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Reception Booklet

It's a great pleasure to welcome you to our country and we are glad to present our city to help you prepare yourself for many exiting life-changing experiences!

What can you expect of the country and its people?

What do you definitely need to do or see when you are in Ghana?

And what do you need to prepare for your impending journey?

This booklet answers all these questions and more.It's filled with tips and aspects about Ghana.

Sorry in advance if you feel the booklet is “too long”. We tried tocover as many areas as possible, as simply as we can to helpreduce the cultural shock you might experience.

- AIESEC in UCC

Content PagesWelcome Address....................................... xiCountry Information.................................. 1- 2The City Cape Coast................................... 3The University.............................................. 4Climate and Clothes................................... 5Budget and Currency................................. 6 - 7Ghanaian Foods........................................... 8 - 11Languages.................................................... 12Tranport....................................................... 13Electricity.................................................... 14Visa Information........................................ 15 Medical Information.................................. 16Internet & ATM............................................ 17Security........................................................ 18NQB................................................................ 19Personnal items to Bring Along............. 20Bucket List Challange............................... 21 - 23More randoms about Ghana................... 24When you Arrive (pick up info)............... 25

Country Infomation

Vital StatsOfficial Name : Republic of GhanaCapital : AccraPopulation: 25millionOfficial Language : English Total Area: 238,533 sq km (92,098 sq miles)Number of Regions: 10Time Zone : (UTC) Coordinated Universal TimeInternet Domain: .ghCountry code: +233

Climate: Tropical

Currency: Ghana Cedi

Politics: Democracy1 terms of 4 years as President

Voltage: 220-240 volts

capecoast

Cape Coast is the Capital city of the Central Region of Ghana. It isan extreamly friendly place, rich in

history, culture, and tourist attractions. The country’s coast is

littered with Forts and Castles, somemaintained and preserved in the

same fashion they were contructed.

Coconut lines beaches, homely resorts, and a Night life like no

other, the city can really come alive,more so during festivals.

Did we forget to mention the longestForest Canopy walk in AFRICA is in

Cape Coast?

The City Cape Coast

UCC (University of Cape Coast)is one of the rare sea-frontuniversities in the world.

Established in October, 1962,the aim of the school was to provide highly qualified and skilledmanpower in the education sector.

Today, it is home to some 35,000 students. UCC encourages, receivesand participates in exchange studentprograms with Universities all over theworld, and has programmes specificallystructures for partially impaired students.

The University

Climate and ClothesGhana's climate is tropical, meaning temperatures range from about 25 - 35 degrees Celsius every day. Throughout the year, Cape Coast experiences two Rainy (Wet) Seasons from March - July and from September - October. This involves warm, humid weather punctuated by frequent and heavy showers.

From October - March, the Dry Season brings hot, dry weather and 'Harmattan' Winds from the Sahara Desert, reducing both visibility and humidity.

Clothes vary from African wear to European styles. Feel free to wear anything of your choice but also learn to keep it modest.

Budget and CurrencyEstimates As stated earlier, the currency used is

the Ghana Cedi.

The Cedi follows the American Monetory system : 1 cedi = 100 pesewas just like how 1 dollar = 100 cents.

The exchange rate varies from time to time. Always make sure to check the current exchange rate.

Current exchange rates 1$ = 3 cedis

For Europeans, it’s advicable to bring Euros , or the Pound (if from Britain) instead of converting into dollars. The rates are about the same. (The pound is usually a little bit higher)

Bread-------------------- 35 centsBag of Water------------- $1 Bottle Water (300ml)----$1Pack of Cigarettes-------- 50 cents Fast Food Meal-----------$2 Dinner in a Restaurant--- $ 7 - $20Pizza---------------------- $ 10Club Entrance------------ $ 7Vodka--------------------- $ 8 2L of Coca Cola---------- $ 2Call Credit and Internet Data------------ 70cent - $7AAA Batteries------------ Bug Spray--------------- $2Bathing Soap------------ 50 cents - $1Tranport aroundCampus and City-------- 35 cents - $1

These estimates in the page before have been approximately calculated considering today’s prices. These are the average expenditure of Ghanaian students. Yes, they also regard a “normal” not luxurisous lifestyle but quite comfortable neither the less.

