i-to-iMarketing work experience in Accra, Ghana
Project details:
This project is at one of Accra's successful advertising, marketing and public relations agencies. Clients the agencies work with range from banks to local radio stations. The aim of the agencies is to provide the most cost-effective and integrated marketing communication solutions, and build and position trusted brands for their clients in Ghana and Africa using the most well informed strategy, creativity and efficient client service operations.
Why the project needs volunteers:
With your native English language skills and experience of the Western media, you will be able to bring unique skills and a fresh perspective to the project. In exchange, you will gain a valuable insight into Ghanaian culture and will have the opportunity to improve your skills in advertising, marketing and public relations.
What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
You should be an undergraduate or graduate with some previous advertising, PR or Marketing experience or qualifications and be prepared to be versatile and flexible. A copy of your CV & covering letter is required to apply for this project.
Volunteers need to develop an understanding of the Ghanaian culture and be able to adapt to their way of working.
Your role as a volunteer:
Depending on your experience and the needs of the agency you may get involved in any of the following areas:
- Brand & marketing consulting
- Strategic planning
- PR services
- Event management
- Market research
- Advertising & Sales promotion
- Print & broadcast production
- Media consulting and buying
- Web development and digital solutions
- Finance & Accounting
Where the project is based:
All the projects are based in the capital city, Accra, with shops, banks & internet cafes nearby. Volunteers stay in shared self-catering accommodation. Based on the coast, this vibrant city is renowned for its friendly atmosphere where visitors are always welcomed. It's full of contrasts: from traditional culture and history to modern infrastructure.
Please book your flight to arrive into Accra (airport code ACC) on the advertised arrival date to ensure your airport pickup.
US$ 2295.00 for 4 weeks, US$ 160.00 for every week thereafter
Not available.
Early airport pickup available: US$ 35.00
If you are arriving before your designated arrival date, we can arrange for an extra meet and greet service for you. For an extra supplement we will be there to meet you at the airport and take you to the orientation accommodation. Accommodation payment for any extra nights will then be made in country directly to the accommodation (approx 20 USD per night).
No. Enhance your experience with a TEFL course - Save 10% with our Combination Deals
Flights, insurance, visa costs and transport (except airport pickup on arrival date) Cultural add-ons optional - please contact i-to-i Food (approximately US$50 per week)
Advertising, PR, communication services and market research.
Normally 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. There may be some overtime work. You will be expected to work full time as a regular office member.
The projects are often under-resourced, so you may consider bringing out relevant books and materials.
Included in your project fee. Shared with other volunteers in houses located near your project.
Self-catering. Your weekly grocery budget, with the occasional meal out, will be about US$50.
CV required for confirmation from the project
What exactly do i-to-i provide?
It may seem like a strange concept to pay for your volunteer experience. You'd be right if you think you shouldn't and the truth is you actually don't! Your placement is free; it's the benefits around it that you pay for. It's important to note that i-to-i is a travel company and not a charity. We provide a professional travel service. We are responsible for finding and assessing worthwhile projects across the world, preparing you for the volunteering experience and supporting you whilst you're there.
Here’s some more information about what your placement fee covers….
Project sourcing and assessment
We work with hundreds of locally run partner projects around the world and are constantly sourcing new opportunities. We visit all projects to check that they are worthwhile and legitimate and we also conduct a thorough safety assessment before we'll send volunteers there. More
Expert help-desk
Almost everyone who works for i-to-i has traveled extensively or worked overseas. This means we're a goldmine of information; we're always available to offer support and guidance before, during and after your trip.
Thorough project briefing materials
Once you book on to a project you'll receive a Welcome Pack that contains loads of general information about volunteering, about your chosen country and project, and a DVD about how to have fun and stay safe. We'll also give you advice on visas and inoculations.
TEFL training
If you are volunteering on a Teaching or Community Development project then a 40-hour Online TEFL course is included in your placement fee. This is an internationally recognised and accredited certificate that will help you to make the most of your time overseas. More
Airport pickup
It can be pretty daunting arriving in a different country for the first time… especially after a long flight! If you arrive on your project start date, there'll be a welcoming face at the airport to pick you up and take you to your accommodation.
