At a glance
- Learn directly from qualified physical therapists in a local hospital and add value to your resume.
- Shadow physical therapists as they assess and treat patients, and observe how they manage the effects of different conditions and diseases.
Is a Physical Therapy Internship in Ghana right for me?
Our Physical Therapy placements in Ghana are for you if you’re interested in gaining physical therapy work experience in a hospital and rehabilitation center. You’ll learn from experienced physical therapists by observing them, and they’ll help you build your practical knowledge of physical therapy.
This is a different and exciting way to build your resume and help yourself stand out in university or job applications and interviews. It will give you interesting points to talk about and show your interest in healthcare challenges in developing countries.
You don’t need any experience to join, as your work is strictly observational. However, depending on your qualifications and experience, you will be permitted to assist if your supervising physical therapist allows it. The project runs throughout the year, and you can join at any time. We recommend that you stay longer, as you’ll get to learn and see so much more.
Projects Abroad staff are also available to help you and ensure you have a memorable time on your Physical Therapy Internship in Ghana.
What will I do on this project?
You will observe physical therapists and medical staff in hospitals and rehabilitation centers as they treat patients. Here are just some of the things you can do:
Your work will be split in three main areas:
Observe physical therapists and medical staff as they work with children and adults
You will gain physical therapy work experience in Ghana by observing local staff as they work to help disadvantaged people or those with special needs. Ask questions, take notes, and make comparisons between physical therapy practices in your home country and in Ghana.
You’ll see patients affected with conditions and illnesses that include:
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Neurological conditions
- Post-medical complications
- Post-surgery management
- Orthopedic related conditions
- Pediatric conditions
- Pain management
- Club foot management
Exchange knowledge with local staff and students
Share what you do know about physical therapy with local staff, not only to fill the gaps in your knowledge but to also give physical therapists an insight into the practices of your home country. This will help give you a deeper insight into Ghana’s healthcare system and procedures.
Help staff teach parents how to care for, and help children with special needs
Some of our Physical Therapy placements in Ghana are focused on equipping parents of special needs children with the knowledge to care for their children. You will assist staff as they teach parents exercises, stretches, or games. They can then use these methods at home to keep their children active, improve their posture, and help with their balance. This will help families play a bigger role in the lives of their children.
Where will I work in Ghana?
Accra
As a prosperous trading center and capital city, Accra is the perfect place to start your journey into West Africa. With a population of over 2.7 million of the most hospitable people, Accra is a city with a constant humid buzz of colorful happenings. You can expect crazy traffic, a vibrant culture, and streets dotted with Ghanaian restaurants and market vendors selling their handmade goods.
Akuapem Hills
Located in the Eastern Region of Ghana, Akuapem Hills is characterised by vibrant green vegetation and rich red earth. As one of the quieter regions, children calling 'Obroni’ (foreigner) as they try to catch your attention will be unmistakable. The villages are welcoming and know how to entertain! When volunteering in Ghana, join in on the street festivities or try dried fish and yams at a food stall on the main street. The bustling city of Accra is within easy reach for a day trip.
What is a typical day on this project like?
A typical day will start off by having breakfast with your host family. You will then use public transport to get to your placement, using either a minibus or shared taxi. You will be shown how to do this during your induction with Projects Abroad staff.
Your work days will run from 8 am to 2 pm, and you’ll have morning and afternoon sessions. During these sessions, you’ll sit on consultations with patients who’ve been referred for physical therapy treatment. You’ll also observe physical therapists doing exercise therapy, electrotherapy, and posture management. You’ll see patients with various conditions, from post-medical complications to musculoskeletal conditions.
Your level of involvement is dependent on your level of experience and studies.
In the evenings and over weekends, you’ll be able to relax, explore Cape Coast, and spend time with your host family.
What are the aims and impact of this project?
The main aim of this internship is to encourage an understanding of medical practices and promote an exchange of medical knowledge. We want you to learn as much as you can in Ghana while sharing medical knowledge from your home country.
In Ghana, access to professional physical therapy treatment can be limited. Standards of healthcare, in general, can vary greatly throughout the country and are especially lacking in rural, disadvantaged areas. In addition, physical therapists have limited resources and equipment. Often, they need to be creative and explore alternative treatment methods.
You will learn all about these methods from the physical therapists you’ll observe in a regional hospital. If you have previous experience and training, you can assist with patients if permitted.
We have outlined several goals in our Medical Management Plan for Ghana. These goals are:
- Encourage an understanding of medical practices and promote an exchange of medical knowledge
- Promote awareness of non-communicable diseases
- Improve access to basic healthcare for disadvantaged groups
- Improve hygiene standards
Join us on a Physical Therapy Internship in Ghana, and build your practical medical knowledge while working with experienced local physical therapists.
Professional volunteers and medical electives for students
This project is also ideally suited to professionals interested in using their skills to help, as well as university medical and healthcare elective students.
As a professional, you can be sure we will match your training and expertise to the placement where you are needed most. With your support, we can make an even bigger impact on the local communities we work with.
If you are an elective student, we will organise an elective placement where you can learn as much as possible. We want you gain the knowledge and skills that will begin to shape your professional career.
Read more about volunteering as a professional or taking a healthcare elective as a student.
Management plans
We set out the aims and objectives of our projects in documents called Management Plans. We use them to properly plan the work you’ll do. They also help us measure and evaluate our achievements and impact each year.
Ultimately, our Management Plans help us make our projects better. This in turn means you get to be part of something that makes a real impact where it’s needed. Read more about our Management Plans.
Measuring our impact
Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.
Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.
Food and accommodation
You'll stay with a host family in Ghana. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Ghana and have a truly unique experience.
We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Your program fee includes three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Leisure activities and free time
Volunteering in Ghana is an ideal way to explore this colourful West African country. There’s a huge variety of different activities to do while you’re there, giving you plenty of exciting ways to spend your free time.
Music is a central part of Ghanaian culture. In the bigger towns, especially Accra, you will hear some great live bands and have some memorable nights out. Evenings spent at buzzing restaurants will also give you a taste of some of the delicious local cuisine.
For a look into Ghana’s history, you can tour the slave forts of Cape Coast and visit museums. Nature lovers will relish trekking through the rainforests of Kakum National Park or Mole National Park.
We run a wide range of projects in Ghana so there’s sure to be other volunteers there during your trip. This means you can explore the country solo or connect with other volunteers and travel as a group.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
Meet the team in Ghana
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