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Internships in Africa

Home to over a billion people and breathtaking cultural, ecological, and historical diversity, Africa remains a land enshrouded by mystery to most who have never travelled there. An internship in Africa is taking a leap of faith into one of the world’s most critical developing regions; a leap that will likely pay off big time as you come to discover a new home away from home.
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569 Internships in Africa

Roots Interns logo

Roots Interns

8.68

22

Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

At Roots, we believe valuable learning and making an impact can go hand-in-hand. That's why we offer academic internships with grassroots organizations around the world. As an intern, you'll have a unique work experience that will inspire you, enhance your career, and allow you to gain insight into grassroots development work. At the same time, you'll contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Join an internship that truly matters for you and the world! The focus areas of our internships are wide-ranging: from female empowerment and early childhood development to wildlife conservation and food security. No matter your degree or career focus, we'll be able to find you an internship that matches your interests and requirements. Our internships are based across Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia with year-round remote, in-person, and hybrid placements. What we'll offer you: - Careful matchmaking - Assistance with traveling (visas, flights, accommodation, etc.) - Supervision during your placement - Regular check-ins and troubleshooting - Career-driven opportunity Get in touch for a free internship consultation!

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VACorps interns in Cape Town
Top Rated Program Intern Abroad in South Africa 2025
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VACorps

9.75

507

VACorps Professional Internship Program

As a participant of our program in Cape Town, South Africa, you t...

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African Impact logo

African Impact

9.03

36

Wildlife Photography Internship in South Africa

Join our creative experts in the Greater Kruger Area of South Africa to gain practical experience in wildlife and other genre-specific photography. This unique personal and professional development opportunity sees interns supporting wildlife conservation initiatives through photography. While you will primarily focus on wildlife (both big and small), you will also take photos of various subjects, including landscapes, astral photography, people, and much more. Through your work on this internship, you will grow to learn and understand more about South Africa’s captivating animals, their behavior, habitats in the wild, and its people. You will also participate in physical conservation activities that help restore habitats and ecosystems, including clearing encroaching bushes or removing invasive plant species. Throughout your placement, you will work on a personal assignment, which could be anything from creating a photographic book to designing your website to curating an exhibition of your work. The assignment will be due at the end of your placement, giving you a tangible final product.

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Asia Internship Program

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0

Internship in South Africa - Asia Internship Program

South Africa is a rainbow nation that features diverse people, unique languages, and distinct history. The country's medical industry is extremely well planned out, while its other industries offer an interesting platform – such as business development, finance, and marketing – for students to kick-start their careers. Through AIP’s award-winning international internship program, you are guaranteed a customized placement based on your career goals and aspirations. Interning abroad in South Africa exposes you to international work environments while developing your professional network of business contacts and relationships. Partnering with an extensive number of companies including multinational corporations, rapidly growing startups, and charitable NGOs allows us to provide students with a wide range of placement opportunities. Apply today and take advantage of this incredible internship opportunity in South Africa!

Intern Abroad HQ

9.21

72

Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations across 24 career fields that are tailored to meet each individual’s academic, professional, or personal requirements. With over 200 internship programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America and South America to choose from, and options to intern from 2 weeks to 6 months either full-time or part-time, in-country or virtually, we facilitate career-enhancing experiences that work for you, not just the host organization. Intern Abroad HQ is proudly brought to you by the team behind International Volunteer HQ. We have collectively supported over 120,000 program participants since 2007 and are the only B Corp certified provider in our field.

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Institute for Global Studies

9.43

7

IGS Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainforest or at a shelter for sea turtles in one of our internships abroad. At the Institute for Global Studies, we help students gain invaluable work experience in their field from an international context. Wildlife shelter work can bring out the best of human nature. Connecting with abandoned animals instills a sense of accomplishment that few tasks provide. Apart from bonding with animals, gain insight into local communities and their interactions with wildlife in their area. Meet with students, residents, and the general public to learn about their customs. Common duties include food preparation, checking in animals, interpretation to the public, medical assistance, and community outreach.

