ASA INTERNSHIP GUIDELINES

Introduction
ASA has taken up microfinance program in 1991 with a view to give an effort in the field of poverty
reduction in Bangladesh. Since then ASA continued to carry on the microfinance program from small
scale program to reaching in a large scale microfinance industry. It has become the major task of ASA
today with admiration by many global leaders and nations for its effectiveness in impact creation to the
million poor peoples lives in-country and abroad. Today the replication of ASA microfinance model has
attained an increasing chase both at the national and international levels. By now twenty thousand ASA
employees working in the areas of all administrative units of Government administration of the Peoples
Republic of Bangladesh has succeeded to prove them-selves to be highly dedicated, disciplined and selfmotivated towards their daily routine works as to assist the poor.
Until today a series of ASAs microfinance upheavals, while banking with the poor, have become an
alluring package for many foreign and in-country visitors. As to learn and exploring the growth and
progress of ASAs present microfinance service delivery methodologies and procedures the interest of
the individuals ,practitioners ,MFIs and donors from around the globe are repeatedly mentioned in
workshops, seminars and symposiums held about microfinance anywhere and in any country. Listening
to such an attitude towards ASA microfinance by others causes us to receive evoke and inspiration to
undergo all kind of turmoil and challenges in developing new products and marketing them for the
people who wants and need those products. ASA microfinance program has thus achieved the quality of
one of the brand lending methodologies for the poor in simultaneous to the formal banking sector that
which are operating and newly venturing into various parts of Bangladesh.
ASA has proven its efficiency in managing money through banking activities with the poor. Such lending
efficacies of its program have resulted in creating such an innovative, specialized, standardized and a
cost-effective ASA Microfinance Sustainable Development Model. And thus the successes of ASA
microfinance model have gained the global acclaim today.
ASA codified the rules and methodologies of micro-lending activities in an operational manual known as
ASA Manual. It gives the guidance to the employees to implementing the program in day to day
delivery of services to the people who need and want it. Such codification effort of ASA has ensured
positive impact in running the microfinance enterprise effectively. A set of single line command
package manual for all concerned in ASA have been developed for conducting the program identical.
More than twenty years experience of ASA in the field of microfinance activities has en-reached the
organization to a brand in micro-lending function. As a quality program, ASA feels proud in sharing her
knowledge with others such as individuals, groups, NGOs, MFIs and many undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate students of various universities from around the world. A large number of exposure visitors and
interns from within the country and abroad make visit to ASA to see microfinance operation every year.
These visitors interact with the top level ASA management staff in its head office and the staff of the
branch offices as well as interacting with the ASA borrowers while visits the groups. They also visit
different Income Generating Activities (IGAs) of the borrowers during their visit to ASA branch offices.

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ASAs Internship Course have been developed for the undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate
students of in-country and abroad who comes to learn practical aspects of ASAs microfinance operations
for poverty alleviation.
The office of Exposure and Internship Unit welcomes the students to visit and learn how ASA and its
microfinance sustainable development model is operating in Bangladesh. For more information, please
contact: Nicholas DeCosta <nicholas@asabd.org> /<asabd@asa.org.bd.

RULES & APPLICATION PROCESS

1. A prescribed Internship Application Form to be filled in and sent after signing the scanned
copy of the same to ASA Exposure & Internship Unit by the intern;
2. All costs are to be borne by the intern including local transportation, accommodation, food, etc.;
3. A set of ASA Publications/Literature are given to the intern on arrival to read. After they finish
read the literatures, they are to return them to the officer of E & I Unit ;
4. The intern is provided with a desktop computer for his/her uses in need.
5. A necessary schedule of work details is developed and provided to the intern ;
6. A written report on a specific topic to be submitted after completion of works in ASA;
7. ASA provides all sorts of cooperation to the interns;
8. While traveling to and fro/ back and forth for internship in ASA, if any damage or loss of limbs or
life or any other such things happens to any intern at work, no claim will be considered;
9. Interns are expected to honor our national norms and practices, culture, religious values and the
socio-economic background while at ASA for work. Any violation to the above mentioned areas or
others done by the interns and they are found or seen by ASA and /or reported to ASA will be
seriously taken into consideration and will be dealt with. Such situation/incident caused by any
intern(s) will lead to immediate termination of the contract and the intern will no longer be treated to
continue work at ASA.

