Description

Ghanaian schools face the same challenges that most schools in Africa face: overcrowding, lack of materials, and lack of teacher training. In many classrooms, the student-teacher ratio can be as high as 60-70 students for every teacher. Ghanaian schools also face shortages of books, paper, pencils and other school supplies and teachers rarely have the opportunity to pursue further training. Most teaching placements are in smaller towns and villages where the need is greatest. ELI offers both volunteer teaching placements and a year-long teaching internship.

Highlights

Experience the easy rhythm of Ghanaian life while becoming part of the community. Ghana is an incredibly diverse country with a vibrant cultural heritage. Participants stay with local host families, gaining firsthand knowledge of daily West African life, and are often invited to community events such as weddings, funerals, and festivals. The program allows time for independent travel, so participants can see what Ghana has to offer including the elephant herds in Mole National Park, the Ashanti capital of Kumasi, and the white beaches of the Gold Coast.

Qualifications

* Native or near-native English skills.
* Participant must be comfortable leading classes and developing lesson plans.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Costs vary depending on duration. Please contact us for details

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Excursions
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help participants prepare for their travels.

* Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Accra and provided with transportation to the hostel they stay at during the orientation.

* In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a four day orientation in Accra which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Ghana; a historical overview and introduction to Ghanaian culture; cultural classes including dancing, drumming and cooking; and visits to landmarks such as Nkrumah Masoleum, the National Cultural Center, and the beach.

* In-country Staff Support: ELI's partner organization in Ghana has years of experience working with visitors to Ghana. The coordinators are very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency. Volunteers will also meet a network of English speaking Ghanaians throught their host families and placements.

* Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Ghanaian life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants. Placements are throughout Ghana, often in places well off the beaten track.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range

18-81

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement

ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded

2001