Ghanaian Foods

There are countless stalls selling food everywhere you go - despite appearances food from these stalls is always tasty and healthy to eat. There are also plenty of places to find smaller snacks, such as biscuits and donuts.

Drinkable water, in bottles or plastic pouches, is available everywhere and is incredibly cheap.

Most interns will find Ghanaian food very spicy, but you'll either get used to it pretty quickly or you'll have to ask for no pepper when ordering. Our advice is to try everything and see what you like, even eating dishes such as fufu with your hands.

Vegetarian food is fairly easy to find, as you can simply ask for most dishes without meat. Vegans and more pernickety vegetarians may find things more difficult, although soya milk and plain rice or fresh fruits are readily available everywhere.It should be noted that there is a Vegeterian Restaurant about 10minutes drive from the University Campus which offers tasty, healthy meals for a relatively good price.

For those who have strict religious diets, Ghanaians eat mainly chicken, goat, beef and fish and occasionally pork. Shellfish are also available in some places, although it's pretty obvious.

Strict Muslims should check before eating meat to see if it is halal - in all likelihood it will not be.

Languages

Ghana is home to over 60 indigenouslanguages. Each region is a predominant language.In Cape Coast, Fante is mostly spoken.

English is the official language of Ghana, but you'll find that people's proficiency in English varies from fluent to pidgin to none at all.

English is also the official language of AIESEC. As an AIESEC intern you are expected to be able to speak English to a basic level - and this will be vital throughout your stay as you will be living with people who come from all over the world and speak many different languages. It is a rule of the LC House that everyone speaks English with each other so that we can all understand everything that is said. Hopefully you'll find that after your stay your English will have improved significantly.

In

Ghana

“Charle”

means

Friend

and

“Akwaaba”

means

welcome

Transportation

In Ghana there are two main forms of transportation : Taxis, and Trotros(Mini Vans).Don't be intimidated if it's a bit of a squeeze

or the conductor doesn't give you your change straightaway - the people are always

honest and very friendly.

In Cape Coast, taxis are the predominant mode of transportation.

On the University Campus, there are Shuttle Buseswhich ply specific routes within campus.

If you loss your way just ask anybody for directions. They will be more

than willing to help if asked nicely.

There are taxi stations and waiting areasdotted all over the city, and campus

Electricity

Voltage in Ghana is 220/240 volts like in Europe.Most laptop power adapters (and camera battery chargers) do convert voltage from 110-240 volts to power your computer. Any other electrical equipment should be dual voltage, have a 110/220 switch or you will need a “step down” voltage converter.

Plugs in Ghana are the same as used in Great Britain (large 3 pin) so you will probably need an adapter to plug your laptop into the power outlet. They are widely available from large and small shops but ensure you are buying the best quaility.

Electricity in Ghana is Hydro-generated. This meansthat seasonal variations in water levels affect thesupply of electricity in the country. It might notbe often, but don’t be surprised when there isn’t anyelectricity. However the situation does not last for more than 12 hours after which supply is reestablished.

save power

havea

flash light

VISA Information

To travel to Ghana you need a tourist visa. In order to obtaina Ghanaian visa you need to getan invitation letter from our LC.The tourist cost varies from country to country. Some countries can also do their visa processing on arrival at the airport in Ghana.

NOTE: If your visa is less than the duration of your internship,inform your LC contact priorto your arrival. Also make sureto inform the LC VP Responsibleupon you arrival. This is very important. That way, we will have enoughtime to submit your visa for extension.

important

medical information

Malaria Sun safety

Diarrhoea

Malaria is a disease carried by mosquitoes.

