Accra
West Africa's rising star - English-speaking, welcoming, and full of purpose
Accra is one of the most exciting internship destinations in Africa. Ghana is English-speaking, politically stable, and genuinely welcoming to international visitors. The city is a growing hub for tech startups, social enterprise, and international development - with real problems to solve and organisations that need your skills. It's not a luxury destination. Power cuts happen, traffic is chaotic, and the heat is relentless. But if you want an internship that means something, Accra delivers.
Your day in Accra
Jollof rice debates, warm welcomes, and social impact. A weekday for an education intern in Osu.
Independence Square. The Black Star Gate in morning light. Akwaaba - welcome.
Jollof rice and fried plantain at a chop bar. Ghanaian comfort food. £1-2.
Social enterprise office in Osu. African fabrics, warm light, meaningful projects.
Waakye and kelewele from a street stall. Rice, beans, fried plantain. £1.
Labadi Beach at sunset. Golden sand, Gulf of Guinea, palm trees.
Osu Oxford Street. Restaurants, shops, the heartbeat of Accra nightlife.
Internship in Accra: The Honest Guide for UK Students
Why students choose Accra
Ghana is one of Africa's success stories - a stable democracy with a growing economy, a vibrant cultural identity, and a genuine warmth towards visitors that goes beyond tourism marketing. "Akwaaba" (welcome) is something you'll hear constantly, and it's meant sincerely.
Last updated: March 2026 - all costs and visa information verified
For UK students, Accra offers something most destinations cannot: the chance to do work that has tangible impact. Social enterprises here are tackling real problems - education access, healthcare delivery, clean water, financial inclusion - and they need capable hands. You won't be doing busywork. You'll be building curriculum for schools, designing health outreach programmes, supporting tech startups solving real problems, or teaching in communities that genuinely benefit from your presence.
The city is also becoming a serious tech hub. The "Silicon Savannah" wave that started in Nairobi has reached Accra, with co-working spaces like Impact Hub Accra and Ghana Tech Lab producing startups that attract international investment. Mobile money is ubiquitous, and Ghana's fintech ecosystem is growing fast. If you are comparing African destinations, Cape Town offers a more established startup scene, while Accra gives you deeper community impact. For conservation-focused placements in a similarly affordable destination, consider Bali. See our full breakdown of the cheapest countries for an internship abroad.
What you should know before applying
We believe you'll make a better decision with honest information. Here's what most placement agencies won't tell you:
- Power cuts are real. "Dumsor" (the Twi word for power cuts) has improved dramatically since 2014-2016, but outages still happen. Most offices have generators. Your accommodation may not. Pack a portable power bank and a rechargeable fan.
- The heat is relentless. Accra is tropical - 24-33°C year-round with humidity consistently above 70%. There is no cool season. If you don't handle heat well, think carefully. Air conditioning is common in offices but not always in budget accommodation.
- Traffic is chaotic. Accra's traffic is notoriously bad, especially during rush hour. There is no metro or rail system. You'll use tro-tros (shared minibuses), Uber, Bolt, or taxis. Journeys that look short on a map can take an hour. Live close to your placement.
- Most internships are unpaid. Particularly at NGOs and social enterprises. Some tech companies offer small stipends. The value is in the experience and impact, not a salary. The low cost of living makes this manageable.
- It's a culture shock - and that's the point. Accra is not a sanitised destination. Markets are loud, tro-tros are packed, the pace of business is different from the UK. Students who embrace this grow enormously. Those expecting Western convenience will struggle.
None of this means Accra is a bad choice - it means you should come with open eyes and an open mind. The students who get the most from Ghana are the ones who lean into the experience rather than resist it.
What you can do in Accra
Our local team places students across six core fields. Each comes with a dedicated mentor and structured learning plan. Accra is strongest for social enterprise, education, and community development - if you're looking for corporate finance or luxury hospitality, consider New York or Dubai instead.
Social Enterprise & NGO
Programme management, fundraising, impact measurement, and operations at organisations working on education, gender equality, clean water, and economic empowerment.
Education & TEFL
Teaching English, curriculum development, educational technology, and teacher training at schools and community centres across Greater Accra.
Tech & Innovation
Software development, product design, data analytics, and digital marketing at startups and tech hubs building solutions for African markets.
Healthcare
Public health research, community health outreach, maternal care programmes, and health education at clinics and NGOs.
Community Development
Microfinance, women's empowerment, agricultural development, and sustainable livelihoods programmes in urban and peri-urban communities.
Business
Operations, marketing, and strategy roles at growing Ghanaian businesses, social enterprises, and international organisations with Accra offices.
