AIESEC KNUST Reception booklet by AIESEC KNUST

WELCOME

KNUST Reception Booklet

Your Journey is About To Begin!! Dear Intern, Congratulations on choosing AIESEC in KNUST as your internship destination. It's a great pleasure to welcome you to our warm country and we are glad to present our city to help you prepare yourself to many exciting life-changing experiences! What can you expect of a 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? If any of those questions went through your mind, then we will answer them in this booklet. It's filled with tips and aspects about GHANA. It also can help you to know how to make the most out off your stay in our country. We prepared this booklet to help you in your first step off your exciting stay in GHANA. We are more than glad to show you our country and hope to learn more about yours. Best of luck in your preparation. We look forward to having you.

KNUST | GHANA

Regards, AIESEC in Knust aiesec.knust@aiesec.net

Content

KNUST | GHANA

Country Information.......................................4 Map of GHANA...............................................5 Some FACTS about Ghana............................6 About KNUST & Kumasi...................................7 Climate & Clothes...........................................8 Money Matters................................................9 Ghanaian Food.............................................11 Languages.....................................................13 Transportation................................................14 Visa Information.............................................15 Electricity........................................................16 Local Committee House...............................18 What to expect from the LC House.............19 What to expect from your internship...........20 What to pack..................................................21 Medical information......................................22 Internet & ATM facilities.................................23 Security............................................................24 Former KNUST Interns......................................25 When you arrive.............................................27 Executive Board.............................................28

COUNTRY INFORMATION

MAP OF GHANA

Some FACTS about GHANA

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Official Name: Republic of Ghana President: John Dramani Mahama Capital: Accra Population: 25 million Area: 238,533 sq km (92,098 sq miles) Time Zone: +0:00 GMT Currency: Ghana Cedi Offficial Language: English Major Tribes: Akan, Ewe, Ga, Fante, Hausa Religions: Christianity, Islam & Traditional 10 Regions

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Cultural diverse (with over 30 ethnic groups) Main Exports: Gold, Cocoa, Coffee, Timber, Tuna, Bauxite

ABOUT KUMASI & KNUST Kumasi is the second largest city in Ghana, with a population of about 4 million. It's the capital of the Ashanti Region and therefore home to many interesting historical sites related to the Asante Empire. Kumasi is alternatively known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Garden Cityâ&#x20AC;? because of its many beautiul species of flowers and plants. It is also called Oseikrom. Kumasi is a 5-hour drive by bus from Ghana's capital, Accra (although this time will be reduced on completion of the new highway between the two cities). The bus service runs 24/7, is air-conditioned and you'll probably find it more comfortable and spacious than those in your own country. For more about Kumasi: http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/kumasi KNUST stands for Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, one of the highest rated universities in West Africa. It is based on a campus just to the east of central Kumasi, close to where you'll be living. KNUST is the second public university established in the country and the second largest university in Ghana.

CLIMATE & CLOTHES

Ghana's climate is tropical, meaning temperatures range from about 25-35Ë&#x161; Celsius every day. Throughout the year, Kumasi 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.

KNUST | GHANA

MONEY MATTERS

Payphone .........................Price : mini 1 dollar Beer....................................Price : 2 dollar Newspaper........................Price: 1 dollar Club entrance .................Price : 10 dollar Packet of cigarettes.........Price: 50 cents Fast food meal..................Price : 2 dollar Bus ..................................,...Price: 25 cents-1 dollar Refreshments ....................Price: 1 dollar Water ( 300ml) ..................Price: 10 cents Dinner in a restaurant.......Price: 10 dollar Souvenir .............................Price: 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;15 dollar

These above costs have been approximately calculated considering today’s prices. These are the average expenditure of Ghanaian students. Yes, they also regard a “normal” not luxurious lifestyle but quite comfortable. The general costs involve entertainment, trips and other activities. As at today’s prices, you can travel around the country in 9 day organized tour for 400$. We will try to make it as low as possible for you to enjoy your stay. The currency follows the American monetary system. 1 cedi - 100 pesewas like $1 - 100 cents. Exchange Rate (Varies frequently)………. $1 - 3.18 CedsS/ € 1 - 3.98 cedis. For Europeans it is advisable to bring Euros instead of US Dollars, since the rate is more stable for Euros.

