Sports Psychology Internship in Ghana, Accra
As a largely unexplored discipline in Ghana, sports psychology is an area in which self motivated and passionate sports enthusiasts will be able to make an instant and dramatic impact. Using your knowledge of Sports Psychology, and applying the relevant theories to your chosen sport, you can have a positive impact on the development of both teams and individual players on this fascinating placement.
Teshie, Accra, Ghana
This internship requires you to participate for a minimum of 4 weeks. We believe an 8 week position will give both you and the athletes a lot more value. We will also need a CV from you showing at least 2 years relevant experience (ideal for university students needing a placement experience after year two of their degree course).
Sports Psychology in Ghana
Although sub-Saharan Africa is renowned for its sporting passion and its raw-talent is recognised worldwide, African nations are often hindered in their development by a lack of funding and a lack of focus. Discipline and commitment are often not sufficiently high to fulfil the phenomenal potential that regularly lies dormant in the disadvantaged communities. Goal-setting and mental preparation are ideas that are as yet unexplored and regularly results in early ambition fading into indifference. However, with the assistance of dedicated volunteers, things can change, with your role is to convert constructive criticism into sporting success.
This project is ideal for psychologists with a particular interest in sport as well as undergraduates working on university dissertation projects. You will be given an excellent platform from which to further your knowledge by working with top-level sportspeople or young African talent. This is a great opportunity for self-motivated and adventurous individuals to work in a niche area of sports development.
Your Sport Psychology Placement
The sports psychology placement is intended for volunteers who already have an academic or professional grounding in the subject. This could be a qualification such as degree-level Sports Psychology, Sports Science or another related subject. You could even use your time in Ghana to prepare a project or dissertation as part of your studies. Because psychological analysis in Ghanaian sport is a relatively new concept, experts in the field are a rarity, therefore volunteers must be independent and self-motivated to make a mark on the profession as you will be required to work independently and will subsequently get out as much from the placement as you are willing to put in. Your contribution could prove to be a unique and immensely valuable one in the progression of Ghanaian sport, as psychology in a sports environment is relatively un-heard of and misunderstood.
Your Sport Psychology Role
With the variety of sporting links we have throughout Ghana, you can be placed in the environment that best suits you. This ranges from Premier League football clubs to small local basketball teams and youth tennis clinics, and you are not limited to just one position, as you will have the option to rotate between a number of sports disciplines and environments. Participants in the sport psychology placement can let us know what they want to do before departure and a preliminary itinerary can be drawn up to cover these interests.
During your stay in Ghana, you will have the opportunity to work closely with a local football academy. This will give you the opportunity monitor the attitudes and progress of the academy players. As many aspire to be professional players in the future, they will be very receptive to any contributions you can make to their self-confidence, motivation and general understanding of the game. You will also be invited to run school classes on match-preparation and life-styling. You might want to deal with the whole team or, alternatively, work intensely with a small group of players. Either way, you will find that your relationship with these talented and ambitious boys will develop into a strong and lasting bond.
In addition to your exposure to the some top youth players, you will also have the opportunity to discuss your ideas and methods with the resident coaches, who would be happy to share their experience with you. They will also be a valuable source of information in coming to understand the character of African attitudes and cultural habits.
University Dissertations and Tailored Sport Psychology Placements in Ghana
If you are a student in a sports psychology, sports science or similar course and are able to use part of your studies to gain hands-on experience, we can make a programme that suits your needs. Furthermore, if you are already qualified, it is a perfect opportunity to gain the sought-after experience all professional employers look for. A sports psychology placement in Ghana is the ideal opportunity to gain an insight into the role of sport in the community, as well as gain a greater cultural understanding of sports development in developing nations.
International Sports Psychology Development Programme
By joining one of our sports psychology internships abroad you may be selected to join our International Sports Psychology Development Programme. Its aim is to provide ongoing sustainable input for both athletes at a grassroots to professional level whilst ensuring our sports psychologists have relevant continuous professional development.
Executed through our partnership with practising and professional sports psychologists you will be provided resources, mentorship and a framework to deliver effective sports psychology across multiple areas. This combined effort helps serve an often overlooked or privileged area of sports development whilst building a community of professionals that can share and contribute in a positive way to help athletes reach their potential on and off the field.
Criminal Records Check
We require you to complete a criminal records check in order to take part in this experience. We can accept those that have been done in the last two years if you have the certificate. In the UK it can be done through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in the USA further details can be found on Travel.State.Gov, otherwise please search for your local service provider. We may also request a reference from a reliable source. You must supply these to us before departure and also take a copy with you to present to the in-country team.
