Pre Departure
Can we travel as a group?
Absolutely YES, students and professionals can arrange from same universities or workplace and travel as a group. You can also travel on your own, meaning we cater for everyone. There are a maximum number of placements available in each of GBIO programmes, so it is advised to book as early as possible to secure your placement – especially if you are traveling as a group.
Do the Gbio houses have WiFi?
ABSOLUTELY, each of our GBIO houses has the best Wi-Fi we can get within the local area. Given we work in developing countries, it can be intermittent at times but generally it works well as long as no one is streaming/downloading movies.
I have to complete a project as part of my elective. Is this possible?
GBIO has an abundance of experience in supporting students with university documentation. This can range from items such as hospital allocation letters, confirmation of your placement, health & safety audits etc. Once you’ve registered on, our administration team will support you throughout this whole process.
Is the registration fee refundable?
SURE. If GBIO cannot organize a placement with the dates and destination of your choice, we will offer you an alternative placement based on your interests, or a full refund of the US$250 registration fee. Once your placement is confirmed, the registration fee becomes non-refundable as it is used to reserve your place (meaning other students could be refused a placement) and to meet the cost of your pre-departure packages. If you are unable to take your elective due to exam results, you can either claim on your insurance or we may be able to reschedule your booking for another time.
What happens once I pay my registration fee?
GBIO registration fee secures your placement immediately as it allows us to start making your placement available.
Who are the placements for?
GBIO accepts anyone on, or who has completed, a healthcare course anywhere in the world. As a general rule, placements in each category are only available to those studying in that particular elective and those already on fields, for example medical placements are only available to medical students or professionals. The exception to this is that GBIO accepts student and professional within our elective placements, provided they have some experience in that area. Whether you are in the same or different disciplines, if you have a group of 10 or more we may even be able to organize a bespoke project for you. Email us your enquiry and GBIO will see what we can do for you!
How much does a placement cost and what is included?
Placement costs vary depending on the duration you want to undertake, but the vast majority of expenses are included in the price. Features of our service are all listed on our prices page and include placement tailoring service, private accommodation, food, tourist centers, transport and 24/7 overseas support. Please note that the prices quoted are for two-week placements and rise incrementally per your chosen duration of your placement. The only things you will need to arrange independently are your flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations and any travel you wish to take outside of your placement which includes your accommodation and food. Flight prices fluctuate throughout the year, and so to charge a fixed rate would be unfair to you, as you can find excellent deals shopping around. GBIO do, however, provide recommendations on preferred flight. Click here: To get an idea of what you can expect to pay for a GBIO placement.
Is there an application process?
If you have not already been in touch with a GBIO staff member, then completing the Enquiry Form at the bottom of the page is advised. However if you have already spoken to one of the team and you are ready to book, click Book Now To start your application we ask for a US$250 registration fee in order to secure your place on the programmes. This fee also gives you access to our library of online preparation materials. If for any reason we are not able to offer you a placement, the registration fee will be refunded in full.
Is there funding available?
With regards to funding, your first point of call should be your university. There are often bursaries and grants available for which a student undertaking an overseas placement may be eligible. A quick Google search may also turn up some third party funding options. If you want to raise the money yourself, get in touch and GBIO will kindly assist on how to save towards that (payment plan).
Are the programmes sustainable?
YES. GBIO take our social responsibility very seriously and understands that GBIO have an ethical obligation to maximize the benefits of our placements and to ensure they have no negative impact locally. GBIO employ local people to run our programmes. GBIO purchase products and food from the communities in which GBIO is based. We rent our private accommodation from local landlords. When it comes to your placement, GBIO make sure that the people working with our students benefit from the interaction. As well as standard fees paid to each hospital for every student, GBIO makes regular donations to individuals, wards and departments.
Are your placements regulated?
YES. Our relationships and formal agreements with our partner hospitals and clinics guarantee supervision and support for the duration of your placement. GBIO also follow guidelines laid out by regulatory bodies and professional associations to ensure each placement is structured according to each student’s level of skill and particular interests.
Are you a Charity?
NO. GBIO does not operate as a charity but as a Limited Liability Organization which provides sustainable elective placements that benefit the communities in which we work. We go out to build face-to-face relationships with everyone we want to work with, which ensures fairness across the board.
How many spaces are there in each location?
GBIO houses can accommodate between 30 and 40 people. Therefore in all our destinations there are a maximum number of places available, so booking as early as possible is always advised.
On Placement
How will I get to the house from the airport?
You will be fully supported from the moment you arrive. One or more of our friendly members of staff will be at the airport to greet you. You’ll recognize them by their GBIO shirt and ID cards. Don’t worry if you get delayed – GBIO check the arrivals every day so GBIO can keep track of your flight and arrive when you do.
What is the accommodation like and can I book my own room?