Monthly Cost Nutrition Cost

Accommodation

From 45 days x $5 $225 45 days x $1 $45 $200

General Costs

It depends on you

Transportation

To 45 days x $20 $900 45 days x $4 $180 $200

Fufu Beans & Pl

Waakye

antain

Ampesi

Banku

Tuo Zaafi (

TZ)

GHANAIAN DISHES Jollof Ri ce

Kenkey & F ish

Food & Drinks

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. 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 a number of local languages depending on the region, but the most widely spoken is Twi - especially in Kumasi and the wider Ashanti Region. 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.

KNUST | GHANA

TRANSPORTATION Most of the time in Ghana, people use tro-tros to get around - they're minibuses often bought second-hand from Europe and Asia, run frequently and are very cheap to use. 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! All you have to know is where you're going and the driver will do the rest.

KNUST | GHANA

VISA INFORMATION To travel to Ghana you need a tourist visa from the Ghana Embassy or High Commission in your country of residence. The visa will be valid for 60 days In order to obtain a Ghanaian visa you need to get an invitation letter from our LC. The tourist cost between $50 to $200 depending on your country. Some countries can also do their visa processing at the airport in Ghana.

KNUST | GHANA

ELECTRICITY Voltage in Ghana is 220/240 volts like in Europe (it is 120 volts in North America). 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. The power grid is unreliable in many developing countries: there are instances in Accra where a serious voltage surge has blown up all equipments at once (fan, fridge, etc). A surge protector is therefore a must to save both your power adapter and your computer in case of a power surge. You may buy single protectors but a solution can solve three problems at once – power surges and plug issues – by buying an extension cord that accept different types of plugs and include voltage surge protection. You can easily buy one in Kumasi.

KNUST | GHANA

AIESEC KNUST says AKWAABA meaning welcome

i t m t m e e o c h l o use a c o l

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om o r ng i v i L

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Kitchen

was h

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fro Side-Porch

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Outs

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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE LC HOUSE The Local Committee House, known as the 'LC House', is found at Kwamo, a short ride by tro-tro (Commercial vechile) from central Kumasi. Kwamo is a village to the east of Kumasi found on the main road to Accra. There's no supermarket here, but there are a few stores selling everyday goods, as well as a couple bars and lots of street stalls selling food. We must stress that Ghana is an African country, and interns cannot expect First World standards of living. The LC House has electricity and running water, but there is no hot water. There are three toilet/ shower rooms, but toilets must be flushed by filling up a bucket of water and tipping it down. Toilet paper and anything else cannot be put in the toilet bowl as it causes blockages. It may sound strange now, but you'll get used to it very quickly!!

There is a kitchen in the house with a fridge which can keep food fresh for a few days, and a small gas stove. All interns are expected to do their own plate washing up. There are five bedrooms in the house, some of which are single-sex and others which are mixed. Due to the fact that there are always people coming and going, you may find you move bed or move room a few times during your stay. Couples must be patient if they're looking for a private space! Laundry is done by hand in a bucket of cold water and soap/ washing powder; it is dried outside on a line. A cleaning lady comes to the clean house, which helps keep the place tidy. The house cleaner can wash some of your clothes for you, if you pay her a few cedi.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR INTERNSHIP Your internship should benefit both yourself and the local community. Many projects involve close work with schools, corporate organizations, hospitals and NGOs, so you are sure to gain experience of having business meetings and arranging deals with people in and around Kumasi. However, thus far all of the internships in Kumasi are Global Community Development Programmes; this means that your internship will be focused on improving certain aspects of local life, and you should be fully committed to this as well as selfimprovement. Many interns coming to Ghana find the local way of doing business to be different to what they are used to at home. The same thing that makes the Ghanaian people so friendly also means that life works at a much slower and more relaxed pace - in other words, don't expect everyone to turn up on time for meetings, and don't expect all promises to be kept. Patience is most certainly a virtue in Ghana! Despite this, AIESEC expects that all interns adopt a professional attitude at work - emphasizing punctuality, commitment and smartness. KNUST | GHANA

What To Pack •         •     

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                                                                                   

•         •    •   •     •     •              •           •           •                          

MEDICAL INFORMATION 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 A MALARIA ZONE Malaria - Malaria is a disease carried by mosquitoes that is potentially fatal. However, hospitals in Ghana are very well equipped to deal with the disease and it is easily cured with anti-malarial medication, rest and eating. However, you should bring along a mosquito proof net. You can also buy it here.

