
Thomas Milano
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniI am a pre-med student at the University of Notre Dame and a certified EMT, and I want to become a surgeon. Working 911 calls showed me how much medic...
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API Intern Group
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Boost your career with The Intern Group’s virtual internship program, offering flexible remote internships with leading global companies across all career fields. Gain international work experience, build your résumé, and develop professional skills without relocating. Work with one of 3,000+ organ
See All 3 ProgramsAsia Internship Program
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AIP is an international internship service provider. We've launched the AIP remote internship program so that you can increase the chances of your employability through a professional internship experience, from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re a young professional, college student, or recent c
International Medical Aid (IMA)
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International Medical Aid’s Physician Assistant and Pre-PA Internships welcome undergraduates, pre-PA and PA students, pre-med and medical students, graduates, and certified PAs and other healthcare professionals. High-school applicants follow IMA’s high-school pathway, with activities suited to the
Child Family Health International
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The CFHI Virtual Global Health elective offers inter-professional trainees a unique opportunity to build key Global Health competencies. Students will explore global and public health issues broadly, highlighting how health systems around the world deliver healthcare in a variety of environments, ex
See All 10 ProgramsConnect-123 Internship Programs
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Launch your career from anywhere with a remote internship! Connect-123 has been helping students gain international, career-related experience since 2006. Our Global Virtual Internship Program allows you to build global work experience directly from your laptop while developing the remote work skill
World Unite!
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Explore a wide range of internship and volunteering opportunities in psychology across India. *At a psychology clinic, analyze anonymized case studies, discuss theories, and propose therapeutic approaches while contributing to an NGO supporting women's empowerment. *Assist a happiness coach by engag
See All 2 ProgramsAtlas Internships
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Atlas Internships is an international internship service provider. We've launched the Atlas Internships remote internship program so that you can increase the chances of your employability through a professional internship experience, from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re a young professional,
Gama Travel and Tour Agency
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30-Day Rwanda Academic & Professional Tour: The 30-Day Rwanda Academic & Professional Tour, organized by Gama Travel & Tour Agency in Rwanda – the Land of a Thousand Hills – offers international students, professors, and university staff an immersive academic and experiential learning program. This
Intern Colombia
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Since 2020, Intern Colombia has provided virtual internship programs. We strive to provide first-class internships in any format, wherever you are in the world. Flexible learning and career development are more important than ever, so that you can get the opportunities you deserve, no matter what.
Global Health Leaders
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Join our medical research program in the Dominican Republic! It introduces students to the concepts, lifecycle, and execution of research topics and models. We're looking for motivated individuals to join us for 5 days working with local medical doctors for on-the-ground data collection. Then, you s
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
My four weeks with CFHI's Virtual Global & Public Health Internship in Uganda were a rewarding experience of learning, reflection, and unlearning. As a Ugandan medical student training in Rwanda, the program offered a valuable opportunity to understand my home country's healthcare system beyond its challenges, particularly the innovative, locally driven solutions being implemented to address them. What made the experience exceptional was Dr. Anguyo's ability to connect global health concepts with practical insights from his fieldwork. Through engaging sessions and real-world examples in maternal health, adolescent HIV care, and noncommunicable diseases, I gained a deeper appreciation of how social and economic realities influence healthcare access and outcomes. The experience strengthened my interest in implementation science and inspired me to explore gender and rural-urban disparities in noncommunicable disease prevention and care through an opinion piece. Although virtual, the learning was so engaging that I visited some of the work being done on the ground during a weekend. My greatest takeaway was that meaningful improvements in healthcare do not always require new interventions. Often, they begin with recognizing, adapting, and sustaining solutions that already work within communities. I am sincerely grateful to Dr. Anguyo and the CFHI team for an enriching experience that has shaped how I think about medicine, research, and health systems strengthening. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to students and professionals interested in global health and equitable healthcare delivery.

