Plan My Gap Year - Volunteer in Ghana from $375

I spent 3 weeks in Ghana on the teaching project and absolutely loved it!
The moment I walked out of the airport Seth was waiting there for me with the rest of the volunteers and as soon as I met them all I knew that I was going to get on well with everyone.
I saw Seth as more than just a host, he was a good friend to all of us. Since there was no gym there, Seth had made his own weights and some mornings he would wake me up at 6am and we would both have a good workout before placement.
I also got along with all of the other staff, specially Kofi, who loved to joke around and make everyone laugh.

Ghana is an amazing country and a very interesting one too. It's so different to what we are all use to and I loved getting up every morning and wondering what new things I would see that day.
The weekend excursions where fantastic because I got to see so much more of the country and got to experience so many more things.

In conclusion, this was the best experience I have had so far and I'm glad I decided to go for it. I met some amazing people that I will never forget, I learned so many things about the people and their culture, and most of all, I saw a completely different world that not many people have seen and I came back feeling proud knowing that I helped out and made some school kids happy by teaching and playing with them.

During my 4 weeks in Ghana with PMGY I was lucky enough to experience several of the projects. I spent most of my time at the Manhyia District Hospital on the Medical Placement and the staff there made it extremely enjoyable, as they were more than happy to pass on their knowledge and answer my questions. The Psychiatric Ward sticks out in my memory as my favourite department as the nurses there were lovely and taught me so much about their job and how mental health is perceived in Ghana. Because of how much I enjoyed this I also spent a couple of days in the Psychiatric Unit at Tafo Hospital on the Mental Health Placement. Here, I was able to see far more consultations and cases as many more patients came through the door every day, which was great! As a side note, at Manhyia I would also recommend the Eye and Diabetes Clinics as well as General Surgery; much was learnt and taken away from my time there. I also spent a few days at the orphanage, where I loved playing and spending time with the kids and even taking some of them out to a swimming pool. Painting a classroom at the school was an equally worthwhile use of my time and allowed me to spend two mornings here and meet some of the children - great fun!
The PMGY team in Ghana were extremely attentive and keen to help me get the most out of my experience. Seth did a great job of answering any questions I had and was also a great workout companion. I say companion; more like personal trainer! His willingness to attend to the needs of the volunteers made myself and others, I am sure, feel so much more comfortable and at home in the volunteer house. Kofi, Sophia, Adwoa, Maria, Cobbinah and Rexford played their part in this as well, making it so that if I was ever unsure about something there was always someone around to ask.
Ghana itself is wonderful country, filled with friendly people who are not afraid to strike up a conversation with you. It is the first African country I have been to and so was unlike anything I had experienced before. 'Ghana time' took some getting used to but whatever I was waiting for, usually food, was often worth the wait.
I had a great time and highly recommend a trip to Ghana with PMGY.

I really really enjoyed my time in Ghana! I would recommend it to anyone. I spent the two weeks in the orphanage and I can not honestly put into words how it made me feel I fell in love with every child there, they are the sweetest people you will ever come across they have made me realise how lucky we are to have soo much back in England. They give the biggest cuddles and have soo much love to give! Seth as a host was a little quiet at first but that didn't last for long! � He soon started joining in with all our banter! I'm absolutely gutted to have only done 2 weeks in Ghana and at the orphanage I wish I had stayed longer. But I do plan on coming back! Every one in the house is really friendly and we all got on like a house on fire! They are like my little family now and I thank Seth for letting me stay in his home and planning trips for us, and giving me this great oppuntity!

I just returned from three amazing weeks in Ghana. I couldn't describe the experience as anything less than life changing. My time volunteering at the school was an awe-inspiring and eye-opening experience to say the least. The kids are simply fantastic and I'm devastated that I've had to leave them so soon. They were enthusiastic about everything and so grateful for your presence at their school.

On top of this, my bro Seth is an amazing host. He was always looking for ways of making our time in Ghana even more special than it already was, and was efficient and understanding in solving any minor problems that had arisen. I will miss him immensely. As well as Seth, the other PMGY staff were also helpful and caring, as well as being up for a laugh. I really do hope to one day meet them all again.

The volunteer house is unbelievably welcoming, and despite the cold showers was an incredibly homy place to stay. This really made life in Ghana a much more comfortable experience for everybody. I wouldn't have had it any different.

