Zambia, PSAZ
Area possibilities
- Community Pharmacy • Dispensing and counselling under supervision • Exposure to commonly stocked medicines & OTC products • Patient counselling, pharmacovigilance reporting & stock management • Public health services (BP checks, HIV testing, basic screening depending on site)
- Hospital Pharmacy • Ward round exposure (where allowed) • Dispensary operations (OPD & IPD) • Sterile/non-sterile compounding depending on hospital • Medication supply chain and inventory management • Clinical pharmacy shadowing (medication review, counselling)
- Industry • Limited but possible depending on partnerships • Quality assurance, quality control exposure • Manufacturing process observation • Regulatory documentation and GMP observation
- Research (University-Based) • Working with academic staff on ongoing research projects • Laboratory exposure (microbiology, pharmacology, pharmaceutics) • Data collection & analysis • Participation in research meetings/seminars
- Other (Public Health & NGO Work) • Exposure to health campaigns
• Community outreach programs • Pharmacovigilance or supply chain activities under NGOs or public institutions
Length of training periods
Exchange durations vary depending on field and hosting institution: • Community Pharmacy: 2–4 weeks • Hospital Pharmacy: Minimum 3–4 weeks • Industry: 2–4 weeks depending on availability • Research: 4–8 weeks for meaningful participation • Some cities require a full month, especially for hospital and research exchanges.
Available months and cities
- Lusaka (Capital City) Fields: Community, Hospital, Research Full month required? Preferred for hospital & research; optional for community. Comments: Largest number of placements, best transport and accommodation options.
- Ndola Fields: Community, Hospital Full month required? Yes for hospital. Comments: Good teaching hospitals and safe environment.
- Kitwe Fields: Community, Research (limited) Full month required? Not required. Comments: Flexible and student-friendly.
- Livingstone Fields: Community Full month required? No. Comments: Tourist city—students can explore Victoria Falls.
Type accommodation
Accommodation depends on the city and availability: 1. Student Residence • Available in university towns (Lusaka & Copperbelt) • Paid by student • Approx. $80–150 per month
• Usually no deposit required 2. Hostel / Lodge • Available in all major cities • Paid by student • Approx. $10–25 per night (depending on standard) • Some require a refundable deposit (approx. $20–40) 3. Host Family (Limited) • Mainly in Lusaka • Paid partly by student, subsidised by host • Approx. $100–150 for the month • Includes basic meals (depending on family)
Board, pocket money or other financial benefits/remuneration
Spending Money / Financial Benefits • Board (food): Paid by student • Spending money provided? No • Students should budget approx: • Food: $120–200 per month • Transport: $20–40 per week • Trips: Visiting Victoria Falls or tours are optional (~$30–100) No remuneration is provided by host pharmacies or hospitals.
Language requirements
• English is the official language—no extra language requirement needed. • Basic courtesy phrases in local languages (Nyanja/Bemba) are helpful but optional.
Other requirements
Minimum year of study: 2nd year and above • Graduated students: Accepted if within 1 year after graduation • Must have health/travel insurance for the full period
• Must follow local professional & ethical standards
Information on Work Permits and Visa
Work Permits & Visa Information • Most SEP students enter Zambia on a Tourist Visa or Business Visa, depending on duration and activity. • Visa on arrival available for many countries. • eVisa option available online. • Typical visa cost: $25–50 • Apply at least 2–4 weeks in advance if using eVisa. Documents Needed • Passport (valid for at least 6 months) • Invitation letter (provided by PSAZ) • Return/onward flight booking • Proof of accommodation • Proof of funds if required • Travel/medical insurance Countries exempt from visas or requiring specific visas can be checked under Zambia Immigration. PSAZ will assist by: • Issuing official invitation letters • Guiding students through visa application • Advising on arrival procedures and airport pickup (if available)
Selection Procedures
Deadline to apply: Follows IPSF SEP global timeline, but earlier is encouraged. • Selection by: SEO with consultation from the hosting site • Students may be asked to upload: • CV • Motivation letter • Proof of enrolment • Academic transcripts (optional)