My placement in Ghana was an incredible learning experience, especially at Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital, where everything was very professional and well organised. From the start, the staff and master’s students were eager to teach and help me settle in, and I was able to focus on the areas that interested me most. I spent a lot of time in the drug rehabilitation centre, attending AA and NA meetings and group therapy sessions, and I also sat in on many counselling sessions with cases ranging from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to borderline personality disorder and depression. I even had the opportunity to practise Mental State Examinations, which was extremely valuable and directly related to my studies.

What stood out most was the wide range of cases psychologists in Ghana work with, which gave me broad, hands-on experience rather than just theoretical knowledge. Outside the hospital, spending evenings with the local children and exploring places like Kakum National Park made the experience even more special. This placement truly changed me and strengthened my future career goals.

From the moment I arrived in Johannesburg, I felt welcomed and safe, with clear communication from the driver and friendly staff easing my nerves. I especially loved my time at the children’s homes, where I worked closely with children and took part in meaningful programmes. I attended the South Africa Child Abuse Conference, observed and reported on Child Pregnancy Learners sessions at a secondary school, and joined a two-day workshop on teaching mental health to children aged 7–12. One of the most powerful moments was participating in the final Child Pregnancy Learners session and hearing how much the programme had impacted the girls’ lives and motivated them to continue supporting one another.

I also contributed to peer counselling sessions for students who had experienced loss and took part in GBV and school outreach programmes. Working alongside mentors like Sonya, Zanele, and Dalene helped me grow in confidence and understand trauma-informed, prevention-focused approaches. This placement inspired me to continue my education and pursue further training in counselling and mental health support, while also giving me unforgettable cultural experiences across South Africa.

My placement in Ghana was a really insightful and rewarding experience. The airport pick-up was seamless, and overall the organisation felt well run. The highlight for me was thel Psychiatric Hospital, where I was able to sit in on counselling sessions, build rapport with patients, and attend an AA meeting. I was involved with cases of drug abuse, schizophrenia, and depression, and learned about Mental State Examinations, which gave me a clear framework for how treatment begins in Ghana. The master’s students and staff were very supportive and always happy to answer questions.

I also really enjoyed my time at the Children’s Home, where we delivered presentations to the children and built positive connections, which felt meaningful for both us and them. The clinic experience was also valuable, as we learned about the day-to-day running of mental health services in Ghana.

This placement helped me understand which areas of psychology I’m most interested in and gave me experience that will support my future career, while also allowing me to experience Ghanaian culture and make great friends.

My placement in Ghana was an incredibly enriching professional and personal experience. I felt welcomed and supported from the very beginning, especially by Zazuu, whose constant availability and kindness helped me settle in quickly. The most valuable learning took place at the Psychiatric Hospital, where I worked alongside clinical psychology trainees in the outpatient department, joined ward rounds, and observed and participated in counselling sessions. I developed practical skills in clinical observation, assessment, discussing intervention plans, and drafting basic reports, which allowed me to apply my university knowledge in real clinical settings.

I also took part in school-based outreach programmes on sexual health and well-being, and even assisted with basic eye screenings during a joint outreach with the ophthalmology team. At the orphanage, I delivered psychoeducational activities on emotional regulation, coping skills, and healthy habits, and felt inspired by the supportive environment the children were growing up in. Living in Ghana also transformed my perspective on community, resilience, and human connection. This experience strengthened my motivation to pursue a career in clinical psychology and gave me skills and cultural insight that will stay with me forever.

I was nervous about travelling alone and working with strangers, but from the moment I arrived, the community made me feel completely at home. The staff were hardworking, caring, and determined to make the experience meaningful, and the volunteers supported each other every step of the way. During my placement, I helped support child victims of sexual abuse, worked on rebuilding trust through mentoring and grief counselling, and learned the psychology behind child offenders and how prevention can reduce future harm. I also delivered safe-sex education and child mental health mentoring, which showed me how important early education is in protecting children.

I attended the South African Professional Society on the Abuse of Children conference, learned about South African sexual law, and worked with both victims and offenders through community programmes. I also earned certifications in child mental health coaching and grief counselling, which will support my future career in the police force. This placement helped me focus my studies, build confidence, and see the real impact of safeguarding work. I would 100% encourage others to take part — it truly changes your life.

Returning to South Africa felt like coming home, and the welcome at the homes was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The children, mums, and staff quickly made us feel part of the family, and we built strong bonds through everyday activities, games, swimming trips, movie nights, and a fundraiser we organised to support the home. Seeing older children now at university showed the real, long-term impact the home has on their lives. Alongside this, my placement with the law firm was incredibly powerful. I worked with around 45 clients on refugee and asylum cases, conducting client interviews, drafting submissions, preparing case files, and supporting successful appeals. I was trusted with real responsibility, which built my confidence and showed me the true human impact of legal work. Listening to clients’ stories taught me the importance of empathy, careful communication, and trust.

This placement combined meaningful community engagement with hands-on professional experience, and it has strongly shaped the kind of lawyer I hope to become. I would absolutely encourage other students to take part in this life-changing opportunity.