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<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>I was inspired to go abroad to continue expanding my knowledge of healthcare across different cultures and countries. As a public health science major on the pre-pa track, I wanted to explore how medicine is delivered in resource-limited settings.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As someone who has studied abroad before in Thailand, Kenya was my next destination in fulfilling my goals of creating a strong sense of cultural appreciation, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding. I wanted to have more experiences that would challenge me while strengthening my global health understanding.</p>
<h3>Why did you choose <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/international-medical-aid rel="" target="_self" class="link">International Medical Aid</a>?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1770363747/images2/interviews/DgZIqsclazvfLJZA1thiZtp1bOEtSyHosxTV7VcV.png" alt="medical interns at CGTRH Kenya"><div class="caption"><p>My incoming intern cohort.</p></div></div>
<p>I chose International Medical Aid (IMA) as the organization to go through because of how much they were able to provide in global health opportunities, education in and out of the hospital, and collaboration with fellow students and faculty.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They offered structured clinical rotations, community outreach, and mentorship that aligned with my goals of becoming a physician assistant, and opportunities to learn about Kenyan culture and be truly immersed for the duration of our stay.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What was your favorite part of Mombasa?</h3>
<p>My favorite part of Mombasa was the sense of familiarity within a new environment. The city reminded me of Mali, which is where my family is from in West Africa. The people were so welcoming, and the city was very lively beyond the walls of the hospital.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Being able to explore the city and go to different locations such as the beaches, the mall, and other parts of the city was truly fun. I talked to the locals, from store owners to Uber drivers to fellow students at the hospital. It was just such a great experience to really get those perspectives from the people who are living there and hear about the good and the bad.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>What made my experience extraordinary was the amount of exposure I had to both community health initiatives and clinical care. I was able to rotate through internal medicine, emergency surgery, and maternity. I was also able to participate in community health educational sessions that were about hygiene and women’s health.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As a public health science major, I was able to observe how medicine, public health, and advocacy intersect with one another. Throughout my rotations, I was able to witness the providers deliver exceptional care despite the limited resources they had. I was able to learn so much from them and learn even more about the Kenyan healthcare system. Depending on what you were already licensed to do in the United States, you were able to help triage and do other things to help based on the scope of your practice.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Maternity was especially my favorite rotation because I am interested in women’s health. I was able to watch live births, C-sections, ectopic pregnancy surgeries, and so much more. Even beyond shadowing in the hospital, we were able to do global health sessions with the doctor who was partnered with IMA. We learn about different health techniques as well as reflect on the department we were assigned for that week.&nbsp;</p>
<p>More importantly, nothing sugar-coated, we learned the reality of what they truly needed and what was lacking. I was also able to participate in a cultural track, where I was able to go to another part of Kenya that really showcased the culture and the rich history. I was joined by fellow students and staff members and was able to create stronger bonds throughout the trip.</p>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>The local staff were so incredibly patient, welcoming, and supportive. The healthcare professionals that allow us to shadow them were super considerate and really took the time to talk to us students. It was busy every single day, and I will forever be grateful for that because there were so many times when it was so hectic, but they really were trying their best to give us their time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The staff for our program were truly just amazing and they organized everything. They became the last people we saw before heading to bed and the first people we saw when we woke up. They made sure to be available at all times, even past working hours. Oftentimes, the staff would host meetings throughout the week for everyone to get a chance to talk about what could be improved in the house and scheduling situations. We had meetings where we discussed our experiences in the hospital. They also hosted different presentations so we could learn even more about the culture.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Overall, the staff became people we could have a good laugh or a good conversation with. The staff were not just program providers, but there were staff who were there to clean the place to make sure that we lived in a clean and wonderful environment. There was also staff who cooked for us every day from morning to night, and security who ensured our safety. I really enjoyed talking to everyone, and they all were a big part of my experience.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>I think one thing I wish I had done is take more time to really process our experiences because we were busy every single day. I really took the time to journal the processes, but sometimes I was not really processing all of the emotions that I felt.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I feel like being able to balance that would’ve been even better, just to make sure that I really was experiencing every moment and really processing it in those moments and not just afterwards.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1770363748/images2/interviews/REZVxkWH57KgwiI2Lrd3qScBbAMxX4XBFCVycZya.jpg" alt="canyon landscape with colorful rock formations"><div class="caption"><p>Scenery</p></div></div>