Why do we require a criminal background check?
1) Ensuring a safe environment is conducive to learning, productivity and overall positive experiences for everyone involved.
2) We implement thorough screening processes and we are committed to safety and integrity, fostering trust among participants and the local community.
3) Conducting background checks serves as a preventive measure, deterring individuals with questionable backgrounds from attempting to participate in our programme.
4) Safeguards vulnerable people from potential harm within the programme.
You can arrive on any first or third weekend of a month to start activities on a Monday. Please try to arrive on a Sunday into Accra. We’ll pick you up from the airport and take you back to the accommodation to settle you in and meet the rest of the team.
Please note that some national holidays may cause disruption to normal sessions but our in-country team will do their best to support activities around this.
Visa
Most visitors to Ghana will require a visa to enter. We suggest you apply for a tourist visa and we will supply you with all the required information once you have booked. You can check your visa requirements by visiting the Ghana High Commission website. Please search online for details.
Everyone will also require a yellow fever vaccination to enter Ghana and a certificate to prove you have had this. We also highly advise getting malaria tablets. You should contact your doctor to discuss this further.
Optional Teaching in Ghana
In addition to your placement role, you will have the opportunity to teach classes, or assist in teaching classes, in one of the sports academies or schools based in Accra. This will give you another impacting experience while allowing you to make a difference outside the world of sport. With a western education, you will be able to contribute massively to the standard of tuition that the students receive. Subject areas include English (language and literature), math, science, journalism, business, IT, RE and a whole variety of extra-curricular activities.
Other Options in Ghana
It is likely that there will be a whole variety of other activities you can get involved with while you are away. Because we have focused in-country teams, they will be able to inform you of other opportunities both inside and outside the capital. This gives you a unique chance to combine projects and experience the country in a whole variety of ways.
Equipment Donation for Ghana
We are dedicated to sustainable development. This is why part of the fee you pay goes towards buying decent equipment for beneficiary organisations in Ghana. You will often use this equipment during your project and it is always left with the community when you leave. In some cases, an equipment donation may not be appropriate so a financial contribution is made instead.
Social Life in Ghana
Our social life is unrivalled and we believe it is important to give volunteers the chance to unwind and have fun while they are away. Our in-country team therefore organises a variety of activities to bring volunteers together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time. Some of these activities include visits to the best night spots, group meals, trips away and sports teams where you can to take on local competition.
Akpateshi FC
If you fancy a game of footy while you are away, or simply enjoy the social side of football, you should join our volunteer team, Akpateshi FC. This gives you the chance to play alongside the other volunteers and challenge some serious African opposition. However, although the team has a competitive edge, the emphasis is on the social side of football and is aptly named after the locally brewed bush whiskey! If you play in the team, or simply become a supporter, you will soon see why Akpateshi FC is so renowned for its unpredictable matches and fiery social life.
Travel and Adventure in Ghana
You will be encouraged to explore Ghana during your free time so you can sample some of its breathtaking sights and meet some of Africa’s friendliest people. The capital, Accra, is full of great places to visit and you will meet both locals and other travellers at a variety of bars and restaurants that provide authentic African live music and dancing. There are also a large number of western-style pubs and clubs, including an Irish Bar, an American Sports Bar and a series of dance-venues very close to where you are living. And, if you fancy a football experience to remember, then prepare yourself for watching Hearts of Oak at the National Stadium where the locals wave flags, blow horns and dance on the roofs of the terraces!
Beyond Accra, there are countless places to visit. You could take a Sunday pleasure-cruise on Lake Volta (the biggest man-made lake in Africa) or you might want to visit the history-laden slave castles of Cape Coast and Elmina. You may want to take a walk on the wild side with the elephants at Mole National Park or spot tropical birds in the rainforest canopy at Kakum National Park. Then there is the 60-metre-high Wli waterfalls, the Buabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (where monkeys are preserved as ‘sacred’ creatures!) and the endless palm-tree beaches lining the Atlantic coastline! The captivating places, intriguing people and diverse landscapes will make Ghana one of the most enlightening experiences a traveller could wish for. Our in-country team will also help you build a travelling itinerary and give you plenty of advice on how to make your way through the country.
Accommodation
The accommodation is basic but comfortable and you will stay in a dormitory style room. The accommodation has a very sociable atmosphere and you will find it a great place to relax and unwind in the evenings. The accommodation is also centrally located to the placements. Shops and other useful amenities are either a short walk or taxi ride away.