Arrival orientation
Soon after you arrive you will attend a thorough orientation with our in-country team. This is to cover important safety and security information. You'll also get some tips about sight-seeing options for your time off and maybe even learn some of the local lingo!
Accommodation and meals
Accommodation is included with all projects and meals are even included with some. We only use locally-owned and operated accommodation so that part of your placement fee is filtering back into the local economy. Most projects offer homestay, guesthouse or shared volunteer houses as standard accommodation, but some offer the chance to upgrade to a more comfortable living standard. More
Local in-country coordinators
Your in-country coordinator (ICC) will pick you up from the airport and conduct your orientation upon arrival. All ICC's are English speaking and are locals of your destination country. They won't be at your project every day, but will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need them. More
24/7 emergency support
Aside from the local support from your in-country coordinators you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line manned by i-to-i staff in case any problem should arise while you're overseas. We also hire crisis management professionals Docleaf to be on hand in case of a situation that requires additional expert support. More
Ongoing training
The safety and security of our volunteers is paramount. For this reason we provide ongoing crisis management and emergency response training to our local teams around the world. At the end of 2006 we flew all our in-country coordinators to the UK for thorough training to help them offer the best safety to the thousands of volunteers they support each year. More
Supporting our projects
We don't fund our projects directly, but once a year they are all invited to apply for funding for special projects or resources from our registered charity arm, the i-to-i Foundation. i-to-i funds the operation of the i-to-i Foundation and is the largest single donor. Along with the generous support of our volunteers, we have distributed over US$200,000 in funding in the last two years alone! More
Recruiting people like you
We make no secrets of the fact that part of your placement fee is reinvested in to recruiting volunteers just like you! The volunteers recruited in one week will typically deliver over 2000 man-days of service. The difference this makes to projects overseas is immeasurable. Many of our overseas projects rely on assistance from international volunteers, so it's necessary for us to put together brochures and websites to find the people who can support them. This recruitment process is vital to ensure programs have a constant stream of reliable volunteers.
The intangible benefits
Volunteering through a company like i-to-i has a lot of intangible benefits to developing overseas communities and the individual projects that we work with. To find out more about our placements. click here
What we will do after you've booked:
- Once booked on you will instantly receive a welcome email confirming your booking with access to your online account
- We will send a Welcome Pack in the post containing further information and a t-shirt, the information in this pack should answer most things you need to know
- Community Development and Teaching customers will receive an email introducing them to their Online TEFL course
- Community Development and Teaching customers will be requested to complete a police check (where relevant) or send through a reference
- We will contact you if we require anything else e.g. CV/resume for some projects, doctors note for medical conditions etc.
- We will hound you to complete your forms and pay your final balance when they are due
- We are available for any questions you may have on 800 352 1794 or operations@i-to-i.com
- We will prepare for your trip and send you an email with final project and accommodation confirmation 21 days before you go
What you need to do after booking your place with us:
- Book your flights
- Arrange suitable travel insurance
- Fill out some extra details through our online interface:
- application from
- travel details
- insurance details
- medical information
- emergency contacts
- Complete your police check or request your reference (where relevant)
- Do your Online TEFL Course (where relevant)
- Make final payment at least 60 days before you go
- Make sure you have a visa for your trip if its needed
- Visit a nurse or travel clinic for advice on inoculations and malaria prevention
- Read all details and prepare as much as you can for your trip
- Take contact details of the in country team and where you're going in your hand luggage - just in case!
- Get on the plane!
Orientation Information
You will arrive on the Arrival Date - Friday and will be met at the airport on that day by i-to-i staff (whether it is 12 in the morning or 11:59 at night). You will be taken to Nicky's Guesthouse (see details below) in the Osu region of Accra (see contact details below) where you will have the first day/night to recover from your flight. The accommodation is located within walking distance of the main shops if you wish to have a wander - just ask the accommodation owner or volunteers in country for directions. You will be shown to your permanent accommodation straight away so you can start to get settled.
