All Participants should:

·          Co-operate with ARA by adapting to your new culture.

·          Co-operate with ARA at all times for your security.

·          Show interest during your program term.

·          Show responsibility towards your work.

·          Adjust to the way of life of the host family and become a part of the host family

·          Realize that the living conditions are many times different then at home (no warm

·          Water/air-conditioning/easy access to international phone or internet/ easy

·          Transportation at all times, mosquitoes...etc)

·          Be open minded, flexible, leave prejudice behind, and show initiative.

·          Understand that a lot of time will be spent with local people who do not speak English (very well). Volunteers should make an effort in trying to communicate in the local language, this shows your interest.

·          Be creative. Share your thoughts and ideas for the work, discussions, the project, the work and excursions!

·          Only English is accepted when others are around, even if they do not join in on the conversation.

·          You should be ready to write a monthly report of your work and activities.

·          Your appearance should be presentable at the project. Hence DREADLOCKS, ABUNDANT PIERCING OF THE BODY, TATOOES ETC. are not readily acceptable.

·          Behaviour and dress code should be cultural sensitive, especially while in the village or schools.

·          Cleanliness is very essential, please always keep yourself clean.Moreover, and most important: being with ARA means you are a part of a community of volunteers from all over the world. Your daily enthusiasm, initiative, and the will to improve (the project, the lifestyle and the learning that comes with all contacts between people) are expected. We learn by doing, only by taking initiatives and therefore sometimes making mistakes, we learn.

Visa and other useful Information

To enter Ghana, a valid visa is necessary. You can't get a visa on arrival. Tourist visa for Ghana is relatively easily obtained. Ghana is considered the place where one has the best chance to get a Multiple or tourist visa for Ghana without much headache.

Airport Departure Taxes

You should remember to retain sufficient funds to pay international departure taxes (airport service charges).

Orientation

An orientation is normally organized two days before the Placement with the Intentions of briefing participants about ARA as an organization, Ghana `s Socio-economic background, cultural issues etc. Participants must arrive two days earlier for the orientation.

·          Skills of the individual volunteer

·          Commitment of volunteers;

·          Projects are not just cheap holidays; hard work and full participation is required.

·          Specific motivation may be required for some projects.

·          ENGLISH is usually the medium of communication...

·          Enthusiasm and flexible approach