FAQs

What makes Abusua Volunteer and Internship Services (AVIS) different?
Because Abusua is a small organisation, and we only have 8-10 volunteers at any one time participating in AVIS, we can offer a personalised service that many big placement organisations cannot. We are also only focused on the Cape Coast area, and that allows our interns to take full advantage of our close ties with the community here.

What makes an AVIS placement unique?
We recruit qualified and interesting volunteers and interns and are equally selective about our partner organisations. This means that when we create a placement, we have already taken the time to make sure the fit is right between you and your host. Also, because we never place more than 2 volunteers together, you will get the most out of your volunteer experience.

What type of volunteer are you looking for?
We are looking for bright, adventurous and independent people. You will always have the safety net of Abusua Foundation while you are here, but we try to make that as non-intrusive as possible. We want our interns to feel free to make connections on their own, and not feel like they are just visitors in Cape Coast but part of the community.

What are the fees and what do they include?
We charge $120 a week for all our placement programmes. For placements 6 weeks and under there is a flat fee of $720. The programme fee covers accommodation and utilities, programme administration costs, daily breakfast and dinner, airport pick-up, 24/7 emergency support and orientation in Cape Coast. There is an initial confirmation fee of $500 to secure the placement (more information below).

Is there a confirmation fee?
We require confirmation all placements through a confirmation fee sent no later than 1 month after your acceptance by AVIS. The confirmation fee for all placements is $500, and is non-refundable. We use a portion of this fee to give an in-kind donation to your host organisation.

Why are your fees much cheaper than other placement NGOs?
We can offer some of the cheapest volunteer placements and internships in Ghana because the bulk of our budget comes from funding for our development projects. We can keep the costs low for you the volunteer because we only need you to cover your own expenses and that of your placement, not the overheads of the organisation.

What does Abusua Foundation do in addition to AVIS?
We implement youth development projects aimed at giving Ghanaian youth a voice through media and human rights education. Currently we are being funded by the Open Society Institute for West Africa (OSIWA) and the German Development Service (DED).

What happens if I don't like my placement?
We are here to help, and if there are any problems with your placement we will help you work through them with your partner organisation. If a resolution cannot be met then we will re-assign you to a new placement, as needed.

Where do I live?
For Cape Coast placements all volunteers are housed in the Abusua Foundation House, located in a village on the University of Cape Coast campus. The house has 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a living room, kitchen, dining room, and terrace. There is electricy and pipe borne water. Daily breakfast and dinner is prepared by our House Manager, and volunteers live 1-2 to a room (depending on availability).

For Takoradi placements, 1-2 volunteers live in a homestay with a Ghanaian-Dutch family. They are also provided daily food, and are frequently driven to and from work. Volunteers live on the second floor of the house and have their own rooms and shared bathroom facilities. There is electricity and pipe borne water.

What happens if I get sick?
We're here to provide you with 24/7 emergency assistance during your stay. This may include accompanying you to nearby clinics and laboratories for out-patient care, or in emergencies to Central Regional Hospital. We recommend that volunteers take out a plan with the West African Rescue Association www.westafrican-rescue.com, which provides ambulance services, medevac, and has reputable clinics in Accra and Takoradi. We highly recommend that you take out medical insurance that covers ambulatory services and medical evacuation as standard.

Do you host or organise programmes for groups or institutions?
Yes, we are able to plan and host placements for institutions or universities. In the past we have hosted the North Carolina University in 2007 (Fall) and 2008 (Summer). We have also hosted students on the Work the World medical programme (summer of 2006).

Do you have any references from previous volunteers/interns?
We maintain a list of past participants who will be happy to discuss their experiences with you. Please contact us at info@abusuafoundation.net for details.

When is my placement fee due?
Your placement fee is due 30 business days prior to your arrival.

Do I have to raise money for AVIS beyond my placement fee?
No this is not a requirement. However you are encouraged to raise money for Abusua Foundation and the specific project that you will be taking part in before you come.  Not only will this help raise awareness in your own community about your particular cause, but it will also help educate those around you regarding different global realities.

If you do decide to fundraise be sure to record the names and addresses of your donors.  For every donation over $100 we will be sure to send you home with a special "Thank You" package for your donor (s).

What if my area of interest is not mentioned here?
If you have an area of interest that is not on this list, please don’t hesitate to contact us. While we can’t offer any guarantees, we are happy to do some research and see if we can find a reliable, local organisation that fits with your interests.

Can I obtain academic credit for my volunteer work with The Abusua Foundation?
Depending on your institution it is possible that you will be able to receive credit for your work with us. We are happy to provide evaluations and progress reports as required by specific academic programs. Please consult your department head for further details on the specific programs available at your school.

Do I require a visa?
Unless you are from a country that is a member of ECOWAS, you will likely require a visa prior to your arrival in Ghana. The Abusua Foundation cannot apply for visas on your behalf and urges all volunteers to research their specific situation earlier, rather than later. However, we are happy to provide you with a letter of introduction describing your status as a volunteer with us, and the length of your stay.

Does Abusua Foundation pay for my flight?
Your airfare is not included.  Ghana has one International Airport (Kotoka International Airport) in the capital city, Accra, which is serviced by Delta, British Airways, KLM, Alitalia, South African Airlines, Lufthansa and Ethiopian Airlines among others.

Does Abusua Foundation provide me with health/travel insurance?
The Abusua Foundation does not provide its volunteers with health or travel insurance. The Foundation strongly urges all volunteers to purchase health or travel insurance and takes no responsibility for a volunteer’s decision not to purchase such protection against loss or any fatality.

More questions? Download our Orientation Document from "forms and documents" or email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@abusuafoundation.net