In each of our destinations, GBIO have spacious and secure private accommodation, where you will stay for the duration of your placement. We at GBIO also organizes home stays with local people as well. GBIO houses provide a welcoming, comfortable and private space where you can relax or socialize with other international students across all disciplines. We also carefully select host families to accommodate students who prefer to stay and interact with a local host family. Bedrooms are split into male and female, with 2 – 4 beds in each. It is not possible to arrange private rooms as that would mean turning other students away. Bathrooms are shared, and GBIO work on a basis of 1 bathroom per 2 or 4 students. GBIO local staff team are on-site, and include a Programme Manager, Programme Officer, Housekeeper, Caterer, and Security guard who work together to keep everything clean, tidy and efficient.
Can I use my mobile phone overseas?
Yes you can, but it is likely to be expensive. On your first day in-country, our local team will take you to a shop that will sell local sim cards at a very cheap price. This is a much more cost effective way of keeping communication channels open with the GBIO team and fellow housemates. If you choose to get a sim card with data, it also ensures you’ll always have access to the internet.
How will I travel to placement?
GBIO houses are based as close to your placement as possible, after taking into account the safest and most suitable neighborhoods to live in. GBIO has official transport that will send students and professionals to their various placements which will be led by a member of GBIO.
Are there shift patterns?
The typical working hours are about 8am-2pm but this does vary with each of our hospital partnerships and the department you are working in.
Can me and my friend be placed on the same department?
Yes, subject to availability. All placements within departments are limited and are very much subject to each individual’s interests and objectives.
How many hours a week will I be in the Hospital?
Typically GBIO students and professionals are based in the hospitals on average 35 hours per week. If you need to do a set number of hours based on your university requirements GBIO can assist with this.
What will the food be like?
GBIO caterers are experienced in cooking both local cuisine and dishes more common in the West, so you can try both local delicacies and traditional meals as well as “home favourites” like pizza and mashed potato! GBIO appreciate that local food isn’t for anyone, so the kitchen is always open for snacks and fresh drinking water too. GBIO says your placement is tailor-made, GBIO means every aspect including the food. Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy free or vegan, our chefs will whip up a dish you can enjoy after a day in the wards.
Who will sign off my hours in the Hospital?
The supervisor you are working with will sign off your hours in the hospital/clinic you are based in.
Can my partner, family or friend join me at the house?
Unfortunately not – GBIO houses are for students and professionals on paid placements only. However, GBIO will always try and recommend somewhere close for friends or family to stay if they are visiting.
How much spending money should I take?
It really varies depending on where you go, but the cost of living is significantly cheaper than your home country. GBIO recommends on average about $200 for every week you are in-country. This will cover weekend trips away including accommodation and spending money, as well as mid-week drinks and meals out if you decide not to dine at the house.
What are the benefits of an overseas placement?
Taking your elective in developing regions is an amazing opportunity to use, develop and share your skills whilst gaining experience with advanced diseases and pathologies that are rare in the Western world. You will gain unique insight into developing healthcare systems which will contribute to both your personal and professional development. Within the international aid sector, few charities or organizations offer healthcare elective placements. These are because you would be working in high-risk environments and potentially detract from the capacity of local relief workers who would need to supervise you. GBIO is proud to provide electives in challenging, yet safe environments that will help you decide whether working in a developing country as a professional is for you.
What about the language barrier?
In all our GBIO programmes, all staff members speak excellent English. We’re proud of the fact that we only employ locals to host our students at the GBIO house; this means that they have unparalleled local knowledge as well as strong relationships with our partner hospitals.
What happens if something goes wrong while I'm on my placement?
Our in-country management teams are always on hand to ensure any issues is dealt with quickly and efficiently. GBIO also provide you with a 24/7 emergency contact number while on placement. If you have a medical emergency we will ensure you get the best treatment, and a member of staff will accompany you to a preferred private hospital.
Can I secure my department choices before I go?
Yes. GBIO expert team will have detailed conversations with you in advance of your placement starting, meaning GBIO can guarantee exactly what departments you’ll be based in throughout your whole placement.
When can I go? And for how long?
GBIO placements run throughout the year and are tailored to your interests, experience and abilities, as well as any course requirements you may be expected to meet. As such, they can be done at any stage of your training, including during your elective period, as a summer placement, or even after you’ve become a qualified professional. GBIO has a minimum stay of two weeks, but the longer you stay the more you will gain from your experience.
When should I book my flights?
You should not book your flights until your placement has been confirmed – you may not be able to reschedule the flights if your placement dates are unavailable. When your placement is confirmed, GBIO suggests that you book your flights no later than three (3) weeks before your trip begins to avoid inflated prices or last minute panic.
Which airports should I use?
The airports to use is the Kotoka International Airport (ACC), Ghana.
Where can I travel in my free time and what will the weather be like?
There are huge varieties of different travel options in each of our destinations, and it’s easy to arrange trips once you have arrived. GBIO knowledgeable staff will always be able to give you some ideas.
Which destinations are best for which specialities?
GBIO placement consultants have extensive knowledge of all our programmes – both inside the hospital and out – and can help you discover which of our destinations suit your specialism best, and create the most opportunities for you. One months before departure, GBIO will be in touch to help you decide where to specialise, whether to split your placement between two hospitals and which healthcare setting best suits your needs.
Will this placement count towards my degree?
Your university may offer credits for participating in an overseas elective. GBIO is happy to provide any information required by faculty if this helps you gain the credits you need.