Accommodation
Communal House; Basic but comfortable; Dormitory style rooms (4-10 people per room); Shared toilets and showers.
Food
3 meals a day; Basic but nutritious local foods
Airport Pick-Up
Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you are arriving early.
Training
Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.
Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.
Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Payment for transport to / from placement; Laundry service; Soft drinks and alcohol; Extra activities not on itinerary.
Preferred Duration
Interns should try to come for as long as possible preferably for 8 or 12 weeks. This ensures better management of the placement and also helps you get the most from the social activities and group travel opportunities on offer.
Typical Hours
Monday-Friday; 3-5 hours a day; This placement is for self motivated sport psychologists with participants being able to put in as many hours as they want. Please be aware that some public holidays may cause disruption to times / days during your placement.
Pre-requisites
Participants will need to be undertaking, or have taken, a psychology based degree with a keen interest in sport. Participants will need to have completed there first year of their degree qualification and have an idea of what they are aiming to achieve from the placement, which research aims and objectives, so that we create the right placement. Participants will need to be self motivated to achieve their goals, as this is an independent learning placement although you will be supported throughout.
Ideal For
Sport Psychology Work Experience in Ghana; Post-degree Psychology Placement; University Electives and Dissertations; Sports Travel in Ghana.
Suitable for ages 20 to 80
Most participants are between 20 and 25, so please be aware of this. We do welcome older people because of the value and experience they bring to the community.
We generally recommend that our participants are at least 18 years old when they volunteer on our projects in Ghana. However, we are happy to accept those who are 16 or 17 years old, provided we receive written consent from a parent or guardian. If you are on an internship we may require you to be at least 20, so check the details against the trip. Please contact one of our friendly Travel Advisors for more information.
We provide you with 3 meals a day (a mix of Ghanaian and some western food).
Breakfast: usually Milo, tea or coffee with bread/toast and spreads, and fruit.
Lunch: sandwiches, wraps, pasta, salads.
Dinner: rice dishes, meat, beans, chicken, beef and fish, plantain.
You will also be offered some traditional local dishes such as Fufu (fermented cassava), Banku and Kenke which are often accompanied by a sauce or relish mixed with more recognisable beef or chicken and rice. Also dishes such as Red Red, kelewele, plantain and groundnut soup are a favourite among our participants.
Water is treated and supplied at the accommodation but when out you will need to buy water sachets or bottles, which are very cheap.
Although basic, the accommodation is comfortable and you will find it very easy to relax after your day’s activities. You will live alongside the other travellers and our in-country team. This makes for a very safe, fun and extremely social environment. You will be staying in a dorm room of 2-8 people and will eat most of your meals together. Private rooms are available on request and for an extra charge.
Amenities
Communal area for socialising and relaxing.
For internet access we recommend getting a local sim card with a data bundle. We will help you arrange this.
Various shopping options for basic everyday items such as snacks and drinks, toiletries, SIM cards, phone credit and international phone cards.
Clothes washing can be done using the traditional hand wash. You can either do this yourself with the materials provided, or for a charge our in-country staff will be happy to wash and fold your clothes for you!
We recommend purchasing a Ghanaian SIM card on arrival to make phone-calls home, as these will be charged at a cheaper rate and you can track your expenses on a pay-as-you-go tariff. WhatsApp is also a good app to have on your phone and just uses your data bundle or it’s free when accessing WIFI.
If you are travelling as a couple there may be an option to book a private room at an extra fee. However, this depends on availability at the time of your trip. Individuals will be expected to share in a male/female dormitory. We may be able to arrange a private room at a local guest house, so please ask one of our friendly Travel Advisors for more info.
The accommodation is very safe and valuables can be locked in the safety deposit boxes. During the day there are staff around to manage the facilities.
You can expect to work for approx. 2 – 4 hours per day in total on your volunteer project or 4 – 6 hours for internship placements, weather and schedule permitting.
Volunteering times will vary throughout the week, depending on local needs. Additionally, you can do more if you want and we have a range of other activities that may interest you so talk with the in-country team if you would like to fill out your time more. Alternatively, a lot of participants like to visit various areas of the city, chill out on the beach or relax in the posh hotels!
As a volunteer or intern on our projects in Accra you will work during the day Monday to Friday, with some evening and weekend commitments depending on your chosen project. Most evenings and weekends will be free for social activities and additional travel. If you require a few days off around the weekends for additional travel our team can be flexible and assist you with your travel plans.
