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High School Alternative Spring Break Programs Abroad

Some high school students head to the beach, others hit up music festivals, a handful have Game of Thrones marathons, and then there’s you; you’ve decided to put everyone else to shame and embrace an alternative spring break. Classmates will be jealous that you’re enjoying a sunset in Costa Rica, teachers will be impressed that you’re personally trying out the echo theory inside the Pantheon, and your parents will love getting a souvenir bottle of authentic saké. Short and sweet, alternative spring break programs abroad are just long enough to inspire your future travels, so indulge yourself.
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Featured High School Program Provider of the Month

42 Alternative Spring Break Programs for High School Students

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.45

11

Costa Rica – Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center

Join the Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica, a renowned wildlife organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of local animals. The center includes an on-site hospital and comfortable living quarters for volunteers. The enclosures, surrounded by nature, provide a habitat-like environment for the animals as they recover. As a volunteer, you'll work in a team to provide care for over 100 animals – including sloths, birds, and monkeys – in a sanctuary nestled in nature's lap. You'll take on a hands-on role that involves tasks like preparing food, feeding animals, maintaining clean enclosures, and assisting the on-site vet when possible. You'll also take part in educational community projects, raising awareness about wildlife conservation.

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International Medical Aid (IMA)

9.96

161

Top Rated Program High School Abroad in Ecuador 2025
Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Shadow doctors in underserved communities, and immerse yourself in diverse healthcare systems through our extensive network of public and private hospitals. IMA, a nonprofit organization, is deeply invested in the communities we serve, focusing on sustainable health solutions and ethical care practices. You'll be involved in community medical clinics, public health education, and first responder training, addressing the root causes of disease and illness alongside local community leaders. Beyond clinical experience, explore the beauty of your host country through cultural excursions and adventure programs during your free time. Join IMA's fellowships developed at Johns Hopkins University and step into a role that transcends traditional healthcare learning, blending clinical excellence with meaningful community service.

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Seville Abroad

9.78

37

High School Program in Spain with Seville Abroad

Our “High School in Spain” program lets you study at a top-quality Spanish high school in one of Seville’s most vibrant neighborhoods. You’ll live with a carefully selected host family, enjoy cultural activities and excursions, and have the full support of a locally based team. With an office right here in Seville, our staff is always close by and available to help you with anything you need—before, during, and after your stay. We offer summer, semester, and year-long programs, giving you the flexibility to choose the length that fits your plans. This program is perfect for high school students or recent graduates eager to immerse themselves in Spanish culture, improve their language skills, and experience life with a welcoming host family. While in Spain, you will live like any other local student. You’ll make new friends, experience the authentic Spanish way of living, and practice your language skills 24/7—all with the reassurance of having a dedicated local team just around the corner. Embark on this extraordinary journey, make unforgettable memories, and discover a new part of the world—your adventure in Seville awaits!

Global Leadership Adventures

9.79

63

Top Rated Program High School Abroad in Costa Rica 2025
GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Adventure - Medicine & Healthcare Discovery - Middle School Service Adventure - Ocean & Wildlife Conservation Adventure™ - Sea Turtle Initiative™ - Spanish Service Adventure - Surf, Sports & Sustainability ™ - The Initiative for Children ™ - Spring Break Service Adventure - Costa Rica Internship: Career Exploration In Environmental Stewardship Costa Rica is known for its serene tropical surroundings and leading ecological conservation efforts. It comprises five percent of the world's biodiversity, making it Central America’s "crown jewel" and an unbeatable location for natural and cultural exploration.

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Go Abroad China Ltd.

9.85

104

GAC Chinese Language Immersion Program

Go Abroad China (GAC) has 22+years of experience offering immersive Chinese language programs to students from over 50 countries. Join over 1,500 participants who have studied Mandarin at top universities like Tsinghua, Peking University, and BLUC. GAC’s program combines expert-led classes, personalized tutoring, and interactive language exchanges with native speakers and flexible options: 1 week to 1 year, beginner to advanced levels, small groups, or one-on-one tutoring. Customize your study by your preferred university, program intensity, and dates. Live like a local with homestay housing, stay in shared apartments with Chinese peers, or choose international dormitories on campus. Engage in cultural electives, guided tours, social events, and networking opportunities. For a comprehensive package starting at $1,980, we handle every detail—from visa sponsorship and accommodation to cultural immersion and 24/7 assistance. We understand that every learner's goals and schedule are different, which is why we offer fully customizable package options. Learn Mandarin, explore Chinese culture, and gain lifelong skills with GAC’s trusted immersion program.