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Connect-123 Internship Programs

9.74

101

Global Internship & Volunteer Programs with Connect-123!

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

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World Endeavors

10

2

Intern in South Africa with World Endeavors

Intern in Cape Town, South Africa and enjoy a truly unique experience. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, urban adventurer, or fascinated by history and culture, you are sure to find it all here. World Endeavors offers a diverse selection of intern fields including Fashion, Hospitality, Media Studies, and Wine. On the weekends, relax at the many golden beaches, check out the view from Table Mountain, or explore the many wineries in and around the city. Rest assured, there will be entertainment around every corner in Cape Town. Interns must be 18 years of age or older and have completed high school (or equivalent). World Endeavors’ International Internship program is open to current students, graduates, and mid-career professionals. Internship placement opportunities increase with experience or relevant coursework. Please contact World Endeavors for more information.

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.77

77

Top Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs & Internships Abroad

GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunteer opportunities and internships worldwide! Our programs focus on the welfare and conservation of various species, both wildlife and domestic animals. We offer volunteer opportunities and internships at wildlife rescue centers, wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife reserves and animal shelters. All of our programs are vetted and are in line with our ethical values - only ethical and supervised interactions are allowed. A few examples of our offers include working with rescued sloths in Costa Rica, rehabilitating vervet monkeys in Malawi, observing and collecting data on Africa's Big Five species and doing survey dives with whale sharks in Mozambique, just to name a few.

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CIEE College Study Abroad

8.94

17

CIEE Summer + Semester Internships Programs

CIEE offers the most extensive network of internship programs. Are you a U.S. college student looking to study and intern abroad? We have full-time and part-time placements across 40+ locations worldwide and in diverse fields, from AI and engineering to public policy and business administration. Find the right fit for you! Live, learn, and work abroad on an internship program with CIEE! CIEE Summer Internships CIEE Summer Global Internships are 6-credit, 8-week programs with full-time working hours (approximately 30 hours weekly) and a seminar. CIEE Summer Intern and Study Abroad are 6 to 7-credit, 6-week programs with a part-time internship (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and a 3-credit academic course. CIEE Semester Internships CIEE Semester Global Internships are 9 to 13-credit, 12-week programs that feature a full-time internship (approximately 30 hours weekly), a seminar, and an optional 3 to 4-credit academic course online. CIEE Semester Intern and Study Abroad Programs are 12 to 14-credit, 12-week programs that feature a part-time internship​ (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and two academic courses.

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Kaya Responsible Travel

6

1

Human Rights Internship in Morocco

Contribute to a project that supports refugees and migrants staying in Morocco. This internship focuses on the concepts of human rights and social justice related to the country’s migration crisis. The placement is at an NGO that promotes the integration of refugees and migrants into society through social assistance, education, and professional training. The organization has a daycare center where parents can leave their children to attend workshops. As an intern, your tasks depend on your skills, background, and interest. You could support project implementation and management, the communication department, event planning, leading workshops (such as English classes, dance, computer science, design, and more), amongst others. You could also communicate with the beneficiaries on the ground, support their journey, and provide a social aspect to their experience at the NGO. This is an ideal internship if you’re interested in migration issues, human rights, social justice, international development, and nonprofit management in an emerging country. If you want to work on the administrative side of this project, the knowledge of French is required.

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International Medical Aid (IMA)

9.96

160

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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Penda Photo Tours

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Penda Wildlife Photography Internship in South Africa

If you’re interested in pursuing your passion as a wildlife photographer, we welcome you to join us for this internship in South Africa! You’ll find yourself in the Greater Kruger, where you will encounter a rich diversity of South Africa’s greatest wildlife that it has to offer. During this internship, you’ll have the chance to develop your skills as a wildlife photographer, receiving valuable assistance from a seasoned expert in the field. Alongside this journey, you will also have the opportunity to engage in and contribute directly to conservation activities by working closely with NGOs that place a high priority on conserving wildlife.

