What inspired you to travel abroad?
I have experienced the American healthcare system and volunteered at multiple hospitals, including those in both rural and urban areas. This has allowed me to understand and observe the various practices and services available to individuals.
When I saw the opportunity to travel abroad and experience a different country's healthcare system, I knew I had to seize it. This experience would allow me to compare healthcare systems and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges other countries face.
I also believe there is immense value in experiencing other cultures and learning about history through firsthand experiences. Hearing about a country's history directly from its native citizens is far more impactful and eye-opening than learning through a class or book.
Why did you choose International Medical Aid (IMA)?
I chose IMA for a multitude of reasons. For me, they appeared to offer the best opportunities to shadow in various hospital wards. It seemed I would have plenty of chances to ask questions and learn from knowledgeable nurses and doctors. Their clear and strict safety regulations were also extremely important to me.
Lastly, IMA provided cultural, social, and historical outreach, making the experience about more than just hospital shadowing. It was about truly immersing myself in Kenyan culture.
Our first day at the hospital
What was your favorite part about Mombasa, in East Africa?
The people in Mombasa were incredibly welcoming, not only in the hospital but also within the community. They were always eager to have conversations, learn about where we came from, and share their own stories in return.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the locals, but they made me feel so comfortable that I would go back in a heartbeat. They took immense pride in their Kenyan culture and were always enthusiastic about sharing it with anyone willing to listen. They also happily offered recommendations and shared stories whenever asked.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
There were so many things that made this experience truly amazing, but ultimately, it all comes down to the people I was surrounded by and met during this trip abroad. Each person made a positive impact on my life.
My fellow interns allowed me to be myself, and we had the opportunity to discuss why we are so passionate about the healthcare field. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals with a similar passion was incredibly enjoyable.
The IMA staff became friends, and the doctors and nurses were extremely informative and passionate. They generously took time out of their day to explain cases and answer questions.
Finally, to experience a life-changing trip and go on a safari with strangers who became good friends is something I will forever be thankful for.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The IMA staff were incredible, from the program mentors to the house staff and drivers. They knew everyone by name, always greeted us with a smile, and were eager to hear about our days and experiences. They also provided valuable insights into local politics, daily life, and cuisine, further helping us immerse ourselves in the culture.
The staff ensured that everyone was cared for and comfortable, quickly addressing any problems and finding solutions or compromises. They treated us like friends and genuinely cared about our experiences, not just because it was part of their job.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was the team-building we did with interns and IMA staff. It was at sunrise on the beach, where we played team-building games and did a little workout. It made us feel like a small family enjoying time together.
Amazing nurses I met in the Labor and Delivery Ward.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
During my time abroad, I took advantage of the many opportunities IMA provided to learn about the community and experience local ways of life. However, I wish I had sought out more immersive experiences on my own as well.
There were beautiful waterfront restaurants, sunset boat rides, CrossFit classes, and the charm of Old Town to explore. Although I attended a couple of CrossFit classes and got to know some locals, I wish I had the opportunity to experience more of what the area had to offer.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I would wake up around 6:30–7:00 in the morning, get ready for the day, and then head to the main house to see other interns and staff, where I would have breakfast. The first shift left for the hospital at 8:00 am, with a 20-minute drive to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital.
At the hospital, I would meet my fellow interns in the same ward and join them. During my time there, I rotated through the Labor and Delivery, Surgical, Pediatric, and Ear, Nose, and Throat wards. We spoke with doctors, nurses, and students about their cases and observed their interactions with patients.
We were taught how they wrote reports and gained insights into their daily challenges and successes. We left the hospital at 12:00 pm and returned to the house, where we typically had a group meeting to discuss our day and share our experiences.
Once a week, we attended a presentation to learn more about Kenya's healthcare system, politics, or culture. On Wednesdays, we would visit either schools or orphanages to teach them about hand hygiene and women's hygiene, or spend time with the children.
Afternoons were generally free until dinner, allowing us time to rest or explore. After dinner, we could relax and enjoy the rest of the evening. Before bed, I always took time to journal, reflecting on my day and documenting what I had experienced and learned.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we had the opportunity to do night shifts, which I eagerly participated in. If I had a night shift, I would usually nap after returning from the hospital and then get up for dinner around 6:00 pm. We left for the hospital at 8:00 pm and stayed there until 6:00 am the following morning.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
During my free time abroad, we often spent time at the pool, went to the beach, ate out, or enjoyed coffee and conversation at Java. Most of this time was shared with fellow interns, either in a large group or in a more intimate setting.