Symtoms include fever, feeling weak, loss of appitte, and with some people, blisters on the lips

Like most diseases in the world it is only fatal if left untreated. It is also preventable.

GHANA IS A MALARIA ZONE

Hospitals in Ghana are very well equipped to deal with the disease and it is easily cured with anti-malarial medication, enough rest and eating.

It is essential that all interns visit their doctor before coming to Ghana. Interns must bring some form of anti-malarial pill (doxycycline, lariam & malarone are common drugs)with them - again,ask your doctor before coming. These drugs significantly reduce the chance of you becoming infected with malaria.

To prevent being bitten by mosquitoes, mosquito nets, insect repellent and simply wearing long-sleeved tops and long trousers all help - especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Ghana is in the tropics, and obviously the Sun is far stronger here than it is in other parts of the world. Those prone to sun burn and sun stroke should come prepared - as a general rule, the whiter your skin, the higher factor of sunscreen you'll need!

So you bring along sun creams.

It is likely that you will experience some form of diarrhoea during your stay. You should be aware that this is a normal part of travelling,and usually occurs because your body is not familer to the local bacteria. While it is uncomfortable and irritating, it shouldn't get in the way of you having fun and enjoying your Ghanaian experience!

Treatment for sustained diarrhoea is best found in Ghana - most interns agree that local medication is better than that from their own country for treating a local problem!

Internet and ATM

Wifi is present all over the main University Campus.Don’t expect it to be lightening fast, but it getsthe job done.

Aside that, there are cell phone internet data plans youcan subcribe to, going for affordable prices. (Check Budget and Money section for estimate).

There are also 24/7 running internet cafes on campus.

We are working on getting internet to the AIESEC House.

There are ATMs scattered over the main campus area.Variousbanking halls are stationed both on and off campus.

They accept Master and Visa cards.

Make sure to find out if your ATM card is an International Visa card.

In general, Ghana is an incredibly safe country to live, work and travel in. The people are very honest and helpful, and generally don't try to take tourists 'for a ride'.

Nonetheless, to avoid trouble you must use your common sense and take necessary precautions - don't flash expensive technology or huge wads of cash around; guard your pockets in busy markets; don't walk around late at night on your own.

These guidelines apply especially to girls - even during broad daylight you may find people, especially children, keen just to touch your arm, in particular if you are white or Asian. Try to ignore it as best you can.

Children become very excited at Caucasians or Asians walking past, and they will shout 'obruni' at you as you pass. This means 'foreigner' and is not meant to be offensive in any way.Often they are simply curious to see humans that look differently to themselves.

Even so, looking different cannot help but attract attention, and non-African people are perceived as wealthy -so be aware thieves may think you're a target simply based on how you look.

Police: 191 . Fire Service: 192 . Ambulance: 193

Security

NQBWhat is the NQB?and what do they do?and how does this concern me?

How to contact them

NQB stands for National Quality [Control] Board. Like the name implies, they monitor and assure quality experiencesare given to our interns on the national level.

Why we talk about them in this Reception Booklet is pretty simple ; We want you to know who we answer to.

Before an issue reaches the NQB, like the Superior Court in your country, it must pass through a series of levels.

Personnal Items to Bring Along- Your country’s flag (Compulsury). It will be hanged with other flags left by previous interns.- Photocopies and scans of your passport, Ghana Visa, and flight tickets.- Copy of your travel insurance policy- Anti-Malaria drugs and / or any other necessary medication

These are items you could carry along to make your stay more comfortable and entertaining.� Laptop� Mobile Phone (With internet access)� Books (if you wish to read)

- A suit/ your own formal wear for seminars and business meetings- Casual clothings fit for the weather (Generally warm)- A mosquito net, bed sheets and a pillow for your own bed (These things can be bought here)- A towel , sponge, tooth brush, and tooth paste.- You own personal brands of conditioner, shampoo, perfume, aftershave, mosquito repelant, etc- Master / Visa Card(be it a Credit card or Debit card)

Optional - Mug, plate and cutlery, kettle for yourself (These things can be bought here)Portable speakers / Headphones AIESEC T-shirt (s) from Home LC

MAKE SURE TO HAVE YOUR YELLOW FEVER CARD / CERTIFICATE WITH YOU!

