International

ASHT's International Committee is committed to the mission of advancing the specialty of hand and upper extremity therapy through communication, education, research and the establishment of clinical standards throughout the international community. Here you can learn more about international hand therapy organizations, meetings and fellowships, volunteer opportunities and more.

​​Share Information on the e-Community International Discussion Group​

IFSSH-IFSHT 2025 International Traveling Therapist Grant Application 

The American Hand Therapy Foundation, the American Society of Hand Therapists and the Hand Therapy Certification Commission are offering 10 travel grants to eligible applicants to help them attend the IFSSH-IFSHT 2025 Triennial Congress. 

Amount: $3,000 per recipient

Procedures

  • Submit an application via the online submission portal by 1 February 2024 (at midnight, CET time zone). Successful candidates will be informed by the last week of March 2024. 
  • Provide a copy of their diploma as an occupational or physical therapist-physiotherapist.
  • Submit one letter of recommendation from a mentor or an employer on official letterhead. 
  • Obtain a visa at least six months prior to travel to the United States. 

Learn more

International Organizations

International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy (IFSHT)
The mission of the IFSHT is to provide global networking and educational opportunities to develop and enhance the practice of hand therapy. IFSHT represents more than 8,500 hand therapists worldwide, and endeavors to promote the principles and practice of hand therapy internationally, thereby increasing the number of patients who receive specialized rehabilitation.

IFSHT-IFSSH Teaching Grants: IFSHT and IFSSH have joined together to support international projects that further the practice of hand therapy. Recently, a group of Canadian hand therapists traveled to Uganda to work with and teach local therapists there about hand therapy. This project was supported by a grant from the IFSHT-IFSSH International Teaching Fund.  Do you have a project or are you considering one that will further the practice of hand therapy in a country other than your own? If so, you can apply for support from IFSHT-IFSSH. Projects are eligible for up to $1,000 in funding. Click here for more information and the application forms for the IFSHT-IFSSH International Teaching Grant program.

IFSHT Publications: 
REACH Vol. 3 No. 1 - April 2023 
Archives

International Companion Clinic Program

The world is getting smaller. New technology has made it faster to connect with people around the globe, reaching even the most remote corners, an unthinkable probability a decade ago. Cheap and easy internet-based communication has replaced expensive, hardwired phone lines allowing people to connect via chat messaging and even video at little to no cost, both with archived messages or in real time. Because of this, taking part in ASHT's Companion Clinic Program is now easier than ever!

This program pairs a U.S. clinic or hand therapist with an individual in a developing country, providing a unique opportunity to create relationships between therapists practicing under a diverse set of circumstances. Through regular communication, members pursue collaboration, clinical education and professional growth while promoting best practice in the field of hand therapy around the world. The program also offers members networking opportunities, the development of new skills, and the satisfaction of actively assisting in the standardization of hand therapy practice on a global scale.

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Fellowships

Review a full list of ASHT's fellowship and graduate programs.

Evelyn Mackin award from the Philadelphia Hand Foundation

Evelyn Mackin award from the American Hand Therapy Foundation

Volunteer Information

International Volunteer Toolkit
Find useful tools such as travel tips, up-to-date information on countries around the world, language tools and travel insurance.

Volunteer Organizations
Access a list of organizations that sponsor international volunteer opportunities.
*This listing is provided as a resource and not an indication of ASHT endorsement.

Donate Books and Supplies

Organizations accepting medical equipment donations

Organizations accepting medical book donations