On top of all this, Ghana itself could not have surprised me more. I have never felt more safe than I did walking from the house to the bar down the street (a journey I embarked upon multiple times I might add). The people could not be more welcoming or excited to see you.

I had an astonishing time in Ghana, and I'm gutted I couldn't stay longer and longer.

Thanks a bunch to Seth, Kofi, Cobbinah, Rex, Sofia, Roland <3 I hope I can see you all again some day

I spent 4 weeks in Ghana on the orphanage project and I loved every minute!! Right from the start Pmgy made it so easy for me. I didn't go on the dates advertised but i felt the team bent over backwards to pick me up and have an induction just for me. I'd like to thank Seth for making me feel so welcome in your surprisingly nice house and Spohia you are a little star workng so hard cooking and cleaning after everyone! Cobinah well he's alright I guess Haha. The orphanage was great the kids are amazing I'm so glad I chose that one and would recommend to everyone, miss the kids a lot! The people of Ghana are the most friendly people I have ever met! Truly amazing by the welcome we got everywhere we went! Overall had a great time, met some awesome people and would 100% recommend the Ghana trip to anyone I would say tho 3-4 weeks is a good time to go for, thanks again Seth and the team

I was lucky enough to spend this August doing the medical placement in Ghana. It was a life changing experience that I would highly recommend. I couldn't thank the host Seth enough; he was welcoming, helpful and always up for a laugh! Seth helped the whole thing run smoothly and was very accommodating for everyone's needs. The other PMGY staff were also beyond amazing, all of them were so kind, friendly and happy to cater to any specific needs. The volunteer house was a safe, homely place that made for a brilliant jenga tournament environment!
My time at the medical placement was extremely valuable, I was able to have hands on opportunities that would not be available to me in the UK. The nurses and hospital staff are so friendly and approachable!
Ghana as a whole was a life changing experience that I wouldn't want to change a second of. I feel so privileged to have been able to experience such a different culture to my own, and it has changed my perspective for the better. 10/10 best experience of my life!

Wow, what a month it was! I spent 4 weeks in Ghana doing the medical project alongside the orphanage project. It was an experience I will never forget. Plan My Gap Year made everything so easy and accessible. Throughout the application process Josh and Philip were amazing. Nothing was ever a problem for them! Working in the hospital was extremely eye opening and so rewarding!! I am a third year student nurse and my time in Ghana counted as my elective placement. I would highly recommend any nursing or medical students to do this as part of their placement! It really will change your life. Aside from the placement...living in the volunteer house was brilliant! I have made so many friends for life! No words can describe how amazing my time in Ghana was! Massive thank you to Seth, the most amazing host ever! From day one I felt so welcomed and at home. Seth always goes the extra mile for the volunteers...ensuring they are having the best time ever and making each day count. Seth was available 24/7 and nothing was ever an issue for him. He really loves his job and is so passionate in making sure everyone is enjoying their time away from home. The weekend trips away to Mole National Park and Cape Coast where such great value for money and so much fun!! Overall my time in Ghana was incredible. I have already booked to go back out again for Christmas this year! Thank you PMGY!

I just got back from an unforgettable 3 weeks in Ghana. During this time I was based in the orphanage and it was the most amazing experience seeing how children with barely anything can still be so happy and joyful. The other volunteers are like minded, funny and genuine friends for life because of the experiences you have shared. The activities were so varied so there is something for everyone! Whether you want to go to the local markets, teach or surf you can find something! The PMGY team were amazing and no request was too big making you feel comfortable when halfway across the world. I cannot thank the team enough for the opportunities they helped with, I hope to meet everyone again soon!

***GHANA 2K16***

Well, what an experience that was.

3 weeks of constant fun, laughs, and incredible experiences.

Seth and the team are absolutely fab. When he says he's "got your back" (classic), he really has! I was lucky enough to spend my birthday there and it was honestly the best birthday I've ever had. The PMGY team will become like a second family, and will honestly make your day so much better, just by being around. I cannot thank them and Seth enough for their help and friendship. It really made the experience.

The medical placement was fab. I had the opportunity to observe and even get involved with pretty much anything I asked to do. The experience is what you make of it, and you may feel a little nervous at first, but just ask to get involved and the staff at the hospital will be more than happy to help you make the most of your time there! Jump in and take every opportunity and you definitely won't regret it.

