Description

Togo is an exciting, yet unusual, place to spend some time as a volunteer or intern abroad. Our volunteer projects and internships in Togo are available for anyone interested in working in the developing world, including those on a gap year or career break or as a summer opportunity for students.

A narrow sliver of land sandwiched between Ghana and Benin in West Africa, at its widest point Togo is just 110 kilometres from East to West. It is a Franco-African melting pot with beaches, jungles, and, by spanning six distinct climatic zones from north to south, a great deal in between.

Although Togo became independent from France in 1960, French influence still exists everywhere. French remains the first official language, although you will hear a host of other tribal dialects spoken across the country. It's not just the language that was influenced - there are boulangeries across the country selling delicious croissants and baguettes!

Projects Abroad is based in Lome, the capital city, just three hours drive from our larger Accra office across the border in Ghana. In Lome volunteers can take part in a Teaching, Care, Law & Human Rights, Medicine & Healthcare, Journalism, and French Language projects.

As a Teaching volunteer you can teach English or French in large primary or secondary schools in Lome. Care volunteers help vulnerable children in orphanages, nurseries or care centers for disabled children. Law & Human Rights interns may focus on women's rights and grievances in the regional office of a pan-African Human Rights organization.

Our Medicine & Healthcare interns work closely with experienced doctors in the fields such as nursing, pediatrics, midwifery, or dentistry. Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy interns work with disabled children and adults. Journalism interns at a newspaper or radio station can help raise awareness about regional and international issues.

Volunteers stay with local Togolese host families in Lome, who are famous for their generous hospitality and pride in their home country.

Highlights

When you are not working you can also visit Lome's restaurants and nightspots to sample African food reputed to be the best in West Africa or try some traditional dancing to frenetic drumbeats. Visiting the traditional markets or relaxing on the city's beaches are also popular ways to spend the weekend.

Travel in and around Togo is cheap and easy. You can travel by local bus or in a shared taxi. In the South, you will want to visit the tropical lakes and lagoons. In the North, you can visit hills, waterfalls, and coffee plantations. A sight not to miss is the Forêt de Fazao National Park.

Togo is also an excellent starting point for travel around neighboring West African countries. You can discover the history of mysterious voodoo in Benin or rather head west along the coast to Ghana's sandy beaches and haunting slave forts.

Qualifications

none

Intern Types

• Education
• English as a Second Language
• Human Rights
• Law
• Social Work

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a willingness to travel.

Age Range

16-80

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992