Internships in Kenya

I came to Africa with a friend, and I'm so glad we got to share this experience together. From our time in the hospital to exploring and experiencing the culture, we learnt so much and made some amazing memories. The Go-Elective team was also very welcoming and made us feel comfortable throughout our stay.

My time in Kenya gave me the chance to experience healthcare in a way I had never seen before. I was able to spend time in different wards, learn from healthcare professionals, and witness moments that were both inspiring and difficult. Some of the cases I saw were heartbreaking, while others, like witnessing births, were incredibly moving. Seeing patients and families go through such different experiences gave me a much deeper appreciation for patient care and showed me how important compassion is in medicine. Outside the hospital, I really enjoyed learning more about Kenyan culture, meeting local people, and exploring Mombasa. Everyone I met was warm and welcoming, and the GoElective team made the whole experience feel organised, comfortable, and easy to enjoy. It was a trip that gave me so much to reflect on, both personally and professionally.

I learnt a lot during my nursing elective in Kenya, especially from seeing how nurses manage busy wards and care for patients with limited resources. I was able to observe patient assessments, wound care, medication rounds and how nurses communicate with patients and their families. The experience gave me a better understanding of the responsibilities nurses take on every day and helped me feel more confident in my own clinical skills.

This program gave me the perfect balance of clinical learning and adventure, with the safari being one of the highlights of my trip. It was my first time seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, and so many other incredible animals in the wild, making it an experience that I will always cherish.

One of my favorite parts of this program was seeing how healthcare is delivered in a resource-constrained environments. The hospital rotations exposed me to conditions such as severe malaria that are uncommon in the United States, and I was inspired by how healthcare teams provided excellent patient care despite limited resources. The Global Health seminars helped me better understand how factors such as poverty, access to healthcare, and healthcare infrastructure influence patient outcomes. I also enjoyed exploring Mombasa! I left Kenya with a greater appreciation for global health, new friendships, and lessons that I know will carry with me throughout my medical career.

I learned so much throughout this experience, both in and out of the hospital. The clinical rotations, Global Health seminars, and Swahili classes gave me a better understanding of medicine in a different healthcare system, while exploring Mombasa and meeting students from around the world made the experience even more memorable.

The clinical experience exceeded my expectations. I was able to observe a wide range of procedures, ask questions freely, and learn from physicians in Coast General Hospital. I especially enjoyed my time in the pediatrics department, where I gained valuable insight into caring for children and working alongside a supportive team. Every department offered something different, making each day engaging and educational. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in global health or pursuing a career in medicine.

I can't thank Go-Elective enough for providing such an incredible experience in Africa. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to gain meaningful clinical experience in an actual hospital with a really supportive team

I spent a month in Mombasa and it was genuinely one of the best experiences I've had. I met some great people from all over who I now consider friends. The clinical work was rewarding and we also got to explore on weekends together. Truly unforgettable!

I learned so much during my time in Kenya and the doctors were surprisingly generous with their time, always willing to teach even on their busiest days. I'm already planning to go back after med school

Stepping outside my comfort zone and traveling to Kenya for this program turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life, challenging me in ways that helped me grow both personally and professionally. Working alongside healthcare professionals and seeing the impact they have on patients every day made me realize just how important medicine is and strengthened my passion for pursuing a career in healthcare.

My clinical experience in Kenya was both eye-opening and rewarding. The program allowed us to work with physicians across several departments, and the hospital staff were incredibly welcoming and involved us in daily patient care and clinical activities. Each department offered a different learning experience. I practiced basic patient examination skills and observed hands-on activities such as triage and surgical procedures, which gave me a broader understanding of how medicine is practiced in a real hospital setting. During my rotation, I spent time in general surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and dermatology, and I also had opportunities to shadow physicians during specific procedures and consultations. Outside the hospital, experiencing Kenya’s culture and seeing the Big Five on safari made the trip truly unforgettable and one I will always cherish.

I stayed 3 weeks with GoElective in Mombasa, Kenya. This trip was truly life changing and the best experience ever. I would highly recommend this organization to many people. The people involved in this organization are truly the best.

This program allowed me to grow as an ethical leader in my community, a leader who leads by example. My experiences at Coast General will forever shape my perspective on health care and scarce resources in healthcare settings. While in Kenya, I received constant support from the IMA staff. One specific example that stands out to me was when I was left in the lab by one of the CCC doctors. I called Hilda for support, and even though she was not working that day, she immediately sent Dr. Shaziim to support me. In the residences, the mentors would always be looking out for me, making sure I was healthy and happy as I completed the program. One specific moment in Internal Medicine that stood out to me was when I did rounds in the women's ward with Dr. Shaziim and the gastroenterologist. Dr. Shaziim incorporated my previous knowledge of HIV from the CCC into explanations to help me learn and build upon my knowledge. Thanks to their efforts to involve me in their diagnosis process, I now want to pursue gastroenterology.