Nicky’s GuesthouseF106A/4
Osu Ako-Adjei
(opposite Labone Girls Vocational School on the Osu Ako-Adjei Park, Methodist Church
Road, Osu, Ghana)
Insurance
It's important that you get adequate travel insurance for your i-to-i experience and as many of you will be working this often means standard policies won’t work. The good news is that no matter where your coming from we have already found a policy to suit you.
The best time to get your insurance is when you book your project as this means you can get a fully tailored policy exclusive to i-to-i, just ask your consultant for further details at the time of booking.
If you have already booked but still need insurance then you may still be able to take our tailored policy. If, however it was more than a few days ago then try the links below:
Australian customers - find out more here >>
All other customers - find out more here >>
Flights
As with insurance we advise you get these booked as early as possible to avoid high prices and to make sure you arrive on the right day. The i-to-i team is right up to date with the best deals no matter where you’re flying from; their insider knowledge could save you some time and money.
Country Guide
Ghana
A little bit of history...
Prior to colonial rule in Ghana, the Ashanti Empire had risen to become the dominant kingdom by the 18th century. They remained a powerful force during the colonial period by trading gold and slaves. In the 15th century, the Portuguese arrived and exported slaves to plantations in the Americas. With wealth to be had from the lucrative slave trade, the Dutch, Danes and British were all lured to the land by the late 16th century. After slavery was abolished in the early 19th century, the British were the dominant colonial power of the Gold Coast colony and coca became the main export. Tensions between the British and Ashanti erupted in wars throughout the 19th century, which led to the destruction of the Ashanti capital, Kumasi, in 1874.
Ghana became the first West African country to gain independence when in 1957 Kwarme Nkrumah spearheaded the nation’s reclaimed identity. He subsequently became the country’s first prime minister and then president, denoting Ghana’s change to a republic within the Commonwealth. By 1966 he was ousted by a military coup and military rule dominated, albeit with brief periods of civilian rule, until 1992 when a new constitution was developed which paved the way for multiparty politics. Political parties had been banned since 1981 when Lt. Jerry Rawlings came into power but he conceded a return to constitutional rule and won the presidential elections in 1992 and 1996. The current government, led by John Kufuor, has sought promote human rights following abuses under the past military regime and to stabilise the economy.
Sights and Sounds...
Africa is a continent known for it's strong flavours, bright colours and friendly people, and Ghana is a prime example. The local cuisine is delicious, the cities are filled with bustling markets and welcoming people, and the land itself boast a natural beauty that is quite astounding. This is the perfect destination to get a taste of the lively African culture and promises any traveller a truly unforgettable experience.
The country's capital is the typical starting point for travellers, but beware, for this vibrant city can capture your heart and hold you in place for the entirety of your stay. What could compare to Accra's sprawling streets, it's relaxed yet lively atmosphere and the beautiful coastlines that lie on its southern border? At the heart of the city a traditional market thrives and hoards of travellers flock there every day. Makola Market is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs but more than that, it will give you a unique insight into this fascinating culture.
Outside the confines of the city lie many a deserving attraction, including national parks filled with native wildlife, breathtaking views of the plains and small fishing villages where ancient traditions still prosper. These unique attractions deserve your attention as much as the capital, so when the temptation to remain in the city rises make sure you quash it!
Best time to go...
With average temperatures around the high 20°Cs, Ghana is hot year round with seasonal rains which vary between the north and south regions. The south is generally cooler than the north and its rainy season runs from April to June and from September to October. The north experiences downpours from April to October, while December to March is scorching and winds blow in from the Sahara; it’s a time only for those who can tolerate intense heat.
Getting around...
With military run domestic flights that operate on a first-come-first-serve basis and limited train services, buses are the clear champions of long distance travel in Ghana. Intercity STC is the main bus company and offers inexpensive, regular services from Accra to major areas of interest such as Kumasi, Tamale and the Cape Coast. Its stations and terminals can be found in most of Ghana’s cities and it’s advisable to book tickets at least one day in advance. OSA and Kingdom Transport also run services between major cities.
