Frequently Asked Questions

What level of English or academic performance do I need to participate?

The official language of Ghana is English. Participants should be able to hold conversations in English and express their ideas and needs in English. We do not require TOEFL or any language or academic testing (though ~80 on TOEFL typically indicates sufficient English ability).

We have no specific academic requirements. Instead, the interview and essay will be sufficient to evaluate readiness for our rigorous program as we understand leadership skills do not always align with grades or test scores. We believe great leaders can come from all levels of academic experiences and backgrounds, but participants must have the energy, concern for others, and self-awareness to contribute, grow, and succeed.

Can I miss part of the program by arriving after the program start or departing before the program ends?

While we do our best to accommodate participant needs, Sage Leadership Experience participants will be spending most of the trip several hours away from the airport, so late arrivals and early departures create a significant burden that takes away from our ability to create a positive impact on the local communities.

Except for unanticipated family or personal emergencies, we ask that participants plan to participate in the full 19 days of the program, as each day builds on the prior day’s activities, starting with mandatory orientation on the first day when everyone should have arrived.

Can I arrive early before the program, or depart late after the program?

If necessary due to flight schedules from your departure airport, yes.

Sage Leadership Experience staff will handle pickup of all participants at the airport and remain with all participants until they have safely returned to the airport, so long as flights are booked to arrive the day prior to the program’s start time or booked to depart the day following the program’s end time. We cannot assist participants expecting to travel independently immediately before or after the program.

Participants will be expected to cover any extra hotel or food costs before or after the official start or end of the program. We can help you coordinate with any other participant arriving early or departing late and help arrange a hotel for the extra night to minimize the additional costs.

How do I get a visa?

By mid-May, the Sage Leadership Experience team will provide visa application instructions and details for how to fill the visa application forms to all registered participants who have made payment for the program. We will also include a letter of invitation and template for a parent letter of permission for students below 18 years old. Participants will also need a plane ticket to submit with Visa application.

Should you have any issues with your visa, we ask you to be patient as some nationalities and Ghanaian Embassies or Consulates expect additional supporting material. Please let us know of any issues and we can work with you to resolve them.

Students applying through the Ghanaian Embassy in Beijing often face additional challenges so we encourage you to use a local visa support company or apply through embassies in the US, Canada, or Europe if available to you.

If you are accepted earlier and wish to process your visa earlier due to other travels or considerations, please let us know and we will be happy to provide details earlier.

How should I arrange my flights?

Participants are required to arrange their own flights based on their location, airline, timing, and other personal and family considerations.

In order to make the most of the first and last days, we ask that you plan your flights to:

  • Arrive by noon on the first day

  • Depart after 6pm on the last day

Should flights be delayed, we will coordinate appropriately to ensure delayed arrivals join the group as early as possible, with chaperones at the airport upon arrival to ensure a safe welcome.

Upon confirming your flight details, please inform the Sage Experience staff of all your flight information so we can track them appropriately for safe pickup and drop-off.

What happens when I arrive in Accra, Ghana?

Sage Leadership Experience chaperones will be outside the arrivals hall of the airport to welcome participants as soon as they clear the doors after customs. Sage staff will have signs with organization and participant names to ensure safe meetings.

All participants will receive staff contact details in case of any issues during the journey.

What are the next steps after my interview?

  1. Applicant will receive a decision on their application within one week following the interview

  2. Applicant will have about 2 weeks to finalize registration, including payment, to secure spot with Sage in preferred session

  3. By the end of May, all registered participants will receive visa application instructions and materials and will be expected to start the visa application as early as possible to ensure successful processing. Participants starting the visa process after the first week of June may not have enough time to successfully obtain a visa if on an earlier session.

  4. Participant will receive additional instructions for participation in the months leading up to your trip:

    • Project and team details (available once teams are fully formed, typically 2-3 weeks before your session)

    • Packing list

    • Pre-departure requirements, including medical and travel insurance, malaria preventative medication, and vaccinations for covid and yellow fever* (legally required for entry into Ghana)

    • Staff contact details in case of any pre-departure questions or travel issues

    • Waiver form to sign and submit

    • Link to forms to complete to submit flight details, emergency contact details, dietary needs, and any other considerations

      * Participant must be sure to coordinate with medical professional to obtain yellow-fever vaccine and discuss appropriate other medications or immunizations appropriate for the individual