WHO ARE OFFERED WITH THESE COURSES?

ASA internship course has been designed to accommodate the volunteer students only. All through the
year, the university undergraduate, graduate and post graduate students from within the country and
abroad can join in ASA internship course at any stipulated time illustrated below. Both the field work and
the observation along with courtesy meetings with top level management personnel at head office
operation are recommended vehicles and venues to ruminate about ASA microfinance sustainable
development model. Background matching and interest of the students are considered in accepting
applications for internship in ASA. A very few selected candidates from ASA University Bangladesh and
other Universities are accepted to do this course.

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Internship Types & their Duration

Summer

[ 5-8 weeks ]

(early May to late August)

Fall

[ 5-8 weeks ]

(early September to late December)

Spring

[ 5-8 weeks ]

(early January to late April)

ASA standard is to offer 5 to 8 weeks internship course. ASA may be flexible in extending more weeks
to some of the candidates based on their need and request.

Organized by
It is arranged and organized by the Office of ASA International Affairs Unit, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Working Places of an Intern in ASA
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Meeting with Honorable President and the Founder of ASA(Depending on his availability)
Need-based meetings with the ASA executives;
ASA Head Office
Field Work: Field stay and daily branch visits
Need-based holding of forums and open discussions

_____________________________________________________________________________

Program: Schedule of Activities

The course is designed as per need of the students. Details on eight weeks schedule of activity have been
given below for better understanding of the readers:
__________________________________________________________
Week-01 & Week-02
ASA head office-based activities in the beginning1.
Orientation on ASA Structure/ Organogram
2.
Reading of ASA Literature
3.
Meeting the department heads
4.
ASA Urban Branch Visit
5.
Develop the individual project questionnaire for interviewing the borrowers & stakeholders
Week-03 -Week-06
1.

Branch Visit: Students go visit and stay for works in the field offices for practical learning.

2.

Daily Report Writing: Students continues to prepare report write ups based on their branch visits.

Week-07-Week-08
1.

The students stay in Dhaka and come to the ASA head office for rest of the days to work on their
draft reports as to finalize and submit the same. The interns complete project reports before their
departure from ASA, Bangladesh.
2.
As to complete reports they hold frequent summary sessions and personal meetings with the head
office research section staff/ personnel on their return from the field works.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Note: The activity schedule for more weeks may be extended based on the nature of the students project
requests.
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Requirements
Costs
All costs such as air/bus/train fares, personal care item costs, accommodation, food and local
transportation costs, etc. are borne by the intern.

Registration Fees
ASA charges registration fees of US$100 only to each foreign intern. Each foreign student is to pay this
one-time fee on his/her arrival to ASA, Bangladesh.

A Resume / Curriculum Vitae

A short resume/CV along with a reference letter from the respective Course Coordinator/Dean/Registrar
of the institution will be required from the student to send with the request email/letter to ASA as
attachment.

Invitation Letter from ASA

On getting a positive decision on request of the student (s), E & I Unit will send an invitation letter to the
respective student as to pursue obtaining visa.

Passport
At least six (6) months validity of the passport should remain even after completion of internship in ASA,
Bangladesh. If renewal of passport is required before leaving for ASA, Bangladesh, the applicant should
get it done.

VISA
All students, based on the nationality, need visa to visit ASA, Bangladesh. Obtain your visa from the
Bangladesh Embassy/ High Commission of Bangladesh or the Consulate working in your country.

Personal Laptop/Desktop Computer

It is recommended that students bring their personal laptops. If it is not possible to anyone(s), a desktop
computer with access to internet facility will be provided to the students while at work in the head office
of ASA.

ASA Internship Application Form

Undergraduate, graduate and post graduate students are eligible to apply for internship.

