Internships Abroad in Multiple Countries

Overall, I truly can’t say anything but great things about this program. The bonds I made with my fellow interns turned into strong friendships, and it was incredible to experience the entire internship surrounded by such supportive, inspiring people. Our accommodations and food in Peru were top-notch, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. I genuinely believe the professional growth I experienced during this internship was invaluable. I gained practical skills that will benefit me throughout my future career. I left feeling deeply inspired to keep working toward my goals, but also extremely grateful for an experience that will stay with me forever. Working in such a supportive environment allowed me to thrive, and I couldn’t have done it without the guidance of the doctors I interacted with and my Program Mentors.

Overall, my experience in Peru was unreal. I truly learned so much, and it helped me see myself working in healthcare and doing what I love. Eder, Grecia, and Manuela were incredibly supportive and helped us with anything we needed during our time in Peru. They stayed in close communication with us and made sure our experience was the best it could be. I felt safe everywhere I went—including at the hospital, while walking around the city, and especially at the hotel. There truly wasn’t a moment when I felt unsafe. The accommodations were better than expected, and although there were a couple of minor bathroom issues, the staff were responsive and willing to help right away. The food was amazing, and the cooks at the restaurant welcomed our feedback and prepared some truly incredible meals. There were a couple of treks we went on during our time in Cusco. Starting on the second day we were there, we had Hans as our tour guide, and he showed us around Cusco as well as Saqsewaman. He shared so much information with us and answered any questions we had. We then went on another trek (I don’t remember the name), and Hans was also our guide—he showed us more ancient Incan ruins, which was really insightful. Lastly, I went on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu trek, which was honestly my favorite. Even though the hike was long and rough at moments—especially with the heat and all the uphill stairs—Johanns, our tour guide, was understanding, stopped whenever we needed to, and went above and beyond to make sure the other interns and I were taken care of and had the best experience possible. The overall impact this program had on me was inspiring and eye-opening. I loved every part of my time there—from exploring the city and going on treks, to working in the hospital, visiting rural communities, and participating in hygiene sessions. Everything left a lasting impact on me as I move forward with applying for grad school and pursuing my future in healthcare.