African Horse Safaris

10

2

Endurance Training Programme in South Africa

Our exciting Endurance Training Programme based at Moolmanshoek, with over 240 horses, is waiting for you! Ideal for those passionate to learn about the sport, whether you are a seasoned professional, or you’ve never experienced an endurance race – this is a great adventure for intermediate plus and advanced riders. You'll train intensively across breathtaking landscapes, testing both mind and body. Under the mentorship of Wiesman Nel, an internationally acclaimed endurance rider, you'll learn the intricacies of the sport and prepare for competitions. Whether you aim to compete internationally or simply wish to experience endurance riding in South Africa, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity for growth, adventure, and bonding with exceptional Arab Endurance horses. Intermediate plus and advanced riding abilities accepted.

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Stage-Global

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0

Internships in Mauritius – Intern on a Tropical Island

Are you looking for a challenging internship on a tropical island? Travel to the beautiful island of Mauritius located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 800 kilometers east of Madagascar. It is a bilingual place where the official language is English and the secondary languages are French and Creole. Various ethnic groups with roots in India, Africa, Europe, and China form the 1.3 million friendly citizenries of the island. Mauritius has a sub-tropical climate with temperatures between 20 degrees Celcius to 30 degrees Celcius all year round. Furthermore, it is a safe destination and the most prosperous country in the continent of Africa. We would love to offer you the opportunity to do an internship here! Stage-Global offers internships in 50 fields of study at companies with solid reputations in Mauritius. Plus, we take care of your housing—living together with other international students on the coast, only five minutes from the beach! We work closely with local immigration services to make sure you get your residence permit in time. Our local colleagues in Mauritius are always available to give on-site support throughout your internship.

GVI

9.66

170

Teaching & Community Development Internship in South Africa

Join our international team in the spectacular city of Cape Town and work with children from the local townships while developing teaching experience and qualifications on this long term internship. The internship begins with a 12-week volunteer project, wherein you will learn how to plan and deliver a range of educational programs in deprived township schools and edu-care centers, gaining experience in teamwork and leadership. After successfully completing this phase, you will then undertake a 12-week work placement where you will further develop your teaching skills and assist with the running of educational programs (including childcare, sports, and creative play) for young children. You don't need specific qualifications or experience to join. GVI's comprehensive training program will provide all the necessary skills, including practical communication and classroom management. However, you must be enthusiastic, adventurous, have a good sense of humor and be respectful of the host country and its culture.

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Top Rated Program Intern Abroad in India 2025

RealStep

9.55

11

Nursing and Medical Internships Abroad

A medical or nursing internship with RealStep offers a transformative experience blending hands-on clinical training with meaningful cultural immersion. By choosing our placement, you’ll have the opportunity to work in diverse, underserved communities across the globe, from rural areas in Malawi and Indonesia to local hospitals in Peru. Each program is designed to provide valuable field experience, whether you’re participating in awareness campaigns in Africa or assisting local doctors in Peru. This real-world exposure enhances your medical skills as you contribute to vital healthcare initiatives aligned with the UN’s goal of universal access to healthcare. You’ll not only earn university credits but also build connections with a global network of healthcare professionals and fellow interns. Gain insights into different healthcare systems and practices, enriching your understanding and opening doors to future opportunities. Whether collaborating with local doctors in Bali or addressing health needs in Nepal, become equipped with the expertise and experience to make a significant difference in the world while advancing your career in medicine or nursing.

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Sage Corps

9.3

37

Sage Corps: Intern Abroad with a Startup

Sage Corps is an international internship program that sends students to work with startups. We are currently accepting applications for our 8-week Summer 2026 programs abroad. Choose from 8 international cities: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, Sydney and Taipei. We design our programs to teach students valuable skills for trending jobs. First, students complete hard skill training modules as part of our Sage Corps Skills Academy. Next, they intern at global startups, where they gain real-world experience. Participants from all majors and years of study are eligible to apply.