<p>A typical day began around 6 AM, when we would get up and have breakfast made by the staff chef. We will eat together, and then we will take our bus and go to the hospital.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We would then meet up with our team of other interns in the same rotation as us that week. We then go to find out who we were shadowing that day. For example, the week that I had my rotation in maternity, we watched births, and when there was a C-section going on, we would watch.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Once the afternoon came around, we would get back on the bus and go back to the house. We would have lunch ready for us from the staff, and then we would settle in. We would have a group meeting with all interns to talk about our rotations for the first day, or we would have a different session where one of the collaborating doctors would come and do an educational session. One of them was suturing sessions, and afterwards would likely have free time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Sometimes we would either pick a restaurant to go to or somewhere we haven’t experienced yet, like go-karting, paintball, beaches, and more. In the evening, we would wrap it up by either doing something in the house, like hanging out, getting to know each other more, or doing the little stuff that we needed to take care of ourselves before going to sleep.</p>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<p>During my free time, I really enjoy spending time with the other interns and getting to explore Mombasa. We shared meals as we reflected on our hospital experiences, and we were also just able to talk about where we were from. Everybody was either from different countries or from different states in the United States.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It was really great to just talk about our experiences being college students and talk more about our future and healthcare. They were also eager to find some new place to hang out and explore, and we would ask the staff what places they would recommend.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>So during my time in Kenya, I shared a residency with other interns, and it was pretty much a big house that was separated into two buildings, and each room had 3 to 4 people in it.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At the time I was in the program, we had our largest student cohort during the summer, and it was really fun just being around each other. We had fun and enjoyed the main house, which had more of the living room area where we could all collectively hang out to enjoy food, entertainment, and more. It’s also where the staff hosted meetings and other announcements, as well as where we gathered before leaving for the buses.</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>I think future participants should know that the program can be intense emotionally, but also rewarding. You will see so many challenging cases and limitations, but you will also witness so much resilience, compassion, and teamwork.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I think that being open-minded, adaptable, and willing to learn is extremely important. Making sure to embrace every moment, while being understanding as well, because I think there’s no point in wanting to explore something without actually being open to it.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/international-medical-aid/programs/physician-assistant-pre-pa-internships-abroad-156142 rel="" target="_self" class="link">Physician Assistant/Pre-PA Internships</a> to others? Why?</h3>
<p>I would 100% recommend International Medical Aid to others. The program provided safety, clinical exposure, strong mentorship, and opportunities to engage while making sure that we were doing everything we wanted to do within limits.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They offer so many opportunities to learn more about the culture, allow for personal growth, and create an excellent experience through all aspects of what you would want in a study program.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1770363749/images2/interviews/UHKKE8hPThFqOR04zG5JWP7FSoEr1sCr0cCaK8Yp.jpg" alt="Palm tree silhouette at sunset over a city skyline"><div class="caption"><p>Scenery</p></div></div>
<p>I think the biggest benefit of traveling is the different perspectives you can gain. Experiencing different healthcare systems, cultures, and ways of living is just something that continues to build humility and empathy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It challenges what you already know and encourages personal growth, while understanding more about the global equities that we often read and learn about.  It just helps in seeing how care is more than just medicine, but as something that involves community, culture, connections, and how it can affect the type of health people receive.</p>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>Since returning home, my time abroad made me think about how I could further my commitment to healthcare and service. My rotation in maternity further reinforced my goal of wanting to become an OBGYN physician assistant.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It also reminded me how much healthcare extends beyond the hospital and being able to show compassion wherever you are and however you can. It really encouraged one of my goals of even trying to possibly pursue becoming a doula to take part in providing more holistic care.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>To me, meaningful travel is being able to engage with new people, different communities, and different cultures, rather than just visiting a place. I realize that through the different countries I’ve studied abroad, there is a difference between traveling to a place for a vacation and really being able to immerse yourself and say that you truly went to these countries. There are definitely touristy areas that are fun as well, but there are also opportunities to really be engaged in a culture and explore the different places, things, and experiences.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meaningful travel can be done through building relationships with other people who were there to experience the same experience as me, and continuing to build those relationships. As well as having relationships abroad with the locals and allowing those experiences to be able to shape what I aspire to become, and to do in the future.</p>


