Project Overview
Want to get ahead in Ghana?
Ghana is renowned as being one of the friendliest countries on a very friendly continent, and is a remarkably easy place in which to travel. The rustic charms of the capital Accra are only the prelude to a beautiful country; lush jungles break to reveal great beaches on the Atlantic coast and in the north, wild forest turns to spectacular savannah. You’re not just here for the scenery though. In such a competitive industry, demonstrating keenness and ability by completing work experience abroad could be the difference between getting the job of your dreams. Sign up to this project and you’ll join the team in one of Ghana’s most successful marketing agencies working with talented people able to help develop your talents in areas like event management, media consulting, web development, PR and advertising.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Stories
Alice Lin gives this project 10/10
Here is what Alice had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
The highlights of my trip is the opportunity to join the brainstorming process of the event, "Time with the Royals'. It offers me a great chance to learn more about the history and culture of Ghanaian chieftaincy. Moreover, I am very glad to know more about marketing environments in Ghana through talking with my colleagues in Adstyle. It's very fascinating for me to see how marketing rules applied in Ghana.

Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Yes. Before leaving for Ghana, I was asked by many friends, "Why do you go to Ghana for? Is there any advertisement there?" However, I found marketing activities really active and creative in Ghana. We should not limit our imaginations by solid and traditional images. Therefore, I made three presentations to share my trip to Ghana and the story of marketing volunteer after arriving home.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
For marketing volunteers, please list your pros and cons and think throughly what you can do in this exciting marketing environment. You have to set the goal for yourself.Marketing takes clear brain, avoid drinking too much in weekdays.The more you give, the more you will learn.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A great experience to break the imagined boundary between Asia and Africa and to bring the beautiful sunshine of Africa home!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Marketing volunteers can work not only in advertisement company, they can also work in NGO or schools to make promotion tools. I have talked with Patricia, the leader of BASICS. They need marketing personnels as well. Maybe i-to-i can arrange marketing volunteers to work with BASICS.I was informed by Peter, our in-country coordinator, that other volunteers expect me to join their hanging out in pubs and weekend travel, while I prefer being alone and independent, and I need more sleep to remain conscious to do marketing job well. The culture gap between me and other young western volunteers is another lesson I learned in Ghana.

Clare Smith gives this project 8/10
Here is what Clare had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
My marketing work experience in Ghana was very useful and enjoyable! I was given my own responsibilties and really felt like part of the team.

Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I had the most valuable and fantastic five weeks - an experience that I'll cherish and never forget.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The project was fantastic!
