What inspired you to go abroad?
My interest in global health began through my public health coursework, where I learned about health disparities, access to care, and social determinants of health. While these topics were academically engaging, I felt limited by learning them only in a classroom setting.
I wanted to understand what these concepts looked like in real life and how they affected patients and providers on a daily basis. Going abroad offered the opportunity to experience healthcare as something dynamic and human, shaped by culture, resources, and community. I was motivated to challenge my own perspective, learn from clinicians practicing in different systems, and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of global healthcare.
Studying abroad allowed me to move from theory to experience, helping me better understand what it truly means to care for patients in diverse settings.
Why did you choose International Medical Aid?
My friends and I working a night shift at the hospital!
I chose International Medical Aid because of its immersive approach within a public hospital and its emphasis on ethical global health engagement. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to work in a resource-limited setting, where physicians must adapt creatively while continuing to provide high-quality care.
The program’s structure allowed for meaningful observation of clinical practice while prioritizing respect for local providers. I was also interested in the combination of hospital exposure and community outreach, especially the opportunity to participate in women’s health education in local schools.
This balance between clinical learning and public health prevention aligned strongly with my academic interests and long-term goals. International Medical Aid offered an experience that was educational, challenging, and grounded in collaboration rather than observation alone.
What was your favorite part about your host country/city?
My favorite part of Mombasa, Kenya, was the generosity and hospitality of its people. One of the most meaningful moments occurred on my birthday, when a local family invited my friends and me into their home after learning that the father shared the same birthday. We celebrated together with cake and spent the evening with their children, despite having just met.
During our stay, we met with this family for dinner two additional times, forming a connection that felt genuine and lasting. Experiences like this reflected the strong sense of community that defines Mombasa.
Beyond these personal interactions, I appreciated learning about different religions, traditions, and ways of life. The warmth of the people made the city feel welcoming and deeply meaningful.
The sweetest birthday celebration with new friends!
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary was the depth of learning I gained through close mentorship in the ENT department. I worked closely with a clinical officer who took time to intentionally involve me in the diagnostic process. Patients were encouraged to explain their symptoms fully, after which I was asked to share what I thought might be occurring before they provided their diagnosis. This active learning environment allowed me to practice clinical reasoning and reinforced my understanding of disease progression.
Working in ENT also exposed me to how illnesses present and advance in the absence of preventive healthcare and consistent access to primary providers outside the hospital setting. I saw conditions at stages that are less common in the United States, which deepened my appreciation for early intervention and community-based care.
In addition to this mentorship, small moments made a lasting impact, such as when a patient I had transported to CT later recognized me. That interaction reminded me how simple acts of care and presence can hold meaning for patients and shape their experience within the healthcare system.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
Local staff and mentors were incredibly welcoming and supportive throughout my program. From the beginning, they made an effort to help us feel comfortable navigating both the hospital and the surrounding community.
Through educational seminars, shared meals, and open discussions, they provided valuable insight into Kenyan culture and healthcare practices. Their willingness to answer questions and explain clinical decision-making allowed me to learn in a respectful and supportive environment.
This guidance helped ease the transition into a new healthcare system and encouraged curiosity and reflection. The staff’s openness and mentorship played a major role in shaping my experience and made learning feel collaborative rather than intimidating.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
A glimpse of my time on the Maasai Mara.
After completing my program, I chose to climb Mount Kilimanjaro through International Medical Aid, but shortened the recommended route.
Coming from a location close to sea level, I underestimated the effects of altitude and struggled with altitude sickness during the climb.
Looking back, I wish I had followed the original itinerary and allowed more time for acclimatization. This experience taught me the importance of preparation, patience, and respecting physical limits.
While challenging, it also served as a valuable learning moment that reinforced the importance of listening to one’s body and making thoughtful decisions, lessons that extend beyond travel and into daily life and healthcare.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day abroad often involved long hours at the hospital, especially during overnight shifts. I would spend part of the day in the hospital, rest briefly, and then return for evening and overnight work in the emergency room.
This department was especially impactful, as it allowed me to apply concepts I had learned through my neuroscience minor in real clinical settings. Physicians took time to explain brain imaging and neurological findings, helping me connect classroom learning to patient care. Observing how providers analyzed scans, assessed neurological function, and made rapid decisions strengthened my understanding of how foundational science informs clinical practice.
These overnight shifts also allowed me to build strong relationships with staff, as we worked side by side for extended periods. Each shift reinforced the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and critical thinking in high-pressure environments.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
Up close and personal with a lion; truly unforgettable!
During my free time, I enjoyed exploring local restaurants, spending time at the beach, and learning more about the surrounding community.
One of the most memorable experiences was traveling to the Maasai Mara for a safari. Staying on the savannah, visiting the Maasai tribe, and spending extended time observing wildlife was unforgettable. The experience allowed me to appreciate Kenya’s natural beauty and cultural richness beyond the hospital setting.
These moments of exploration provided balance and reflection, helping me process my clinical experiences while gaining a deeper appreciation for the country as a whole.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a triple suite with two roommates who became close friends. One of my favorite aspects of our accommodation was the balcony, where we would sit together at night, reflecting on what we had experienced throughout the day. Sharing space with such motivated and compassionate individuals created a strong sense of support.
Living together allowed us to process emotionally challenging moments and celebrate meaningful ones. The friendships formed during this time were strengthened by shared experiences, and I continue to stay in contact with my roommates. Our living environment contributed greatly to the sense of community during my time abroad.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Future participants should be prepared to embrace discomfort and unfamiliarity.
Studying abroad requires adaptability and openness, and the experience is shaped by how fully one engages.
I chose to spend as much time in the hospital as possible, including day shifts, afternoon shifts, and overnight shifts. This level of immersion allowed me to learn far more than I expected. Being proactive, curious, and willing to step outside of one’s comfort zone is essential.
The more effort you put into engaging with the program, the more meaningful and rewarding the experience will be.
Would you recommend Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships to others? Why?
I would strongly recommend this program to others. It provided meaningful clinical exposure while encouraging personal growth and reflection. The experience challenged my assumptions, expanded my perspective, and helped clarify my goals within healthcare.
Through mentorship and immersion, I gained insight into global health systems and the realities faced by providers in resource-limited settings. The program offered a supportive learning environment while still pushing me outside of my comfort zone.
Overall, it was a transformative experience that shaped both my academic interests and personal development.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
What a gift it was to get to know and teach these young women.
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the development of perspective. Immersion in different cultures challenges preconceived ideas and encourages humility. Experiencing healthcare systems outside of one’s own allows for a deeper understanding of global inequities and the factors that shape patient care.
Traveling abroad also fosters empathy and adaptability, qualities that are essential in both healthcare and everyday life. These experiences encourage individuals to see the world through a broader lens and appreciate the shared humanity that connects people across cultures.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My experience abroad has had a direct impact on my academic and professional pursuits. After returning home, I joined an exercise oncology research lab focused on preventive healthcare and became involved in a graduate research lab examining how social determinants of health influence HIV drug resistance.
These interests were shaped by challenges I observed firsthand in Kenyan hospitals. My time abroad strengthened my commitment to addressing health disparities through both research and clinical practice and continues to influence my educational path.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel goes beyond visiting new places and focuses on genuine engagement with people and culture. It involves listening, learning, and forming authentic connections rather than simply observing from the outside.
Through shared experiences and mutual respect, travel becomes an opportunity for growth and understanding. Meaningful travel challenges perspectives, encourages humility, and fosters empathy. It allows individuals to better understand the realities of others while reflecting on their own values and goals.
