Promoting Africa as a Source of Knowledge Since 1994
30+
Years of Impact
Student and Youth Travel Organisation (SYTO) Ghana
For three decades, we've moved young people in both directions, taking African youth out into the world through work, study and internships abroad, and bringing the world to Africa to study, volunteer, intern and live the culture from the inside.
6+
African Countries
2
Doors, One Hub
Africa to the World · The World to Africa
One hub, two journeys
We take young Africans out into the world, and bring the world to Africa — with SYTO as the connector since 1994.
Take Africa to the World
Ghanaian and African youth travel, work, study and intern abroad — then return home transformed.
Work & Travel · Study abroad · Internships abroad · Youth exchanges
Explore outbound programmes
Bring the World to Africa
International students and youth come to Ghana to study, volunteer, intern and live the culture from the inside.
Study Africa · Volunteering · Internships in Ghana · Cultural immersion
Explore inbound programmesWhat we do
Our main programmes
Host Family
Stay With Purpose
Not a hotel, a home. Not a booking, a match. Live with a SYTO Verified host family in any of Ghana's 16 regions.
VerifiedThe Mensah Family
“Hosting has brought the world into our home. We've welcomed young people from more than a dozen countries.”
VerifiedThe Osei-Bonsu Family
“Our guests become part of the family. They leave Kumasi with a deeper understanding of Ghanaian life.”
Trusted By
Our Partners
Supported by embassies, universities and organisations across Africa and beyond.
What Our Participants Say
From Accra to Dakar, SYTO programmes have impacted thousands of young people worldwide. Here is what some of them have to say.
“Joining SYTO opened doors I never imagined. The international diplomacy exchange gave me the confidence to represent Ghana at a youth summit in Senegal.”
“Teaching in rural communities through SYTO was the most rewarding experience of my life. It changed how I see education and my responsibility to the next generation.”
“SYTO placed me in a media internship that launched my career. The cross-cultural exposure and professional mentorship were invaluable.”
“The entrepreneurship incubation programme gave me a business framework and connected me with seed funding partners. My startup now employs five people.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SYTO Ghana?
SYTO (Student and Youth Travel Organisation) Ghana is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation founded in 1994 by Dr. Edmund O-T. Prempeh and Ms Marian Thompson. We promote educational travel, volunteering, internships, digital skills, and cross-cultural exchange for youth worldwide. We operate in 6+ countries across Africa and partner with institutions globally.
What is a SYTO Club and how do I join?
SYTO Clubs are our grassroots community structure. Members register online and receive a SYTO membership card, renewable annually. Clubs exist in Senior High Schools, universities, host families and community youth groups, and their activities are built around five thematic areas: purpose travel & cultural exchange, digital youth skills, leadership development, international exposure, and entrepreneurship. To join, register online or reach out to us directly.
How do I start a SYTO Club at my school or university?
Any student group can apply to establish a SYTO Club at their institution. You will need a faculty advisor, a founding committee of at least 5 students, and an institution that is willing to host. Contact us through our website or visit our HQ in Accra to begin the registration process.
What programmes does SYTO offer?
SYTO operates as a Pan-African Youth Hub with two doors. Africa to the World takes Ghanaian and African youth abroad through Work & Travel, study abroad, internships and exchanges. The World to Africa brings international students and youth to Ghana to study, volunteer, intern, travel and live the culture. Across both, our work spans ten programme areas: Study Africa, Internships & Work Experience, Volunteer & Community, Travel & Cultural Immersion, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Digital Skills Academy, Leadership & Diplomacy, Eco-Tourism & Conservation, Women & Girls, and International Student & Youth Services.
Does SYTO issue the ISIC student card?
Yes. SYTO issues the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), the UNESCO-endorsed, globally recognised proof of student status, valid in over 120 countries with 40,000+ discounts. It is open to full-time students (proof of full-time study, date of birth and two passport photos required), valid for 12 months and renewable.
Which African countries does SYTO operate in?
SYTO Ghana's philosophy and framework has been adopted in Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, and South Africa, in addition to our founding base in Ghana.
How can my organisation partner with SYTO?
We welcome partnerships with embassies, universities, corporations, and NGOs. Opportunities include corporate sponsorships, grant & donor partnerships, university network affiliations, and embassy collaboration for diplomacy exchanges. Get in touch via our contact page and a member of our partnerships team will respond.
Connect With SYTO Ghana
Want to join a club, start a chapter, partner with us, or learn more about our programmes? Our team is ready to help.