What a weekday actually looks like
A realistic day for an NGO intern in Osu.
Real monthly costs for UK students
These are researched 2025-2026 figures based on the Ghanaian Cedi at approximately GHS 16-18 to £1. The Cedi has experienced significant depreciation in recent years, which makes Ghana increasingly affordable for UK students.
Turing Scheme: get your Accra internship funded
The Turing Scheme is a UK government programme that funds international work placements and study exchanges. It can significantly reduce the cost of your Accra internship - and Ghana is a particularly strong fit given the scheme's emphasis on development impact.
How it works
- Who can apply: UK-domiciled students at a participating university or college
- What it covers: Travel costs and living expenses for international placements
- How to apply: Through your university - you cannot apply directly. Check with your placement office or international team.
- Duration: Placements of 4 weeks to 12 months are eligible
- Status: Confirmed to run through the 2026-27 academic year
Not all universities participate. If yours does, it's one of the best ways to fund an international placement. Ghana placements are particularly well-suited to Turing funding applications because of the clear development impact and cross-cultural learning outcomes. We can provide the documentation your university needs to approve the placement - learning agreements, supervisor reports, and formal internship confirmations.
Visa, safety & what to expect
UK citizens need a Ghana visa before travel. A single-entry tourist visa costs approximately £60-80 and is valid for up to 90 days. Multi-entry visas are available for longer stays. Applications are submitted online through the Ghana High Commission in London.
What you'll need: Passport valid for at least 6 months, proof of accommodation, return flight booking, Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (mandatory), and a passport photo. Processing takes 5-10 working days.
Extensions: For stays beyond 90 days, you can extend at the Ghana Immigration Service in Accra. Our team handles this - it's a straightforward process but requires a visit to the immigration office.
What we do: We guide you through the full visa application, provide accommodation confirmation letters, and ensure all your documents are in order before submission.
Ghana is one of the safest countries in West Africa. It's consistently ranked among the most stable and peaceful nations on the continent. The 2024 Global Peace Index ranked Ghana as the 4th most peaceful country in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Day-to-day reality: Walking around Accra during the day is generally safe. Ghanaians are genuinely friendly and helpful to visitors - you'll be invited to eat, chat, and join in. It's not performative hospitality; it's cultural.
Precautions: Petty crime exists, as in any city. Don't flash expensive phones or jewellery in crowded markets. Use Uber/Bolt after dark rather than walking alone. Keep valuables secure on tro-tros. Avoid isolated beaches at night.
Scams: As a visible foreigner, you may encounter inflated prices ("obroni prices") at markets. This is normal - learn to negotiate politely. More sophisticated scams are rare but exist around tourist areas.
Our local team provides a comprehensive safety briefing on arrival and is available 24/7 throughout your placement.
Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry to Ghana. You must have a valid International Certificate of Vaccination. Get this at least 10 days before travel. Other recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Meningitis. Consult your GP or a travel clinic at least 6-8 weeks before departure.
Malaria: Present throughout Ghana. Take anti-malarials (your GP will advise on the best option - Malarone, Doxycycline, or Mefloquine). Use mosquito repellent with DEET, sleep under a treated mosquito net, and wear long sleeves at dusk. This is not optional.
Water: Do not drink tap water. Use sachets of pure water ("sachet water" - sold everywhere for a few pence) or bottled water. Avoid ice from unknown sources.
Healthcare: Good private hospitals exist in Accra - Nyaho Medical Centre and 37 Military Hospital are commonly used by expats. Costs are lower than in the UK or Bali, but insurance is still essential. Get at least £500K medical cover including medical evacuation.
Osu: The vibrant heart of Accra's social scene. Oxford Street is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. Good for interns who want to be central. Shared room: £200-300/mo. Lively but can be noisy.
Cantonments: Quieter, more residential, close to embassies and international organisations. Good for NGO interns. Shared room: £250-350/mo.
East Legon: Upscale residential area near the university. Modern amenities, good restaurants, quieter. Shared room: £250-400/mo.
Homestay (various areas): Living with a Ghanaian family is the most immersive and affordable option. Meals often included. £150-200/mo. We vet all homestay families personally.
Our recommendation: A homestay for the first month at minimum. It's the fastest way to understand Ghanaian culture, learn local customs, and feel at home. Many students stay with their host family for the entire placement.
Tro-tros: Shared minibuses that are the backbone of Accra transport. Cheap (30-50p per ride), ubiquitous, and an experience in themselves. Routes aren't posted - you learn by asking. The mate (conductor) hangs out the window shouting destinations. It takes a week to figure out, then becomes second nature.