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Seeds of Change Research

9

6

Tropical Field Research

During the Seeds of Change Tropical Rainforest Research Program, students are immersed in a hands-on field research program that takes advantage of the immense biodiversity of the tropical rainforest. They learn how to apply the scientific method while collaborating with team members to establish their original research question as well as the experimental design for their project. Students work together to implement their research and learn how to work as a team to overcome challenges and rebound from failures within resource and time constraints, just as in any real-world project. They use statistics to validate the results of their experiments and give presentations showing the results of their work, just like any research scientist would! The Tropical Field Research program prepares students for university-level science. Students learn how to work as a team, handle differences, and take advantage of the ways others communicate best. Students use TypeCoach to help navigate team-member differences. They learn and apply the most appropriate experimental designs, apply key statistical analysis techniques, and present their research in Costa Rica and their community at home.

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GVI

9.3

30

NEW Under 18’s Spring Break Costa Rica Community Development

Use your spring break contributing to vital community development projects on Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coast. Participants get a chance to work on construction projects, educational support, and sports development initiatives. You will work in the community of Quepos, a coastal community in Mexico. Explore the stunning biodiversity of the region and the vibrant culture of Latin America in your free time; Use this opportunity to explore the Costa Rican way of life while making a valuable difference in the lives of the local community.

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Rustic Pathways

9.2

35

Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs

Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and the wonders of nature intersect. Our programs focus on turtle conservation, surfing, and connection with the local communities. With programs for high school students, college students, and young explorers, there’s an exciting opportunity to live the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle for all explorers. Turtle Conservation Project – Embark on a journey to protect sea turtles. Contribute to conservation through beach cleanups, hatchery construction & nest monitoring. Learn to surf in your free time. Pura Vida Service – Create authentic bonds with local communities and contribute to meaningful service projects. Program highlights include zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and hot springs. Surf and Service – Take in breathtaking sunsets and the blue waters during a week of surf, service, and community support. Spring Break Surf and Service – The Spring Break version of our popular Surf and Service program! Young Explorers – The perfect intro for young adventurers! Journey from the mountains to the beaches and participate in impactful service projects.

Smart Schools International

9.8

5

Your Online Pathway to Global Education

Smart Schools International (SSI) offers students around the world the opportunity to earn an accredited U.S. high school diploma entirely online. Designed for global learners, SSI provides a flexible, self-paced academic experience that allows students to complete U.S. coursework from their home country while continuing their local studies—no visas, travel, or relocation required. Through our online learning environment, students engage with certified U.S. teachers, receive personalized academic support, and develop the skills needed for university preparation and future careers. SSI serves a diverse student community representing more than 45 countries, creating a truly global classroom experience. Whether students are seeking a full U.S. diploma, a dual-diploma pathway, or supplemental online courses to strengthen academic readiness, Smart Schools International offers an accessible and affordable pathway to a world-class American education. SSI makes high-quality learning possible from anywhere in the world.

Centro MundoLengua

8.76

42

AP® Spanish Summer Program in Spain

Are you prepared to be the best in AP® Spanish? If so, our AP® Spanish Summer Program is perfect for you! This is the only AP® Spanish Program available in Spain, offering you a unique course. Where better to study Spanish than in Spain itself? Experience the language and culture firsthand in an unparalleled setting. Designed to prepare high school students to excel in AP® Spanish Language or Literature courses and exams, this program offers a comprehensive Spanish immersion experience in the colorful and sunny city of Seville in southern Spain. Study abroad with us and live with a host family for an authentic Spanish immersion experience. This summer adventure is packed with sports, cultural activities, and tours that will create unforgettable memories. Can you envision your next summer with us? Enroll now and make it happen! Starting Dates Seville | June 14th & June 28th, 2026 (Language or Literature) An extended Spanish Language and Culture 3-week program is available. AP® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product.

