Ghana is a great place to pursue an internship whether you are just starting your career or to broaden your experience. Successful interns have the ability to be flexible, maintain a sense of humor in frustrating situations, and a deep interest in learning firsthand about the vibrant cultures of Ghana.

Medical

ELI works with hospitals and clinics throughout Ghana to provide medical internship programs designed for pre-medical students. Interns will have the opportunity to learn about the day to day practice of medicine in Ghana by shadowing doctors and nurses. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the challenges the Ghanaian healthcare system is facing first hand. Interns will also learn quite a bit about the treatment of diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, Guinea Worm, and tuberculosis. Participants with this program will have no medical responsibilities, but depending on qualifications, may be asked to assist with tasks around the hospital or clinic. Interns with this program are encouraged to get involved with health education and outreach programs as a way to give back to the community.

Journalism

Ghana is a great place to start or broaden your career in journalism. ELI works with several print media outlets in Accra where interns can experience the energy of the newsroom, assist the editorial staff, or even write articles. All journalism internships are set up on an individual basis. Specific placements will depend on the pst experience, skills, and goals of the applicant.

Community Development

Throughout Ghana, a variety of NGOs are working to promote economic development in small towns and rural areas. These organizations focus on a variety of issues ranging from infrastructure development and improvement to capacity building and adult education. Interns with this program will assist with ongoing projects and may possibly be able to implement new projects or new approaches to projects. This program requires at least a three month commitment.

Environmental/Eco-tourism

Ghana is famous for its friendly people, but the country also has incredible natural wealth. Unfortunately, much of the country has been deforested and wildlife crowded out by dense human populations. Ghanaians are starting to realize the importance of environmental preservation and the potential opportunities for eco-tourism. Many governmental departments, local organizations, and NGOs are working with communities in rural areas to develop stronger local economiesin a sustainable manner. Participants in this program will assist with educational programs, marketing campaigns, and conservation activities. Interns with this program must be motivated self starters and prepared to live in rural Ghana.

Legal Aid

Organizations throughout Ghana are working to provide legal services to the underserved populations, mostly women and the poor. Interns with this program will gain insight into the day to day practice of law in Ghana as well as become familiar with many of the legal and human rights issues faced by the poor. This internship is designed for law students or law school graduates. Interns must be motivated, independent, and very proactive in the position. This internship requires at least a three month commitment, and participants must be prepared to adapt to challenging cultural differences.

Water and Sanitation

Access to water has been one of the biggest and most controversial issues in Ghana during the past 10 years. Water shortages and been experienced in both urban and rural areas due to drought and lack of infrastructure. Many families start their day with a hike of several miles in search of water. Interns can work with an organization devoted to providing sustainable potable water and sanitation services to rural communities in Ghana. A major component of this project is hygiene education and promotion in order to prevent comtamination of the water supply and illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, and parasites which are associated with unsafe water sanitation. Interns wanting to be involved with the actual digging of wells should joing the program during the dry season (October-May) because the water table rises during the wet season, and many roads become impassable.