Car rental is available in Accra but is a pricey option. The roads are generally good, though some are unpaved and potholes can be a problem. Police checkpoints are littered throughout and traffic accidents are a common occurrence. Only very experienced drivers should consider venturing out onto the open road. An enjoyable way to see a stretch of the country is aboard passenger boat, the Yapei Queen, which runs from Akosombo to Yeji, along Lake Volta, while stopping at villages along the way. However, this journey is not for the faint-hearted. Although it is advertised as a 24 hour trip in reality it can take up to 3 days and the boat is a simple passenger vessel and facilities are very basic.
Local travel within towns and cities takes the form of tro-tros (minibuses), mammy wagons (pick-up trucks) and taxis. Tro-tros are usually bursting to the seams with people but they can be a fun way to travel for short distances and cost very little. They don’t follow a set schedule and depart when full. For traveling between towns, shared taxis are a popular mode and drop passengers off at their desired location; a fare must be negotiated before the journey begins.
Highlight: Kakum National Park...
This beautiful stretch of African jungle covers over 140 sq miles and boasts an impressive array of indigenous wildlife. Over 300 hundred species of bird and 550 types of butterfly can be found here, not to mention a wide selection of endangered mammals and reptiles. Thousands of travellers visit the park every year seeking a glimpse of forest elephants, bongos, yellow backed duikers and diana monkeys, but what makes the park particularly special is the canopy walkway that winds through the treetops allowing visitors to see the jungle and its inhabitants from a whole new perspective.
The park also offers a unique cultural experience as travellers will have the chance to follow the ethno-botanical trail on which they will discover the traditional healing properties of the local plant life. Ingredients can be found here for many a medical treatment including those for leprosy, small pox, tumours, toothache and stomach-ache.
Another cultural treasure is the "bamboo orchestra", an elaborate dance through which local communities tell stories and myths.
Useful links
www.lonelyplanet.comLonely Planet are leaders in the travel guide sector and their website is a great source of travel information.
www.fco.gov.uk
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s website provides up-to-date political news, travel advice and information on visas
http://intercitystc.com/
Bus company Intercity STC.
Why i-to-i
We do everything we can to be a truly responsible travel organisation and we believe that everything we do should minimise the negative aspects of foreign travel and make a positive contribution to the places that our travellers visit.
Our achievements
In the last year alone we have assisted over 6,000 volunteers to have a life-changing travel experience in 34 countries around the world. We are very proud of all the volunteer projects we work with, which are sustainable and produce a positive long-term impact and are equally proud of our volunteers who devote their time and efforts into contributing to the projects which continue to develop communities abroad. Click here to see some of our volunteer achievements.
Our benefits to communities around the world
All of our projects overseas are based in the local community and are local initiatives. When you travel with us, you will stay in locally run accommodation and travel on locally owned transport. In this way we can ensure that the part of your placement fee assigned for transport and accommodation goes directly into the local economy. That means that before you've even lifted a finger on your project, you've already made an important contribution to the local economy.
Our support for our volunteers
We appreciate how special our volunteers are and offer our full support every step of the way. Our in-country coordinators are on-hand for you while you're in-country, providing airport pick-up and arrival orientation while we also provide 24/7 support for all our volunteer travellers.
Against aid reliance
We do not give direct funding to the projects we work with. Many experts believe that the constant flow of financial aid into the developing world causes an over-reliance on foreign aid, which harms the long-term stability of developing economies. It is your time and effort (rather than cold hard cash) that makes a difference. We truly believe that by working together and forging relationships with the developing world, we can make a real and lasting difference.
Your experience
When you travel with i-to-i, you'll experience a truly unique travel adventure which will change your life forever. We're all different, which is why we'll all experience a unique voyage. In addition to gaining a deep immersion into a new culture, you'll learn valuable skills for life which will open-up your eyes to the world and warm your heart in the knowledge that you're giving something real and lasting back to the places you visit.
Why Volunteer through a travel company?