Fatoumata Silimana

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Fatoumata Silimana who participated in International Medical Aid (IMA) program.

Fatoumata Silimana | International Medical Aid (IMA)

International Medical Aid (IMA) Alumni Interview with Fatoumata Silimana

<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and the opportunity to experience other cultures deeply inspires me. Going abroad allows me to build genuine connections with people from around the world, learning from their perspectives while also sharing my own experiences and knowledge. Immersing myself in different environments broadens my understanding of social, political, and economic realities, offering insights that go far beyond what can be learned in a classroom.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Traveling opens one's mind, challenges assumptions, and ultimately provides a more nuanced and global perspective on the world.</p>
<h3>Why did you choose <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/european-centre-for-career-education rel="" target="_self" class="link">European Centre for Career Education</a>?</h3>
<p>ECCEDU offers a well-structured program that integrates interdisciplinary learning, bridging the business perspective with the more technical and meticulous aspects of engineering.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The program provides direct exposure to the professional world through field trips and the opportunity to work as an intern within one of the many partner enterprises.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This structure fosters not only practical experience but also a strong interdisciplinary and international community, creating valuable networking opportunities and a deeper understanding of how engineering operates in real-world contexts.</p>
<h3>What was your favorite part about your host country/city?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1770349121/images2/interviews/9GVQo3PEpEm3WKsL0OyODUhGT4SmXY0vLurUsOBv.jpg" alt="The Trigae sculpture on the roof of the national Theatre in Prague"><div class="caption"><p>Prague’s architecture </p></div></div>
<p>Prague quickly became one of my favorite cities in Europe. It offers a deep immersion into Czech culture through its remarkable architecture, art, music, and the warmth of its people. The city is full of excellent restaurants and scenic areas perfect for walking and exploring.&nbsp;</p>
<p>One of the aspects I appreciated most is how calm and safe Prague feels, which makes daily life there very enjoyable. At the same time, the nightlife is vibrant and diverse, offering something for everyone and creating a unique balance between tranquility and energy.</p>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>What made my experience abroad truly extraordinary was the opportunity to return and build even deeper connections. In both experiences, the most remarkable aspect was the friendships I formed throughout the program.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meeting people from cultural backgrounds different from my own, sharing experiences, and learning from one another created meaningful and lasting bonds. These connections extended far beyond the classroom. I formed friendships that continue to this day, with people I speak to regularly and even visit in their home countries. Those relationships are what made the experience genuinely unforgettable.</p>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>The local staff provided exceptional support throughout the entire program, beginning with my arrival and continuing through the final day. The buddy program was an especially valuable resource, offering guidance at every step and always being available to answer questions or provide assistance.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When I encountered a situation that required a hospital visit, the staff was incredibly helpful and supportive, ensuring I felt accompanied and cared for throughout the entire process until my recovery. Their constant availability and genuine concern made a significant difference in my overall experience.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>One thing I wish I had done differently is pushing myself to step outside my comfort zone more often. I can be somewhat introverted, and at times, that limited me from asking more questions, participating more actively in lectures, and making even more connections with classmates and coworkers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Looking back, I would have embraced more opportunities to overcome that shyness, engaging more openly, exploring the city more freely, and fully immersing myself in every aspect of the experience.</p>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<p>A typical day abroad started with waking up in the morning, planning my outfit, and heading to a café for breakfast. I then took the tram to the university for my first set of lectures.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1770349721/images2/interviews/BRHU6mJTrh5lE1zGC3Vrt9Tb4fRnYg7ea1BYbZVB.jpg" alt="Karlovy Lazne Nightclub"><div class="caption"><p>Karlovy Lazne Nightclub</p></div></div>