Program: Virtual/Remote Global Internships Through API Intern Group
As an economics student, I am deeply interested in understanding how rigorous modelling coupled with data-driven analysis can be used to effectuate economic and social change through guiding real-world decision-making. Over the last few years, I have increasingly recognised that unlocking the potential value that this discipline could bring hinges on whether one can discern which models and tools would be appropriate for the given context. To develop my capacity for making substantive judgements, I sought out The Intern Group to match me with a suitable organisation that would enable me to apply the skills and knowledge I've learnt from my time at university. The experience itself was highly challenging and intellectually stimulating; it forced me to think critically about what would constitute a useful deliverable for my partner organisation, in addition to how it should be presented to communicate my findings accessibly. In contrast to university coursework, which is generally evaluated in accordance with a well-defined set of criteria, I was granted the liberty to be creative in how I approached this project. Consequently, I had the chance to engage in divergent thinking and figure out for myself which ideas were feasible and worth developing. Although this strategy requires spending considerable time and energy before making any visible progress, it allowed me to identify the constraints imposed by the available data, understand the incentives faced by different stakeholders and consider what information decision-makers need to act effectively. Learning how to draw upon this framework in order to credibly and reliably inform decision-making within the global agricultural commodity trading market has inspired me to pursue further study and gain new experiences so that I may broaden my exposure while deepening and consolidating my skills and knowledge. I believe that this experience, supplemented by the developmental opportunities and resources offered by The Intern Group, has helped me to clarify my career path, reaffirm my understanding of how the discipline can yield practical insights and realise my own potential in contributing to real-world change.
Program: Virtual/Remote Global Internships Through API Intern Group
I had an lovely and efficient experience with the intern group, no matter who I interacted with they were kind and helpful, the whole experience was very rewarding and they are always available for any questions along the way! I was really unsure on how it would all go, but I was very impressed and I have nothing but positive things to say. From the start they made the process of finding an internship that would suit my needs so easy and every step of the way they are encouraging you. I absolutely loved my time with them and have zero regrets. I got matched with a company very quickly and I absolutely adored my experience and time with the company I got to work for. Even though it was remote I was still made to feel like I was part of the process and I throughly enjoyed experiencing being part of real work for real people. Even if you are a university student looking to gain experience one summer or a recent graduate there is no doubt in my mind you will gain something valuable from doing an internship with a company that aligns with your career goals.
My experience in Thailand has been so fun! I got to see a lot of the major temples and sites that are a must visit. I made many friends with the other interns here. The staff were very welcoming and accommodating. They helped me with any questions I had or anything in general. Overall my experience was amazing, 10/10 would recommend to anyone on the fence about it! I would even come back if I could!
As a fourth-year medical student in the US, the CFHI Virtual Global & Public Health Internship – India was exactly the kind of experience I had been looking for to expand my understanding of health systems beyond the clinical settings I am accustomed to. The live sessions with India-based public health professionals brought real depth to topics I thought I understood from textbooks, things like infectious disease burden, sanitation gaps, and community-level intervention, and hearing about them directly from people doing the work on the ground reframed how I think about health systems entirely. What made the program stand out even further was the inclusion of personal and professional development, and Hindi language lessons, something I did not expect and found genuinely enriching, since being able to connect even a little with the language added a layer of cultural immersion that you rarely get from a virtual program. The program structure moved at a good pace, the CFHI team was responsive whenever I had questions, and the small group discussions with other participants pushed my thinking in directions I did not expect. What stayed with me most was the shift in how I understand cultural humility, not as a competency to check off, but as something that has to be actively practiced every time you step into a health context that is not your own. I plan to pursue global health as part of my career, and this program clarified what that actually means in practice. I would recommend it to any medical student who wants to move beyond the US health system.
Program: Virtual/Remote Global Internships Through API Intern Group
An excellent experience for my development as a digital designer, where I was able to learn new things and introduces my skills in the best possible way. I learned a lot about augmented reality and I hope it allows me to find a suitable job.
Program: Virtual/Remote Global Internships Through API Intern Group
During my internship, I contributed to a sustainability project focused on improving environmental performance and supporting responsible business practices. I assisted with research, data collection, and analysis related to sustainability initiatives, including carbon management and resource efficiency. This experience allowed me to better understand how organizations integrate sustainability strategies into their operations. The internship strengthened my analytical, research, and problem-solving skills while giving me practical exposure to sustainability reporting and environmental impact assessment. Overall, the project highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in promoting long-term organizational and environmental well-being. Claudy Docteur
Program: Physician Assistant & Pre-PA Internships Abroad | IMA
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.