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CIS Abroad

9.01

277

Affordable, Comprehensive Study and Intern Abroad Programs

CIS Abroad Study and Intern Abroad programs are some of the most affordable, comprehensive program packages available. We also don't cut any corners by offering everything you would expect from an overseas program: tuition, housing, support, insurance, excursions, social and cultural activities, and airport pick-up – all considered the core of our package. Some programs also include all or most meals, extensive off-site orientations/excursions, transportation passes, and more. Whether you want to study for a year, semester, or summer, intern for a month to a year, or take an intensive foreign language course for a couple of weeks, CIS Abroad has the perfect program for you at the best value! "You're Going Places with CIS Abroad!"

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!

See All 28 Programs

How to Intern Abroad in Africa

Prepare for an Internship

Set goals

Preparing for an internship in Africa requires clear goals and readiness for challenges. Here are key tips to plan and maximize your experience abroad.

  • Research programs. Africa’s 52 nations each offer unique opportunities. Match your interests to the right region.
  • Be flexible. Conditions can vary between cities and rural areas. Adaptability ensures you thrive, even when things don’t go as planned.
  • Understand the culture. Learn local customs, greetings, and etiquette. Respect and curiosity open doors to meaningful community connections.
  • Plan logistics early. Secure your passport, visa, and vaccinations ahead of time. Being organized will make your transition smooth and stress-free.

Understand the benefits

More than a career move, interning in Africa is a meaningful learning experience connecting you to people, ecosystems, and communities, making real change. Here’s what you can gain:

  • Cultural immersion. Work alongside locals, participate in daily life, and gain an authentic understanding of diverse African cultures and traditions.
  • Career development. Global internship experience stands out to employers and shows your ability to adapt, lead, and work across cultural boundaries.
  • Global network. Build lasting relationships with mentors, coworkers, and peers across Africa, opening doors to future opportunities.
  • Adventure and exploration. Beyond work, Africa’s savannas, coastlines, deserts, and mountains offer endless opportunities for travel and discovery.

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Latest Program Reviews

“Un Día”: Privilege, Resilience, and Holistic Care During My Pre-Medicine Internship Program with International Medical Aid in Peru

November 28, 2025by: Hiba Rafiq - United StatesProgram: Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA
10