<p>During the break, I had lunch with friends before returning for the second period. After classes, I went back home to rest and freshen up, and later in the evening, I would meet friends for dinner or a night out.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This same rhythm carried over to my workdays as well, creating a balanced routine between academics, professional life, and social experiences.</p>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<p>Being in Prague, at the heart of Europe, gave me the opportunity to travel to different countries on the weekends, which allowed me to expand my cultural experiences and check off several bucket-list destinations.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When staying in the city, I loved walking through the historic center, discovering local hot spots, and simply taking in the atmosphere. I was also deeply inspired by the local and European fashion scene, which added another creative layer to my experience abroad.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>I stayed in a private suite at a student residence. What I appreciated most was having my own personal space while still being surrounded by friends living nearby. The residence was conveniently located close to a local Lidl and several public transportation stations, which made daily life very easy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Overall, it was a comfortable and well-situated place to live, and compared to other housing experiences I've had in different parts of Europe, it stood out as particularly practical and enjoyable.</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>One thing every future participant should know is that this program offers far more than academics; it is what you make of it. Being open, proactive, and willing to step outside your comfort zone will greatly shape your experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The program provides strong academic support, professional opportunities, and an international community, but the most meaningful growth comes from engaging fully, building connections, and embracing both the challenges and opportunities of living abroad.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend the <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/european-centre-for-career-education/programs/engineering-prague-program-198595 rel="" target="_self" class="link">Engineering Prague Program</a>? Why?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1770349721/images2/interviews/oqaeTRJu40sElQe6PtrOP8VICpa4BFRIM4g1UTAl.jpg" alt="Prague's city center"><div class="caption"><p>Prague's city center</p></div></div>
<p>Yes, I would absolutely recommend this program and ECCEDU to others. The program is well organized and offers a strong balance between academics, professional experience, and cultural immersion. It provides meaningful exposure to the workforce, a supportive local staff, and an international environment that encourages both personal and professional growth.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Beyond the structured components, the community and connections formed make the experience especially valuable. Overall, it is a well-rounded program for students seeking a global perspective, real-world experience, and lasting connections.</p>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<p>The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity for growth, not only academically but also on a personal level.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Living in a different country pushes you to expand your mindset, adapt to new environments, and see the world from multiple perspectives. It encourages independence, confidence, and self-awareness. Additionally, being immersed in different cultures has influenced the way I express myself, even in areas like personal style and the way I present myself.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Overall, traveling abroad fosters a more open, curious, and well-rounded outlook on life.</p>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>Now that I'm home, my time abroad has had a lasting impact on how I see myself and the world. It made me more culturally aware, confident, and curious, with a stronger appreciation for different perspectives and ways of life.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I returned with a broader worldview, greater independence, and a clearer sense of personal expression, all of which continue to influence how I approach my studies, relationships, and everyday life.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>Meaningful travel, to me, is about connection and growth rather than simply visiting new places.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It means immersing yourself in a different culture, building genuine relationships, and learning from perspectives that challenge your own. It's about engaging with a place beyond the surface, understanding how people live, think, and express themselves, and allowing those experiences to shape you.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meaningful travel leaves a lasting impact, influencing how you see the world and how you move through it long after you return home.</p>