And Ghana is great. The people are all so friendly and I felt safer there than I did around parts of Birmingham, so if the safety aspect is making you a little cautious, then please don't let it put you off! If you can, go on the trips on the weekends because they are amazing. It isn't everyday that you are standing just a few metres from a couple of elephants who are just chilling in some trees!

Overall, a fantastic experience. I loved every minute. You'll make so so many friends out there and, as long as you put your all into the trip, you will get so much out of it.

Would 100% recommend!

What can I even say about this experience apart from the fact I had the time of my life?! As my first time traveling alone (and being 17) I was pretty anxious about having to book everything myself, but PMGY helped ever stepid of the way. I could email the UK team with all of my queries and they would get back to me in a couple of hours or I could even message Seth Mensah on face book, the in counary coordinater, that I was months away from meeting, but he would still do everything he could to help me out.

Volunteering at the orphanage was so eye opening for me and is an experience that I will never
forget and will NEVER stop recommending!!! The children are absolutely adorable and full of energy and all they want to do is play, or do clapping rhythms, chat with you and play on the park. It's amazing how close you become to them so quickly, and when you leave you have a wonderful sense that you have made a difference. You get out the experience what you put into it... don't hold back!

The volunteer house was literally like a social hub and it was surprisingly ridiculously easy to make friends. And they will definitely be friends that last a lifetime! Everyone that works in the house is fantastic, Sofia that cooks and cleans is more like a mum... you want anything? Sofia is your gal! Adowoa cooks and cleans too and the food they prepare is authentic and delicious! Takes some getting used to but if anyone was ever feeling homesick then they shot into action and prepared some western food. Cobbinah (the taxi driver) is absolutely hilarious! Make sure you turn up the music loud in his car, Mr Boombastic should never be played as background music! And finally... we have Mr Mensah himself. Seth is the most accommodatingredients host possible, you can tell him ANYTHING and he will do his best to find a solution at any hour of the day or night. Seth will be your dad, big brother and best friend all in one. Plus he's a bit of a trouble maker... be prepared for a lot of laughs.

So I just got back from volunteering in Ghana for two weeks and I wish I could've stayed longer! I did the medical project as well as a couple of days at the orphanage and I absolutely loved every second of my time there! Both projects were such eye-opening experiences and the difference between the Ghanaian health care system and that of the Western world is so unbelievable! I got to see so many amazing things in the hospital, my favourite being seeing multiple natural births! Seth, the host in Ghana, is one of the most caring people I've ever met, he will literally help you with your every need! Sophia and Adjoa are so amazing and were eager to welcome me to the PMGY Ghana family, without forgetting Rex, Kofi, Cobinnah and of course little Roland! Ghana has totally exceeded my expectations, it's such a friendly welcoming country and I definitely would recommend it to anyone!

Over summer, I spent 2 weeks volunteering in Ghana with PMGY on the orphanage programme. It was honestly the best thing I have ever done! It is absolutely amazing. Before I left for Ghana, I had contacted two other volunteers who were travelling to Ghana on the same day as me, and we ended up meeting at Heathrow Airport and seating next to each other on the plane. PMGY had created a Facebook group, which allowed all the volunteers to ask questions and find other people who would be out in Ghana at the same time. I found this very helpful. When we arrived at the airport, two members of the local team were there to meet us. They were both very welcoming and friendly. That evening we stayed in a hotel in Accra before travelling to Kumasi by coach the next day. The drive took around 5 hours but this gave you time to get to know all the volunteers and the local team.

The volunteer house is lovely. There is lots of space, each bedroom sleeps 6. This allows you to get to know the people you are sharing with well. There is a big living room and a nice kitchen and dining room. Having all the volunteers living together allows everyone to become friends very quickly.

The next day you have an orientation day where you get to experience the amazing culture Ghana has. It also allows you to see how kind and welcoming the Ghanaians are. The majority of the locals speak a little bit of English as well as the local language of Twi. Back at the house the guy will teach you a little bit of Twi and you will have an African drumming and dancing lesson.

The next day we started our volunteering. At first it was hard because you don’t know what they expect you to do, but as the week goes on you soon learn. The orphanage is very eye opening but also fun, the children are great and very energetic. The mothers are great as well. At first they seem rather unfriendly towards you but remember to introduce yourself, offer to help and tell them what you are planning on doing before just doing it and they will open up to you. I am sure most people would be the same; they have new people coming in regularly to help them do their job. These people have been working there for years so just make sure you respect them and appreciate that their job is hard work. You work alongside the staff to assist in teaching the children and the daily running of the orphanage. It was an amazing experience and the work was incredibly rewarding.

