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Preparing Young People For Court Left a Lasting Impression
My time in South Africa was one of the best experiences I’ve had, full of warmth, smiles, and unforgettable moments. The support from the staff and the incredible spirit of the local community made every day meaningful.

Volunteering included court preparation work with children and families, supporting small groups at a local school, and attending special events like Women’s Day celebrations. Preparing young people for court and hearing their stories left a lasting impression, it was both the most educational and the most life-changing part of the experience. I also had the opportunity to talk to forensic investigators and review real case studies, gaining a powerful insight into the legal process.

This journey taught me to stay open, flexible, and deeply grateful. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best ways, and it’s an experience I’ll always carry with me.
Anvika Ramachandran
Baylor University

Psychology & Criminology Volunteer in South Africa

August 2024
This Journey Shaped Me Both Personally and Professionally
Arriving for my first solo trip, I had no idea what to expect, but looking back, I’m so glad I took the leap. Those first few days were a real adjustment, but the kindness of the people, the vibrant atmosphere, and the simple joy of shared dinners quickly made it feel like home.

Volunteering was incredibly meaningful, I had the chance to work on life-changing legal cases and see firsthand the resilience and strength of so many people. Every day brought something new, whether it was helping someone with asylum paperwork or hiking to breathtaking waterfalls.

The experience wasn’t just about the work, it was about building friendships, discovering a new city, and learning how capable I really am. It’s hard to put into words how much this journey shaped me, both personally and professionally. I’ll always treasure the memories and the people who made it so special.
Callum Morgan
Bournemouth University

Law & Human Rights in South Africa

June 2024
Life-Changing Experience in Ghana
Volunteering in Ghana as part of the psychology and mental health program was a life-changing experience. I worked in both the Psychiatric Hospital and the local Hospital, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience. I had the opportunity to attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings, sit in on counselling sessions, and interact directly with patients dealing with mental health issues, including delusions. The staff were incredibly welcoming and supportive, and the psychologist at the local Hospital, Justice, taught me so much.

Working with children was also a highlight. We gave presentations on overcoming anxiety and helped specific children through one-on-one sessions. The freedom to explore different areas of the hospitals allowed me to tailor my experience to my interests.

Outside of work, I enjoyed exploring Ghana’s beautiful landscapes and historic sites, including Cape Coast and Accra. The entire experience has been impactful, and I’ve shared it in job interviews since returning home.
Constance Burkham
University of Glasgow

Psychology Volunteer in Ghana

August 2024
Learning About the Criminal Justice System 
Volunteering in Ghana was a unique and eye-opening experience that offered me both personal and professional growth. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by both the locals and the staff on my programmee. Working with such a small, dedicated team impressed me, and I was able to learn a lot about the justice system through hands-on experiences. I particularly enjoyed the field trips, which included visits to four prisons, discussions with lawyers, and insightful briefings with police officers. These experiences allowed me to deeply engage with the criminal justice system in Ghana and compare it to the UK.

The placement not only broadened my understanding of global justice issues but also helped me develop practical employability skills. I participated in the production of documentaries highlighting prisoners’ stories, which was both eye-opening and educational. Outside of work, I explored the beautiful country, visiting national landmarks and meeting welcoming people, which made my time in Ghana unforgettable.
Max Bowen
University of Leicester

Criminology & Law Volunteer in Ghana

July 2024

Max’s Story

Working with the Children was a Highlight
My volunteer placement in Ghana was a rewarding and educational experience. The hospitals offered valuable insight into how mental health treatment is approached across different cultures, which was fascinating to observe. I worked in the men’s acute units and rehabilitation wards at the Psychiatric Hospital, and provided psycho-education and counseling to patients, including one needing induced labor. Though there was more shadowing than I anticipated, the opportunity to be involved in real cases was deeply impactful.

Working in the orphanage was the highlight of my trip. Building relationships with the children was truly rewarding, and I only wish I had more time there. The other volunteers and the local team, especially Albert, made the experience even more memorable. Ghana’s rich culture and beautiful landscape were a joy to explore on weekends, adding to the overall experience. I’d recommend this program to those seeking to observe and learn in a unique and meaningful setting.
Megan Sullivan
Cambridge University

Psychology Volunteer in Ghana

July 2024
Hands-on Clinical Experience & Cultural Immersion
My volunteer placement in Jaipur, India, was an incredibly fulfilling and enriching experience from the very start. At the hospital, I worked in the psychiatric ward, conducting case history assessments, contributing to treatment plans, and supporting patients with mental health disorders and addiction. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team gave me valuable insights into holistic patient care. Additionally, I had the privilege of working with orphaned children, offering emotional support and organizing activities, which was a profoundly fulfilling experience.