Program: Top-rated Internships Aligned with Your Goals & Interests!
My experience with Connect-123 has been nothing short of exceptional! They did an amazing job matching me with the perfect organization and internship that aligns perfectly with my skills and field of interest. This was my first time working remotely, and Connect-123 made the entire process seamless, enjoyable, and rewarding. I felt supported every step of the way, and the opportunity to work remotely was an unforgettable experience. A big thank you to Connect-123 for making it all possible—I am absolutely thrilled and give them a well-deserved 5 stars!
Program: Top-rated Internships Aligned with Your Goals & Interests!
I am grateful for this experience and get the opportunity to have a virtual internship. Everyone has been extremely helpful and so supportive during the preparation, which made the transition so much easier.
Program: Top-rated Internships Aligned with Your Goals & Interests!
Finding an internship as an international student is very tough. Especially when you don’t really have experience related to your field, but Connect-123 made it possible for me to learn and gain experience. It was overall very enjoyable and I am glad to underwent such. Now I have gained some understanding about working in a company to some extent and not to mention, there is also many soft skills which I feel like had improved ever since. I am very grateful for the opportunity!
Program: Top-rated Internships Aligned with Your Goals & Interests!
My time at this internship has been an incredibly valuable experience. I was initially very nervous to commit, even during the interview. However, I had nothing to worry about since, looking back, I was able to choose the internship field based on my interests and career. They help you along the whole process and answering your questions is just an email away. My experience at my internship organization was your usual spreadsheet task and helping with whatever the team needed. Due to the remote nature, there is only so much you can do to help; they do have in-person ones also! Each organization is different, and depending on the organization, it can affect your experience. My university also offered credits (usually an online class) and covered any costs of the internship as part of the program. I recommend it to any student because not only do you get credit, but you also have the freedom to do other summer activities; the best of both worlds. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to advance my career path, help out a genuine and impactful organization, and learn what real-world work looks like.
Program: Top-rated Internships Aligned with Your Goals & Interests!
My experience with 123 Connect has been nothing short of transformative. From the very beginning, they took the time to understand my goals, strengths, and interests, and then matched me with an internship that aligned perfectly with my career path. The process was seamless, and I felt supported every step of the way. Thanks to 123 Connect, I was able to secure an internship that not only gave me hands-on professional experience but also helped me build lasting connections in my industry. What stood out most was how invested the team was in my success they provided guidance, resources, and encouragement that made all the difference. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity they helped me secure, and I’d highly recommend 123 Connect to anyone looking to take the next step in their career journey.
Program: Top-rated Internships Aligned with Your Goals & Interests!
During my internship with an autism research network, I contributed to an international project focused on autism screening and community research priorities. My work involved systematically screening studies, reviewing inclusion/exclusion criteria, and extracting detailed data into shared spreadsheets. I gained experience in critically reading abstracts and full texts, interpreting methodologies, and paying close attention to performance metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, and AUC values. Beyond technical skills, this internship gave me a deeper appreciation for the nuances of autism research — especially the importance of ethical considerations, community involvement, and shifting away from overly medicalized models of disability. I learned how to apply exclusion codes consistently, collaborate with peers across time zones, and manage large datasets precisely. This experience strengthened my research skills and my ability to reflect on the broader impact of scientific work. It challenged me to think critically about equity in autism research, including representation across countries, age ranges, and support needs. I now feel much more confident navigating scientific literature and contributing to conversations around research priorities. Overall, my internship was both practical and meaningful. It reinforced my academic interests in neurobiology and psychology while developing transferable organizational skills, critical analysis, and teamwork skills. I am grateful for the experience and for the opportunity to contribute to research that has real-world impact.
Program: Top-rated Internships Aligned with Your Goals & Interests!
I got matched with a company relevant to my interests and worked with some amazing people. In my internship I created lead magnets and developed an operations manual/cultural handbook for a film production company. The skills I developed most while interning have been communication, adaptability, and time-management. Xena showed a genuine understanding of my goals and challenges. She was always responsive and open to addressing any questions. Her willingness to help made me feel heard and supported throughout the Connect-123 internship program.
Program: Top-rated Internships Aligned with Your Goals & Interests!
