What inspired you to travel abroad?
I grew up in a very small town where I wasn’t exposed to much diversity, which made me curious about what life was like outside of my bubble. I wanted to see the world beyond what I knew and saw this as a challenge. Not only would I get to experience a new culture, but I’d also be stepping outside my comfort zone and doing something completely different. Going abroad solo, without knowing anyone else in the program, felt like the perfect way to push myself. It was an opportunity to grow my independence and really test my personal limits.
Why did you choose International Medical Aid (IMA)?
Before going abroad, I did extensive research on the various programs and locations available to me. I chose International Medical Aid [IMA] after a deep dive into their website, social media, and after connecting with alumni from the program. I chose IMA because it aligned perfectly with my passion for nursing and my desire to gain hands-on, real-world experience in a global context. The organization’s focus on providing healthcare in underserved communities really resonated with me, as it offered the opportunity to not only learn about healthcare systems in different countries but also actively contribute to improving them. I felt that many other programs, while similar to IMA, didn’t offer the same hands-on experience or the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. They seemed to prioritize the travel aspect more than the actual healthcare work, which wasn’t what I was looking for. I wanted a program where I could directly contribute to improving healthcare in underserved communities, not just observe. Connecting with alumni was what sealed the deal for me. Every single student alumni had nothing but fantastic things to say about the program.
Ashton, Abbey, and Brooke helping in the pharmacy during a free community clinic.
What was your favorite part about Mombasa, Kenya?
My favorite part of Mombasa was definitely the culture and the incredible warmth of the people. The culture was a unique blend of influences—Swahili, Arab, and even Portuguese traditions are woven into everyday life. Between the beauties of the architecture, food, music, and even the interactions between people, it was evident that the culture and history of Mombasa were rich. The warmth and hospitality of the people I met were the most incredible parts of the trip, as I constantly felt welcomed and never unsafe.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
So many aspects of this internship were beyond extraordinary. I still wake up in disbelief, feeling incredibly fortunate to have had such a transformative experience. I started this trip with both passions for nursing and travel, but I left with a newfound passion for public and global health nursing. The structure of the program offered a truly well-rounded experience, combining physical skills with an emphasis on the psychosocial aspects of care. It wasn’t just about learning healthcare outside of the U.S.; it was also about learning more about myself and the impact I want to make in the world. This experience opened my eyes to the broader scope of nursing and made me realize how much I want to contribute to global health.
Brooke during a community outreach at a local primary school.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff were incredibly supportive throughout the entire program. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was greeted with open arms. The staff were always available, 24/7, to help us navigate daily travel, living arrangements, and any other logistical challenges. But what really stood out was their dedication to ensuring we felt immersed in the culture. They made sure we had plenty of opportunities to try local foods, explore the area, and go on cultural excursions. By the end of the trip, I felt deeply connected not only with my peers but also with the staff, as they often joined us on extra outings beyond their official duties. The staff really made all the difference by going above and beyond for us.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your in Kenya?
One thing I wish I would have done differently, aside from extending my trip, was to come better prepared with a plan for how I could make a greater impact. Once I arrived, I realized there were many areas where I could have helped, like donating toiletries and other essentials to the hospital units and local schools that were in need. I really wish I had thought about fundraising beforehand. I also wish I was a little bit more dedicated to learning the local language. Although there were not many instances where I felt that a language barrier was present, I feel that I would have felt more immersed in the experience if I had been more fluent in their local language.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day in my program was packed with both clinical and cultural activities. Monday through Friday, we spent our mornings in the hospital from about 7:45 AM to 1:45 PM, gaining hands-on experience in various departments. Some of us even picked up evening or night shifts to get additional exposure. After our shifts, we attended lectures on topics like the history of Kenya, Kenyan healthcare, common infectious diseases, and their treatment processes. We also participated in weekly simulations to practice skills like CPR, intubation, phlebotomy, and suturing. On Wednesdays, we had the chance to engage in community outreach, presenting to local schools on topics such as women's health, hygiene, tooth brushing, hand washing, and mental health. We also visited an orphanage, where we donated goods and interacted with the children. On weekends, we participated in free community clinics, helping with things like taking vital signs, blood sugar monitoring, patient assessments, and pharmacy duties. We could also participate in treks/safaris. I took part in the Watamu/Malindi beach safari. We explored Hell's Kitchen, Vasco de Gama's Pillar, and the Gede Ruins, and even got to snorkel in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, we could join weekly cultural tours, which offered a deeper understanding of Kenya’s history and traditions.
A proud moment for Brooke Thayer and fellow IMA participants!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time there?
Outside of clinical hours, there were a variety of activities for us interns to partake in. These included participating in safaris, visiting Haller Park, and touring cultural centers to learn about the rich history and culture of the area. We also had relaxing days where we would walk to Nyali beach to tan, swim, and play soccer. Some nights, we stayed in the residence to play cards or other games or even swim in the pool. There was always something to do both in the residence as well as exploring the area. We also often frequented the mall and local restaurants in our free time.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
Our accommodation was in modern dormitory-style residences located within a secure, gated community. We generally shared rooms with 1 to 3 roommates, and each room had its own bathroom. The main house featured a spacious shared living room with a TV, a dining room, and a kitchen. Breakfast, which was prepared by local staff, was served around 7 am and always varied, giving us the chance to try different local foods each day. The local staff also took care of our room cleaning and did all our laundry weekly, which made life much easier. What I liked most about the accommodation was the large outdoor area, including a pool that was open to us at all times. This became my favorite part of the residence—it was the perfect spot for hanging with other interns outside of the hospital, helping us relax and unwind after a busy day.
Brooke and her fellow interns marking the end of their IMA journey.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know is that your experience will be shaped by how much you choose to engage. The more you step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of the numerous opportunities available, the more rewarding your experience will be. My advice to new interns is to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity, whether it’s a cultural excursion, a community outreach event, or extra clinical shifts—embrace it all, and you’ll get so much more out of the program.
Would you recommend “Nursing/Pre-Nursing Internships Abroad for Aspiring Nurses” to others? Why?
I would absolutely recommend this program to others. It provided me with invaluable hands-on clinical experience as a nursing student, but it also gave me a deeper understanding of public and global health nursing. What sets this program apart is its holistic approach—it not only focuses on developing physical nursing skills but also emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of patient care. This well-rounded experience is perfect for anyone looking to broaden their perspective and gain practical skills in a global context.
Candid moment inside the hospital with fellow IMA interns.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different country’s culture and history firsthand. It’s one thing to read about another culture, but experiencing it directly allows you to see the world through a new lens. The exposure to different perspectives and ways of life not only broadens your understanding of the world but also helps you grow personally and professionally. It’s truly a unique opportunity that enriches your life in ways you can’t fully grasp until you’re there.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I truly wake up every day in disbelief that I saw all of the things that I saw in Kenya. Now that I’m home, I have a much deeper appreciation for the healthcare system I’m fortunate to have access to. My time abroad really opened my eyes to the disparities that exist globally. I also feel like a new door has been opened for me, as I’ve developed a passion for public health, especially in the context of global healthcare. It’s inspired me to explore ways I can make a difference in underserved communities, and it’s reshaped the direction I want my career to take.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, to me, means traveling with a purpose beyond just sightseeing. It’s about immersing yourself in the local culture, connecting with the people, and leaving a positive impact on both the community and the environment. Meaningful travel extends beyond tourism. It means to travel with intent and leave knowing that you have truly made a difference.
