Physiotherapy Internship in Ghana

Gain physiotherapy work experience by learning directly from qualified physiotherapists at a hospital in Ghana

Destination

Ghana

Age

16+ y/o

Minimum Stay

2 weeks

Start Date

Anytime

Accommodation

Homestay

What’s included

Accommodation & Amenities

Clean, safe, and welcoming accommodation. A home away from home with comfortable amenities.

24/7 Support

Round-the-clock support on the ground and 24/7 back up from our global teams.

Transportation

To and from the airport, plus everything in between. Daily transport to your placement and back.

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Starting at €2,245 for 2 weeks

Flexible 0% Interest payments
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Trip Overview

Gain physiotherapy experience

Work alongside experienced physiotherapists in Accra or the Akuapem Hills, observing treatments and learning about various conditions.

Learn about global health

Gain valuable insights into physiotherapy practices in Ghana, working in hospitals and rehabilitation centres, sharing your knowledge from back home.

Contribute to patient care

Assist with patient care, teach parents exercises for children with special needs, and help improve the lives of local people.

Immerse yourself in a new culture

Live with a welcoming host family, enjoy traditional Ghanaian cuisine, and explore the varied cityscapes and natural beauty of Ghana.

Build upon your own skills

Grow your observation, communication, and patient interaction skills, broadening your understanding of physiotherapy in a global context.

What you need to know

Overview

Our Physiotherapy placements in Ghana are for you if you’re interested in gaining physiotherapy work experience in a hospital and rehabilitation centre. You’ll learn from experienced physiotherapists by observing them, and they’ll help you build your practical knowledge of physiotherapy.

This is a different and exciting way to build your CV and help yourself stand out in university or job applications and interviews. It will give you interesting points to talk about and show your interest in healthcare challenges in developing countries.

You don’t need any experience to join, as your work is strictly observational. However, depending on your qualifications and experience, you will be permitted to assist if your supervising physiotherapist allows it.

The project runs throughout the year, and we recommend that you stay as long as possible to maximise your learning experience and discover the local culture in more depth.

Projects Abroad staff are also available to help you and ensure that you have a memorable time on your Physiotherapy internship in Ghana.

A Day in the Life

A typical day will start off with breakfast with your host family. You will then use public transport to get to your placement, using either a minibus or a shared taxi. You will be shown how to do this during your induction with Projects Abroad staff.

Your work days will run from 8 am to 2 pm, and you’ll have morning and afternoon sessions. During these sessions, you’ll sit on consultations with patients who’ve been referred for physiotherapy treatment. You’ll also observe physiotherapists doing exercise therapy, electrotherapy, and posture management. You’ll see patients with various conditions, from post-medical complications to musculoskeletal conditions.

Your level of involvement is dependent on your level of experience and studies.

In the evenings and over weekends, you’ll be able to relax, explore Cape Coast, and spend time with your host family.

Aims & Impact

The main aim of this internship is to encourage an understanding of medical practices and promote an exchange of medical knowledge. We want you to learn as much as you can in Ghana, while sharing medical knowledge from your home country.

In Ghana, access to professional physiotherapy treatment can be limited. Standards of healthcare in general can vary greatly throughout the country, and are especially lacking in rural, disadvantaged areas. In addition, physiotherapists have limited resources and equipment. Often, they need to be creative and explore alternative treatment methods.

You will learn all about these methods from the physiotherapists you’ll observe in a regional hospital. If you have previous experience and training, you can assist with patients if permitted.

We have outlined several goals in our Medical Management Plan for Ghana. These goals are:

Encourage an understanding of medical practices and promote an exchange of medical knowledge
Promote awareness of non-communicable diseases
Improve access to basic healthcare for disadvantaged groups
Improve hygiene standardsJoin us on a Physiotherapy internship in Ghana, and build your practical medical knowledge while working with experienced local physiotherapists.

Activities

You will observe physiotherapists and medical staff in hospitals and rehabilitation centres as they treat patients. Here are just some of the things you can do:

Observe physiotherapists and medical staff as they work with children and adults

Exchange knowledge with local staff and students

Help staff teach parents how to care for and help children with special needs

Your work will be split into three main areas:

Observe physiotherapists and medical staff as they work with children and adults

You will gain physiotherapy work experience in Ghana by observing local staff as they work to help disadvantaged people or those with special needs. Ask questions, take notes, and make comparisons between physiotherapy practices in your home country and in Ghana.

You’ll see patients affected with conditions and illnesses that include:

Musculoskeletal conditions
Neurological conditions
Post-medical complications
Post-surgery management
Orthopaedic-related conditions
Pediatric conditions
Pain management
Club foot management

Exchange knowledge with local staff and students

Share what you do know about physiotherapy with local staff, not only to fill the gaps in your knowledge, but also to give physiotherapists an insight into the practices of your home country. This will help give you a deeper insight into Ghana’s healthcare system and procedures.

Help staff teach parents how to care for and help children with special needs

Some of our Physiotherapy placements in Ghana are focused on equipping parents of special needs children with the knowledge to care for their children. You will assist staff as they teach parents exercises, stretches, or games. They can then use these methods at home to keep their children active, improve their posture, and help with their balance. This will help families play a bigger role in the lives of their children.

Map & Location

Formerly called The Gold Coast, Ghana became an independent nation in 1957, and the first African country colonised by Europeans to achieve independence under majority rule. Still famed for gold and cocoa production, it’s a treasure trove of cultural and natural experiences.

Explore lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and golden beaches or get stuck in to the lively music and dance scene. With a rich mix of languages and traditions, its people are known for their warmth and hospitality.

Accra

Accra, the capital of Ghana, is a lively city on the Atlantic coast with a population of over two million. This sprawling metropolis blends modern skyscrapers with historic landmarks, artisan markets, and beautiful beaches. It has a tropical savannah climate with hot temperatures all year.

Accra is culturally rich, with traditional drumming and dance performances alongside an energetic nightlife and thriving arts scene. More than half of the population is under 24, so it’s never short of excitement!

Akuapem Hills

About 90 minutes north of the capital, Accra, lie the quiet and tropical Akuapem Hills. Known for their lush greenery, cocoa farms, and charming villages with traditional architecture, the hills are a perfect escape from city living.

You’ll never feel more welcomed than in the heart of the Ghanaian countryside and you’ll have access to all the essential amenities. Plus, Accra is well within reach for a day trip if needed!

Food & Accommodation

Immediately feel at home with a supportive and welcoming local host family. We’ve vetted each family to guarantee you get everything you need for a wonderful stay. This includes a comfortable bed, three daily meals, fresh drinking water, and daily transport to and from your placement, arranged by our team.

Your host family’s home will be clean, safe, and secure, and they will welcome you as one of their own from the moment you arrive. Absorb the local culture, enjoy their incredible home-cooked food, and build a lifelong connection during the course of your stay.

You’ll stay with other Projects Abroad participants on your travels. If you share a room, we will match you with someone of the same gender and age. Whether you go it alone or with friends, you’ll have the time of your life.

Your Arrival Made Easy

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Ghana Arrival Procedures page.