The reason there are so many volunteer providers is not only because volunteering abroad is growing so popular, but because there is a genuine need for companies who can organise your trip for you. Volunteering on your own can be very difficult. Especially if you haven’t travelled very much or are a little soft spoken and arriving in a foreign country without a plan can be rather stressful. Volunteering with a company like i-to-i offers many benefits.
Pre-arranged
You can try searching for a volunteer opportunity on the internet, but you won’t find much that doesn't involve a volunteer travel provider such as i-to-i. Think about it: the places that need volunteers are likely to be poor and underdeveloped - they probably won't even have access to the internet. I’m sure if they had internet access they’d post a volunteer position, but that hardly seems feasible.
It’s virtually impossible to pre-arrange a volunteer opportunity abroad by yourself. Many people don’t want to take the risk of going overseas on their own, with no guarantees of work. An organisation has been there in person and worked out all the finer details for you. They've checked that it's safe, made sure that it's worthwhile and taken the time to make your arrangements for you.
Support
Most organisations offer you support both before and during your trip. Even though you probably won’t have any problems on your trip, it’s reassuring to know that someone is there if you need them. This is particularly comforting for younger volunteers’ parents.
Something as little as meeting you at the airport can really mean a lot. Those first few hours in a foreign country can be really disorienting, and having someone there that can speak the language, knows where they’re going and can help you with your bags is will take a huge weight off your mind.
Time saving
If you decide to just go to Ghana and see what comes up, you could - and probably will - spend a considerable amount of time wandering around looking for volunteer positions. This is not very effective and you could waste a lot of time and money this way. By travelling with a volunteer organisation you avoid all the confused and aimless wandering, and can get straight to work.
Information
If you volunteer with an organisation, they’ll provide you with information about the country you’ll be going to and the project you’ll be working on, as well as general pre-departure information. Some organisations, like i-to-i, provide an in-country orientation. This is a good way to learn about an area and get answers to any questions you might have.
Guaranteed Placement
If you decide to jump on a plane and look in you could find yourself spending hundreds of pounds without actually doing what you can to do - volunteering. Going with a volunteer organisation guarantees you a volunteer position when you arrive, so you won't go home disappointed.
Can I really make a difference
There are good reasons why you pay a placement fee when you volunteer with i-to-i. As a travel company our responsibility to you is wider than if we were a charity. Our focus is not only on the benefits to the project but also on your safety and satisfaction.
The common question and the understandable doubt on the lips of every volunteer before they choose to embark on a volunteer trip is: "Will my contribution actually be worthwhile?" The answer when you volunteer with us? Yes, it definitely will! Whether you volunteer for one week or six months, you will make a difference to communities abroad. After all, what is the point in making the effort to volunteer overseas if you can't be assured that your contribution will really make a difference and have a profound effect on the communities and environments they are aimed at benefitting?
Experts in providing overseas volunteering projects
As an international volunteer organisation with over 12 years experience in sending volunteers abroad to work on vital overseas community and environmental development projects, we are experienced volunteer travel project providers.
Long-term impact
The trouble is that many 'short-term' volunteers can't see the bigger picture or the difference their contribution is making. When you volunteer with i-to-i, you are part of a much greater picture and can rest assured that your work will be continued by future i-to-i volunteers as we make sure all our volunteer projects are sustainable and worthwhile.
Your help is appreciated and really does help!
When you volunteer with i-to-i your contribution will make an immediate and lasting difference which will be thoroughly appreciated by overseas communities.
Why is there a Placement Fee?
There are good reasons why you pay a placement fee when you volunteer with i-to-i. As a travel company our responsibility to you is wider than if we were a charity. Our focus is not only on the benefits to the project but also on your safety and satisfaction.
If a project is badly run, volunteers’ hard work can be for nothing. Your fee helps us to source worthwhile projects so you can be sure you’re making a difference. Accommodation is included in our placements and often, so is food, and by staying locally your fee remains in the community you’re there to help.
We also provide you with thorough information about how to prepare for your trip as well as information on volunteering in your chosen country. What’s more, if you are volunteering as a teacher or on a community development project, we will include our 40 hour TEFL qualification!