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Projects Abroad

9.41

296

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

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Euroace

0

0

Spanish Soccer Programs with Euroace

Are you a soccer player seeking a new, exciting experience? Would you like to travel abroad and get a feel for the Spanish soccer culture? At Euroace, we offer soccer opportunities to provide you or your team with a unique learning and training experience. These include: Team Tournaments - Enter your team into prestigious tournaments on the east coast of Spain (Villarreal Yellow Cup Summer, Costa Girona Cup, and more!). This gives your team the opportunity to compete against elite Spanish teams and enjoy cultural activities and excursions. Player Camps - Join intensive soccer camps taught under the Spanish training methodology. These are held during Easter, summer, and Christmas breaks. Boys and girls, from 4-17 years old, with all ability levels are welcome. Camps can be combined with Spanish classes for full immersion. Elite Player Training - This is for players looking to develop their skills on a personal level and train with elite teams/coaches!

School the World

9.27

11

Help Build Schools in Honduras, Panama, or Guatemala

School the World's Student Service Program provides an inspiring experience for high school students. While traveling to Honduras, Panama, or Guatemala, you experience a new culture, make new friends, fulfill service hours, and create lasting relationships with children in the community, all while building a school or a playground! Each group raises funds and participates in the final construction phase of a new school building or playground. Students spend most of the week in a community, working on the project, and interacting with the children, forming strong bonds through mutual learning. Cultural exposure and understanding are an essential part of our program. During their trip, students experience the beauty of the local culture. By participating, World Changers open their eyes and minds to the deep and complicated causes underlying poverty in rural communities. You walk away with first-hand insights into the realities of developing countries and experience the power of education in people’s lives. 2026 Dates • February 15-22, 2026 (Guatemala) • March 14-21, 2026 (Panama) • April 19-26, 2026 (Panama) • July 7-14, 2026 (Guatemala) • July 22-30, 2026 (Honduras)

Margret Charitable Organisation

0

0

Volunteer at an Orphanage in Uganda

My name is Moses, the director of Margret charitable organisation supporting orphans, vulnerable and disadvantaged children. I run the center that was founded by my lovely mother Margret who unfortunately passed away in January 2020 (RIP)! Our mission is to see orphans, vulnerable and disadvantaged children live better lives and achieve their desired dreams through Education, Health, Sport, Life skills education and community development. We also aim to help empower local, young girls and mothers to ensure they can live a productive life styles so that they can live better and successful in life whilst providing for their families. Our objectives are as follows: 1- To provide schelter and give hope to children, youth and women. 2- To provide mentorship to orphans, vulnerable and disadvantaged children. 3- To provide and creating opportunities for All. 4- To provide, food and education to needy children 5- To provide financial support for girls and young mothers 6- To nature and develop sports and music talents among youths. Volunteer to help us achieve these objectives.

Manuel Antonio Spanish School

0

0

Online Spanish Classes from Costa Rica

We provide regularly scheduled, private live Spanish sessions tailored to your proficiency level and language learning objectives. You can easily switch between learning Spanish in person and online, as the online curriculum progresses at the same pace as our in-person lessons. You will work through grammar points, vocabulary, and engaging themes in these conversation-based, interactive Spanish sessions to help advance your understanding of and proficiency in the language. Once you have an internet connection and a laptop or tablet, you may take live Spanish courses from anywhere. Direct from Costa Rica, your native-speaking instructor will be teaching the class. Even though you may be physically separated, your online courses will still offer the same warm, individual interactions and connections to the local culture you get when you visit our school.

