What inspired you to travel abroad?
There was a student at my school in the grade above me who was in the International Medical Aid program in Mombasa the year before I was. She posted a day in my life on our college’s Instagram, and I was hooked from there.
I went to IMA’s website and Instagram to watch more videos and get more information. I immediately went to the website and applied.
Why did you choose Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA?
I chose this program because I knew someone who was a part of the program and loved it. I saw videos and pictures and knew that it would be a fantastic experience, especially with the great exposure to a different healthcare system.
I have also always wanted to travel more, and Africa has always been on my list. It was a great opportunity to incorporate somewhere new and an internship focused on healthcare.
Stunning views of Hell's Kitchen during the Malindi/Watamu safari—nature’s colors were unreal in person!
What was your favorite part about Mombasa, Kenya?
The people were definitely my favorite part. There were so many new people to meet, and they were all very nice. All the staff at the residence building were super welcoming and the best.
The doctors who were with us for clinics, the tour guides, and even the bolt drivers all interacted with us. They all made the experience so great.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I think having the support from the program made this extraordinary. We were provided with a residence building that was safe and welcoming, but we also had the freedom to explore on our own.
They were also with us for many of the outings and could answer our questions. It was nice to have a system like that when you are away from home.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
They were very helpful. Always just a phone call or text away if we needed them, and I appreciated that. Our rooms were always clean, we always had food to eat, and we had transportation.
The staff provided a safe space in a new country, which was very comforting. They looked out for us and were always kind.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had taken the opportunity to go on the Maasai Mara Safari. It would have been a great experience to see the Maasai tribe and culture in real life.
I was able to go on the Malindi/Watamu safari one weekend, which I enjoyed a lot. I do wish I got to see some more animals, but it was still a fantastic time.
Outside Fort Jesus in Mombasa—loved seeing the beautiful, colorful dresses displayed
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Each day was different. During the week, we would start our days with breakfast before heading off to the hospital for about 5 hours. We would come back to the residence building to have lunch and a little bit of rest before our afternoon began.
It would either consist of an educational lecture about different aspects of Kenya, a hygiene clinic, or an outing. Examples of outings would be to the Mombasa Cultural Center or Haller Park. Then we would arrive back for dinner and have some downtime before bed.
On Fridays, we would stay at the hospital a little longer to learn different clinical skills like suturing or intubation. On certain days during the week, we also had the opportunity to do afternoon shifts or night shifts. On Saturdays, we had a medical clinic or talked to children about the importance of mental health.
Some weekends, there were also safaris that you could partake in. I went on the Malindi/Watamu safari, and it was a fantastic weekend. On Sundays, we could join for a Swahili lesson in the morning if we wanted, and then have the rest of the day to ourselves!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I enjoyed hanging by the pool, reading, going on outings, or going to the mall. There was a coffee shop, Java, that had amazing chai—way better than the ones I make at home!
The weekdays were so busy, and there was so much to be a part of. I appreciated having some time to myself and relaxing in the sun.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
There was a residence building that was available to the interns. You roomed with 2-3 other people, with a few rooms on each floor. There was breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided for us.
The staff was very helpful with cleaning rooms and laundry. We always got our clothes back the next day. There was also a security guard and gate, so I always felt safe.
I think I liked the staff the most. They were always so welcoming and always said hi. They were there to help with whatever you needed.
Catching a peaceful sunset view from the residence building
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
It’s going to be a great experience no matter what. I was super nervous going into it, but there is no reason to be. Everyone going is in the same boat as you.
Make the most of this opportunity while you have it. Explore the town, connect with the doctors or nurses in the hospital, and appreciate what you have available to you. I still think about my time in Kenya almost every week. It will impact your life in ways you don’t even know yet.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
I would definitely recommend it. I think this experience was something I will never forget. When in your life will you ever have the opportunity to travel to Kenya and have an experience like this one? I appreciated the variety of departments available to the interns and, again, the staff was excellent.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad would be experiencing the world around you from a different perspective. I think visiting Kenya kind of forced me to look at my life at home in a different light. Especially when I first arrived home, eating was different, my routines were different, and I appreciated everything around me a lot more.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
When I first arrived home, I could definitely see how my time in Kenya had impacted my life. I was more aware of the opportunities I had available to me. I was aware that I had the luxury of medical care whenever I needed it and that not everyone in the world had access to it.
I was aware that I could easily travel to the places I needed to go. I was aware that I always had food on the table. I appreciate everything that I have available to me a million times more.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me means making something of your time abroad. You aren't just traveling to get away from where you live. You are traveling to experience something new and exciting.
You are traveling to see the world from a new perspective and mindset. You are traveling to try to make a difference.