My experience with International Medical Aid in Peru was transformative, and the staff were at the heart of it. Their guidance, care, and example shaped not only my learning but also the way I now see medicine. Dr. Fabrizio was one of the most down-to-earth and knowledgeable teachers I have ever had the privilege of learning from. He led many of our lectures and constantly reminded us that health is never just physical; it is also mental. He taught us how to approach patients holistically and how to rely on our clinical skills and hands as tools when technology was limited. His way of teaching made complex concepts accessible and grounded, and his example will stay with me throughout my career. Dr. Miriam was equally impactful. She not only lectured with clarity and compassion but also worked alongside us in the community clinic in Andahuaylillas. I had the privilege of being with her when we saw a 78-year-old farmer who had not sought medical care in years. Watching her balance empathy with clinical skill as she cared for him was deeply moving, and it showed me what it means to treat a patient as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms. Our program coordinator, Manuela, created an environment where we always felt supported and welcomed. She was consistently kind, approachable, and attentive to our needs, which allowed us to feel at home even when we were far away. Surabhi and Juda also played an invaluable role in ensuring our safety and comfort throughout the program. They were present and attentive, often behind the scenes, and their commitment gave us the confidence to immerse ourselves fully in the experience without worry. What stood out most to me was that each staff member went beyond their formal roles. The physicians modeled the kind of care that sees patients as individuals with stories, while the program staff ensured that we had the structure and security to learn and grow. This combination made my time in Peru not only eye-opening but also profoundly fulfilling. The program has given me lessons about privilege, resilience, and holistic care that I will carry into my future in medicine, and for that I am deeply grateful to every member of the team. “Un día.” One day. This is what a nine-year-old girl said to me when I showed her pictures of my life back home. That simple phrase has stayed with me as it revealed both her dreams and my privilege. We don’t realize the opportunities we hold until we’re met with the reality of others. This was the greatest lesson I learned throughout my internship with International Medical Aid in Peru. Over several weeks in Cusco and the surrounding mountains, I saw the ways limited health education, scarce resources, and cultural barriers shape how people experience health. I listened to children who had limited education about hygiene or menstruation, to patients who had not seen a physician in years, and to elders who still relied solely on traditional remedies. I also saw resilience—in girls who proudly signed their names on pottery they sold to support themselves, in communities who welcomed us into their schools, and in physicians who made the most of every tool available. These experiences challenged me to rethink what it means to be a healthcare provider. They taught me that medicine is not just about treating disease; it is about building trust, offering education, and meeting people where they are. My time in Peru deepened my commitment to a career in healthcare, one rooted in empathy, humility, and advocacy. In every school and orphanage we visited, I realized how much of healthcare begins long before a patient steps into a clinic. Many of the children we met had never been taught how to wash their hands properly, why brushing teeth matters, or what to expect when their bodies begin to change. At the girls’ orphanage, we gave talks on dental care, handwashing, and menstruation, and their questions reminded me just how powerful basic education can be. Some of the girls believed that menstruation meant they were sick, while others were shy to even say the word. Watching their faces light up as myths were debunked was a reminder that information can be as healing as medicine. Back home, I had always taken school health classes for granted; in Peru, I saw what it meant when those lessons were missing. It struck me that the first prescription a physician can give is not always a pill—it is knowledge, dignity, and understanding. As a future physician, this lesson reminds me that I cannot assume patients come with the same baseline of health literacy I had growing up. If I want to truly serve my patients, I will need to carry this humility forward, taking the time to listen, explain, and leave them with more than a prescription—with the confidence and knowledge to care for themselves. That same lesson came into sharper focus during my rotation in Tópicos, where nearly every patient who walked in had varicose venous ulcers. We cleaned and re-dressed wound after wound, with many returning with infections and deterioration. One woman had scratched at her ulcer, not realizing the bacteria under her nails could worsen it beyond recognition. It wasn’t neglect; it was lack of guidance. The nurse explained that these ulcers were so common in Peru due to long-standing labor in agriculture and markets, high rates of obesity, and almost no access to early preventive care. She enlightened me that chronic venous disease thrives where occupational risks, delayed treatment, and poverty converge, and I could see that truth in every leg we bandaged. What I had glimpsed in orphanages—the cost of missing basic education—I now saw magnified in adults whose wounds had spiraled because no one had ever taught them how to care for themselves. In Canada, I grew up with hygiene lessons, clean water, and health literacy woven into everyday life; in Peru, those privileges were often absent, and the consequences were written directly on people’s skin. These structural inequities became even more visible during our community clinic in Andahuaylillas, where many of the patients we saw had not accessed medical care in years. One man I encountered, a 78-year-old farmer, had bilateral vision loss, severe back pain, and a chronic cough that had persisted for more than five years. Decades of agricultural labor, exposure to wood smoke from cooking fires, and his deep mistrust of physicians reflected patterns I later recognized were not unique to him, but part of a larger reality in Peru. He told us that nearly thirty years ago, doctors had advised amputating his leg due to a severe problem, but he refused and “treated it at home,” now claiming it was fine. That experience convinced him that doctors could not be trusted, reinforcing a reliance on home and traditional remedies—an approach I saw echoed in many rural patients. