Steps to Service Learning with YIST

a.) Complete YIST Application Process (Must be completed at least 12 weeks prior to travel)
b.) Design Service Learning Project w/Executive Director of YIST
c.) Secure Visa & Immunizations
c.) Travel to Ghana
d.) Reflection Paper and Checklist

What kind of work will I be doing?

YIST works with you to design a service learning project based on the needs of the school. After receiving your resume and assessing what you like to do in terms of working with youth within a school setting; we design a project (set of tasks for you to complete during your stay)

What is the cost of volunteering at YIST and what is included in the cost?

It really depends on the length of stay. We consider anything beyond 3 weeks but shorter than 5 weeks a 1 month stay. I have listed the costs below:

Option A: $800
The Program Fee is $800 for 1 month stay (4-5 weeks). It covers two local meals per day and lodging with a host family in the village.

Option B: $950
We do offer volunteers the option to stay in local hotel/hostel facilities. The price does not include meals. Meals are however, available for the volunteer to buy at the hotel.
-Breakfast ranges about $1.50
-Dinner (average meal-Tilapia fish (big piece), fried rice, and drink ranges $3.50-$4.00)
-Transportation to and from the hotel to the school site will range about $2 per day and travel time is about 12-15 minutes driving per one way trip.

* If you have a desired need for privacy or require personal space, we suggest this option.

Most of our volunteers use the weekends as an opportunity to tour and travel away from the village-school. Volunteers are responsible for all travel related expenses away from the service learning site.

Many of our volunteers arrive to Ghana with an “I got this” or “I can do this by myself” attitude; not understanding that there is a rhythm to traveling in Ghana. After several failed and unsuccessful experiences of allowing our volunteers to go it alone; we’ve mandated that we be involved with the organizing of the weekends. This is mostly as a safety precaution and to save your money, time and energy. It simply means that we prefer someone to travel with you as you make your rounds. These persons are usually out of the way unless you prefer otherwise. In addition, they can be very helpful and resourceful when shopping, bargaining for lower prices, and providing historical background information during one’s journey.

There is a perception that because Ghana is a developing nation that the cost of living and expenses in Ghana are cheap. Here is an article for reference on this issue:

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/economy/artikel.php?ID=106510&comment=0

We encourage our volunteers to budget their weekend travels in advance. The longer you stay, the more you will become acquainted with the logistics associated with organizing your weekends. Here is a breakdown of hotels that you may use for your first weekend. These are only suggestions provided by former volunteers.

Here is the weekend breakdown (add or take a few dollars)

Kumasi-Silicon Valley Hotel $75 per night (3 Star w/Internet Use)
Accra- Hansonic Hotel w/breakfast included $35 per night
Cape Coast- Hans Cottage Hotel w/breakfast included $35 per night (Internet Use)

Is there a budget breakdown of how the money will be spent?

Basically, the program fee covers meals, lodging, and miscellaneous expenses to facilitate the service learning experience. Programs fees are administered at the discretion of the school.

What projects are volunteers working on right now and what skills are necessary for the work I may be doing?

Volunteers are now working on the Annual Ghana Go Green Youth Conference that will take place during July 2009. This event is a Youth Forum focused on promoting the use of Sustainable Renewable Energies. Students will focus and present topics such as: Biodiesel Fuel, Solar Energy, and Rain Water Harvesting. Other volunteers will offer poetry workshops and cultural performance and dance workshops.

What visa information do I need to know right now if I want to volunteer in Ghana?

When applying from U.S., it takes about a five day turn around time to get your Ghana Visa. It costs $50 for a one time entry and $80 for multiple entries. We always encourage the multiple entries visa. You can download the app form from the Ghana Embassy (U.S.) website.