Ghana

VPWA is a wonderful organization, filled with volunteer and internship opportunities for EVERYONE! Life in Ghana is something spectacular waiting to be experienced. During my internship with VPWA, I was able to focus on my preferenced area, as well as others. I learned to be innovative, to experience a culture much different than my own, and how to fall in love with a home away from home.

The accomodations are very well suited for westerners and the people are so supportive. I am very thankful for the time I spent there.

VPWA is a comprehensive program serving the people of Ghana. The many programs focus on the environment, poverty, micro-finance, serving children and families, health care initiaves, providing daily news on NGO happenings in Africa and many, many other programs. VPWA is completely volunteer based and people come from all over the world to support this amazing program. Under the supportive direction of the Exectutive Director, Hayford Siaw, all volunteers feel welcomes and appreciated. His focus on improving the lives of the people of Ghana should be a model for NGO's serving anywhere in the world. I am honored to be a part of this organization!

I recommend that you don't volunteer with this company. If you want to make a difference, go direct to the charity. OV and similar companies are only interested in your money.
I know for a fact that OV is involved in aggressive business practices behind the scenes. Forcing vulnerable charities to go exclusive with them, or fear being dropped entirely by them.
Where possible- contact your charity direct. I assure you they will appreciate it!

It was an amazing experience that everyone should have! The staff was supportive and warm. They were available for any questions and issues but also kept their distance in order for one to have a personal experience on their own.

The 8 weeks I spent in Ghana were by far the most amazing experience. I had a great placement and enjoyed every single minute of it. I recommend it to everyone. Its something you will remember for the rest of your life.

I had an amazing experience working in Ghana through Global Crossroads. I volunteered at the Good Shepherd Orphanage in Ofakkor for 2 1/2 weeks. I felt safe and looked out for because we were staying around other volunteers & had staff from the program checking in on us. The orphanage itself provided for a humbling, unforgettable experience. I recommend in participating in the orphanages. I recommend Global Crossroads.

I was so amazed and impressed with the efficiency and dedication of IFRE staff! I realized my flight times had changed the evening before my departure. However, Alex in Dallas quickly alleviated my anxieties and did so with exceptional character. When I contacted him at 10:30pm California time (12:30am in Texas and 5:30am in Ghana), Alex immediately put me on a conference call with Richard in Ghana. Richard answered despite it being very early in the morning and I was able to communicate my flight information directly to him. I felt very badly for contacting Alex so late and Richard so early, but they were both extremely friendly and sincere. I departed for my assignment feeling very comforted, knowing that such wonderful people are readily available to support me through my travels.
Once in Ofaakor, this dedication and kindness continued. Living arrangements were enjoyable in that volunteers shared a hostel with three other families. This allotted ample time spent interacting both with volunteers and the locals, from whom we learned a lot about the culture and lifestyle. The children living with us tirelessly taught us where to get water, how to do laundry, gave us drumming lessons, performed dances for us, and showed us where to get fanchoco, sweet rolls, and other goodies. Staff were also supportive and very accomodating. I was even able to partake in a trip to the Volta region and Cape Coast on one of my weekends.
One thing I would recommend is contacting the organization directly to get the most up to date information regarding your placement. Some of the information in the packet distributed to me by IFRE, especially the information regarding accomodations and placement were inaccurate.
Visiting Ghana was the best travel experience I've ever had because the people in Ghana were so friendly, the friendliest community of people I've ever met. I absolutely recommend volunteers to visit!

this was my first time doing something like this and I went with my daughter. I was apprehensive and ABV was available to answer my every question. They set my mind at ease and gave me as much info as needed for my trip. The staff was at the airport to meet me and accompany my daughter and myself to our destination and made us feel very safe. I was very happy with them and would use them again.

I loved my stay in Ghana with IFRE volunteers. I had a fantastic time. everyone was friendly and helpful and I would seriously recommend Ghana as a travel destination for anyone who is interested in volunteering.

Well first thing about IFRE it is one of the cheapest abroad programs out there. I had a blast there. The great thing about this program is the freedom. You volunteer during the week and on weekends or even during the week you can travel the country and check things out. food is provided regularly and if not your can go in town and get good food for very cheap. i would say ghana is probably one of the best places to go abroad. Most of the traveling will be on your own with people you bring or the people you meet there. but everything is easily done.