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FAQs Ghana
| Application Process: |
Please read Rustic Volunteer Travel's 4 steps of application
- There are two options for applying to volunteer in Ghana through our program. You can apply online or you can download an application, fill it out, and mail it in to us. You will need to submit your application with a $200 deposit.
- Once we get your application, we will immediately send it to Ghana for processing. They go over your application carefully and find the best project possible for you. The decisions for room and food are made at this time, Arrangement for room and food depends on the location of the project. The vast majority of our volunteers stay in full immersion home stays though some orphanage projects are residential.
- Once we get the details of your placements, we pass it on to you with a final invoice. Your final payment is due six weeks before your start date, and in expedited cases, as soon as possible. The placement details have local contact information use them for contacts on your Visa application or to get in touch with the local staff and host family.
- Preparation for trips should include reading about Ghana , immunization, travel Visa (entry permit), and booking airfare. If you face any problems our Program Manager is always available for assistance.
- Now, once you purchase your ticket, send your flight information to our US office by fax or by email. Your flight information will be forwarded to the Ghana staff who will arrange an airport pickup.
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| Visa : |
Rustic strongly suggest that all volunteers apply for a tourist visa, in a timely manner before departing for Ghana. Please call our office or contact the local Ghana embassy to learn more about visa, visa fees, and visa extensions. Getting your tourist visa is your responsibility. |
| Health and safety : |
Volunteers should be aware of all health and safety information before traveling to Ghana . We suggest you visit some of the websites listed below.
WHO website for international travelers ( http://www.who.int/csr/ihr/en/ )
General Tips for Ghana
• To avoid being a target, dress conservatively. Don't wear expensive-looking jewelry. A flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can mark you as a tourist. As much as possible, avoid the appearance of affluence.
• Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place or places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe.
• When you leave the United States , you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting. Therefore, before you go, learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to visit.
• Be especially cautious in or avoid areas where you are likely to be victimized. These include crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places, festivals and marginal areas of cities. |
| Vaccination : |
We use the Center for Disease Control traveler's health recommendations (www.cdc.gov.) Consult a travel doctor about current epidemics and health risks.
Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications
The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to West Africa including Ghana . Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Malaria
- Meningitis
- Rabies
- Typhoid
Required Vaccinations
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into Ghana . For detailed information, see Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country . Also, find the nearest authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccine center. |
| Money Matter : |
What is the exchange rate? Where should I change my dollars? Can I use debit card or credit card? Should I bring travelers checks?
Your credit card information can be stolen and used fraudulently just by making a credit card payment, more and more visitors to Ghana have reported shady transactions occurring after they use their credit cards. For this reason, cash and travelers checks are suggested to settle most accounts. You will have trouble paying with traveler's checks, but you will be able to exchange them at local banks or post offices. Traveler's checks are recommended as a safe way to carry money with you, make sure you write down the check numbers and contact information you need to cancel stolen checks. Different brands of traveler's checks work better in different countries so consult your local financial institution about which company you should buy your checks from.
Travelers should have a credit card for large and emergency purchases so you won't go broke if something goes wrong. If you've requested a pin number for your credit card, you can use it to get cash advances at the ATM.
You can also carry a debit card that can be used at ATM's to withdraw local currency. When using ATM's, be advised to bring a friend along, travel directly from the bank back to your home and stash your cash. Find a private, well disguised place to hide any cash. When you are carrying cash, break it up into different amounts and keep it in different pockets so if you get robbed you won't lose everything. |
| Field Support and supervision: |
How does Rustic Volunteer Travel help me when I am in the field? How can I maintain communication? Does Rustic Volunteer Travel visit volunteers?
Once the volunteer program start, our local staff stays in touch with volunteers. We visit our volunteers every 2-4 weeks (if possible) and you are always welcome at the office. Your project will have local staff as well, though not our own. The local doctors, nurses and administrators on your project will be there for you throughout. If your project is very far, then our local staff maintains communication by email and phone. |
| Communication : |
How do I communicate with my family? Rustic Volunteer Travel staffs? Is there internet?
Volunteers are request to bring their mobile phone. Once you arrive in Ghana , you can change sim-card and use it. This is the perfect way to stay in touch with your family and Rustic Volunteer Travel office in Accra . Internet access is available in Accra at Internet centers. Most places are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Saturday. Prices are very inexpensive. International phone calling is easy in Accra from card phones or communication centers. You can buy phone cards from stalls around town for the Ghana Telecom offices in central Accra .
Please see your placement sheet to find the details information about the availability of telephone, internet etc in your placement areas |
| Climate of Ghana: |
Yahoo Weather forecast ( http://weather.yahoo.com )
Weather channel ( http://www.weather.com )
Weather Underground ( http://www.wunderground.com )
Ghana has a tropical equatorial climate, which means that it's hot year-round with seasonal rains. In the humid southern coastal region, the rainy seasons are from April to June, and during September and October. Throughout the year, maximum temperatures are around 30`celcius, dropping three or four degrees during the brief respite between rainy seasons. The humidity is constantly height, at about 80%. In the central region, the rains are heavier and last longer. In the hotter and drier north, there is one rainy season, lasting from April to October. Midday temperatures rarely fall below 30`celcius, rising to 35` and higher during December to March when the Harmattan wind blows in from the Sahara. At this time, dust particles hang heavily in the air making it constantly hazy, and temperatures plummet at night.
Source: Lonely Planet West Africa |
| Materials to Bring |
Most of stuffs of daily use are available in India at a cheaper price. However, we suggest volunteers pack the following things.
• Camera
• Mobile phone (you can use mobile phone after changing sim card)
• Sleeping bag
• Mosquito repellents
• Insect repellents
• Sun-block
• Working gloves (if you are joining conservation or construction project)
• Some books about Ghana
• Map ofGhana
• Toiletries
• First aid kit
• Flash light
• Electricity adopter/converter
• Sun glasses
• Footwear (for work and travel)
• Towel |
| Gift for Host Family and Project |
It is a common courtesy to bring a small gift for the family that will be hosting you. You are not required to do so, but if you choose to bring something it can be pretty simple. We suggest a box of chocolates, a t-shirt with a hometown logo, or pictures of your family and some local post cards.
If you want to bring gifts for your project (and if you are working for an orphanage or a school please bring pencils, pens and paper, art supplies like markers and construction paper pads, and games. Remember that every child will need these items so you may wish to bring a bunch of one thing. |
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