I also spent two afternoons working in the hospital. It was a very interesting experience. Obviously they are tremendously different from Western hospitals. I spent a few hours in immunisations, however this does get a little repetitive after a while. All the staff in this ward of the hospital are very busy so they don’t have much time to talk to you. I then spent a few hours in X-ray. The people who work in this ward are very friendly. As they have fewer patients they have more time to explain everything to you and show you how everything is done. I also spend a few hours in A&E and the ENT wards. Overall I enjoyed spending two afternoons in the hospital, I found it very informative and helpful.

At the weekend we went to Mole National Park, where you get to go on two safaris and hopefully see elephants. You also stop off at a beautiful waterfall to go for a swim and go to a monkey sanctuary. Although it was a long drive there it was definitely worth it as it was an incredible experience, and I would definitely recommend going.

In the evenings the guys would come back to the house to see you and find out how your day went, we usually ended up watching films or playing card games. Another man also stayed in the house all the time. He was very friendly and funny. He would; go to Internet cafes with you or go to get some money out with you, he was very helpful. There was never a point where I felt scared or worried about being alone in a new country. There was always lots of support from all the local team, who I miss lots!

Overall I would highly recommend travelling to Ghana with PMGY, they are a fantastic company! I really hope I can go back soon.

I've just come back from a trip with PMGY in Ghana and had the best time! I'm lucky enough to have done lots of travelling before, but Ghana is an amazing country with some of the most welcoming and friendy people I've ever met. Thanks to PMGY the trip was easy to organise and everything went smoothly - which is an added bonus when travelling by yourself. You get lots of information in the handbook beforehand and for any other questions you can get a quick reply from the facebook group. Working in the orphanage and observing in the hospital was eye-opening and inspirational - it's an experience i'll never forget. Volunteering abroad is something I would definitly recommend - especially with PMGY in Ghana :-)

I volunteered at Kumasi Childrens Home with PMGY for four weeks (July/August 2014) and had a brilliant time. I chose Ghana because I was excited to see more of Africa and its unique culture and the project offered by PMGY - working with the disabled children - was exactly what I was looking for. All the information and support pre-departure was readily available and detailed, leaving no room for uncertainty!

Meeting my fellow volunteers and the in-country support was one of the most enjoyable aspects of the trip - over my time there I got to know the team very well and there was always someone there if I had questions or was feeling down and needed a hug! Some aspects of the trip were difficult, but I was prepared for this before arrival, it is never easy to see poverty or disability but it is important not to be visibly upset at the project: this is their day to day life after all, not sad to them! The work is really rewarding and you come to really care for the children you meet. Changing, feeding and washing the younger and disabled children makes up the majority of the work as well as helping with washing clothes and dishes. Of course, there is always time to play with the kids and organise tips (we went to the zoo!) which is so much fun!

The new accommodation is amazing, much more than I was expecting, a beautiful, spacious house with all the necessary conveniences (despite the occasional power cut and cold showers!)I wish I could see it when all the finishing touches are in place!

The in-country team could not have been better - constant support and brilliant fun! We all appreciated their organising our trip to Mole National Park, giving us the opportunity to go on safari (we saw elephants!), to visit waterfalls and a monkey sanctuary!

I can't thank PMGY enough, and especially out in-country co-ordinators, for giving me an experience that I will never forget! I already recommend the programme to anyone I meet!

The hosts are a lovely, lovely couple. They've just moved into a swanky new house; which they built together.
They are there 24/7 for us; whether 3pm or 3am. I had a bit of sickness whilst away, which was the inevitable with being in a foreign country for 6 months, they were perfect. They looked after me as if I were their own, took me to the hospital and everything - better to be safe than sorry.

Been back in England for barely a month and already want to go back. The surrounding atmosphere is amazing. Everyone is so friendly and loving there - "and the neighbourhood is awesome!"

The teaching and orphanage opportunities were amazing! Had my own class for 6 months, I grew to know and love everyone, and they seemed to love me as well, the responce that I got from all Ghanaians was very positive! (Although you do have to get used to being called a 'white man' all the time.)

Only thing that caught me out is that I presumed water would be provided, but had to buy this myself. My own assumption, due to being told that all foods, apart from snacks, would be provided.

Be prepared to fall in love with Ghana, I sure have & will be returning!