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STUDENT INFORMATION FORM

FOR ASA INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN BANGLADESH
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name (Last, First,
Mailing Address:
Permanent Address:
Home Phone:
(
)
E-mail Address:
SCHOOL INFORMATION
School Name:
Major/Concentration:
Degree Type:
Research experience:
Advisors Name:
Advisors Address:
Advisors E-mail:

Alternate Phone:

Expected Grad Date:

Advisors Phone:

VISA-RELATED INFORMATION
Do you prefer your Mailing or Permanent Address on your Invitation
Letter?
Passport Number:
Passport Expiration:
Date/Flight
to
Arrive:
Date/Flight to Leave:
***Include a scanned copy of passports information page with picture, name, birth date, issuance, etc.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Pertinent
Med
History:
Allergies:
Dietary Constraints:
Other notes (opt.):
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Primary Contact:
Relationship:
Home Phone:
Mailing Address:
E-mail Address:
Secondary Contact:
Relationship:
Home Phone:

Alternate Phone:

Alternate Phone:

_____________________________
Applicants Signature and Date
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Health Insurance
___________________________________________________________________________
The family or university health insurance should cover the students duration of stay in Bangladesh. ASA
will ensure the safety of each student. Each student must sign the agreement found herewith the format
attached:
1 THE INTERN AND ASA, BANGLADESH APPROVED INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RELEASE
I,
_______________________________________________________________,
a
student
of___________________________________ have received approval from ASA, Bangladesh (ASA) to
participate in the student intern program (the Program), and wish to voluntarily participate from
_________ to ____________.
Should I notify ASA of an intention to defer or extend or change the dates of stay at the Program, all
parts of this agreement will apply to the actual and full period of participation. After this form is
submitted to ASA, I, along with my parent(s) or legal guardian(s), agree to the terms set forth in this
Agreement and recognize that we are bound by these.
A. Student Conduct Abroad
1. All interns are required to observe the laws of Bangladesh throughout the Program, as well as all
project elements and disciplinary regulations in effect at the Program. The student further understands
and agrees that while participating in the Program, the student acts in the manner that respects ASA, and
the culture of Bangladesh.
2. Standards of Conduct. While ASA will do its utmost to ensure the safety of each intern while
participating in the program, the student is ultimately responsible for his or her personal safety at all
times, especially when not on ASA Program-related trips. The student recognizes that he / she assume an
important personal obligation to conduct himself or herself in a manner compatible with the Program and
its reputation, with local laws and regulations, and with ASA regulations for student conduct. The student
bears the responsibility to become informed of, and abide by, all such laws, regulations and standards.
The student agrees that ASA has the right to enforce the standards of conduct described above, in its sole
judgment, and that it will impose sanctions on the student, including immediate expulsion from the
Program, for violating these standards or for any behavior detrimental to or incompatible with the
interest, harmony and welfare of ASA, the Program or other Program participants. If expelled from the
Program, the student will be responsible for expenses incurred in returning to the point of origin.
3. The students participation in the Program may be terminated immediately by ASA if the student
engages in conduct endangering him or herself or others.
B. Health and Well-being
1. Risks of Study Abroad
a. There are certain dangers, hazards and risks inherent in international travel, international living, and
activities associated with international study, including but not limited to foreign political, legal, social
and economic conditions; different standards of design, safety and maintenance of buildings, public
places and conveyances; weather conditions; risks arising from sanitary or health conditions, crime, civil
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disturbances, terrorism and travel or other accidents. These dangers, hazards and risks could include
serious or even fatal injuries and/or property damage. The student is responsible for informing him or
herself about known dangers, hazards, and risks and expressly assumes all risks for any loss, injury,
death, or damage resulting from his/her decision to study abroad on the chosen Program in its particular
location, and from any precautions (including recommended or required immunizations) he/she takes or
fails to take.
