What inspired you to travel abroad?
My decision to intern abroad was driven by a deep desire to reconnect with my Hispanic roots and explore my passion for the medical field. As a Hispanic individual born in the United States, I often felt disconnected from my culture.
My family would share stories of their experiences in South America, which only intensified my curiosity and longing to understand this missing part of my identity. When I discovered the intern abroad program, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in my heritage while also pursuing my dream of becoming a medical professional and serving underserved communities.
Why did you choose Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA?
I chose my program because it offered a unique blend of cultural immersion and hands-on medical experience in a Spanish-speaking country. It was important to me to be in an environment where I could improve my Spanish while gaining insight into the healthcare system of a different country.
My program not only provided the opportunity to shadow doctors and observe live surgeries, but it also incorporated cultural experiences, such as tours of local Incan heritage sites. This combination allowed me to deepen my connection to my Hispanic roots while simultaneously advancing my medical knowledge in a real-world setting.
Grateful for these amazing nurses who made my internship experience unforgettable—learned so much from them!
What was your favorite part about Cusco, Peru?
My favorite part of Cusco, Peru, was the food and the kindness of the people. I absolutely loved the fresh seafood, especially the ceviche, and felt lucky to avoid getting sick while others in my group struggled.
The warmth of the people stood out to me, especially the staff at my hotel, who always greeted me with smiles and made sure I felt at home. The doctors I shadowed were equally kind, taking the time to share their expertise and answer my questions, which made my experience both enjoyable and educational.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary was the opportunity to directly assist underserved communities. One unforgettable moment was accompanying doctors to a rural clinic outside Cusco, where resources were scarce and patients traveled hours for medical care. I helped take vital signs and observed doctors treating conditions that had gone undiagnosed for years due to limited access to healthcare.
Seeing the gratitude on patients' faces and witnessing the impact of even basic medical care reinforced my passion for medicine and my desire to serve those in need. This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for global healthcare challenges and strengthened my commitment to making a difference in underserved communities.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff provided incredible support throughout my experience, ensuring I always felt informed and cared for. They attentively helped those who fell ill, making sure they received the proper care and recovered quickly.
Their thorough explanations of medical procedures and daily life in Cusco gave me confidence in my role and deepened my understanding of the healthcare system. Beyond their guidance, their kindness and warmth created a welcoming environment that made my experience even more meaningful.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I would have done differently is spend more time exploring local areas instead of just visiting tourist attractions. While I loved seeing famous sites, I wish I had ventured into lesser-known neighborhoods, interacted more with locals, and experienced daily life in Cusco beyond the typical tourist spots.
Additionally, I would have taken more detailed notes during my shadowing experience. While I learned a lot from observing doctors, having thorough notes would have helped me retain more medical knowledge and better reflect on what I learned.
Right after giving a presentation on dental hygiene. Don’t know how I left!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day abroad began at 7:00 a.m. I would wake up and go eat breakfast. We left the hotel and went to the hospital, where our morning shift would last around 4 hours.
Afterwards, we would grab lunch at the hotel (amazing food!) and either head to our Spanish lesson, or a lecture on something related to the medical field. We would then return to the hotel and eat dinner before going to explore the area.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
During my free time abroad, I loved exploring the local areas and immersing myself in daily life in Cusco. One of my favorite activities was simply walking through the streets, discovering small shops, markets, and hidden gems away from the main tourist spots.
I especially enjoyed getting ice cream from local vendors, trying new flavors that I had never had before. It was a great way to relax, take in the atmosphere, and experience the city like a local.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a hotel during my time abroad, and what I liked best about it was its convenient location. It was within walking distance of everything I needed, making it easy to explore the city and experience local life.
I especially loved how close it was to the Plaza de Armas, where I could enjoy the lively atmosphere, try local food, and take in the beautiful architecture. Being able to walk everywhere made my experience even more immersive and enjoyable.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know about this program is the importance of being adaptable and open to new experiences. From shadowing doctors in a fast-paced medical environment to adjusting to cultural differences, flexibility is key.
Additionally, taking good notes during shadowing will help retain valuable medical knowledge. It’s also worth exploring beyond the main tourist attractions—walking through local neighborhoods and trying authentic foods can make the experience even more enriching.
All dressed up, ready to observe a real-time trauma surgery during my internship
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity to reconnect with your roots and experience a culture firsthand. For me, it was a chance to immerse myself in my Hispanic culture, something I had felt disconnected from while growing up in the U.S.
Being in Peru allowed me to see the richness of the culture through food, traditions, and daily life, which deepened my understanding of my heritage. It also gave me a greater sense of identity and belonging, while simultaneously expanding my worldview and broadening my perspective on global issues.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I'm back home, my time abroad has had a profound impact on my life. It has made me more in tune with my Hispanic culture, giving me a deeper understanding and connection to my roots.
This experience has also positively influenced my other hospital internships, as I feel more confident and capable in diverse medical settings. My time in Peru helped me appreciate different approaches to healthcare and allowed me to bring a broader perspective to my work, making me more adaptable and empathetic as I continue my journey in the medical field.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel goes beyond just gaining new experiences or seeing new places. It’s about emotional and mental growth—learning something valuable about yourself and the world around you.
It’s the moments that make you reflect deeply, whether it’s connecting with people from different backgrounds, understanding your culture on a deeper level, or gaining new perspectives on life. Meaningful travel challenges your assumptions, helps you develop empathy, and encourages self-discovery. It’s the kind of travel that leaves you not just with memories, but with a changed outlook on life and a greater sense of who you are.