My internship through Connect-123 provided an incredible opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful, real-world projects. I developed skills in finance strategy, marketing, outreach, and creative design, working on tasks such as building a professional film deck and connecting with potential donors. The experience strengthened my communication, time management, and project coordination abilities, while giving me valuable insight into my career interests. I am grateful for this oppurtunity!
Program: Top-rated Internships Aligned with Your Goals & Interests!
I am truly so thankful for Connect-123 for helping me find my perfect internship. Both my internships have been through Connect-123 and both were amazing experiences. My program director, Xena Pulliam, has been such a wonderful source of guidance and support throughout this entire process. The company I was initially interviewed by was about an hour late to the interview, and though the deadline for finding a placement was approaching, she didn’t give up on me. She found me the perfect placement at another company and even communicated on my behalf to ensure the work I was given aligned with my goals and interests. Through this experience, I was able to build valuable connections, develop new skills, and gain hands-on experience that has shaped my career path. I’m so grateful to Xena and Connect-123 for making both of my internships not only possible but truly meaningful.
Program: Top-rated Internships Aligned with Your Goals & Interests!
This is a perfect experience. It's my first time working in a real world working environment. I've learnt a lot that can't be in courses and I believe this experience will give me more confidence and competence in finding my next internship and my first job.
Program: Top-rated Internships Aligned with Your Goals & Interests!
I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received from Connect 123 and my supervisors throughout my internship experience. Their guidance made it possible for me to secure an internship quickly, and over the course of eight weeks, I learned an incredible amount—not only through the internship itself, but also through the professional and skill development opportunities they encouraged. Beyond gaining hands-on experience, I developed stronger communication, time management, and problem-solving skills that I will carry forward in my career.
Program: Physician Assistant & Pre-PA Internships Abroad | IMA
My experience in Kenya with International Medical Aid was incredible. The in-country support was excellent, and I always felt safe thanks to clear guidance and protocols. Accommodations were comfortable, and the food was a wonderful introduction to Kenyan cuisine. The clinical experience was invaluable. I got to shadow PAs and physicians, learning how they provide compassionate care even with limited resources. My mentors Mitchel, Margaret, Benson, and Hilda were especially amazing; they guided me, answered questions, and made the experience meaningful and inspiring. Overall, this program deepened my understanding of healthcare, strengthened my communication and cultural awareness, and reinforced my commitment to becoming a healthcare provider. It was a truly memorable and transformative experience. I came to Mombasa, Kenya, with a curiosity about global healthcare. What I left with was far more than observation—I left with a deeper understanding of resilience, compassion, and the creativity required of healthcare providers in resource-limited settings. My two weeks at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital through International Medical Aid shaped not only my perspective on medicine, but also the kind of provider I aspire to become. The resource-limited setting of a Kenyan referral hospital highlighted the importance of adaptability, clinical judgment, and teamwork in medicine. It also deepened my appreciation for cultural competence and reinforced my desire to pursue a career that bridges patient care with compassion, equity, and access. I reflected throughout my internship on how these lessons shaped my personal and professional goals, and how I plan to apply this knowledge to my future career in healthcare. My first week at the hospital was spent in pediatrics, including the High Dependency Unit, the inpatient ward, and the outpatient clinic. Each area exposed me to different aspects of pediatric medicine and highlighted the challenges of providing care in a resource-limited setting. In the High Dependency Unit, I saw children critically ill with conditions such as malaria, pneumonia, and severe dehydration. With limited monitoring equipment, providers relied heavily on careful physical exams and clinical judgment. Watching physicians and nurses act with such precision reminded me that medicine depends as much on knowledge and presence as it does on technology. I also noticed how central families were to care—mothers and caregivers often stayed at the bedside, feeding and comforting their children. It underscored for me that treating a child means supporting the entire family. The inpatient ward was crowded but full of resilience. Children admitted for longer-term care still found ways to laugh, play, and smile, even while battling illness. This reminded me that pediatrics requires not only medical skill but also creativity, optimism, and patience. The outpatient clinic emphasized communication and trust. I shadowed physicians and medical students as they diagnosed fevers and infections, counseled parents, and provided follow-up care. One memorable encounter was a mother worried about her child’s persistent cough. The physician took time not only to examine the child but to reassure her and explain how to monitor symptoms. That interaction showed me how powerful reassurance and education can be. That week in pediatrics taught me that medicine is not only about addressing immediate illness but also about building trust, supporting families, and adapting to circumstances. The lack of abundant resources revealed how powerful strong clinical reasoning, communication, and compassion can be. As an aspiring PA, I want to carry these lessons forward by becoming a provider who combines medical expertise with cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence. In the United States, I may not always encounter the same level of resource scarcity, but disparities still exist. This experience showed me