Before you decided to read until this page, you must have already done some considerate amount of thinking. So you have asked yourself the most important question " what will i be doing this year", and hopefully your answer or at least part of it was, " I want to take part in a placement in Africa". A good place to start is by doing some research. There are many organizations and placement opportunities available on the internet and in different countries. So you must have already narrowed your search to Cameroon. The research does not stop there and you need to find out more about how to get there. Ask yourself the following questions: what placements are available in Cameroon, what can ASHIA offer me that others cannot, do I need to be vaccinated, how can I get an entrance document (visa) to Douala and more importantly, what is expected of me during my placement. Along the way, ASHIA will give you advice on how to proceed. However, part of your journey to Africa is to be independent. We will guide you, but will not provide you with all the answers. A great deal of work must come from you!
ASHIA provides you with an environment where you can apply yourself. Certain situations and conditions are different to what you may be used to. Taking part in any placement in a tropical country such as in Cameroon is quite challenging. Before you engage in this, follow some of our ASHIA guidelines listed below. Please note that this applies to volunteers who reside or will be travelling from the Netherlands. If you are from another country, we will process your information and send you instructions and tips that apply for your country of residence.
- Flight ticket: Flights to Douala, Cameroon are common from Amsterdam A number of airlines frequently fly to Douala. Below are some airlines you can consider:
- Royal Air Maroc: Stop over in Cassablanca. Flight duration can take up to 16 hours. Most flights arrive very early or very late during the day.
- AirFrance or KLM: Stop over in France (Charles de Gaulle airport). Flight duration can take up to 10 hours.
- SN Brussels: Flights depart from Brussels international airport. No stop over. Flight duration approximately 6 hours.
- Vaccination: Cameroon is a tropical country and many tropical diseases are still very prevalent in this country. For your safety you are advised to get the required vaccinations which include (Hepatitis B, Yellow fever, Typhoid fever, Tetanus, Polio, Meningococcal and Hepatitis A). Always consult your general practitioner or doctor before you receive any vaccinations. In the Netherlands you can make an appointment with your local GGD and they know more about which vaccinations are needed for which country.
- Visa: All volunteers travelling from the Netherlands to Cameroon will need an entry visa. One will be given to you once you fulfill certain requirements including having the right documents (copy of flight ticket, copy of vaccination booklet, invitation letter from Cameroon, letter from university, copy of financial statement).
In order for ASHIA to process your full application, we will need to know your exact arrival and departure date. With this, we can proceed with your invitation letter from Cameroon. This letter is needed when you are applying for your visa.
Now you have your flight ticket, your vaccinations and your visa, what else do you need?
ASHIA advices all volunteers on what to bring and what items not to bring. However, we feel that there are a few very important things you should take with you. A list of items to pack is available to all our volunteers once they have confirmed their placement. You can travel light, many items are readily available in Cameroon.
- Malaria prophylaxis: This can prevent against malaria infection. Please notify your general practitioner or a consultant about which one is best for you.
- Chargers for all your electronic equipments: it is sad but true, but if you forget your chargers you will find yourself quite frustrated. In Cameroon such things are not easily found, and may cost you alot of money if you do find them.
- Stethoscope: For all medical students, please bring your own stetoscope or other equipments used during a physical examination.
- Extension cables/cords: In the french speaking regions of Cameroon you will find that electric outlets to be same as those of many european countries including the Netherlands. However, in the English speaking region of Cameroon, you may need a British converter to plug in the electric outlet. In any event, it is wise to take a universal converter just in case.
- Copies of all your important documents: When you are travelling in Cameroon, it is essential that you travel with original or copies of your identification. On occassions you may be asked to reveal your identification papers, and failure to present this can lead to imprisonment or paying of a very high fine. Hence always carry your ID papers with you.
Coping in your new environment
Many of our volunteers have experienced difficulties in coping in their new environment. Many factors that affect this are food, climate and language barriers. One way to handle such differences would be to travel with a friend or a fellow student. We have seen that volunteers who travel and take part in a placement together are more likely to finish their placement. This is because they have someone they can share their problems, ideas and experiences with. Another important feature in ASHIA is we try to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Our placements offer safe accommodation facilities, we also arrange weekly excursions so as to get you more involved in the culture. There are also social events arranged in Foumbot. Here you can meet at the end of your day's work and share your experiences with other ASHIA volunteers. Such arrangements have improved coping for many of our volunteers who find themselves in a new environment.
ASHIA provides you with some basic tips and strategies on coping with homesickness, illness and communication problems.
Now you are aware of the preparation and dedication it takes to take part in a placement and you still want to join our team of volunteers in Africa this year? Fill the application form below and receive a list of 2 placement choices, further instructions, tips on fundraising and much more.