José Gonzalo  Solís Baca 

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with José Gonzalo  Solís Baca  who participated in European Centre for Career Education program.

José Gonzalo  Solís Baca  | European Centre for Career Education

European Centre for Career Education Alumni Interview with José Gonzalo  Solís Baca 

<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>My family has a zeal for adventure and a profound love of travel. During college, my parents moved to Sweden for a two-year period, and I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and travel independently around Europe. That experience greatly developed my character, and I returned to the United States as a more well-rounded, empathetic, and intelligent person.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I craved more of these experiences and began searching for a medical-related trip where I could combine my passions of healthcare and adventure in a valuable, life-changing way.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Why did you choose <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/international-medical-aid rel="" target="_self" class="link">International Medical Aid</a>?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1770357546/images2/interviews/8HW80pz3XgA8Gtn85rc4xfAu7tPmal0EYZjjIUsS.png" alt="group of medical interns at CGTRH  Kenya"><div class="caption"><p>A group of interns and in front of Coast General Hospital on one of our last days of clinic.</p></div></div>
<p>With the desire to engage in an overseas medical trip, I researched a wide array of companies and programs that offered similar experiences. I did not disclose this plan to my parents as I wanted to ensure that the program I presented to them met high safety, legitimacy, and educational standards that they would agree to. Only International Medical Aid (IMA) met each of these marks, providing clear information on their website and program mentors who answered all of my questions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The idea of going to Kenya and experiencing healthcare in a third-world country thrilled me, and I could tell that IMA had incredible clinical connections that would give me the learning opportunities I sought. Because of these clear competencies, my parents and I felt very comfortable with the program.</p>
<h3>What was your favorite part of Mombasa?</h3>
<p>Upon arriving in Mombasa, Kenya, I had no idea what to expect from the city. On the initial drive from the airport to the IMA residence, I was shocked and excited by how drastically different it was from any place I had been in my previous travels.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Although at times uncomfortable and saddening, these dramatic distinctions were my favorite part about the country, as it offered me the chance to engage in a completely different culture and gain perspectives that I never would have been exposed to in the U.S. The Kenyan people experience daily hardships that are hard to comprehend, but, despite their challenges, they were some of the most loving, faithful, and generous individuals that I have ever encountered.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>Two words describe this experience: adaptability and humility. Being so out of my comfort zone allowed me profound growth and hands-on learning that completely changed the way I approach the world. When the ENT doctor I was shadowing had her otoscope stolen, and there were no funds to buy another, we used a headlamp. When a patient tested positive for cholera, but there was no room in an isolation ward, we created a makeshift room for her outside.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1770357876/images2/interviews/Xmwmusdzfn4qJStQsR6UAHXRy3ilC2JxG4ogN5sY.png" alt="woman smiling for a photo from a rooftop of a van on safari"><div class="caption"><p>Enjoying the sights from the rooftop of a van on safari!</p></div></div>
<p>As a volunteer, I worked with the local physicians to understand the best ways to provide care in a place where resources, sanitation, and health literacy are minimal. I learned that medicine is more than diagnosis; it is compassion for the person at large and resilience through obstructions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Coming home, I feel incredibly equipped to collaborate, share unique perspectives, and continue my medical education.</p>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>From the start, the IMA program mentors in Mombasa were readily available to answer my questions and guide me through the travel planning process. Upon my arrival at the Mombasa airport, I was greeted and transported by staff members to the residence. Each mentor made a genuine effort to welcome me, make me feel comfortable, and ensure that my time with the program was both enriching and safe.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>I appreciated how intentional and attentive the staff was; without being overbearing, they maintained close awareness of each student, checking in if someone seemed off and adjusting plans as needed to enhance our experience. I felt comfortable approaching the mentors with any needs, and they consistently listened and supported me throughout this journey.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>While I believe I maximized my time in Kenya, in retrospect, I wish I had signed up to work more night shifts at the hospital. My one and only night shift (on my last evening in Mombasa) was by far my favorite and most transformative clinical experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Because there were fewer students and less patient care required, the doctors spent extra time teaching and providing hands-on involvement in cases that greatly extended my learning and competence.</p>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<p>My days in Mombasa were busy and deeply fulfilling.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Each morning began with a shared breakfast amongst the interns in the residence before boarding the van to Coast General Teaching &amp; Referral Hospital (CGTRH). Once there, we split into our respective placements and spent the morning shadowing doctors within our assigned specialties.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Around midday, the vans transported us back to the residence for lunch, followed by a scheduled medical teaching or competency session. These varied by day and included lectures, skills labs, community engagements, or cultural treks.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Once those finished in the mid- to late afternoon, I often went to the gym with other interns and then spent our evenings either trying a new local restaurant or playing games in the residence.</p>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1770357548/images2/interviews/ruReb5y8C18xcvzy5CbqnO2XGaS2Hi7m8HJ8eYGb.png" alt="two women camel riding by the beach"><div class="caption"><p>Riding camels on the beach in Mombasa.</p></div></div>