that effective providers don’t just treat patients; they meet them where they are, partner with their families, and offer care that is both competent and compassionate. During the second week of my internship, I rotated through the emergency department, including both adult and pediatric units. The emergency department was fast-paced, unpredictable, and often chaotic—a contrast to the structured environment of the outpatient clinic. I witnessed cases ranging from acute infections to trauma. One case that stayed with me was a toddler with severe malaria whose rapid deterioration required immediate intervention. Observing how the team coordinated care under pressure highlighted the importance of quick decision-making and clear communication. Another case involved a man who was involved in a street traffic accident and sustained a significant injury to his face, including a compound fracture and mandible dislocation. The attending physician quickly assessed the situation, coordinated imaging, and explained the care plan to the anxious patient. Observing this interaction, I realized how crucial clear communication is—not just with the patient but also with the family. Every word mattered in building trust and helping the family feel involved in care decisions, and it made me feel content with how everything was handled. The adult ED presented different challenges. Patients often arrived with complex conditions, and resources were limited compared to what I have seen in U.S. hospitals. I saw providers rely on careful observation, prioritization, and creative problem-solving to stabilize patients efficiently. Overcrowding was common, and staff had to make rapid decisions about who required immediate intervention versus who could wait. I had the opportunity to observe the triage process firsthand, watching nurses and physicians quickly assess vital signs, symptoms, and overall condition to determine urgency. This experience emphasized the importance of staying calm under pressure, making swift decisions, and trusting one’s clinical judgment—skills I hope to carry forward as a future physician assistant. Beyond clinical skills, the ED also highlighted the human side of medicine. Many patients were in distress not only from illness or injury but also from fear, uncertainty, or socioeconomic stressors. I observed how providers offered reassurance, listened attentively, and made patients feel heard even in brief interactions. This reinforced a lesson I had learned in pediatrics: effective care is not just about diagnosis and treatment, but about empathy, communication, and emotional support. Experiencing this firsthand strengthened my desire to pursue a career where I can provide competent and compassionate care, especially in moments when patients are most vulnerable. During my overnight shift in the Labor and Delivery ward, I witnessed the intensity, urgency, and profound humanity of bringing new life into the world. Even though my time there was brief, I observed the critical teamwork between medical officers, nurses, and midwives, and how every decision carried weight for both mother and child. I was shocked to learn that epidurals were generally not offered unless the mother was undergoing a C-section, and I felt for the women laboring without this form of pain relief. Seeing their strength and resilience firsthand was both humbling and inspiring. I also had the opportunity to view a C-section, which was an eye-opening experience. Observing the surgical team’s coordination and focus, as well as the immediate transition of the newborn to care, highlighted the precision and teamwork required in critical situations. This experience reinforced lessons I had already begun to understand in pediatrics and the emergency department: medicine is not just about technical skill, but also about empathy, communication, and presence. Providers balanced clinical urgency with compassion, comforting patients and offering reassurance even in high-stress moments. Being in the ward overnight gave me a deep appreciation for the emotional and human side of healthcare and reminded me that being a provider is as much about supporting people through life’s most vulnerable moments as it is about treating disease. These lessons strengthened my aspiration to become a physician assistant who can deliver competent care while also connecting with patients on a human level. Mombasa County has a higher HIV prevalence than the national average, and that statistic became profoundly real during my time at the hospital. I encountered numerous patients—both adults and children—whose lives were directly affected by HIV. The emotional weight of these encounters was palpable, especially when discussing treatment plans and the challenges of medication adherence. One particularly memorable interaction involved a mother in the pediatric ward, deeply concerned about her child’s health. The physician took extra time to explain the child’s condition, the importance of antiretroviral therapy, and the need for consistent follow-up care. Witnessing this compassionate communication underscored the significance of not only medical treatment but also emotional support and education in managing chronic conditions like HIV. My two weeks in Mombasa were transformative, offering lessons that extended far beyond clinical knowledge. From pediatrics, I learned the power of observation, clinical reasoning, and compassion. The emergency department taught me adaptability, rapid decision-making, and the importance of clear communication under pressure. Labor and Delivery showed me the courage and resilience of patients and the teamwork required in critical moments. Encountering patients affected by HIV deepened my appreciation for the intersection of medical care, patient education, and emotional support. I realized that effective healthcare requires not only knowledge and skill but also cultural sensitivity and the ability to support patients through their most vulnerable moments. Together, these rotations solidified my desire to become a physician assistant who can provide competent, compassionate care in a variety of settings. I am inspired to carry forward the lessons I learned in Kenya—the importance of empathy, communication, adaptability, and partnership with patients and families. This internship has not only reinforced my commitment to healthcare but has also shaped my vision for the kind of PA I aspire to be.



Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Thomas Milano
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniI am a pre-med student at the University of Notre Dame and a certified EMT, and I want to become a surgeon. Working 911 calls showed me how much medic...
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Rhys Foulke
Go Elective
AlumniAs a pre-med student, I wanted to experience healthcare outside the United States and get a better understanding of what a career in medicine involves...
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Elle Russell
Go Elective
AlumniAfter previously going to Africa on a family trip, I knew I wanted to experience its healthcare side. I could not think of a better way than to do an ...
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Sophia Sørensen
Korea Gapyear
AlumniI have always wanted to experience living in another country while developing skills that would help me in my future career. South Korea stood out to ...
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Samuel Unterberger
Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon
AlumniAs a biologist and a geologist, the goal for my partner and me was to use the gap year between our bachelor's and master's degrees to experience and d...
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Samantha Haase
ArtBound Initiative
AlumniI stayed local for my internship, but I still feel that traveling abroad is important. I think going abroad is important culturally, as immersing your...
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Lillian Miks
Beyond Travels
AlumniA few years prior to this trip, I went to Peru with my family. Ever since that trip, I knew I wanted to visit the Amazon again, but I didn't think it ...
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Marlies Leysen
Beyond Travels
AlumniI love traveling abroad to discover new countries, new people, and cultures. I have already traveled abroad in the past, but not for an extensive peri...
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Juwairiah Ishaq
Roots Interns
AlumniI was inspired to gain experiences in new cultures and different perspectives. Despite this being a remote internship, it was an enlightening experien...
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Myles Carpenter
FIEN Foundation
AlumniI decided to go abroad because I wanted to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone by traveling internationally for the first time.
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Pablo Quintanilla Berriochoa
Future For Africa
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad by a strong desire to step outside my comfort zone, experience a different reality, and contribute to something meaningful...
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Mariana Davila
ArtBound Initiative
AlumniStudying abroad had always been something I wanted to experience because I believe the best way to grow creatively and personally is to step outside y...
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Fiona Dolan
API Intern Group
AlumniI’ve always been motivated by personal growth, and going abroad felt like the perfect opportunity to challenge myself. I wanted to build independence,...
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Carlos Jose Lopez Tort
API Intern Group
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to grow beyond the limits of my usual environment and challenge myself both personally and professionally...
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Soham Kamble
API Intern Group
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was the opportunity to gain global exposure and step outside of my comfort zone. I wanted to experience a different cult...
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Maria Plugatyr
API Intern Group
AlumniAside from the overall desire to spend time abroad, my decision was actually a result of my university program requirement. In my international relati...
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Connor Nicholas
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniI wanted to gain new perspectives and new experiences. Going abroad challenges the way you have been taught to think and do things.
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Colin Wiechmann
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniI have long been inspired by organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and their commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare in underserved a...
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Yuto Nakada-Sasaki
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniAlthough I was born and raised in Canada, I have a strong Japanese background, and through numerous trips to Japan, I developed an early appreciation ...
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Zihui Qiu
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniI was inspired by the doctors volunteering with Doctors Without Borders and other medical humanitarian organizations in areas such as Gaza and Sudan. ...
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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