Volunteer Reviews
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.
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
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.
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
July 2024
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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
June 2024
READ TRAVEL STORIES FROM PAST VOLUNTEERS
Read helpful stories and detailed reviews from past volunteers
GET IN TOUCH
Fill out the quick form to see availability and eligibility.
No commitment or upfront fees – get all the info sent straight to your inbox.