In most situations you will be supporting local teachers and sports coaches. However, when you feel ready you will have the opportunity to run your own sessions. If you feel more comfortable, you can also run sessions alongside another volunteer.
You do not require any specific qualifications or experience to take part, unless we have already specified this in the pre-requisites of the trip. However, we do recommend that you have a keen interest in your chosen activity. Enthusiasm for the project is the most important element of it!
During your first couple of days you will receive a local orientation of Accra, and an induction to welcome you onto your project/placement. You will not only receive a great welcome, but you will also have a chance to settle in and get to know the others in your group. Please also rest assured that if you are the only person visiting at the time, then our in-country team will make that extra fuss of you and help you get the most from the experience. You will then receive 24 hour support from our in-country team.
You will have your evenings free after your placement, as well as your weekends, where you will be free to explore the city and take part in some awesome social activities. If required, our in-country team will arrange some interesting excursions and social activities for your group during your free time, and you are welcome to explore locally and further afield, including:
• Cape Coast: slave castles and Kakum canopy walk.
• Lake Volta
• Wli Waterfalls
• Mole National Park
• Jamestown: Ghanaian culture and Jamestown lighthouse.
You can arrive in Accra on any weekend of the year, with a Sunday being preferred. You will be picked up from Accra Kotoka International Airport (ACC) and taken to the accommodation. Note that you should only leave the airport with a member of our in-country staff. They will be holding a sign for you to recognise.
Participants will be arriving at various times throughout the weekend. Therefore, the induction will normally start on the Monday, when you will have a full briefing of the trip.
You should book your departure flight for the end date of your project, unless you are independently travelling after. This will fall on a Saturday. We will assist you in getting back to the airport.
Airport transfers on arrival are included. However, you will need to budget for your daily transport to and from your project/placement. Every other car in Ghana is a taxi which means fares are cheap and it’s likely you will share with others to make it even cheaper. You can also take public buses like Tros Tros for some African authenticity!
Yes, you will need a visa to visit Ghana. For UK citizens, obtaining your visa from the Ghana High Commission is relatively straightforward, provided you follow the instructions on the Ghana Embassy website. For non UK citizens, check with the Ghana High Commission or Embassy in your country of residence. We’ll provide you with all the information you will need for the visa application once you have booked your trip with us, including a letter of invitation.
Please note that we can also offer a visa on arrival option but this is a more expensive but does mean you can hold onto your passport. We will require your flight itinerary showing arrival and departure details, as well as a clear scan/photo of your passport bio page. We need this information at least 48hrs hours before your departure from your country of origin so we can process the request with immigration. They will supply us with an official letter that we will forward to you. You can show this when checking in at the airport, so they allow you on the aircraft. You will also need to show it on arrival at customs when entering Ghana.
Yes, you will need to obtain specific vaccinations before travelling to Ghana. The only compulsory, required and regulated vaccination for Ghana is Yellow Fever. However, participants travelling to Ghana are also recommended to take Malaria medication, and other various booster vaccinations. You will need to consult your local Travel Nurse or GP to check your vaccination history and personal requirements with regards to boosters.
Ghana is a tropical country lying just north of the equator. As such, the only seasonal changes are distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season is primarily December to February, when day temperatures are in the 80s-90s F/27-36 C and nights in the 70s F/18-26 C. May to June and also September to October are the rainiest months in the south. Temperatures range from about 21°C to 32°C and the humidity is relatively high.
In most areas the temperatures are highest in March and lowest in August, after the rains. Variations between day and night temperatures are small.
Our in-country team appreciates any extra help from participants, so if you wish to bring donations, or purchase equipment whilst in Ghana to support your volunteer or internship project, it will be gratefully received.
Our in-country team will provide a small amount of project related equipment as part of the placement too. Please note that we do not want to get involved with shipping equipment to Ghana as this provides major challenges for us, so any additional equipment would have to be within your personal weight allowance with the airline you are flying with. Some participants have been able to get an extra bag with their flight but this needs to be pre-arranged with the airline company. It is also wise that you make sure you put a note against the flight booking so when you are checking in and dropping off you bags at the airport there is no awkwardness!
'It was an ideal opportunity for me to combine travelling with my passion for sport.''
James Hairsine
"This was a fantastic opportunity to gain some experience in sports psychology, which has really helped with the psychology element of my sports studies degree."
Anthony Gibson
"Amazing to spend 3 months on the sports psychology internship as part of my placement at Bournemouth University and to have such exposure to work with talented athletes that would otherwise not get the opportunity."
Reem Subkhi