Don’t think we forget about you once you’re out there! You’ll be met at the airport and introduced to the local area by one of our in-country co-ordinators so there’s no chance of getting lost! As well as providing you with all the support you need, the self-funding nature of i-to-i means we can continue to support more and more worthwhile projects in the long-term.
In-country Coordinators
We have in-country coordinators in every single country we operate in. They’re there to make sure you're getting the most out of your travel experience by introducing you to the country, answering your questions and dealing with any problems that might arise while you're away. They’re on hand 24 hours a day so, in the unlikely event of an emergency, you know there will always be someone beside you to help you through.
So how will you benefit from our overseas teams?
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Face-to-face support
Our in-country coordinators are your first port of call if you have a problem. As well as sorting out the little things, they're available 24/7 to help you through any emergencies that you might encounter while abroad. They'll be right there by your side to provide a friendly face and a reassuring word when you need it the most.
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Airport pick-up
Our in-country coordinators will pick you up from the airport and make sure you get to your project without any problems.
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Orientation
Your in-country coordinators will give you a full cultural orientation on arrival. This will cover everything from health and safety to where you can get an emergency bar of chocolate.
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Local
All of our in-country coordinators are local people with a wealth of information about the land and its customs. They'll be able to advise you on where to go, how to get there and what to do while you're there.
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Friendly
Arriving in a new country can be a daunting experience but our friendly in-country coordinators will be there to settle you in and calm your fears.
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English speaking
Language barriers can be a huge problem when travelling abroad, but not when you travel with i-to-i. All our in-country coordinators speak English so you won't have any trouble communicating with them.
International conferences
From time-to-time, we hold international conferences designed to encourage global understanding within the i-to-i team and improvement from our in-country coordinators, to ensure our travellers receive the best possible support and service while on a project with us.
The conferences are attended by our in-country leaders, who pass on the knowledge they have learned to their in-country teams. Our global conferences are the perfect opportunity for training and offer quality training sessions on topics including extensive customer service skills, to help raise the level of service across the global i-to-i network.
Our international conferences are vitally important because they allow our in-country coordinators and global staff to share their experience and help to build on our success in answering and fulfilling the changing needs of our volunteers.
Crisis Response Plan
With the help of Docleaf, our crisis management specialist, we have developed a comprehensive crisis response plan to prepare for and guide us through any emergency. We operate a 24/7 emergency support service so that this plan can be put into action immediately no matter what time of the day! Our crisis response plan covers:
Our crisis response plan covers:
- Emergency support
All travelers are issued with the UK based emergency support number in pre-departure literature.
Duty officers
The duty officer is the first point of contact. They deal with any incoming calls and initiate the appropriate response to the crisis. In more serious cases the duty officer will then call a senior officer (a member of i-to-i management) for advice, assistance and support. Should the situation require it, they will activate the full global response team.
- In-country coordinators
We regularly bring our in-country coordinators to the UK for crisis response training, so you can rest assured that your in-country coordinators are well versed in our emergency protocol and will know exactly how to react in the unlikely event of an emergency.
- Crisis response teams
All UK staff have been pre-assigned specific roles which they must take up in the event of a major crisis. Should their services be required these staff will be called into the i-to-i office to take up their role in the crisis response team. The team will co-ordinate the emergency response, advise in-country coordinators, contact insurance providers and organize assistance.
- Emergency travel teams
Should the situation require it, we will mobilize an emergency travel team to assist in-country.
- Global communication
We’ve create a 'triangle of confidence' between the UK response team, the in-country coordinators and the traveller.
- Crisis training
We carry out regular training sessions to ensure all staff are fully informed about our crisis response procedures.
- Docleaf training
Every year i-to-i Staff are fully briefed and simulation trained by DocLeaf.
- Monitoring systems
All i-to-i staff are fully informed of any changes to our crisis response procedures through the company intranet.
Note: i-to-i closely follows global travel advice when it comes to deciding the safety of our travelers abroad. We monitor government communications from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the US State Department and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, to ensure that we can make informed decisions about the risks posed to our customers.
Watch our video
For more information, watch our 'i-to-i support network' video.