The student agrees to take every precaution to safeguard his/her health and to protect his/her personal
belongings from damage or theft. The student recognizes that ASA recommends that it is unadvisable to
travel alone, particularly at night. Being alone, particularly at night, may bring additional danger to the
student's safety and well-being.
b. ASA will contact students regarding their comfort levels and make program decisions with safetyminded precautions, but cannot give any guarantees regarding the students personal safety or the safety
of the students property while participating in the Program.
c. Travel, transition, distance from established support systems, and living in a different culture are all
challenging circumstances that can alter previously effective ways of managing medical, physical, or
psychological conditions. ASA cannot assure the student of the provision of these supports abroad. If the
student informs ASA of any supports he/she relies upon into Bangladesh and may need for his/her well
being while abroad, ASA will offer reasonable assistance in providing information about available
options. The students failure to inform ASA of any special needs he or she may require, ASA is unable
to offer any such assistance.
2. Independent Activity. ASA is not responsible for any injury or loss the student may suffer when
traveling independently or otherwise, separated or absent from any activities sponsored by the Program.
3. The student authorizes and permits ASA to communicate with the students parent(s) or legal
guardian(s) if the student is removed from the Program or experiences an emergency situation in which a
parent or legal guardian would need to be contacted.
4. The student is responsible for ensuring that he / she has a valid passport and appropriate visa.
5. The student understands that he or she will be responsible for any legal problems he or she may
encounter with any foreign nationals or government of the host country. He or she acknowledges that (i)
ASA is not able to assist students who break the law or are accused of breaking the law in a foreign
country and are not responsible for legal fees or other costs while attempting to secure the Student's
release from foreign custody, and (ii) neither organization nor Bangladesh has the ability to protect the
student from punishment with respect to drugs and other criminal offenses.
6. The student agrees to provide personal health insurance coverage during his or her participation in the
Program. The student certifies that he or she will carry valid and current medical insurance and have a
valid insurance identity card to bring. It is the Student's responsibility to determine that this insurance is
adequate to cover injuries or illnesses that may be sustained while participating in the Program, including
the expenses of returning to his/her own country in the event that such action is necessary.
7. The student hereby certifies that he or she is free of any conditions that would endanger her life, health,
or well-being while traveling or living abroad, or that would impede him/her ability to fully participate in
all aspects of the Program. The student recognizes that ASA is not obligated to attend to any of his/her
medical or medication needs, and assumes all risk and responsibility therefore. If the student should
require medical treatment or hospital care during the Program, ASA is not responsible for the cost or
quality of such treatment or care. However, ASA and its representatives and designees are authorized
(but is not obligated) to take any actions it considers to be warranted under the circumstances regarding
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the student's health and safety, including but not limited to, placing him/her under the care of a doctor in
a hospital or any place for medical examination and/or treatment or returning him/her to the respective
country at his/her own expense if such return is deemed appropriate and necessary. The student agrees to
pay all expenses relating thereto and release each of such persons from any liability for any such actions.
Should the need arises ASA is authorized to provide any personal information about the student to any
health care provider.
C. Program Responsibilities
The student will undertake Program/projects as outlined by ASA staff. Any deviation from the project
outlined must be approved by ASA staff.
D. Program Changes
ASA reserves the right to alter, cancel, or withdraw approval of any Program.
E. Governing Law
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of Bangladesh, which shall be the forum for any lawsuits
filed under or incident to this agreement or the Program.
I have carefully read this Assumption of Risk and Release of Claims before signing it. I understand the
content of this document, and hereby certify that I am at least 18 years of age. I execute this Release and
Waiver of Liability of my own free will and accord.
Signed: _________________________Student)