Diarrhoea - 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 immune 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! Sun-safety - 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.

INTERNET & ATM FACILITIES The internet has not taken off in Ghana as it has in the rest of the world - thus, you are likely to find internet on iPhones, Galaxy and Blackberry phones among others to be the best you'll get in most places. However, there is an internet cafe (Vodafone Cafe) located on the KNUST campus which provides high-speed broadband at least as good as what you'll expect from your service at home. We are working on getting internet in the house. ATMs aren't as available in Ghana as they might be elsewhere in the world; however there are plenty of ATMs that accept Visa (Electron and credit/debit card), Mastercard, Diners, American Express etc. to be found at the KNUST Commertcial Area and at other central locations or banks.

SECURITY

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 many men keen just to touch your arm, in particular if you are white or Asian. Try to ignore it as best you can. It must be said that Ghanaians are not used to the sight of nonAfrican people. Children become very excited at Caucasians or Asians walking past, and they and some adults will shout 'obruni' at you as pass. This means 'foreigner' and is usually meant inoffensively - 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.

OUR INTERNS

STORIES FROM SOME OF OUR INTERNS

SARA GARCIA / PORTUAL I start this journey like a book without text at first sight might seem a pretext to imagine a story, a book that you could write yourself day after day. Some days, I write a lot, some others I just write some white pages to fill with my thoughts. In the end, you will wonder; what is it really? But the thing is there is no end. Here in Ghana you will find a really good start.

DANIEL STIFFLER / CHINA BARBARA ROGERRO / ITALY Ghana was the first African country I visite d and the one I fe ll in love with but nothing would have be e n the same without AIESEC and the amazing pe ople that this organization join toge the r. A re ally ope n-minding and far out e xpe rience that I will ne ve r forge t, along with the opportunity of watching the sunse t on the oce an in Accra or walking around the ce ntral marke t in Kumasi. Thank you Ghana!

50 words cannot describe what I got and what I e xpe rienced in that 50 days, for sure. If you ask the best choice you ever made in your life, I will te ll you it must be the journey to Ghana in my colle ge time. Honestly, I could not tell you how much I have helped the situation there, but the e nthusiastic country, the enthusiastic people and e nthusiastic â&#x20AC;&#x153;AZONTOâ&#x20AC;? have changed my life . I miss you all there, my friend.

U A O R Y R I N V E E... H W

Most interns arrive into Ghana via Accra Kotoka International Airport. From here, you should be picked up by an AIESEC member. From here, interns will be taken to the VIP Bus Station, where you'll take a bus from Accra to Kumasi. You'll get off the bus at Jachie Junction, and here you'll be met by another AIESEC member and be shown to the LC House. Occasionally you will stay the night in Accra before continuing to Kumasi, but you'll be informed of this by whomever picks you up at the airport. Those arriving by land will most likely come by bus through Accra or straight to Kumasi - you'll still be met by an AIESECer on your arrival.

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 that most people have an amazing experience here! With most of travelling, 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 then don't enjoy fitting in to a new culture. 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 KNUST. Akwaaba!

EXECUTIVE BOARD 14.15 THE SOLDIERS Emmannuel Kwei-Sam Local Committee President

emma.kweisam@aiesec.net

(+233) 546-146-607

Yaw Anoggyei Dapaa VP Mkt & Comm. dapaa.yaw@aiesec.net

(+233) 277-802-163

Eugene Amador VP InComing Exchange

eugene1.amador@aiesec.net

(+233) 501-366-213 (+233) 247-840-578

Amanda Adwoa Agyeiwaah VP OutGoing Exchange amanda.agyeiwaah@aiesec.net

(+233) 545-252-137 (+233) 572-881-614 c

KNUST | GHANA

Gerald Tackie VP Finance &Administration gerald.tackie@aiesec.net (+233) 201-333-457

George Fudzi VP Talent Management george.fudzi@aiesec.net

(+233) 270-168-684

Carl Nuworklo VP Business Development carl_nuworklo@hotmail.com

(+233) 208-409-131

Welbeck Nana Sarfo Mensah VP Business Development welbiemendz@gmail.com

(+233) 547-654-959

KNUST | GHANA

You’ll be glad you came...