Internships Programs

Cultural Exchange Intern Programs (CEIP) are designed to allow students of degree-seeking programs or recent graduates from foreign universities to come to the Ghana to gain exposure to Ghanaian culture and to gain professional experience in their chosen field of study. Programs are also designed to enhance Ghanaian’ knowledge of foreign cultures and skills through an open interchange of ideas between participants and their Ghanaian associates. These internships require visa.

Criteria

CIPaD can issue the required documents needed to obtain visa and to facilitate internship programs for international students or recent graduates in Ghana.

visa

This visa issued by the Ghana Government allows foreign students or recent graduates to intern with Ghanaian organization for 3 weeks to 12 months. The visa intended to facilitate exchanges that allow individuals from around the world to gain an understanding of Ghanaian culture, work practices, and institutions. The visa is a non-immigrant exchange visitor’s visa that is valid for a specific period, no more than 12 months. Non-immigrant status implies that the intern will not stay in Ghana once the internship program is complete and intends to return to his or her country of citizenship.

CIPaD does not allow interns to use the Exchange Visitors Program for ordinary employment or work purposes.

1.    What is the purpose of CEIP programs?

The purpose of cultural exchange intern programs is to increase mutual understanding and provide opportunities for cultural and professional learning between citizens of the Ghana and citizens of other countries by means of educational, professional, and cultural exchange. CIPaD focus is on enhancing the exchange visitor’s skills in his or her field of study through participation in a structured internship program.

2.    In what internship fields can CIPaD provide for CEIP?

CIPaD can provide exchange-internship programs in a variety of fields for up to 12 months.

Training fields include:

• Health-related Occupations
• Arts & Culture
• Information Media
• Communications
• Management
• Education
• Social Services (Social Work)
• Finance
• Special Education*

If you have questions about whether CIPaD can sponsor a particular field, please call, or email info@cipad.org

3.    What qualifications must an applicant have to apply CEIP?

Applicant must meet the following criteria:

• You are applying from your home country
• You have a student enrolled in a degree-seeking program from an accredited university or college outside of Ghana, or you will have graduated from an accredited university or college outside Ghana within 12 months of the proposed internship start date.
• You can understand and communicate in the English language.

4.    If I have been on a previous CEIP may I apply again?

Yes, you may apply for another intern visa for as long as you are able to meet the above criteria.

5.    How long can I be on an intern visa?

The maximum length of an intern visa is 12 months.

6.    Can I extend my internship program?

CIPaD will consider program extension if the internship site can prove the need for additional training.

7.    Can I bring my family with me while on a CIPaD program?

CIPaD will issue visas for spouses and dependents in certain programs.  Please contact CIPaD directly to find out if this is an option for your program.

8.    Are there fees for Internship?

Yes. The Ghana Government Embassy/Consulates charge an application fee to attend the visa interview. This fee varies depending on the country and special circumstances. Other fees might also apply (Residential permit). Always check with the Ghana embassy/consulate where your visa approval interview will be held to determine if additional monies are required.

9.Am I required to have health insurance coverage while on a CEIP intern program?

Yes, CEIP trainees (and their dependents) are required to have health insurance that meets the Government of Ghana requirements. For the minimum requirements for medical insurance coverage contact CIPaD @info

10.How do I obtain health insurance?

CIPaD can provide participant the required Government of Ghana State health insurance through an agent.  Please contact CIPaD for current prices.  CIPaD can also provide interns with a list of other health insurance policies that meet the Ghana Government minimum requirements.

Cultural Component

 People-to-people programs provide unlimited opportunity for exchange visitors and Ghanaians to engage with each other, to inform exchange visitors’ thinking about Ghana and its place in the global community, to break down prejudices and misunderstandings, and in the long-term expand and strengthen the relationships between Ghanaians and the rest of the world.

These cultural, educational, and professional exchanges are intended to build mutual understanding and help create a foundation of trust between Ghanaian and the rest of the world.  By bringing people together to share perspectives and experiences, they strengthen national security and promote prosperity – at home and abroad.

The CEIP offers participants a unique opportunity to experience Ghana and its diversity and to connect directly with Ghanaians. The cross-cultural component of the CEIP experience is critical to the short-term success of each individual exchange, and to the long-term effectiveness of the Program and Ghanaians.

Rules & Restrictions

Intern, Internship Site and CIPaD Responsibilities:

The participant or the placement site is responsible for arranging the internship program and finances for the intern’s stay in Ghana, including living, insurance, and transportation costs. The participant and the placement site are required to create an internship plan documenting the participant’s time spent interning, including goals and skills that will be learned. CIPaD will assist with internship plans and will provide the participant with support for visa and support to complete the process. Please see more detailed descriptions of responsibilities below.

Intern Responsibilities:

• Providing roundtrip airfare
• Negotiating any compensation from the internship site (if not from CIPaD)
• Arranging living accommodations with assistance from CIPaD
• Arranging travel to and from internship site
• Paying the CIPaD administrative and Supervision fee (this can be paid by the internship site as well)
• Arranging the required health insurance
• Committing to learning and professional development
• Submit all required CIPaD paperwork (evaluations, etc.) in a timely manner.
• Adhere to all intern visa regulations during the training program

Internship Site Responsibilities:

• Creating a well-designed internship plan for the intern in consultation with CIPaD
• Providing a supervisor for the intern
• Sign a contract with CIPaD for hosting the intern
• Providing the intern with an orientation to the Ghanaian local city, and Ghana culture
• Assisting the intern with living accommodations, getting acquainted with the participants traveling to and from the internship site, and educational/cultural opportunities.

CIPaD will provide:

• Support in designing an internship plan
• Facilitation for intern visa and resident permit
• Health insurance
• Support with finding accommodation.
• Arrange for airport pick up
• Information about Ghana.
• Support with cultural or educational activities if desired
• Evaluations throughout the program
• Support throughout the program 

Searching for a Program

CIPaD offer 1-to-4-month placements in a variety of fields. Below are the programs we offer.

Training fields include:

• Health-related Occupations*
• Arts & Culture
• Information Media
• Communications
• Management
• Education
• Social Services (Social Work)
• Finance
• Special Education

For longer programs, we recommend inquiring with Ghanaian companies or organizations that you would like to train with directly.  Let them know that you are looking to gain experience in your field in the Ghana with the opportunity for cross-cultural exchange.

Tips for a successful inquiry:

• Create a professional resume
• Thoroughly research the company or organization you would like to train with
• Prepare to speak about how your international perspective will contribute positively to the workplace

Searching online for short-term internship opportunities is also an effective way to find training programs in Ghana.