Anyone 18 years of age and older is eligible to apply but priority is given to experienced medical professionals. Non-medical professionals are encouraged to submit a statement of special interest along with their application to describe their skills and how they will benefit FOCOS.
We recommend that you apply as soon as possible for mission trips as they tend to fill up quickly. Availability is primarily based upon the needs of the Hospital and the surgical schedule. A good rule of thumb is to apply at least three months prior to your expected departure date.
The FOCOS Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) carefully reviews all volunteer applications approximately six (6) weeks prior to each trip. Participants are selected based primarily upon the needs of the Hospital and the surgical schedule. As mentioned, a priority it given to experienced medical professionals. FOCOS staff will notify you as soon as a decision has been made regarding your application, usually six weeks prior to your trip.
Ghana requires that all visitors obtain a travel Visa in order to enter the country. Once accepted as a FOCOS Volunteer, FOCOS staff will provide you with an application for your Visa and assist you with the process. It generally takes a minimum of one week to obtain your Visa. In order to enter the country, you must also have a yellow fever immunization. This can be received from your physician and is usually not covered by insurance (generally costs around $175). Your doctor will provide you with a piece of paper that you are to affix to your passport that verifies the immunization was received. You are also required to receive the Hepatitis B vaccination. Malaria pills are not required but are highly recommended.
There is no application or volunteer fee, however all volunteers are required to pay their own flight expense. We encourage you to find a sponsor to provide financial support, whether it is from businesses, friends or family members. FOCOS staff can offer assistance with fundraising by brainstorming ideas, creating you a personal fundraising website, and featuring you in our newsletters or marketing materials.
A direct flight from New York City to Accra, Ghana is around 10 hours.
This will depend on the length of your stay, but generally yes, there will be time to travel and see the tourist attractions such as Cape Coast, national parks, and the monkey sanctuary. Travel accommodations are provided by FOCOS, but volunteers are asked to pay their own admission fees and any other expenses associated with tourist attractions. Fees run anywhere from $10 to $50 depending on the activity and no activity is mandatory. We encourage you to get out and explore all Ghana has to offer, but remind you to never go anywhere without a FOCOS Ghana staff member or representative.
This again will depend on the length of your stay, but generally speaking we recommend $300 – $500 per two-week stay. Our volunteers often enjoy shopping and exploring the tourist sites. Many times, there is the option to visit a restaurant or jazz club, and this will be at your own expense. Also, it is best to bring larger bills ($50s or $100s) as you will receive a better exchange rate. FOCOS Ghana staff will take you to the appropriate locations to exchange your money.
