Medical Elective Placement in Ghana

In Accra, interns are provided accommodation in the intern house with other participants. The house is well furnished with air conditioned rooms and a huge common sitting and dining area.

Two meals a day are provided to all participants at the house.

Yes –  please do ensure that you inform the local team about your food preference and they can help ensure you are able to order the best food! Also, please do mention your specific food preference in the application form as well. 

Interns need to be a current student or recent graduate of a medical studies program to be accepted in the Ghana Medical Internship/Elective. This includes Pre-med, medical school, nursing, public health, pre-nursing students. All participants must be above 18 years of age.

Yes, students should consult their doctor or travel clinic for recommended vaccinations before travel.

Some major benefits include:

• Meeting other interns and participants from all around the world
• Get international exposure by observing and shadowing in major hospitals of Accra, Ghana
• Being able to work with patients of different cultures and understand cultural dynamics of a new city or country
• Being able to travel during weekends and in the evenings to explore your destination

Placements are primarily observation-based but tailored to student level (pre-med, nursing, or medical). Students shadow professionals in departments such as surgery, pediatrics, emergency, physiotherapy, OBGYN, and more. All students need to give preference of 3-4 departments of their choice. Depending on the preference and internship/elective duration department allocation shall be done.

Due to local regulations and ethical standards, students will not perform hands-on procedures. However, they will observe, learn, and gain insight into patient care, local health systems, and medical practices. Depending on level of experience and skills, students in Ghana do sometimes do basic assisting work with the doctors depending on the department allocated.

You’ll have full in-country support from our local team in Accra. In case of any emergencies or problems, the staff will be there to support you and assist you always. 

We partner with modern hospitals where English-speaking staff are available. In case of any medical emergency, the local team will be there to provide support and assistance to you.

Ghana is a safe and stable country with relatively low crime levels compared to other West African countries. You’ll meet some of the friendliest people in Ghana and their culture is a fascinating blend of traditional and modern.

However, as in any country around the world, you need to take certain precautions for safety. You will be given safety precautions and instructions by your coordinator during the orientation.

Kotoka International Airport in Accra has direct connections from North America and Europe. Delta Airlines, KLM Dutch Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, British Airways are some of the major airlines that have direct connections to Ghana.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination. We provide guidance during the pre-departure process. All travellers to Ghana need to apply for visa prior to arrival in Ghana. We will provide you with supporting documents for the Ghana visa.

All interns need to arrive in Ghana on the mentioned start dates. Interns are picked up from the Kotoka International Airport in Accra (ACC) by the in-country coordinator or representative. After you are picked up from the airport, you will be transferred to the accommodation wherein you will have rest and settle down. Your orientation and placement would start on the next day.

Interns in Accra use local public transport such as taxis for commuting between the accommodation and hospital placement.