Description

Whether you are a high school student considering a career in veterinary medicine, an undergraduate or on a career break, working as a veterinary volunteer will allow you to gain invaluable experience of vaccinations, operations, laboratory work, post-mortems, meat inspections and the routine treatment of domestic farm animals and pets.

Ghana, in Western Africa, is a wide expanse of mostly low plains. Its climate is hot and tropical, with pockets of dry or humid areas in certain parts of the country. A portion of the land is used for farming and the welfare of domestic animals is seen as an essential part of the rural development.

Shadowing local vets will give you experience of diseases that have been eradicated in the West, and will also give you a better understanding of the problems that vets and farmers face. By showing initiative and a willingness to get involved, you will benefit from this truly rewarding experience.

As a volunteer in Ghana on one of our Veterinary Placements, you can provide effective and practical help working on a variety of tasks. When you arrive at work on your first day, you will be assigned a supervisor who will be able to advise and support you during your placement, and of course our Projects Abroad staff is always on hand too.

In Ghana, Projects Abroad volunteers work in city clinics in Accra or Kumasi. In the mornings this involves dealing with pets. There are plenty of pets such as dogs and cats, but many of the patients are small back garden livestock such as goats and chickens.

In the afternoon there are sometimes opportunities to go out into the field to visit farms or even Accra Zoo. You will be involved in administering vaccinations, and observing and assisting in operations, laboratory work, post mortems and routine treatments. You'll learn how to handle different animals and will see examples of diseases and conditions that have almost been eradicated in developed countries.

Highlights

Living in vibrant, colourful Ghana will feel like an explosion; an enchanting sensory overload. Music is a central part of Ghanaian culture, so in the bigger towns - especially Accra - you will hear some great live bands and have some memorable nights out.

There are many, many attractions and places to visit. You will want to see the slave forts and spend a night in the rainforest at Kakum Rainforest Reserve, feed wild monkeys at The Boebeng Monkey Village or elephant watch at Mole National Park. If you're even more adventurous, consider the challenge of a journey to Timbuktu.

Travel across Ghana is cheap and easy, whether it be in a taxi, a tro-tro (a sort of minibus) or on a lake boat. There are clean, affordable places to stay and eat in all the main towns.

Ghana is a superb location for bird watching and is developing a good ecotourism philosophy. It's also an interesting place for history lovers and, once your overseas voluntary work is over, it's a great stepping-off point from which to explore West Africa.

Qualifications

No qualifications or experience are necessary.

Intern Types

• Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
• Animal Sciences

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Food, Accommodation, in-country Transportation, Travel & Medical Insurance, Constant Support of Full-Time Staff.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Veterinary

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a desire to travel.

Age Range

16-70

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• 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