Nous Formaciones

0

0

Spanish Language Junior Program with Nous Formaciones

Our school offers all the necessary facilities to learn Spanish in an international and comfortable environment. Here, you can learn and study with native-speaking teachers, some with high qualifications and several years of experience teaching Spanish as a foreign or second language. Our system is based on a communicative approach involving dialogues and oral-written expressions. Zaragoza is a city of nearly 700,000 people. It thrills visitors with a rich artistic and historical heritage derived from more than 2,000 years of history. Iberians, Romans, Muslims, Christians, and Jews have all left traits characteristic of each that, in turn, grant the city the title of 'The City of four Cultures.' Despite being a dynamic and modern city, Zaragoza maintains its Spanish authenticity. This ensures various cultural activities and features, including delicious and world-class gastronomy.

GMG United

0

0

International Tennis Camp in Florida, USA

This sports camp brings international athletes ages 13 to 18 together for high-quality tennis development, daily training sessions, and an immersive cultural experience. All training is delivered in partnership with Galindo Tennis Academy, one of the region’s top training environments for junior players. Athletes train with certified coaches in a structured program focusing on technique, footwork, tactical awareness, match play, and physical conditioning. Each session is designed to help players improve rapidly while gaining confidence on and off the court. Participants stay in safe and comfortable accommodations organized by GMG United. Options include vetted host families, Airbnbs, or hotels, depending on the group and program week. All accommodations offer supervision, meals, and a supportive environment for international students. Outside of training, students enjoy excursions, cultural activities, and group events in the Tampa, Lakeland, or Orlando area. This camp is perfect for athletes seeking elite coaching, meaningful friendships, and a memorable introduction to the U.S. tennis pathway.

Volunteer International Adventures

8

1

Animal Sanctuary Helper in South Africa

Get the chance to work with a variety of exotic and indigenous animals in this volunteer project in South Africa! Perfect for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, this program is based at an animal and bird sanctuary where you’ll provide hands-on assistance with the care of rescued and non-releasable animals. The sanctuary is large, so expect to get involved in different areas. As a volunteer, you’ll support the team in various activities – from preparing food according to each animal’s diet to maintaining the grounds. Some tasks are challenging yet highly rewarding as you get to spend a lot of time with the animals. You have 5 workdays and 2 days off each week, allowing you to explore the beautiful beaches of nearby Jeffreys Bay. You can also visit Big 5 wildlife reserves or hike the adjoining nature reserve to watch birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. This animal welfare project is available all year round, and you can join any day from Monday to Friday. Volunteers should be at least 16 years old if unaccompanied and 14 years old if accompanied by a parent or guardian. The minimum length of stay is 2 weeks and longer periods are subject to visa requirements.

Lakeside International School

0

0

High School at Lakeside International School, Costa Rica

Lakeside International School, located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, offers a secondary education program designed to prepare students for university and beyond. Our curriculum combines national standards with an international focus, covering a wide range of subjects, including languages (English and Spanish), humanities, social studies, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical education, and technology. Our program emphasizes five key Areas of Interaction: approaches to learning, community and service, environment, group dynamics, and health and social education. These themes are included in all subjects, promoting overall development. Students work on personal projects, participate in community service, and receive support for university preparation. Lakeside International School is dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential, both academically and personally.

One School At A Time

0

0

Volunteer in India with OSAAT

OSAAT is seeking middle and high school students interested in utilizing their skills in art, leadership, public speaking, and digital technology to contribute to their initiatives during summer or winter breaks in India. This is a unique opportunity for students to make a meaningful impact while experiencing a culturally rich environment. By volunteering with OSAAT, students can actively assist in the organization's efforts to rebuild school infrastructure and empower children in rural areas. Whether through artistic endeavors, showcasing leadership abilities, delivering public speeches, or utilizing digital tools, students can play a vital role in supporting OSAAT's mission. This experience not only allows students to develop their skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of global issues and the transformative power of education. Join OSAAT in making a difference and create unforgettable memories in India during your summer or winter break.

A Guide to High School Alternative Spring Break Programs Abroad

Best Locations

Good news: spring is beautiful in every corner of the world. Bad news: the world is big, and you need to pick where to go spend a meaningful spring break abroad. Best news: we’re here to help.

