physiotherapy Internship in Ghana

• Highlights: Due to the lack of staff, many injured people and athletes cannot get the treatment they need. As an aspiring physiotherapist, your help will be critical. By working with local specialists, you will improve your skills and make a difference in patients’ lives. Activities and weekend excursions are also included as part of the internship.
• Location: Accra
• Read Kaya Responsible Travel reviews

3. Ghana Internship: Contemporary Art & Culture

• Highlights: Here is an internship that brings art, culture, community building, and politics together. As you discover Accra’s traditional and contemporary art and learn about hiplife music, you will also get a unique perspective of the country. The program also has a community development aspect which means that the content will be determined by local needs. In your free time, you will be discovering the beautiful city of Accra by visiting its museums and local markets.
• Location: Accra
• Read The Experiment in International Living reviews

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Stand out from the crowd and intern in Ghana!

Time to celebrate landing the internship of your dreams!

Your experience as an intern in Ghana will shine in your resume thanks to your new practical skills and cultural awareness. So let’s find the right internship for you and get you on that plane to Ghana!