Congratulations! If you are reading this article, it means you have successfully navigated the rigorous process of interviews, background checks, and visa applications. You are now part of a select group of Ghanaian professionals/ workers ready to take their skills to the European market. Whether you are heading to the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, or any other European nation, this is a life-changing milestone.
However, moving to Europe is more than just buying a plane ticket and packing a suitcase. It is a major transition that requires mental, financial, and cultural preparation. At Ghana Edu Consult, we want to ensure that your transition is as smooth as possible.
This guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know before you board that flight at Kotoka International Airport and what to expect when you touch down in Europe.
1.Organizing Your Documentation (The Paperwork)
In Europe, documentation is everything. You can have the skills, but without the right papers, you cannot function.
The “Travel Folder” System
Do not pack your important documents in your check-in luggage. If your suitcase goes missing, you are in trouble. Keep a sturdy folder in your hand luggage containing:
- Passport and Visa: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity beyond your contract date.
- The Job Contract: Have a printed copy of your signed employment letter. You might need to show this at immigration.
- Educational Certificates: Take your original degree or diploma certificates. Some employers or local councils may ask to see the originals to verify your qualifications.
- The Yellow Card: Even though COVID-19 rules have relaxed, the International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) is still a standard requirement for travelers from Ghana.
- Police Clearance: It is often helpful to have a recent police clearance certificate from Ghana in case you need to apply for additional local permits later.
Pro-Tip: Scan all these documents and upload them to a secure cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox. Send a copy to a trusted family member in Ghana as well.
2.Financial Preparedness: Beyond the Ticket
One of the biggest mistakes Ghanaian workers make is arriving in Europe with very little cash, expecting their first salary to solve everything.
The “First Month” Buffer
Most European companies pay at the end of the month. If you arrive on the 5th, you have 25 days of expenses to cover before your first paycheck. You will need money for:
- Transportation: Bus and train fares can be expensive.
- Food: Eating out is costly; you will need money to buy groceries.
- Security Deposit: If your employer is not providing housing, you will likely need to pay one or two months’ rent upfront as a deposit.
Recommendation: Try to have at least €1,500 to €2,000 (or the equivalent in Pounds) in savings. If this is not possible, talk to your employer beforehand to see if they offer a “relocation allowance” or an advance on your first salary.
Currency and Banking
The Cedi is not a tradable currency in Europe. Change your money into Euros, Pounds, or Dollars before you leave Accra. Once you arrive, your first priority should be opening a local bank account. In many European countries, you cannot even get a phone contract or pay rent without a local bank account.
3. Packing Right: Practicality over Fashion
We know you want to look your best when you arrive, but Europe’s climate and lifestyle require a different approach to packing.
The Weather Reality
Ghana is hot all year round. Europe is not. Even “summer” in Europe can feel like a cold rainy day in Kumasi.
- Don’t buy all your winter clothes in Ghana: Often, the “heavy” jackets sold in local markets are not rated for European sub-zero temperatures. Buy one good jacket for your arrival, and then buy the rest when you get to Europe. Local shops there sell clothes specifically designed for their climate.
- Layering: Learn the art of layering. Wear a t-shirt, a sweater, and then a coat. This allows you to take off layers when you enter heated buildings.
Food: A Taste of Home
You will miss Ghana’s food. It is a fact.
- What to bring: You can bring dried items like shito, groundnut paste, or spices. Ensure they are well-sealed to prevent smells from leaking.
- What NOT to bring: Do not try to carry fresh meat, vegetables, or fruits. European customs are very strict. If you are caught with “kontomire” or fresh fish in your bag, you could face heavy fines or even have your visa questioned.
- Good News: Almost every major European city has an “African Store” where you can find yam, gari, and even frozen kenkey. It will be more expensive than in Accra, but it is available.
4. Cultural Intelligence: Professionalism in Europe
The way we work in Ghana is often different from the way people work in Europe. Understanding these differences will help you keep your job and get promoted.
The Concept of Time
In Ghana, “Time” is often flexible. If a meeting is set for 9:00 AM, people might arrive at 9:15 AM. In Europe, this is unacceptable.
- If a meeting is at 9:00 AM, you should be in your seat by 8:55 AM.
- Punctuality is seen as a sign of respect and reliability. Being late is often interpreted as being lazy or unprofessional.
Communication Styles
Ghanaians are generally very polite and indirect. We often find it hard to say “No” directly.
- Directness: Europeans (especially Germans, Dutch, and British) are very direct. If they don’t like your work, they will tell you plainly. Do not take this as a personal insult; it is just their way of being efficient.
- Professional Boundaries: In many European offices, people do not talk much about their private lives (family, religion, politics) during work hours. Observe the environment before you start sharing personal stories.
Diversity and Inclusion
Europe is a melting pot. You will work with people of different races, religions, and sexual orientations. It is vital to remain professional and respectful to everyone, regardless of your personal or religious beliefs. Discrimination in the workplace is a legal offense in Europe and can lead to immediate dismissal.
5. Health and Wellbeing
Moving to a new continent is stressful for the body and the mind.
The “Sun” Factor
In Ghana, we have sun every day. In Europe, especially in winter, you might go a week without seeing the sun. This causes a drop in Vitamin D, which can lead to feeling tired or sad (often called “Seasonal Affective Disorder”).
- Tip: Many doctors recommend taking Vitamin D supplements during the winter months.
Health Insurance
Unlike Ghana, where you might pay cash at a clinic, Europe runs on insurance. Ensure you know how your health insurance works. In the UK, you must register with a GP (General Practitioner). In Germany, you must carry your insurance card everywhere.
6. The First 48 Hours: Setting Up
When you land, the clock starts ticking. Here is what you should do immediately:
- Get a SIM Card: You need data for Google Maps and to call your family. You can often get a temporary “pay-as-you-go” SIM card at the airport or local shops.
- Registration (The “Anmeldung”): In countries like Germany or the Netherlands, you are legally required to register your address with the local town hall within a few days of arrival. This “Registration Paper” is the key to getting a bank account and a tax ID.
- Learn the Transport System: Download apps like “Citymapper” or “Google Maps.” European public transport (trains, buses, trams) is excellent, but it can be confusing at first. Take a day to just ride the bus and learn the routes.
7. Mental Preparation: Dealing with Loneliness
The first few months will be hard. You will miss your family, the food, the noise of Accra, and the warm weather. You might feel lonely sitting in a quiet apartment.
- Connect with Ghanaians: Look for a Ghanaian community, a church, or a professional group. Having people who understand your background is a great support system.
- Stay in Touch: Use WhatsApp or Zoom to call home frequently.
- Be Patient: It takes about six months to a year to truly feel “at home” in a new country. Give yourself grace.
8.You are an Ambassador
As you prepare to fly, remember that you are not just representing yourself or your family. You are representing Ghana. Your hard work, honesty, and excellence will open doors for other Ghanaians who want to follow in your footsteps.
Europe offers great opportunities for career growth, higher wages, and new experiences. By following this guide and staying focused on your goals, you will not only survive in Europe—you will thrive.
Ghana Edu Consult wishes you the very best of luck on this journey. Travel safe, work hard, and make us proud!
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Valid Passport and Visa
- Original Academic Certificates
- €1,500+ in emergency funds
- Universal Power Adapter (Europe uses Type C/E/F; Ghana uses Type G)
- One heavy winter jacket
- Local SIM card plan
- Contact details for the Ghana Embassy in your host country