Adjusting to life in Jaipur took some adaptability, but the warmth of the community made it easier. The city’s rich culture, historic sites, and the hospital’s dedication to care inspired me throughout my stay. Exploring Jaipur on weekends added a vibrant cultural dimension to my time there. Overall, the hands-on clinical experience, combined with cultural immersion, made this placement deeply enriching, both professionally and personally. I would definitely encourage my friends and university peers to participate in this placement.
Aparna Nair
Nottingham Trent University

Psychology Volunteer in India

July 2024
A Transformative Experience & Real-World Insight
Volunteering in South Africa was a transformative experience that gave me real-world insight into criminology and psychology. Working with the team in South Africa, I focused on gender-based violence (GBV) and witnessed the incredible impact of their work, from visiting a safe house to learning about the diversion program. A highlight was participating in a court preparation day with children, where I observed how therapeutic activities, like working with dogs, helped them feel more at ease.

Field trips were equally impactful, including a visit to a mental health house and engaging with the local community to raise awareness. Meeting Paula at a police station opened my eyes to the work I want to pursue in the future. I also took part in networking for event planning and saw how the programs connected directly to my university studies.

Beyond the work, I made lasting memories exploring South Africa’s vibrant culture and natural beauty, from safari trips to beach days. I highly recommend this experience!
Lyndsey Irvine
University of Leicester

Psychology & Criminology Volunteer in South Africa

July 2024
Invaluable Practical Experience
I came into the psychology and mental health program in Ghana with an open mind, excited to meet new people and get started. The practical experience I gained was invaluable, particularly shadowing psychologists at the Psychiatric Hospital. I found it fascinating to observe cases involving drug misuse, addiction, and mental health disorders, which gave me deep insights into how psychiatric care operates in Ghana compared to the UK. Visiting the rehab centre and attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings twice a week were some of the most impactful moments for me, as hearing patients’ stories was truly heart-touching.

I also had the chance to try new foods and explore Ghana’s rich culture through trips to places like Kakum National Park and Elmina Castle. Overall, this experience helped me realise that I want to pursue clinical psychology, and I would highly recommend this program to others.
Dana Hamam
St Mary’s University

Psychology Volunteer in Ghana

June 2024
I Learnt a lot about Mental Health Care in Ghana
My experience volunteering in Ghana with the psychology and mental health program was incredibly rewarding. I had the opportunity to shadow psychologists at various hospitals, where I learned a lot about mental health care in Ghana. I observed cases ranging from schizophrenia to substance-induced psychosis, which gave me practical insights into diverse mental health conditions. The Psychiatric hospital was particularly interesting, as we spent time in both clinical and rehab areas, shadowing sessions with patients.

Although the work was more shadowing than hands-on, I still felt I gained valuable experience, especially at the Kids Home, where I connected with the children. This made me consider a future career working with kids. The accommodation was comfortable, and we enjoyed weekend trips to Accra and Cape Coast. I would highly recommend this program, particularly to those looking to explore the mental health field while immersing themselves in a new culture.
Christina Russo
University of St Andrews

Psychology Volunteer in Ghana

June 2024
Eye-Opening Experience and Lifelong Memories
Volunteering in Ghana was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of both criminal justice and humanitarian work. Working in Ghana gave me valuable insights into Ghana’s criminal justice system. The staff I worked with were incredibly welcoming, and I felt inspired by their passion for criminal justice and humanitarian issues.

My most impactful experiences included field visits, such as interviews at the Awutu Open Camp Prison, Legal Aid Commission Headquarters, and a rural village outreach. These visits allowed me to understand the challenges within the justice system and how reform and rehabilitation efforts are carried out in Ghana. Participating in community outreach programs allowed me to connect with Ghanaians on a personal level and see the meaningful impact of the work we were doing. Overall, this placement broadened my world perspective and helped me develop practical skills, all while exploring Ghana’s rich culture and history.

These experiences not only broadened my knowledge but also fueled my passion for social justice. I left the program with a greater understanding of different legal systems, a sense of fulfilment, and lifelong memories of Ghana’s vibrant culture.
Rebecca Prado
Griffith University

Criminology & Law Volunteer in Ghana

June 2024

Rebecca’s Story