Date: ______________

Signed: _________________________(Parent or Guardian) Date: ______________

3 ASSUMPTIONS OF RISK AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS
This is a release of legal rights. Read and understand before signing. Knowing the risks described above,
and in consideration of being permitted to participate in the Program, I agree, on behalf of my family,
heirs and personal representative(s), to assume all the risks and responsibilities surrounding my
participation in the Program. To the maximum extent permitted by law, I release, hold harmless and
agree to indemnify ASA, Bangladesh, its officers, staff, representatives, volunteers, employees and
agents, from and against any present or future claim, loss or liability for injury to person or property
which I may suffer, or for which I may suffer, or for which I may be liable to any other person, during
my participation in the Program (including periods in transit to or from any area where the Program is
being conducted), resulting from any cause including but not limited to ASAs, its officers', staff's,
representatives', volunteers', employees' or agents' own passive or active negligence or other acts other
than fraud, willful misconduct or violation of law.
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of Bangladesh, which shall be the forum for any lawsuits
filed under or incident to this agreement or the Program.
I have carefully read this Assumption of Risk and Release of Claims before signing it. I understand the
content of this document, and hereby certify that I am at least 18 years of age. I execute this Release and
Waiver of Liability of my own free will and accord.
Printed: _________________________________ (Student) Date: ______________
Signed: __________________________________ (Student) Date: ______________
Signed: ___________________________(Parent or Guardian)Date: ______________
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Vaccinations and Medication

Students should visit his/her doctor and /or a Travel Medical Clinic to ensure that he/she has proper
vaccinations and medications for his/her time in Bangladesh. All students should bring DEET mosquito
repellent to use after dusk. In every guest house or hotel, students may ask for and use the mosquito net if
they wanted. The following links are useful resources for vaccination and travel health information:
--http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationBangladesh.aspx
--http://cdc.gov/travel/contentTravelClinics.aspx

Packing
Pack enough items to maximize your comfort, but do not over-pack to weigh you down.

Notify
Your guardian(s), school advisor and bank.

Remember
Remember the summer internship is faced by interns with hot, humid and rainy weather here. Fall interns
will enjoy the weather here in Bangladesh. And the interns during spring will be requiring light winter
clothes. In this connection, the students are also advised to read paragraphs on clothing, medicine cabinet,
additional/optional items, electronics, money, other emotional considerations, inappropriate conduct, etc.
described below:
CLOTHING:

Think Business Casual

A few slacks
A few light-weight shirts with any length of sleeve (with buttons and collars preferably)
If you do not feel you have enough suitable clothing, you can buy Bengali or Western clothing
in the local market
Business people (including ASA staff) wear comfortable leather shoes. The general population
wears flip-flops or sandals. The poorest go barefoot. Wear what you have and what you are
comfortable with.
Shower shoes that double for house shoes
Hats and sunglasses are good protection for the field, even if youre the only person wearing them.
One long-sleeve or wrap for airplane or Head Office (if the A/C gets too cold doesnt tend to be a
problem, though)
Loose, light-weight pajamas

MEDICINE CABINET:
This is not prepared by a medical doctor. Ask for recommendations from your own medical
professional.

Personal prescription medications filled through your length of stay

Contact lens supply, if applicable

Mosquito repellent with DEET

Topical Hydrocortisone cream (anti-itch)
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Sunblock!! Please, please wear sunscreen in the field. Breathable sunblock is better in the humidity.
Any sunblock will do.

Hand sanitizer

Over-the-counter or prescription medicine for Travelers Diarrhoea

Pepto-Bismol

Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen

Bandages with antiseptic swabs and Neosporin

One roll of toilet paper (usually provided)

Travel Kleenex

Feminine products, if applicable

Personal care items: face wash, toothpaste, floss, deodorant

Extra plastic bags

Matches

Tweezers

Water purification tablets (bottled water is plentiful, but good to have just in case)

ADDITIONAL / OPTIONAL ITEMS

Treated mosquito netting (though these should be provided where needed)

Benadryl
Cold/flu medicine
Saline powder packets for oral rehydration
Vitamins (ask your doctor if these mitigate effects of other drugs)
Candle
Sewing kit and safety pins
Travel-size Tide packets for hand-washing personal items (you can send all or some of your clothes
out to be hand-washed or you can wash them yourself)
Travel-sized baby powder
Facial cleansing cloths
Small hand lotion (humidity is usually enough)
Chap stick can be helpful if you sleep under a fan

ELECTRONICS
Electricity is spotty in Bangladesh, especially at night. With patience, you will have the electricity you
need, but remember youre in a developing country. Voltage here is 220-240; plan accordingly. All of
the following items are optional on a need/desire-basis.

