How it works
Information for parents and guardians
We know that sending a young person abroad is a big step. Here are honest answers to the questions families ask us most.
Last updated: November 12, 2026
Who can apply?
High school students, college and graduate students, and recent graduates can apply. Tell us your age and school in your application. Our under-18 policy explains who can travel without a parent or guardian and what we require before we confirm a place.
Who looks after my teen?
Our Ghana team is on the ground and on call 24/7, led by Thelma Dzifah Attiso, our Director of Ghana Operations. The team is on standby around the clock to track your child's travel and to meet them at the airport. An intern under 18 is accompanied by a Team Lead or Program Director during airport transfers, travel and program activities. Each intern has a named supervisor, a buddy and a mentor who checks in every week. Everyone completes safeguarding training, signs our Code of Conduct and goes through an extensive pre-travel orientation on our rules, local customs, the area and the projects. Read how we keep you safe.
Where will my teen live?
With a vetted host family in Mepe, with three home-cooked meals a day and bottled drinking water. Under-18 interns share a room only with someone of the same gender and, where possible, age. See accommodation.
What will my teen do in a health internship?
Health interns support health education and community projects, and may spend time at our partner hospitals, where licensed Ghanaian doctors and nurses supervise. Interns of any age only do what their training and license allow. For interns under 18, hospital time is observation and non-clinical help. They do not give clinical care or touch patients.
What if my teen gets sick?
Travel and medical insurance is required for every intern. If an intern is unwell, our team goes with them to care and calls the family.
How will my teen get to Ghana?
Flights are not included in the fee. We offer chaperoned flights for a fee from some U.S. airports, and we can connect you with airline services that offer chaperoned support. A Team Lead or Program Director meets every under-18 intern inside the airport in Accra, and our Ghana team tracks their travel 24/7. See booking flights.
How will we stay in touch?
Before departure, you and your family receive our Ghana team's direct contact details, so someone who knows your teen is always a call away. Internet in Mepe is slower than at home, so we recommend an international data plan.
How and when do we pay?
We take no payment from an under-18 applicant on our website. After a call with you and the consent forms, we email the payment link to the parent or guardian. Your exact total is confirmed in writing before you pay. Prices start at $2,795 for 2 weeks, and each extra week is $550.
What paperwork do families need?
A signed consent form, a notarized travel permission letter, an emergency medical authorization, a passport, a visa and a yellow fever certificate. We guide you through each one. See visa and entry and pre-departure support.
Something worrying you?
Tell us. Any concern about a young person's safety goes straight to our program lead, and no later than 24 hours. Read our child safeguarding policy.
Prefer to talk? Call or text Godwill Tandoh, Founder, at (801) 404-0485, or email [email protected].
More information
- How it works: Every step from application to your certificate, in order.
- Arrival procedures: Airport pickup, your first evening and your first day.
- Booking flights: How to book, our travel partners and 24/7 help.
- Chaperoned flights: Extra support for travelers under 18.
- Visa and entry: Passport, visa and yellow fever requirements.
- Pre-departure support: Training, documents, health and packing.
- How we keep you safe: Our team, host families, supervision and insurance.
- Your Changemaker Portal: The online home for your role, training and hours.
- Medical work experience for teens: A guide for high school students and families.
- Work experience vs. elective: What the two terms mean, and where our internship fits.
- Accommodation: Your host family home in Mepe.
- Frequently asked questions: Quick answers on every program.
- Under-18 policy: How we welcome and protect younger interns.
- Child safeguarding policy: How we keep children safe.
- Fundraising: Raise your fee with your own Zeffy page.