Medicine Internships in Ghana

My trip with OGVO was by far my favorite experience yet. The program did a fantastic job of taking care of every single need and want, always working to make my experience even better. My internship in a diagnostic lab was well organized and adaptable to my interests, and the members of OGVO were incredibly flexible in working around different hours based on what I wanted to work on. Communication was easy and reliable. My host family stay was extremely welcoming and fun, and I had the chance to befriend wonderful roommates. Everyone within the organization, and within Ghana in general, was extremely kind, and I made excellent connections with many different people. Accommodations were great, and every need was met and solved quickly. The weekend excursions were also a wonderful break from the week and a chance to get the tourist side of Ghana. While it took a moment to adjust after all the travel, I was, in the end, well cared for, entertained, and able to engage closely with what I was passionate about. I had a life-changing trip with OGVO, and I do not think it would have ever been the same with a different organization. Thank you, OGVO!!

My volunteer experience in Bolgatanga with Future4Africa has undoubtedly been one of the best of my life. It wasn't just volunteering; it was a profoundly transformative experience that has stayed with me for the rest of my life. From the very first moment, I felt welcomed by Samuel and his entire team. They are incredible people, always approachable, attentive, and willing to help in any way needed. Their commitment to the organization and the warmth with which they treat each volunteer make you feel like part of the family from day one. During my stay, I had the opportunity to do an internship at the Bolgatanga hospital, which was a very enriching experience. I was able to learn a great deal, get to know the local healthcare system firsthand, and collaborate, as much as possible, with the professionals there. In addition, we spent the afternoons with the children of the community, one of the most special parts of volunteering. Spending time with them, playing, learning together, and seeing their joy and energy was truly unforgettable. I felt completely safe at all times, something I consider essential when you decide to have an experience like this far from home. They were attentive to us at all times so we could relax and focus on enjoying ourselves, learning, and contributing. The work they do in the Ghanaian community is absolutely fundamental. Their impact is real and noticeable in the daily lives of the people they work with. Being part of a project like this, even for a short time, changes your perspective on the world. Without a doubt, it has been an unforgettable experience that I would recommend to anyone. I'm taking away lessons, memories, and people who will always be with me. I know for sure that in the future I would love to return to Bolgatanga and reconnect with this community and this very special team.

My global health elective with CFHI was one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of my medical training. Over the course of four weeks in Accra, Ghana, I was given the opportunity to engage deeply with healthcare delivery through a local lens, one that emphasized adaptability, resourcefulness, and community-centered care. What stood out most was CFHI’s intentional approach to ethical global health engagement. Rather than positioning students as observers detached from the system, CFHI fostered thoughtful learning grounded in humility, cultural context, and mutual respect. The clinical exposure was complemented by discussions facilitated by experienced local clinicians that challenged me to critically compare healthcare systems, reflect on structural inequities, and better understand how social determinants shape patient outcomes. Additionally, the staff and preceptors at my placement site, Princess Marie Louise Children’s hospital were exceptional. They were generous with their time, knowledge, and mentorship. They went above and beyond to ensure that learning was both clinically rich, contextual and ethically grounded. Through their guidance, I gained not only clinical insight but also a deeper appreciation for practicing medicine in settings where creativity and collaboration are essential. As someone originally from Ghana and now training in the United States, this experience was particularly meaningful. It allowed me to reconnect with my roots while also reshaping how I envision my future as a physician committed to global health, equity, and service. CFHI did not simply provide an elective; it provided a space for growth, reflection, and rediscovery of purpose. I am profoundly grateful for the scholarship support that made this experience possible and for CFHI’s commitment to responsible, immersive global health education. This elective will continue to influence how I practice medicine long after my training.

My project was very suitable and precisely what I wanted to do. I felt that the placement and my time with my program was very important and was extremely appreciated! I actually found the living arrangements, meals, and hosts exceptional and exceeded my expectations. I was not disappointed but thought I would be living in many different conditions, but was not disappointed in any sense. I have been pushing my friends and family to try this program since my arrival back home. I must confess that OGVO did well organizing my internship program. I'm grateful to all the midwives, doctors and nurses at the hospital. Truly, OGVO is the best organization to travel with and I will recommend all participants to travel with them if only they are going to Ghana.

It was a great experience, however I do think it is geared towards people with little to no work experience and did not meet all my expectations of learning something new in a new work environment. The best part was being able to practice my Spanish with my host family.

CIEE provided me with a great internship site, a clean and nice apartment in a good neighborhood, and gave me roommates who shared similar interests. The staff was extremely kind and helped me whenever I needed, and were good about checking in with me about my experiences

My global health trip to Ghana was an incredibly transformative experience. Not only did I gain valuable insights into global health, but I also underwent significant personal growth. Collaborating with a diverse group of students enhanced my teamwork and communication skills. Living and working together, I learned to appreciate the importance of compassion in healthcare, transcending cultural differences. Witnessing a range of pathologies in Ghana highlighted both the similarities and nuances in healthcare practices between regions. From severe malnutrition cases and vitamin D deficiency to complex emergencies, I deepened my understanding of medical conditions and their management. The collaborative environment allowed me to learn from experienced peers while mentoring pre-medical students, fostering a sense of unity. In the program's first week, I encountered cases of severe malnutrition, with associated psychological and developmental ramifications. Week two brought exposure to emergency cases, shedding light on resource constraints and the critical role of medical practitioners. Notable observations included meconium aspiration, Edwards syndrome, and various surgical procedures. Week three's experiences included insights into medical education dynamics and the diverse roles of healthcare professionals. Week four delved into the complex social aspects of reproductive healthcare and anxiety stemming from traumatic birth experiences. Exploring the limitations of pain control during childbirth underscored the challenges faced by local obstetric units. Overall, my time in Ghana expanded my medical knowledge, honed my interpersonal skills, and reinforced the universality of compassion in healthcare. The exposure to diverse pathologies and healthcare systems was invaluable, leaving a lasting impact on my understanding of global health.

I think there's problems here and there with cleanliness of dorms and location choices, but overall I had a very positive experience. The staff and program as a whole I felt was a very worthwhile opportunity.

My CIEE internship in Barcelona, Spain is a great experience not just academically but also personally. I have learned so much about myself during these months and building connections is so important in life.

This program was amazing! The staff and faculty are always willing to help with anything. Whether it's about your internship placement or advice for fun adventures in the city, the staff is there for you. This program has great opportunities to grow as a student and a professional in your field. The field trips and activities in this program allowed us to take our learning outside and explore a new culture. I couldn't recommend this program enough!

CIEE is very well-staffed and they do everything they can to make sure you have the best experience possible. Everyone is friendly, the rules and guidelines are laid out for you, and the excursions CIEE plans are a blast!!

I have had a great experience, it is organized and comes at a good cost. The staff on-site is very supportive and helpful (as well as Brooke in Portland), but we had an emergency situation and the Portland higher-ups didn't handle it well, nor did anyone answer the emergency number provided to us.

It was a great program. I would really only recommend it for an internship because I think you get the most out of it that way. I was going to study abroad I'd rather do it at a local university where I'm studying. My only complaint is that the whole CIEE experience isn't tailored very well to internships, and a lot of things conflict with work. It feels like the intern students are an afterthought, which I understand because most people are studying here.