When I boarded the plane to Kenya to begin my internship with International Medical Aid, I was filled with excitement, curiosity, and a desire to serve. I have long aspired to become a physician assistant, but I also wanted to ensure that this goal was driven by genuine passion rather than simple interest. I had always hoped to participate in global health efforts and provide care to populations with limited access to healthcare. I wanted to understand patient care outside the modern diagnostic tools, fast-paced hospital systems, and technological resources that shape much of medicine in the United States. During my time at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa, I discovered far more than I anticipated: a deeper understanding of healthcare disparities, a profound respect for resilience and community, and a renewed commitment to pursue my career with purpose. When I landed in Mombasa, I felt a mix of familiarity and astonishment. Palm trees swayed over busy streets, and the air carried a warmth that extended beyond the weather. Cars moved in a chaotic harmony, with drivers honking and weaving through traffic while somehow avoiding collisions. Tuk-tuks sped between cars and motorcycles, while pedestrians crossed roads amid the flow of traffic. Vendors lined the roadside selling everything from fresh fruit to clothing, their voices full of energy and persistence. As a Somali born and raised in the United States, these sights felt both foreign and strangely comforting. They reminded me of the stories my family shared about home, full of movement, community, and constant hustle. For the first time, I felt connected to a place I had never lived, yet somehow carried within me. The warmth I received from the IMA staff, doctors, nurses, and local community helped me transition from feeling like an outsider to feeling accepted. Coming from the United States, I have grown up in a healthcare system that, despite its high cost, is equipped with advanced technology and support systems for many patients through insurance programs and government assistance. In the United States, individuals facing financial barriers often still have access to emergency care, routine screenings, and early diagnosis. In Kenya, I learned that healthcare accessibility is shaped not only by cost, but also by location, transportation, and the uneven distribution of medical resources. Many patients travel long distances to reach facilities like Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, a public hospital that serves a large population with limited supplies and staffing. Unlike private hospitals, public hospitals operate with restricted funding, yet they remain the primary option for most families. Witnessing doctors and nurses provide care despite shortages in equipment, staff, and funding reshaped my understanding of healthcare. I realized that medical systems are defined not only by their resources, but also by the resilience of the people working within them and the accessibility they provide to those who need care most. My first week was spent shadowing in the pediatric ward at Coast General. There, I learned that caring for a child involves far more than treatment and diagnosis. A child’s well-being is also deeply influenced by the social, political, and economic circumstances surrounding them. The ward was filled with young patients, each with conditions shaped by a different combination of medical and social determinants. Many children were battling illnesses such as malaria, pneumonia, and tuberculosis, conditions that are often preventable or treatable when identified early. However, because of delayed diagnosis and limited access to healthcare, relatively manageable illnesses often developed into serious complications. It became clear that a child’s health in Kenya is influenced not only by biology, but also by access, opportunity, and affordability. One of the most valuable lessons I took away was observing how healthcare providers approached diagnosis through close observation, critical thinking, and thorough physical examination. Dr. Ken, whom I shadowed throughout the week, emphasized that medicine begins with asking the right questions, listening carefully to caregivers, and using physical examination as a primary diagnostic tool rather than relying immediately on testing. For example, a nine-month-old baby who was struggling to breathe needed to be evaluated for either pneumonia or asthma. The physician assistant used chest auscultation, history-taking, and observation to guide treatment. This demonstrated a high level of clinical judgment and confidence. It showed me that good medicine does not always require advanced technology, but it always requires close attention. Another case that deepened my understanding of pediatric care involved a twelve-year-old child suspected of having leukemia with a critically low platelet count of 7. A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter. The providers were not yet certain whether the child had cancer, and additional testing was needed before a definitive treatment plan could be made. In the meantime, the child was closely monitored and treated as necessary, highlighting how medical teams must make critical decisions even when full information is not immediately available. Witnessing this balance of caution, urgency, and hope was both shocking and eye-opening. I realized how fragile a child’s health can be, and how every clinical decision carries immense weight. The patient who affected me most was a child admitted with aspiration pneumonia, a bacterial lung infection caused by inhaling substances other than air, such as vomit, saliva, or liquids. His bones were fragile, his legs were extremely thin, and swallowing placed him at constant risk of aspiration. The recommended treatment was a PEG tube to provide nutrition, but the procedure had been delayed because of his mother’s financial hardship. It was heartbreaking to watch her sit beside him each day waiting for a solution. Another intern and I spoke with her, and with her permission, we organized a GoFundMe fundraiser. Within a few days, we raised enough money to cover the PEG tube and his hospital bills. For the first time, I truly understood the role of advocacy in patient care. This experience taught me that healing can depend not only on medical expertise, but also on community action and compassion. By the end of the week, I saw pediatrics differently. It was not just a place where children received treatment, but a setting that reflected larger public health challenges such as malnutrition, sanitation, infectious disease, and socioeconomic inequality. I learned that healthcare professionals in Kenya practice medicine with deep dedication, knowledge, and resourcefulness. Their work reinforced my belief that becoming a physician assistant means not only treating illness, but also understanding the realities that shape health. Pediatric care reminded me that every child is more than a diagnosis; each is a life shaped by family, environment, and access to opportunity. My second week was spent in the maternity ward, where I witnessed joy, strength, and hardship. Unlike pediatrics, where children often arrived after days or weeks of illness, maternity care centered on the very beginning of life. Most of the births I observed were cesarean sections, and seeing the surgery in person was very different from reading about it in a textbook. I was struck by how quickly and confidently the surgical team delivered each baby. What impressed me even more was the precision required afterward. While the actual delivery took only a few minutes, closing the uterus and carefully suturing the abdominal wall required patience, skill, and focus. Observing a C-section up close felt surreal. Witnessing a stillbirth was one of the most emotionally difficult experiences I had during my time at Coast General. I had read about fetal mortality rates and the impact of inadequate prenatal care and delayed access to hospitals, but no statistic could capture the silence in the room or the quiet empathy of the nurses, who understood exactly how to offer comfort without words. In that moment, I realized that healthcare providers must possess not only medical knowledge, but also emotional strength. The ability to support patients and families in their worst moments is just as important as providing skilled care during successful ones. As a future physician assistant, I will need to approach moments of loss with the same clarity, compassion, and devotion I bring to moments of healing. This experience taught me that clinical success does not always mean a positive outcome, but compassion is always part of the responsibility. My time in maternity showed me that medicine is not only about welcoming new life, but also about honoring lives that do not begin as hoped. One of the clearest takeaways from my internship was the contrast between healthcare delivery in Kenya and in the United States. In Kenya, medical care is often provided with limited resources and equipment that would be considered standard elsewhere. Yet the system compensates for these limitations through resilience, teamwork, and creativity. Doctors and nurses consistently made the most of what they had. For example, I observed nurses using part of a surgical glove as a tourniquet when drawing blood. These realities reflect a broader systemic difference in healthcare spending and infrastructure. Recognizing that disparity helped me understand why the two systems function under such different conditions. My internship with International Medical Aid changed how I see healthcare, the world, and myself. I learned that medicine involves far more than treatment plans and clinical skills. It also requires advocacy, cultural humility, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. I encountered illnesses that are uncommon in the United States but prevalent in Kenya. More importantly, Kenya will remain part of my story, not simply as a place I visited, but as the place that reshaped my understanding of medicine, taught me the power of empathy and resilience, and showed me what it truly means to care for others.

