PRACTICAL INFORMATION
What you need to know to
plan your placement
Fees, accommodation, visas, insurance, vaccinations, and travel - the practical details that turn interest into a well-prepared placement on Pemba.
What your placement costs
PROGRAMME FEES
The programme fee differs for 4, 8, and 12‑week placements, with a lower average cost per week for longer stays.
Duration
4 weeks
Programme fee
€1,850
Duration
8 weeks
Programme fee
€3,300
Programme fee
€4,900
Duration
4 weeks
Duration
8 weeks
Duration
12 weeks
Programme fee
€1,850
Programme fee
€3,300
Programme fee
€4,900
Your fee covers
-
Pre-departure preparation
-
Airport and ferry-point pick-up and drop-off, daily transport to the placement site
-
In-country orientation and ongoing ECHOES support
-
A basic Swahili introduction on arrival
-
Shared student accommodation
-
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays, brunch and dinner on weekends
-
Local SIM card
-
International coordinator based on Pemba
-
24/7 emergency contact
-
Supervised clinical placement at Vitongoji District Hospital
-
Community health rotation with local health workers
-
A designated local clinical mentor
-
A structured deliverable project and mentorship
Not included
-
International and domestic flights
-
Tanzania visa and entry fees
-
Vaccinations and any required medicine
-
Travel and health insurance (and mandatory Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) cover)
-
Meals not otherwise provided
-
Personal spending and optional excursions
Before you travel
Arrival and
daily life
Placement and
learning
FEE BREAKDOWN
What’s included,
and what is not
Scrubs rental
-
Don't want to pack and carry your own scrubs? ECHOES offers on-site scrubs rental for €50 for your whole placement, laundry included
-
Sizes range from XS-XXL
A portion of every fee is reinvested directly into local health initiatives on Pemba.
Your fee covers
Pre-departure preparation
Airport and ferry-point pick-up and drop-off, daily transport to the placement site
In-country orientation and ongoing ECHOES support
A basic Swahili introduction on arrival
Shared student accommodation
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays, brunch and dinner at weekends
Local SIM card
International coordinator based on Pemba
24/7 emergency contact
Supervised clinical placement at Vitongoji District Hospital
Community health rotation with local health workers
A designated local clinical mentor
A structured deliverable project and mentorship
Not included
International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa and entry fees
Vaccinations and any required medication
Travel and health insurance (and mandatory Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) cover)
Meals not otherwise provided
Personal spending and optional excursions
Scrubs rental
Don't want to pack and carry your own scrubs? ECHOES offers on-site scrubs rental for €50 for your whole placement, laundry included
Sizes range from XS-XXL
ACCOMMODATION
A shared student house
Students stay together in a house arranged by ECHOES. Living alongside your cohort makes the experience safer, more social, and easier to navigate – especially in your first days on the island.
The house has shared common areas, outdoor space, and Wi-Fi, giving students a practical and comfortable base during the placement. The house is supported by local staff such as a cook, cleaners, and security personnel.
At least one international coordinator from ECHOES is based on Pemba throughout your placement. They check in with students regularly and can be reached at any time, so there is always someone to contact if questions or concerns arise.
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Getting ready to go
Once your application is accepted and you've paid the deposit, you will receive a full pre-departure guide to make sure everything is in place before you travel and that you arrive fully prepared.
Visa and entry
Most students enter Tanzania on an e-visa, applied for online in advance via the official Tanzania Immigration portal. We will guide you through the process and timing.
What to bring
Bring lightweight, modest clothing suitable for a clinical setting and a warm climate, sun and insect protection, and any personal medication. A full packing list is shared once your placement is confirmed.
Insurance
You must hold comprehensive travel and health insurance covering your clinical placement abroad. Mandatory Zanzibar visitor insurance (ZIC) also applies on entry - we’ll explain how this works before you travel.
Getting to Pemba
Reach Pemba by a roughly 30-minute flight from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport or by ferry from Stone Town, Unguja. We help you plan this final step of your travel and meet you on arrival.
Vaccinations
Check recommended vaccinations for Tanzania with a travel clinic or your general practitioner well in advance. We will share a suggested checklist as part of your preparation guide.
A note on Pemba Island
RESPECT AND CONDUCT
Pemba is a predominantly Muslim, conservative island where daily life is quieter and more traditional than in the tourist areas of Unguja. Dressing modestly, learning a few words of Swahili, and approaching the community with respect are key to being warmly received and to making the most of your learning experience.