United States. Bigger than a lot of countries put together, the U.S. is vast in its diversity and opportunity. If you don’t want to waste two days sitting on a plane (and another two adjusting to new time zones), keep things “local.” You can’t exactly call New York boring. Hawaii and Alaska aren’t too shabby either, we hear…

Central America. Close by, but a world apart. If you think your mom’s rose garden looks pretty this time of year, just check out the vibrant “lobster claws” in Panama. When you take your first jungle trek through the colorful rainforest of Costa Rica, you’ll be ecstatic that you chose an alternative spring break.

Europe. For those interested in the Classics, explore the playground of Western philosophy. Take a tour of Greece’s ruins, get to know the history and cuisine of Spain’s sunny south, and laugh at the differences between American and British English in England.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A high school alternative spring break program offers students the chance to volunteer or participate in community service projects during their spring break. These programs often focus on social issues, such as environmental conservation, education, or helping underserved communities, providing students with a rewarding and educational experience.

You can find high school alternative spring break programs through educational organizations, nonprofit groups, and service-focused travel agencies. Websites like GoAbroad list various volunteer opportunities abroad, while local community organizations and school programs may also offer options. Be sure to research the program's focus and mission to ensure it aligns with your interests.

Choosing a high school alternative spring break program abroad allows you to experience new cultures, gain global perspectives, and make a meaningful impact through volunteer work. It’s a chance to develop valuable skills, such as teamwork and leadership, while broadening your worldview and building lifelong connections with people from different backgrounds.

Alternative spring break programs typically offer a mix of community service, cultural immersion, and educational activities. These may include volunteering with local charities, working on environmental projects, tutoring or mentoring, or helping build infrastructure. Some programs also include cultural excursions, workshops, and team-building exercises.

An alternative spring break program helps future school goals by providing hands-on experience in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills valued by colleges and future employers. It also enhances your resume with community service and global awareness, which can improve college applications and help you stand out in competitive academic or career fields.

Latest Program Reviews

Shadowing Across Wards in Kenya: My Pre-Medicine Internship in Mombasa with International Medical Aid—Clinical Learning, Public Health Insight, and Personal Growth

December 21, 2025by: Avery Oppenheimer - United StatesProgram: Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA
10

