Join us on a Physiotherapy placement in Ghana, and gain valuable work experience as you learn directly from qualified physiotherapists in a local hospital. You’ll get a deeper insight into how physiotherapy is practiced in a developing country, which will add value to your CV.
You’ll shadow physiotherapists as they assess and treat patients, and observe how they manage the effects of different conditions and diseases. You can also watch them work with special needs children. There will be a variety of cases coming through the hospital doors every day, so be sure to take notes so you remember everything you see and learn!
You’ll live and work in Cape Coast, and stay with a local host family. They’ll welcome you into their home, and you’ll experience their culture firsthand. Make the most of your free time, and explore the city and country with other Projects Abroad interns and volunteers.
When you apply you only pay $495, which comes off the total price.
Looking to do more than one project? Call us on 09 889 0587 to see if we can offer a discount.
Project Overview
Trip Format:
Flexi Trips - A flexible project that gives you the support and independence you need as you volunteer
Project Name:
Ghana > Physiotherapy
Start Dates:
Completely flexible dates
Minimum Duration:
Two Weeks
Placement Location:
Cape Coast (Read More)
Accommodation:
Host family Read More
Requirements :
Anyone aged 16 or over can join
Is a Physiotherapy internship in Ghana right for me?
Our Physiotherapy placements in Ghana are for you if you’re interested in gaining physiotherapy work experience in a hospital and rehabilitation centre. You’ll learn from experienced physiotherapists by observing them, and they’ll help you build your practical knowledge of physiotherapy.
This is a different and exciting way to build your CV, 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 physiotherapist allows it. The project runs throughout the year, and you can join at any time, from a minimum of two weeks. However, 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 that you have a memorable time on your Physiotherapy internship in Ghana.
What will I do on this project?
You will observe physiotherapists and medical staff in hospitals and rehabilitation centres as they treat patients. Here are just some of the things you can do:
- Observe physiotherapists and medical staff as they work with children and adults
- Exchange knowledge with local staff and students
- Help staff teach parents how to care for and help children with special needs
Your work will be split in three main areas:
Observe physiotherapists and medical staff as they work with children and adults
You will gain physiotherapy 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 physiotherapy 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 physiotherapy with local staff, not only fill the gaps in your knowledge, but to also give physiotherapists 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 Physiotherapy 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?
Cape Coast
This project is based in Cape Coast. Today, Cape Coast is an easygoing fishing town fanned by fresh sea breezes.
You will be placed at the main regional hospital. It is one of the most modern hospitals in Ghana, with a wide range of departments and a large amount of new equipment. There is also the option of working at a centre for children with special needs. They have a very basic physiotherapy room where the children do their exercises every day.
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 8am to 2pm, and you’ll have morning and afternoon sessions. During these sessions, you’ll sit on consultations with patients who’ve been referred for physiotherapy treatment. You’ll also observe physiotherapists 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 physiotherapy 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, physiotherapists 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 physiotherapists 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 Physiotherapy internship in Ghana, and build your practical medical knowledge while working with experienced local physiotherapists.
I found Projects Abroad where I could observe physiotherapy, travel to a new country, and give back to those in need. After much research, Ghana seemed like the right fit for me.
Allison V
Physiotherapy Internship in Ghana
The staff members in the physiotherapy department were excellent to work with! They were so helpful in teaching me and showing how they did things.
Emily O
Physiotherapy Internship in Ghana
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.
Meet the team in Ghana
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