Cost and Living
Established in 2004, the SSL program has contributed immensely towards achieving GHEI's mission and realizing our long term vision for the communities. Fruitful engagement and cultural exchanges between participants, local staff and community members has also contributed towards their all round development, while the individual SSL participants believed they were closer to their personal and professional goals. GHEI is committed to ensuring that your experience in Ghana is enriching, memorable and safe!
Free In-Country Travel
All in-country travel costs covered for the duration of your stay, from arriving at the Kotoka International Airport to boarding your flight home.
Cultural Immersion
Village tours, workshops on cocoa farming, local language lessons, traditional cooking, Ghanaian drumming, dancing lessons and much more!
Hands On Research
Visit local government schools, health clinics and district hospital while you interact with local health and education officials.
Lend A Helping Hand
First-hand experience in promoting ‘access to better health and education facilities’ with exposure of rural Ghana.
Warm Meals and Stay
Lunch, dinner and lodging during your stay in Ghana.
Recommendation Letter
Letter of recommendation for your school or workplace
SSL Alumni Membership
Become a member in
the SSL alumni network, with
first-hand reference to job opportunities.
Explore and Discover
Exploring popular sites in Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast.
Summer Serve and Learn
An experience you will never forget!
Program Cost
Applicants selected to participate in the Summer Serve & Learn sessions will be required to pay program tuition. Charging tuition enables us to ensure you have a smooth transition to a life in rural Ghana from your home country, and supports our ongoing programming.
The tuition fee for SSL 2025 is $2,550 per session.
Included in the SSL Program Tuition:
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All in country travel costs including lunch, dinner and accommodation.
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Program activities, workshops and field excursions
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Visit to Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast
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Pre departure guidance and 24X7 onsite support
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Help with visa documentation
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SSL Alumni Membership
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Some of the fee goes directly to GHEI’s year-round programming, including salaries and supplies.
Not included in the SSL Program Tuition: airfare, VISA and passport costs, vaccines and malaria prophylaxis, travel/evacuation insurance, breakfast (volunteers have preferred to get this on their own), and souvenirs.
APPLY EARLY!
If you are accepted and submit your deposit by December 1, 2024, you will receive a 10% reduction in tuition.
Regular deadline for application: March 1, 2025
Once accepted into SSL, you'll be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $750 to secure your spot. The remaining tuition balance must be paid no later than May 31, 2025.
FUNDRAISE to COVER TUITION
SSL participants can fundraise to help cover the costs of their tuition. Donations are tax deductible as the Ghana Health and Education Initiative is a registered 501c(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 26-2358536).
Expenses In Ghana
Upon arrival in Accra, Ghana, participants can expect to have minimal personal expenses. GHEI covers the cost of project-specific materials, lodging, major transportation, cultural experiences, and lunch and dinner daily. You should plan to bring additional money to cover small expenses, such as:
Breakfast
Several options are readily available in the village (eggs/egg sandwich, bread, porridge) and cost less than 1 USD each.
Fabric
Local fabrics are readily available in the nearby town of Sefwi Bekwai and can range from 5-20 USD for two yards of fabric. Additionally, please allocate 5-10 USD per piece for a local seamstress to have anything made.
Souvenirs
Many souvenir options are available at Kumasi's Cultural Center as well as at the Cape Coast Castle. Prices can range from 5 USD for a wallet, 15 USD for a bag, and 25+ USD for paintings.
Remember!
Program participants are responsible for obtaining vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis, evacuation insurance, and their visa and plane ticket.