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Peru is often driven not by smoking, as in wealthier countries, but by biomass fuel exposure in rural areas and past tuberculosis infection in urban centers (Miranda et al., 2015). His case was a striking reminder of how structural and environmental conditions dictate disease pathways. I saw similar themes in patients who were either visibly malnourished or living with obesity—two extremes often rooted in the same absence of nutritional education and preventive care. Nearly 30% of Peruvian children suffer from anemia, with prevalence reaching 38% in rural areas, largely explained by socioeconomic and educational disparities (Al-Kassab-Córdova et al., 2022). These same inequities perpetuate adult conditions like venous ulcers, which worsen without early nutrition and wound care. At the other end of the spectrum, I also met patients struggling with obesity and hypertension, consistent with data from Lima showing that more than half of patients with type 2 diabetes live with additional chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (Bernabé-Ortiz et al., 2015). My patient in Andahuaylillas was not just an individual with COPD or TB; he was the embodiment of Peru’s double burden of disease, where poverty, environment, and education converge to shape health outcomes. His story made me realize how much of my own access to clean cooking, preventive care, and trusted physicians has been a form of privilege I had never questioned before. This showed me that medicine is as much about context as it is about cure, and that healing begins with seeing the whole person along with the conditions that shape their daily lives. Another significant lesson I carried home was the manner in which Peruvian physicians approached mental health. Although I learned in lectures that Cusco has only about fifteen psychiatrists for the entire region, the doctors and nurses I observed never disregarded psychological well-being. They recognized that health cannot be separated into physical and mental dimensions, consistently seeking to make patients feel heard and understood. This was especially evident in the orphanages, where many of the girls had endured poverty, trauma, or domestic violence. Their questions to me revealed how deeply their environment shaped their sense of identity and purpose; some, not even two years younger than myself, asked whether I had a husband or children, as if a woman’s life were confined within these boundaries. At eighteen, I was struck by how different our realities were, and how limited social and educational opportunities had already narrowed their vision of what was possible for themselves. These conversations underscored that health is not only about physical well-being, but also about how people understand their worth, their opportunities, and their place in the world. I saw this perspective carried into practice at the community clinic in Andahuaylillas, where the physicians made it a priority to establish a station for a psychologist so that patients could receive mental health support after their medical evaluations. Their example reminded me that being a doctor requires seeing patients not only as clinical cases, but as whole individuals whose stories and experiences profoundly shape their health. They showed me that holistic care does not always depend on advanced technology or specialist services; it begins with empathy, attentive listening, and presence. While in Canada I have often taken for granted the growing recognition of mental health and the availability of counseling, in Peru I witnessed how deeply impactful it can be when physicians themselves integrate mental well-being into every encounter. This approach is one I intend to carry forward in my own career, ensuring that my patients feel acknowledged not only in their symptoms but also in their humanity. My time in Peru taught me what it truly means to be privileged. I had never realized how far my liberty extended or how much I had taken for granted. The ability to imagine a successful future for myself, to believe I could pursue it, and to access clean water, preventive health, and nutritional education are privileges that often pass unnoticed. In Peru, I saw the reality behind what happens when those pieces are missing: children growing up without health education, adults unable to manage preventable conditions, and elders relying on traditional remedies after losing trust in the medical system. Yet I also witnessed resilience—in young girls who inscribed their names into pottery to claim a sense of identity, in communities that welcomed us into their schools, and in physicians who, even with few resources, practiced medicine with empathy and intentional care. These experiences taught me that medicine is never only about treating disease, but about restoring dignity, sharing knowledge, and meeting people where they are. The physicians I shadowed modeled what it means to care for the whole person, listening to stories, acknowledging mental as well as physical well-being, and ensuring that every patient left feeling seen. Their example reshaped the vision I hold for myself as a future physician. I want to carry forward what Peru gave me: the discipline to look beyond symptoms, the humility to learn from every patient, and the responsibility to use my own privilege to bridge gaps in care. One day, I hope to stand fully in that role, offering my patients the same compassion and hope I once witnessed in Peru. Un día.

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