ASHIA

ASHIA agency is a Dutch based company, specialized in providing clinical, research and social internship placements in Africa for students or volunteers. It was started in 2006 and since then we have had over 200 student volunteers and professionals take part in our placements. We facilitate student from all over the word towards an amazing experience! Placements are currently offered in Cameroon and South Africa. 

ASHIA is unique in providing internships in rural areas. The placements are flexible and affordable. Not only can you experience as much as possible during your stay but also take time to travel and explore the beautiful and diverse culture countries have to offer. There is possibility to combine certain placements. 

Placements are suitable for medical students, including physiotherapists and nurses!

We have developed a fund, the ASHIA fund, through which a part of your placement fee is converted into a gift to the local hospital and community. With this you support local developments and the education of local students and doctor's. We aim to create an environment where students, volunteers and the local community can benefit from each other’s experience and knowledge. This approach not only enables you to do something great, but it also lowers the total costs.

Before going to your desired location, we will provide you with al necessary information for a solid and safe stay. In order to make that happen we offer you a full-day workshop, in which we will guide you through everything you need to know an do. This personal approach assures the individual guidance we offer you, as you will be one of the team.

In order to find a placement with us, you need to follow these

three simple steps:

• Step 1    Read our placement opportunities.
• Before selecting a placement make sure you are able to answer the following questions: 'Do I have a specific goal to achieve during my placement?', 'How will I cope in this new surrounding?', 'Have I got enough information to make a decision concerning the placement I would like to do?'
• Step 2    Fill in the ASHIA registration form.
• The main goal of filling the registration form is not necessarily the date of arrival, but you should provide us with enough information to reserve a placement for you. Also this registration form gives you a better idea of how much your costs will be.
• Step 3    Be prepared.
• For those living in the Netherlands, there is an opportunity to take part in a Workshop. The workshop provides a great opportunity to ask more questions, meet other volunteers who you might be travelling with and engage in some cultural interactive sessions. If you are not able to attend the workshop, once you have registered with ASHIA you will have access to volunteer blogs. This is the best way to get stories from students who have taken part in our ASHIA placement.

Since January 2008, ASHIA collaborates with the International Federation of Medical Student Association (IFMSA) in the Netherlands. For all student’s that have received a placement through the IFMSA, ASHIA gives a discount on the registration and confirmation of a placement. Once you have been selected, you will be matched to a placement that suits your needs and/or skills.

ASHIA is also locally registered in Foumbot, Cameroon. The local head office is situated here. We have partners in 4 different locations of Cameroon such as Baigom, Foumbot, Bamenda, Akum and Foumban. A selection process ensures that placements meet certain criteria. Our goal is to ensure continuity in projects and development. We try to achieve this by first of all selecting placements that have the basic facilities to accommodate for students and secondly ensuring an environment to learn new cultures, ideas and tradition.

Before you engage in any placement, ASHIA hopes that you are aware of the time and dedication it takes to travel, engage and get accustomed to a different environment. Each volunteer is asked to provide a motivation letter or project proposal. With this, we can be sure of your commitment to your placement.

The ASHIA team is here to assist you every step of your way. We are dedicated to making your trip an adventurous experience with a meaningful purpose.