Psychology Programmes in India, Ghana and South Africa
Psychology Programmes in India, Ghana and South Africa
5 · 3 reviews
Location
Multiple Locations +3
  • Ghana
    • Cape Coast
  • South Africa
    • Johannesburg
  • India
    • Jaipur
Length
1 to 12 weeks
General grants/scholarships, Payment plans
Health & Safety

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
18
Timeframe
Short Term Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse Host Family Hotel Lodge
Groups
Small Group (1-15)

Pricing

$775
Price Details
Starting price include registration fee and programme fee. Prices vary according to chosen programme, country and duration.

Included in the programme fee is: support prior to travel, all of your accommodation, in-country transport (to and from the airport and daily transport to and from your placement, 3 meals a day, registration at the different hospitals and partner organisations you are working with, professional programme training, development and support, and 24/7 in-country support form our volunteer coordinator team who will help and assist you outside of working hours.
Fees do not include flights, vaccinations, travel insurance, visa costs and spending money.
What's Included
Accommodation Airport Transfers Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Some Activities Airfare SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa
Oct 05, 2026
2 travelers are looking at this program

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to help you plan with confidence.

About Program

The Psychology and Mental Health volunteer work experience programmes are designed to give essential practical on-the-ground work experience to apply to degree-related travel and career progression, whilst giving back to developing communities in Ghana, South Africa & India. Depending on your chosen location, you could be: working within hospitals (both general and psychiatric); working with children and adults in counselling sessions; working in the community to tackle stigma, attitudes and community issues; learning about forensic assessments and victim support; and more!

Program Highlights

  • In India and Ghana, observe a the daily duties of mental health and psychiatric hospital teams: consultations, diagnoses, counselling, drug administration, case management, referrals, monitoring treatments, and general well-being in the hospital.
  • In India and Ghana, work with children on mental health and wellbeing.
  • In South Africa, learn about forensic assessments, victim support and diversion programmes for young people.
  • Work in the community to tackle stigma, community issues and educate people on mental health.
  • Experience and immerse yourself in diverse cultures while gaining invaluable work experience!

Video and Photos

Impact 🌎

Vocational Impact is committed to international development and working with key community stakeholders to improve the capacity and sustainability of all our project partners. We work in a circular economic way, meaning we invest directly back into the charities we work with.

All our projects are founded, managed and developed by locals. We work with partner organisations that are specialists in the areas they operate. Our partners are selected because of the important work they are doing, and they are run by impressive humanitarians and professionals in their fields. We are committed to providing essential funding to support our partner’s community programmes and development projects, as well as creating reliable and sustainable funding plans.
VI invest straight back into the projects we send volunteers to; helping them grow, access skilled local staff, and provide crucial funds for projects like women’s empowerment, child protection, mental health, legal aid, education, healthcare and community development initiatives.

We are passionate about building sustainable and ethical volunteer programmes where our project partners receive educated and eager-to-learn students and professionals, while volunteers will gain valuable work experience, career-enhancing opportunities and life-changing personal growth.

We are a not-for-profit NGO led organisation and our goal is to provide developmental support to our partner projects. We are act on the guidance and needs that our local project partners and communities identify, and we help connect skilled students and volunteers to the projects where they can have the most impact.

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Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 3 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.7
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.35
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Lena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

definitely some of the best moments I had in my life

I found it very easy to settle in, everyone at the house is very open and welcoming. I worked well and hard for the hospital as well, it all went very well.
I got to carry out work that was directly related to my university course – mostly related to the hospital, involved in lessons with doctors, and seeing patients. I also worked in the psychiatric ward. It was all interesting regardless of the language barrier. I went out with the community outreach team and visited the women who receive support for their children’s education and mothers who need support taking care of their kids.

The most educational element for me however was being at the hospital and getting lessons from the doctors.

Being with the children were definitely some of the best moments I had in my life. The children were wonderful, i spent a lot of time with them, studying, playing ,drawing.
Manmohan was always there to support me in whatever I wanted to do.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

For me, a journal was one of the top things I packed or an app to record everyday experiences.
Bring a white scarf to wrap around your head and neck/waist.
Be open to a different culture, don’t take anything personally.
Don’t be scared to go out there on your own! It is so rewarding. I organised my trips with the help of Smriti and Manmohan.
Be kind and open to trying anything and everything.
Pros
  • Educational and relevant to my studies
What other participants should know
  • It should be noted that volunteers need a laptop or at least a tablet for the hospital as one needs to prepare presentations, read literature online and take notes
9 people found this review helpful.
Polly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It is nothing like one can experience in the UK

Settling in was great as I knew exactly who to talk to if there were any issues. Myself and another volunteer had a fantastic welcome to the children's foundation. We were set with the task of counselling three children at the children's home. I always looked forward to the afternoons with the children. I feel I made an impact at the home and it was amazing to develop bonds with some of the kids.

Ankaful psychiatric hospital is where we gained our most hands-on experience with psychiatric patients. I found the clinics so educational.

I would say that, particularly due to the nature of this placement, and mental health awareness in Ghana, volunteers should be aware that there is a difference in approaches and there is some work to spread awareness of mental health topics, such as depression and anxiety.

I think volunteers should be prepared to go in with an open mind and be encouraged to have the moto that "you get out what you put in" - so just don't hold back, say yes to everything (within reason) and go looking for experiences above and beyond.
It is nothing like one can experience in the UK and just gives a fresh perspective on life. It has made me appreciate so much more of life.

Pros
  • Working with the children on their mental health and wellbeing
  • The clinical work in the psychiatric hospital
What other participants should know
  • Some of the lack of awareness in the community about mental health made some of the work more challenging
64 people found this review helpful.
Talia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience on the Psychology and Mental Health Programme

I had an amazing and transformative time on this programme. It gave me valuable work experience which has contributed to my career pathway. Moses and the team were communicative, and we were supported through any issues we experienced along the way. I had an incredible time and felt that I was able to explore a foreign country in a completely safe and supportive environment. The work the charity are doing on the ground is unbelievable and extremely impactful, and getting to witness it firsthand and be a part of it was really special.

96 people found this review helpful.

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