<p>One of the most unexpected and profound aspects of my trip with IMA was the free time I received. While I spent the majority of my time in the hospital or doing medical-related lectures and engagements, I was also given essential time to reflect, rest, and absorb the experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I was fortunate enough to find a great group of friends within the intern group, and we used our free time to maximize our experiences in Mombasa. Many of us joined a private gym, where we decompressed by working out together. We also visited local restaurants, went to the beach, tried out a nearby church, and spent time with local residents.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This enabled me to gain a much broader perspective of daily life in Mombasa beyond the hospital walls, while simultaneously furthering connections with my intern friends.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>In Mombasa, International Medical Aid owns a private residence slightly outside of the city. This gated, three-story, spacious accommodation housed all interns in either triple or quadruple rooms with private bathrooms.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My favorite aspect of our housing situation was living together in one communal space; all meals, games, movie time, and lectures were enjoyed as a group in a place that felt comfortable and restful. Mealtimes were one of the most special memories; a team of chefs would come to the residence and prepare amazing dishes, and the interns would eat together at a long, outdoor communal table.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This made it exceptionally easy to make close connections, enjoy quality time together, and further our learning while debriefing our days at the hospital.</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>Just recently, a friend whom I referred to IMA embarked on the same program to Mombasa. We spoke on the phone the day before her flight, and she was wracked with nerves and doubt. The one piece of advice I reiterated to her was that she would get out of the program what she was willing to put into it.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As much as IMA invests in its students, the learning and life changes that come with the experience are multiplied by how much the intern invests in the program. This includes saying yes to every opportunity offered, taking on extra shifts to further medical knowledge, actively participating in lectures, asking valuable questions, and intentionally interacting with the other interns and medical providers present in the country.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Through this, students are guaranteed to walk away with an abundance of medical, professional, interpersonal, and worldly experiences.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/international-medical-aid/programs/pre-med-health-fellowships-developed-at-johns-hopkins-138576 rel="" target="_self" class="link">Global Health &amp; Pre-Medicine Internships</a> to others? Why?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1770357548/images2/interviews/T6QDwjKRoSLeypjlTGDPT8YVhZQwXpZo4JL4eSMK.png" alt="two medical interns with young ladies holding menstrual pad packs inside a classroom"><div class="caption"><p>Distributing products and educating school-aged women about menstrual cycles.</p></div></div>
<p>Since returning home, I have frequently reflected on my time with IMA and the immense impact it had on my personal growth. I have recommended the program to friends who are pursuing careers in healthcare, as it offers skills and perspectives that broaden the world of medicine and human connection. This opportunity provided me with a combined knowledge of both healthcare and humanity.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Seeing first-hand the disease burden, hardship of life, and difficult conditions completely rewired my previous perspectives. What changed me the most was each person’s endurance amidst trials, and their overwhelming joy that filled even the darkest moments.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Mombasa is a place of vibrant life, and IMA allowed me to experience it wholeheartedly as both a tourist and medical volunteer.</p>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<p>I credit international travel with many forms of personal growth, but the most transformative benefit is humility. Being removed from one’s comfort zone and immersed in a new setting where nearly every aspect of daily life is different encourages new perspectives and appreciations of diverse ways of being.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Too often, people adhere to familiar patterns and assume their way of life is the only “correct” one. Traveling abroad challenges this mindset by revealing that no way of life is superior to another; in fact, having an open mind and being willing to adopt new habits while understanding the world at large is what brings peace between humankind.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Learning to respect and honor all distinctions is, to me, the greatest reward of international travel, and the humility that results is life-changing.</p>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>On my first day back in the US, I drove to Target to pick up groceries for my family. I stood in the entrance of the store and froze, not believing what was in front of me. After spending one month in a place where people live in homes made of mud, work long days for a few dollars, and live in uncertainty of when they will get their next meal, I had forgotten what Americans—myself included—take for granted each day. We have access to broad commercialization, and it took some time for me to re-assimilate into society.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1770357549/images2/interviews/JDUfBpscjBvuYMlsEPYNvJ2ybpGU80OEv6bIEaQn.png" alt="medical interns with a group of local grade school children"><div class="caption"><p>Being swarmed with love by children at a grade school in Mombasa after attending a community outreach activity spreading awareness about sanitation.</p></div></div>
<p>After much internal confusion and grief, I slowly realized that I could take what I had learned in Kenya and apply it at home, while also appreciating my life here. I am more conscious than ever of the value of money, and I find myself increasingly grateful for all I have.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>Many people experience new places by disembarking from major cruise lines to visit a handful of nearby tourist attractions, or by staying within gated resorts and hotels where they rarely venture beyond the grounds.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, I personally seek a deeper, more meaningful connection with the places I visit. To me, meaningful travel means investing in the local people themselves, as they make up the heartbeat and history of the destination. I seek to interact with the local people on a personal basis, learning first-hand about their lifestyles and culture. I find it critical to humbly seek their differing perspectives, habits, and recommendations to understand the deeper significance and rhythms of the place they call home.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I like to travel on foot, exploring a location’s inner roads and local settings that few visitors take the time to see. I strive to visit new places with a completely open mind, willing to learn and listen, and therefore gain the transformative experience that comes with travel.</p>


Paige Sowitch

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Paige Sowitch who participated in International Medical Aid (IMA) program.

Paige Sowitch | International Medical Aid (IMA) Alumni Interview

International Medical Aid (IMA) Alumni Interview with Paige Sowitch

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