Kisumu is a safe and interesting city with many places to visit, eat, and explore. The people are very respectful, friendly, and welcoming, and transportation within the city is accessible and easy to use. Kenya is a country full of culture and history, with a variety of places to visit, from local museums to cultural sites. There are many restaurants, cafés, and local food spots where you can relax and enjoy the experience. The people are warm, relaxed, and very polite. The team was very supportive and kindly arranged airport pickup and departure, as well as recommending places to visit. Beatrice is a wonderful person who cares deeply about the women in the program, and there is very important work being done, especially in empowering women through skills training, support, and community development. The program supports many women, and while resources can sometimes be limited, the dedication and effort put into the work is truly inspiring. TIPS: Make sure you take time to explore the city and try traditional Kenyan food. Visit local attractions such as the lakeside, markets, and cultural sites. As for the project, don’t be afraid to share ideas and engage actively with the women. Beatrice is very open and welcoming to suggestions. While some tasks may take time, there is always an opportunity to interact, support, and learn from the community.

I had an amazing two weeks volunteering with Kar Geno – Center for Hope in Kisumu. I felt well supported throughout my stay, the accommodation was welcoming, and I made some great friends along the way. Volunteering with the women and children in the program was very rewarding and truly an invaluable experience. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone considering going abroad and looking for a meaningful and supportive volunteer opportunity.

The overall experience has been truly amazing! I am so grateful for the opportunity, meeting new people, living in a new culture, and trying out new experiences has been very interesting. Every day was different from what I am used to back home, and each moment opened my mind in a unique way. Volunteering in the women empowerment program in Kisumu was both inspiring and eye-opening. The experience challenged me at the beginning, but as time went by, everything became easier and more meaningful. Being part of the program, learning from the women, and engaging with the community helped me grow personally. I feel that I have developed into a more confident person, willing to face new challenges and believe more in myself. This journey has truly changed my perspective on life and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to learn and grow.

There is a strong emphasis on ensuring that all volunteers work and connect well together within the program. Some of my most enjoyable moments were during social evenings, which created a great space for volunteers to relax, bond, and feel part of a team. These moments are especially helpful for new or less confident volunteers to feel included and comfortable. One of my most positive experiences was when, within a short time, we came together as volunteers to organize a small community initiative to support a local cause. Everyone got involved, even though we could have taken time off, and it turned into a very rewarding and fun day. It really showed how much impact a group of enthusiastic and community-minded people can have when they come together.

Living and working alongside such kind people from all around the world while discovering Kisumu was an incredible experience. Bylo to opravdu úžasné. I really appreciated how well organized the program was, and I always felt safe and supported throughout my stay. The overall experience was amazing and truly memorable. Lidé byli velmi přátelští a otevření, and being part of the women empowerment program and engaging with the community gave me a completely new perspective on the world I live in. It is an experience that stays with you long after you leave. Nikdy na to nezapomenu. 😊