I spent three weeks in Mombasa, Kenya completing a medical internship that combined hospital rotations with community outreach. I shadowed doctors in surgery, the labor ward, and pediatrics, gaining valuable insight into patient care and healthcare delivery in a new environment. The hands-on learning and exposure to different medical challenges broadened my perspective and strengthened my passion for medicine. Outside the hospital, our community outreach work showed me how education can make a lasting impact in the lives of others. The accommodations were comfortable, and I especially enjoyed the local food—like the chicken dishes and chapati quickly became my favorites. When I was young, the doctor’s office was one of my least favorite places to be. I hated the smell of antiseptic wipes, the crinkle of the exam table paper, and especially the sharp sting of shots. If someone had told my childhood self that eight years later I would spend my summer in an East African hospital, shadowing doctors, observing surgeries, and rushing from ward to ward, I would have laughed and run in the opposite direction. But my fear of healthcare did not last forever. As I grew older, the very things that once scared me began to fascinate me: how the body works, how diseases disrupt it, and how doctors step in to restore balance. That curiosity is what caused me to apply for an internship with International Medical Aid and board a plane alone to a very unfamiliar location: Mombasa, Kenya. After interning in a hospital in San Ramon, California for a year, I thought I knew what to expect from my experience with International Medical Aid. I would be rotating through obstetrics, surgery and pediatrics. Also, because I have traveled in a handful of developing counties, I thought I knew what to expect from the environment around me. However, nothing could have prepared me for the totality of the experience in Mombasa. The city was chaotic, with crowded streets, blaring horns, and a humid air with the lingering smell of cooking fires and burning trash. A constant reminder that life here moved quickly and under challenging conditions. I was initially overwhelmed. Looking back, this experience has profoundly changed me. It enabled me to make a real difference in another human being’s life. Beyond a single patient’s case, the experience ignited my interest in global public health because I witnessed firsthand the disparities in healthcare delivery in such a resource-limited setting. I will never forget the day I observed an emergency C-section. Although Kenya is not among the top 10 African countries with the highest maternal mortality rates, it continues to experience a high maternal mortality (OD AWE 2023). In 2015, Kenya’s maternal mortality rate was 510 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births (Muthee R 2025). This is an exceedingly high number when compared, for instance, to the US maternal mortality rate of 17 per 100,000 live births in 2023 (WHO 2025). That day at Coast General, the mom was in distress, lying on her side in pain because she had been in labor for hours, and everyone in the room was tense. When the doctor finally delivered the baby, I felt such relief when I heard the first cry. But then, everything changed as the baby stopped crying and became limp, not showing any of the normal reflexes babies usually have. I kept waiting for someone to do something fast to address the situation, but the nurse did not seem worried at all. The seconds seem to drag on like minutes. The nurse moved slowly, cleaning the instruments like nothing was wrong. My heart raced. I knew the baby was not breathing, and I could not just stand there, so Dani and I gently but urgently tried to stimulate the baby’s body, which did not open the baby's airway. I spoke up and asked if they could suction the baby’s airway, and the nurse finally grabbed the bulb and cleared the mucus, and after what felt like forever, the baby gasped and started to cry again. I could finally breathe, too. That moment shook me. In a hospital back home, a whole team would have rushed in right away. But here, with fewer resources and a calmer attitude toward emergencies, things moved more slowly. The nurse was operating in an environment that was under-staffed and to her the baby’s status was not an emergency. In that moment, I felt I witnessed a situation that teetered on the edge of life and death. Responding to my perception of an emergency, I also learned that even as a student, I have a voice, and using it can make a difference. I believe it is crucial to act quickly when someone’s life is at risk, regardless of where the emergency takes place. As I reflect back on this moment, however, I can see that “less” does not necessarily mean “worse.” It means using the tools around you to the best of your abilities. In this case, for the busy nurse, that included relying on the two interns to try to revive the newborn. After that moment in the operating room, I started paying closer attention not only to individual cases, but to the entire healthcare system around me. Working at Coast General gave me an unfiltered view of what it means to practice medicine in a public hospital in Kenya. The wards were crowded, sometimes with 70 patients in one large room, and just a couple of nurses caring for everyone. Each morning, before even entering the wards, lines of patients waited in areas overflowing with people, and many of them had been waiting since dawn. It looked very different from hospitals at home, where there is privacy, access to technology, and a sufficient number of staff. Even though the doctors were working with so little, they were incredible. They cared about their patients and took time to explain things to us students. They were patient teachers, despite being clearly exhausted. When the doctor could not do well, it was not because they did not care, but rather because they lacked sufficient resources, staff, or equipment. Or the patient came in too late in the evolution of a disease process. Sometimes doctors had to make hard choices about which patients to treat first because there simply was not enough time or supplies for everyone. My experience in Kenya taught me that healthcare outcomes are not purely just about medicine and physician expertise, but also about systems, access, and resources. I saw how strong clinical skills mattered more without advanced technology to rely on. And I learned how important it is to speak up when something feels wrong, even as a student. My internship with International Medical Aid was more than just a learning experience, it was a life-changing journey. I came to Kenya eager to observe medicine in action and care for people, but I left with so much more: a deeper understanding of health inequities, a stronger sense of compassion and independence, and a clearer vision for my future career. In the developing world, healthcare, I learned, is not just about curing disease; the human being, who has come into the clinic for help, has a particular life story and background that is relevant to their reason for being there. Their treatment is embedded within a complex health care delivery system with its own limitations. In a developing country, what I witnessed is that delivering healthcare means working to create the best outcome possible for that patient. I will continue to carry the lessons of Mombasa with me into every classroom I sit in, every patient I meet, and every decision I will make as a future healthcare professional. Through this experience, I learned that fear can evolve into passion, challenges can lead to growth, and even the smallest acts of care can change or even save another person’s life. Most importantly, this journey showed me that medicine is not just a career, it is a calling to help people who need it most in the worst or hardest moments of their lives. And it has shown me how great the need is in other parts of the world.

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