Uber and Bolt: Both operate in Accra and are very affordable (£2-4 for most trips). Reliable and safe. The best option for evening travel or when you're carrying valuables.
Taxis: Yellow shared taxis ("dropping") and private taxis. Always agree the price before getting in. Negotiate - the first price will be higher because you're a foreigner.
Traffic: Accra traffic is genuinely terrible during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM). A 5km journey can take 45 minutes. Live close to your placement. Leave early. Expect delays. Patience is a survival skill in Accra traffic.
Within Accra: Labadi Beach, Jamestown lighthouse and fishing harbour, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial, National Museum, Arts Centre market, Makola Market (the largest open-air market in West Africa - overwhelming and unforgettable), and Oxford Street nightlife.
Day trips: Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle (essential historical visits - the former slave trade castles are powerful and sobering, 3 hours from Accra), Kakum National Park canopy walkway (30 minutes from Cape Coast), Aburi Botanical Gardens (1 hour from Accra, cool and green), Shai Hills Reserve (1 hour, hiking and baboons).
Longer trips: Mole National Park (northern Ghana, elephants and safari, overnight), Volta Region (waterfalls, mountains, Kente cloth weaving villages), Ada Foah (estuary beaches, water sports, 2 hours from Accra).
What UK students say about Accra
Working at an education NGO in Accra was the most meaningful thing I've done at university. I helped design a reading programme that's still running two years later. My host family became a second family - I still WhatsApp them every week. Nothing prepares you for how generous Ghanaians are.
I spent less in three months in Accra than I would in one month in London. The power cuts were frustrating at first, but you adapt. The tech scene is buzzing - I worked at a fintech startup and the energy and problem-solving mindset was incredible. Cape Coast Castle was life-changing.
The culture shock was real - the heat, the traffic, the noise. But by week two I was eating banku with my hands and negotiating tro-tro fares in Twi. My public health research contributed to a real report for a real donor. This internship changed my career path completely.
Common questions
Most are unpaid, especially at NGOs and social enterprises. Some tech companies and larger businesses offer small stipends. The value lies in the experience, impact, and professional network. With monthly living costs as low as £350-550, the financial burden is much lighter than most destinations.
Potentially, yes. The Turing Scheme funds international placements through participating UK universities. Ghana is an excellent fit because of the development impact angle. You cannot apply directly - check with your university's placement or international office. The scheme covers travel and living expenses and is confirmed through the 2026-27 academic year. We provide all documentation your university will need.
Most UK universities accept international placements if they meet their learning criteria. Ghana placements are particularly well-suited for degrees in international development, global health, education, social work, and politics. We provide formal documentation including learning agreements, supervisor reports, and internship confirmations.
Yes. UK citizens need a Ghana visa before travel. A single-entry tourist visa costs approximately £60-80 and is valid for up to 90 days. Apply online through the Ghana High Commission in London. Processing takes 5-10 working days. You will need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Our team guides you through the full application.
No. English is Ghana's official language and is used in business, education, and government. All our placements operate in English. Learning a few Twi phrases - "medaase" (thank you), "ete sen?" (how are you?) - will delight locals and enrich your experience, but it is not required for work.
Minimum 8-10 weeks for a meaningful experience - the first 1-2 weeks are cultural adjustment and orientation. For maximum impact, 3-6 months is ideal. The 90-day visa works well for a summer placement. For placement years, we can assist with visa extensions.
Generally yes, with standard precautions. Ghana is culturally conservative and respectful. Catcalling can happen but is rarely threatening. Use Uber/Bolt after dark, be cautious in isolated areas, and dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) in community settings. Our local team provides a specific safety briefing and many of our successful Accra interns are women. A homestay provides an extra layer of security and local guidance.
Power outages (dumsor) still happen in Accra, though they're much less frequent than the 2014-2016 crisis. Most offices and co-working spaces have backup generators. Budget accommodation may not. Pack a portable power bank (20,000mAh+), a rechargeable fan, and a head torch. Mobile data works during outages so you can tether for internet. It's an inconvenience, not a dealbreaker - and it teaches you resilience.
Sample placements in Accra
Examples of active placements. Most are unpaid unless noted. New positions added regularly.
Programme Coordinator
Youth Education NGO
English Teacher
Community Learning Centre
Software Developer Intern
Fintech Startup
Public Health Research Assistant
Community Health Organisation
Microfinance Project Lead
Women's Empowerment Foundation
Marketing & Operations Intern
Social Enterprise Hub
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