High School Homestays Programs 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!

Share your passion for healthcare as you volunteer in community outreach activities every day alongside a local healthcare professional. Participate in educational campaigns, general health testings, malaria testing and treatment, eye screening, minor wound or skin treatments, and more. Experience living Ghana to the fullest by staying with a traditional local host family, who will welcome you into their home and introduce you to Ghanaian culture. Over the weekend, visit the Kakum Rainforest Reserve, feed wild monkeys at The Boebeng Monkey Village, or elephant watch at Mole National Park.

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.

Volunteers can make a contribution by coaching football, the most popular sport in Ghana. You will work alongside local coaches to help children develop their skills and increase their confidence as well as referee matches. Many Ghanaian kids don’t receive proper coaching; hence, they lack basic skills and understanding of the game. Plus, matches typically take place in dusty fields. As a volunteer, you will teach them how to use their raw talent more effectively. You will work with a number of schools, coaching football during lesson times and after school. You will also teach other subjects, including English, thus giving you a wider range of experience. Putting in the time, energy, and patience in this placement makes the entire experience rewarding and enjoyable for both you and the children. There’s no doubt that you will learn a thing or two as Ghanaians are passionate about sports and the country has no shortage of talent! Your presence is highly encouraging and motivating for the kids. It gives them a sense of importance knowing that you come from another country and have chosen to spend your time helping them.

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.