Hilarious but true you will find almost every kind of plug here: European, African, American
bring a travel adapter set and use what you need.

Laptop: It will be most helpful to bring your own, though we can provide you with computer access
to the Head Office if needed. If theres internet, some places will have wireless access while others
will have a LAN cable for hook-up.

Phone, iPod, camera, etc. with chargers are okay to bring, just tuck away when not in use.

If any item (such as camera) uses normal rechargeable batteries like AA, bring your rechargeable
set, but bring normal batteries for additional backup.
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Flashlight or headlamp

USB flash drive helpful to transfer data

Outlet splitter or small surge protector strip
MONEY
Bring cash and exchange while in Dhaka. You can check XE.com for exchange rates. Bring more if
youre planning on spending extra money on a lot of souvenirs or if you have other trips planned. If
needed, you can use your ATM card at one of the local banks.
OTHER

Entertainment that does not require electricity: book, journal, deck of cards

2 notebooks and pens (Youll write a lot and will not always have your laptop in front of you.)

Towel (high-absorbency, quick-drying towels are expensive, but useful)

Exfoliating shower gloves great for getting the grime off and a big help when water is in short

supply and your shower is ever reduced to a bucket or faucet

Umbrella

Watch

Snacks: trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit, peanut butter (You will get more than enough rice, fish
and meat at meals and more than enough tea in between, but snacks are not popular.

Bringing a couple items should be sufficient.)

Propel sells individual powder packets for large bottles of water; this helps with hydration and
replenishing of electrolytes. You should get enough water (and tea) if you dont bring these.

EMOTIONAL CONSIDERATION
Spending time in a developing country, especially if for the first time, can be emotionally exhausting. Talk to
other travelers who have made similar journeys. Ask questions about what to expect and how to react.

Think about your values and remind yourself why you are going. Talk with fellow interns and with local
people throughout the program; as long as you maintain a respectful quality to your conversation, you
can cover fascinating and raw topics. Be aware that other people may be much better or much worse
adjusted than you. Tell other people when you need their support and expect to offer yours in return.
Feel free to speak with ASA staff and we will work with you regarding any needs you may have. Also,
speak with someone at home before you leave about your expectations; it will be easier to refer to these
conversations than to fully explain yourself from a far.
Take pictures and Journal. Keep in touch with loved ones back home. Talk with one another.

INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT
The use of illegal substances and drugs is prohibited while on the program. Any intern who chooses to
use illegal substances or drugs during his or her stay will be removed from the program and he/she has
to go home at his or her own expense.
Alcohol is illegal for locals and not served in Bangladesh except for a few upscale hotels that cater to
Westerners. Interns are free to visit these hotels on their own time, though any intern who appears
intoxicated during ASA-related duties or while on ASA premises will receive one warning; a second
infraction will result in the student being removed from the program and will go home at his or her
own discretion.

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IF ANYTHING, JUST REMEMBER

Learn as much as possible.

Ask questions.

Tell us if you need anything.

Keep in touch with ASA.

Simply say No to uncomfortable situations, too much food, or to anything else you dont want.

Drink lots of bottled water. (Also use to brush your teeth and to rinse your toothbrush!)

Eat fully cooked food from trusted resources, not from street vendors.

Stay active.

Do not drive unless youre in an unavoidable emergency situation.

Stay away from animals.

Be smart.

Sleep.

Wash your hands.

Love people and trust that youre here for a reason.

Take joy in your work.

TESTIMONIES AND FEEDBACK

Each student will be asked to submit his or her testimony and feedback report for the continued
improvement of the internship program at ASA.

For More information in general: Please contactASA, 23/3, Bir Uttam A.N.M Nuruzzaman Sarak, Block-B, Shyamoli, Mohammadpur
Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
Telephone: 9116375, 8119828, 8110934-5,8151113, Mobile : 008801711855432
Fax: 880-2-8111175, 9121861
Email: nicholas@asa.org.bd/asabd@asa.org.bd
website: www.asabd.org,

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