Bucket List Challenge

As part of our very sleek way of helping you experience Cape Coast in totality, wecame up with a Bucket List Challenge!!, a.k.a, an AIESEC UCC To-Do List.

Take a picture / Selfie :

at the entrance of the Cape Coast Castle

of the Elmina Market from the top of the Elmina Castle

on the Kakum Canopy walk (preferably, with friends)

of Cape coast from the highest place possible

A class/group selfie with your students and /or project mates

Jump-fie at the

Oasis beach,

Coconut Groove Beach,

Coca-cola spot at Old the Oldsite Beach

Eat Fufu and any soup with your fingers

(Picture evidence needed)

Try : Pizza at Sizzler

Shawama at Goil

Eating the flesh of coconut

Ga Kenkey and Fish

Fante kenkey and fish

Fried Octopus, and shrips

Banku , and Okro Soup /Pepper and fish

Tuo zafi

Waakye, gari, fish and spagette

RedRed and beans ( a.k.a gobe)

Fried yam and fish/chicken

grilled fish

All the fruits you see

(they are extreamly sweet)

Visit Kotokraba on their Market day

Attend at least 2 parties on campus

Attend a Festival

Watch a Play at CNC/ The School Auditorium

Catch a sand crab *****

Attend an LC meeting

***** = almost impossible

Ghanaians greet. Alot!

Everybody is a “friend”

The title of “uncle” or “aunty” will be attached to your name

by the children you work with.

It’s a sign of respect

Noone likes rude people

try new things.

that’s why you’re on exchange!!!!

99% of the

time, the question

“how are you?” will be

met by “I’m fine.”

Even if they truely

aren’t

We say “Sorry” alot too.Even if we didn’t cause

your pain.People will go

out of their way

to help you if you’re ever stranded.

Just ask.

It is normal to hearGhanaians and Nigerians

argueing aboutwhich people make the best Jollof Rice.

Yes. We take Jollof rice very serious.

(But of course, we all know the best Jollof rice

is from Ghana. :p)

In

Ghana

“Charle”

means

Friend

and

“Akwaaba”

means

welcome

(more randoms about ghana)

When You ArriveMost interns arrive into Ghana via Accra Kotoka International Airport.

From here, you should be picked up by an AIESEC member, or the NGO rep(depending on the project you are matched to).

From here, interns will be taken to the Cape Coast Bus Station, where you'll take a bus from Accra to Cape Coast. When you enter the city another AIESEC member will pick you up and send you to the LC House.

Occasionally you will stay the night in the Accra before continuing to Cape Coast, but you'll be informed of this beforearriving in the country. This usually happens if you arrive late at night.

and finally..........

Much of this information may look very serious and it may look like your time in Ghana will be difficult and uncomfortable -

we assure you of an amazing experience here!

Like any other adventure, you get out what you put in - make an effort to try local things, get involve and keep a positive attitude, and you'll find the fun and enjoyment will come to you.In our experience, people who come underprepared mentally are those who don't enjoy fitting

into a new culture. We understand that settling into a new environment might take awhile,but not making an effort to settle in wouldn’t make it possible.

This guide is here to help you prepare mentally for your internship - we wish you the best of luck and are looking forward to welcoming you to AIESEC in UCC.

Akwaaba!

Darling AdjahoeLC VP IGCDPmawuleabenam@aiesec.net+233 547922850

Alfred QuarteyLCPalfred.quartey@aiesec.net+233 243937364