High School Study Abroad in Ghana

Ghana is one of the friendliest West African nations. While English is the official language, there are more than 52 native tongues and hundreds of dialects. Most Ghanaians live in small villages where society is focused on family and community. Vibrant markets offer everything from fruits and clothes to hair braiding; and at night, you'll hear music everywhere. AFS host family placements are located throughout Ghana. Ghanaians tend to be very community-oriented, so the needs of the group take precedence over personal desires. It’s very important to respect the elderly—even if someone is just a few minutes older than you! Children often refer to adults as “auntie” and “uncle” (or for older people, “grandma” and “grandpa”) whether or not they’re actually related. Families spend a lot of time outside, cooking meals and socializing in the courtyard. Ghanaians don’t like to rush; you’ll probably hear your friends and host family repeat the phrase “take time,” which reflects their laid-back approach to life.

Despite major advances in education across Ghana, inequalities still exist among students. Join in with CIEE’s partner NGOs to take action on local educational enrichment initiatives for at-risk children and youth age 4 to 15. Get ready to serve in a variety of roles! As a teacher’s helper, you might be placed in a preschool, a primary school, or a sports or vocational program for out-of-school youth. Your mission? Assist with basic math, science, or English lessons and mentor children during sports, games, or arts and crafts activities. Learn basic Twi language to enhance your daily interactions and you collaborate with community leaders and investigate the Ghanaian educational system. Reflect on how it compares to the U.S. Explore Legon and learn traditional drumming and dance, take cooking classes, and dabble in batik-dyeing and bead-making. Excursions take you from the lush Kakum National Park with its rainforest canopy to the vast Ashanti Region known for its traditional villages. After the intercultural experience of a lifetime, you’ll be prepared for bridge-building and service leadership in diverse communities back home!

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Hit the road and see the highlights of Ghana in this two-week cross-country adventure for teens between 14 and 18 years old. Explore a country with more than 70 ethnic groups and about 80 different languages. On our Great Ghana Adventure program, you’ll go on a safari at a wildlife reserve, try some Ghanaian drumming rhythms, and dive into service at a school for the deaf and the blind. You’ll also learn about the transatlantic slave trade at the Door of No Return and see how the country has thrived in modern times. Join a program packed with history, culture, and environmental wonders.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

On this program, you’ll arrive on Ghana’s warm, sandy terrain and be greeted by the joyful laughter of children—a sound that will accompany and energize you throughout your journey. As you volunteer alongside one of Africa’s most welcoming and spirited communities, you’ll experience the vibrant heart of Ghana firsthand. Smiles, bright colors, and a warm sense of belonging will surround you—in the traditional clothing, in the landscape, and at your Home Base. Your presence in the classroom will spark enthusiasm and inspire students to reach for success.

Experience West Africa through the lens of Sankofa, a Ghanaian concept that links the past with a sustainable future. Working with a local organization, you’ll learn to appreciate the importance of Africa’s tangible and imagined histories as you earn college credit and prepare for your future career. Your Experiment program starts in Accra, the capital of Ghana, a modern city with ancient roots. This fascinating city of contrasts—a unique blend of traditional and contemporary art and culture—is where you will begin your 95 hours of formal internship. Deepen your understanding and immerse yourself in local culture by becoming part of a community for four weeks through your group internship, homestay, guest lectures, site visits, and community projects. Enhance your critical thinking, time management, and intercultural communication skills through an internship with a local community organization, research institution, business, or international NGO. You will also be introduced to hiplife music, media houses, and institutions across the country that highlight Ghana’s position in a hyper-globalized world.

Our Generation Voluntary Organisation offers volunteering opportunities for individuals who are under 18. The organization receives hundreds of teenagers in Ghana from around the globe every year through specially designed Under 18 Volunteer projects – High School Volunteer Abroad. These projects aim to give young adults aged 15 to 17 a perfect blend of volunteering, cultural and language immersion, skills training, and adventure activities during their summer abroad. Participants choose from a variety of volunteer abroad projects, working with a group from their school or taking local language lessons and truly immersing themselves in the local communities while contributing to critical development projects. Volunteering abroad at a young age not only helps young adults gain a better understanding of the world, its problems, and how they can be solved. Universities and employers also see it as something that sets the individual apart from other applicants.

Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country of your choice. Our Global Service Learning (GSL) program is designed for passionate middle and high school students, exposing them to various aspects, including cultural and social, of their host community. Participants not only broaden their knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of local, national, and global issues. They gain insight into the interdependency and interconnectedness of people and communities, becoming equipped to act responsibly and effectively toward a more just and peaceful world. Additionally, they develop a range of skills outside a conventional classroom environment. If you’re interested in joining our movement and becoming a global citizen, get in touch with us today for more information.

Are you a high school student, teacher, or team leader looking for a safe, affordable, and meaningful volunteer abroad program? Do you want your students to embark on a powerful journey that will inspire, challenge, and impact them deeply? The High School Volunteer Abroad Program by St. Miracle Works Educational Foundation (SMWEF) is the perfect fit for you. Since 2018, SMWEF has been offering safe, unique, and affordable volunteer opportunities in Ghana designed specifically for high school students. During the program, students stay with welcoming host families, allowing them to fully immerse in the local culture, understand key social issues, and engage in well-structured community development projects. In addition to volunteering, participants explore Ghana’s beautiful tourist destinations, combining cultural learning with adventure. This program helps students from around the world connect with underprivileged communities, empower others, share their passion for service, and return home with unforgettable memories and a broader world view.