At the beach, we played soccer with local children, which was always a highlight. I also participated in the planned excursions through IMA, which took us to community outreach centers, animal sanctuaries, and historical sites.
In addition to exploring, I enjoyed simply spending time with my fellow interns at the main house. We often ended up playing games like Pictionary, hide-and-seek, or card games, creating fun and memorable moments.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
My room was similar to an apartment. It had a family room with a fridge, water, a TV, and a couch where we could hang out. My room itself had a bunk bed and a single bed, with a bathroom attached. This setup was ideal because it allowed us to bond with our roommates while still having a place to relax outside of the room.
I appreciated having our own bathroom, especially since the other rooms in the apartment had to share one. It made it easier to manage with three girls rather than six. I also enjoyed the college-style living experience. We were all close by, which helped ease any feelings of homesickness.
Volunteering and teaching young children hand and teeth hygiene
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
It is extremely important to understand that what you put into the program is what you get out of it. This applies to all aspects, including the hospital, the IMA staff, fellow interns, and the locals. You can attend this internship and learn simply by observing and listening to what others are saying and asking, but if you push yourself to get involved, you will learn so much more.
The doctors and nurses want you to ask questions, but they won’t always prompt you to do so. You have to take the initiative and be willing to ask or engage in conversation with them. There may be times when you feel like you’re interrupting the doctor, but they don’t see it that way.
Take the time to really get to know the IMA staff. They are incredible individuals with fascinating stories and are knowledgeable about many aspects of Kenya and the hospital. Overall, stay open-minded and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Would you recommend International Medical Aid (IMA) to others? Why?
I would highly recommend IMA to others. It gave me the opportunity to meet people with similar interests from all over the world. It also opened my eyes to many challenges within the healthcare system.
IMA focused on providing a well-rounded experience. While we were there to shadow in the hospital, they also offered opportunities to engage with the local community and participate in excursions. This created an experience that’s difficult to replicate on your own or through another program.
Additionally, they balanced everything exceptionally well and maintained a strong relationship with Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital. You also gain hands-on experience with suturing and CPR clinics.
What do you think is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
Traveling abroad allows you to experience a culture and country firsthand. While there are many ways to learn about other countries and their cultures, such as through social media, books, TV, and pictures, none of these provide the opportunity to create your own personal experience.
Traveling allows you to discover inspiration you might never have encountered otherwise. You meet people from diverse backgrounds and hear stories that can influence and shape your life.
Most importantly, traveling lets you explore the world and, through those experiences, create change. We often get stuck in the mindset that we must work, have a family, retire, and then die, but that’s not truly living. There’s immense value in seeing the world and developing a new perspective that can enrich your life with deeper insight.
One of the most memorable moments, the Masai Mara Safari
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I will always remember my time abroad. The people I met, the places I experienced, and the knowledge I gained will stay with me. But what has impacted me the most is understanding how fortunate I am.
Many of the people I met in Mombasa had only the basic necessities to live, yet they were some of the happiest people I’ve ever met. They were simply grateful for the opportunity to live another day. They attributed this to their deep faith in their religion. They believed that their faith provided the guidance they needed and that they're on the path they were destined for.
This experience showed me how faith can truly help you navigate some of life’s deepest challenges. It inspired me to focus more on my own faith and to find parts of my day to be grateful for.
It also motivated me to make changes in the healthcare field. For example, I would love to start a foundation to send doctors and nurses to countries that are understaffed. I believe this could help alleviate burnout and ensure that adequate patient care is provided. While I’ve seen similar programs before, I feel that the more initiatives like this, the greater the chance to support underserved hospitals.
Additionally, it inspired me to examine the U.S. healthcare system and identify hospitals facing similar challenges. Many rural hospitals struggle with issues similar to those in the hospital in Mombasa. Overall, I am so grateful for this experience to learn, understand, and develop a deep understanding of what it means to serve others, which is the exact thing a nurse must do.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
You can travel and see all the world has to offer, but if you don't immerse yourself in the culture, then why did you go? Traveling is about experiencing how others live—both the good and the bad. By immersing yourself in their culture through cuisine, excursions, storytelling, and history, you’re engaging in meaningful travel.
To travel is to learn about the world firsthand. Doing this with an open mind and a caring nature is one of the best ways to experience it. Not only will they impact your life, but you also leave an impact on theirs. I always strive to leave a positive impact wherever I go, and to me, doing that while traveling is the most meaningful thing.
