Alumni Interview with Caraline Sbrissa

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

I am a creature of habit and comfort. It wasn’t until recently when I realized the extent of it. I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where I attended high school. I only applied to the University of Alabama, where I would spend the next four years of my life—only a forty-five minute drive away from a home-cooked meal. Come my senior year, I hit a wall. I was reflecting on my accomplishments without fulfillment. It’s not a good feeling, the feeling of emptiness.

Nearly all of my friends had at least one semester that was spent abroad, were out-of-state students, or both. They pushed themselves to grow. They created opportunities for themselves. This is what I needed to do for myself. With the emotional support from my loved ones, I applied to International Medical Aid. I was accepted into the program following my interview and, while holding my breath, clicked confirm on my program and flight payments. It was done, and I was going to Kenya—I wanted to grow. 

Why did you choose International Medical Aid? 

I chose to spend my time abroad with International Medical Aid for a number of reasons. When I researched medical opportunities abroad, IMA was the program that really stood out to me. Their website was well organized, which was one of the determining factors for me; it says a lot about an organization and I would be proud to be affiliated with it. I had never heard of International Medical Aid and didn’t have connections with anyone who had gone abroad to Kenya. There was the perfect balance between security and spontaneity. I just ran with it. 

What was your favorite part about Mombasa, Kenya? 

I have a lot of “favorite” parts about Mombasa, Kenya. From the beautiful sunrises that began each day, to the breathtaking sunsets that warmed the sky each night, the tuk-tuk rides that bruised up my legs, and the reckless driving that served as a cup of coffee on the rides to the hospital. Above all of the wonderful things Kenya offered me, the people take the title for my favorite part about Mombasa. Each person that I encountered and interacted with was equally welcoming, warm-hearted, and merciful. I was never made to feel like a foreigner among the people of Kenya, but rather a neighbor on this Earth and a sister of the world. 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

It’s tough to pick out one thing that made my experience abroad extraordinary. If I have to narrow it down to just one thing, it would be having the chance to experience a level of vulnerability incomparable to any other. I was the minority in Mombasa, which was highly contrasted to what I was used to. It was such a beautiful thing to experience my self-growth not only in vulnerability, but also in acceptance of others and myself. It was so warming to get to know and live another culture so vastly different from my own in every single way.

I learned to laugh when something was funny to me, smile when I was happy, and that it was okay to be sad or upset when I was. I learned to love myself for who I was and others for who they are. My experience abroad taught me so much about life and about love, about people and about the human soul. I can’t thank IMA enough for the opportunity that they provided me with. 

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program? 

After about 24 hours of traveling from country to country and flight to flight, I finally arrived in Kenya. All I wanted at this moment was to first be reunited with my suitcase halfway around the world, and then secondly find my name on some piece of paper in some stranger’s hands. That’s when I met Phares and Javan. Phares was my program director for my internship and Javan was the driver. Phares kept constant contact with my parents back home, updating them on where and what we were doing, easing their minds (particularly my mother’s), and comforting them through my adventures.

Phares was always there with reassurance when I had a question or a concern about something. Javan supported me much more than just a role of a driver would imply. Javan became even more than just a friend to me; he became my sense of family in Mombasa, an older brother to me. We had endless jokes and laughs each day and he was consistently checking in on my emotional well-being. Javan was always there for me when I needed to talk to somebody or even ask where I could find the best ice cream.

Along with Javan, the entire house staff really made a home for me. Naomi, Victoria, and chef Osman took such great care of me. Their bright faces and contagious laughs made coming home from exhausting days such a treat. Naomi and Victoria would make my bed each day and keep my clothes washed and clean, even sitting up my teddy bear on my bed that, yes, I did bring along for the program. Chef Osman was great in the kitchen and has a beautiful heart. He paid special attention to the days where my stomach was sensitive, making me personal dishes to make me feel better. I was truly spoiled by the local staff and all of their support and love throughout my program. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

The one thing I wish I had done differently was click the confirm button to extend my stay. It was three days before my departure date and leaving was the last thing that I wanted to do. I thought that five weeks would have been enough, but it wasn’t. My time abroad was spent in a conscious effort to push myself. I knew that if I wanted to get what I was yearning for, I was going to have to step out of my little box. I wanted to close my eyes at the end of each day and know that I did something that not only I could be proud of, but that also made a difference in someone’s day, or even life. Keeping this mindset pulled my days straight out from under me. I felt stronger than ever, and thinking about what else I would experience if I were to just stay was invigorating.

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

A typical weekday abroad began with the dogs barking and the birds crowing and chirping outside the window. I would brush my teeth carefully with the sink water (this is probably the only thing that I don’t miss) and sweet Naomi would come upstairs to tell me that breakfast was ready and was already getting cold. I would rush downstairs to a breakfast of two eggs and three pancakes that chef Osman would make and plate especially for me. I’d get dressed in my freshly-washed blue scrubs from Victoria, and I would make it outside by 7:30AM to Javan waiting in the van to take us to the hospital. I’d hop in the car and greet him with, “JAVAN!!!” to which he would respond, “YEEUP!” It was one of our many friendship norms.

We’d listen to Otile Brown or Stella Mwangi until we pulled up at Coast Provincial General Hospital. From there, I would head to the ward of the hospital that I was placed in for the week and greet the doctors, nurses, and students that I spent each day with. I would work hard to establish these relationships that led to so many opportunities to learn. I was provided with so many hands-on experiences and had pieces of my heart stolen by so many patients I cared for. Particularly, an eleven-year-old boy named Ali. Ali was admitted to the pediatric ward of CPGH just one day before my arrival. No matter what ward I was spending my day in, I would make two or three visits up to see him and love him.

We didn’t speak of his illness or how many days it had been since he was admitted, but just played hand games and drew in my notebook; we would tell each other stories and jokes, distracting him from the reality of how sick he was getting. Around one o’clock each afternoon, Javan would be outside to pick us up and take us home for lunch, unless we arranged to stay at the hospital longer. I came home to a lunch that typically consisted of some sort of soup, chicken, rice, or fruit, prepared for us like always by chef Osman. He loved having the opportunity to do this for us; it was undeniable through his radiating smile when we would thank him for each meal.

After lunch I would spend some time journaling or working on a video that I made of my trip. I would do a little bit each day and by the end of the trip, I was able to share it with everyone there. Some afternoons we would go to a beach down the road or go to the local markets. Other afternoons we would have organized events like a city tour, a visit to Bombalulu village, loving on the children of Baby Life Orphanage, or participating in hygiene and medical clinics in nearby villages and slums. Each night ended with a cold, yet refreshing shower, and some down time back at the house. The interns would gather around a TV and stream a somewhat blurry show on Netflix or video on YouTube while zapping the flies with an electric racquet. We loved every second of it. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

How I spent my free time abroad depended a lot on the weather. If I got home from my shift at the hospital and it was still sunny and warm outside, we would round up a few interns, pack some snacks and whatever towels we were able to find around the house, and walk to a nearby beach. This was one of my favorite leisure activities in Mombasa. It really gave me the feeling of being somewhat a local, knowing where to go, how to get there, and having my favorite spot to go to. I also really enjoyed going to the markets on the days they were held.

I started to know the vendors and would make special deals on souvenirs to bring back. I had the idea to take a photo of myself with the item I was purchasing and the person who I was purchasing it from—that way I could bring back the little gifts for friends and family and they were able to see where and who it came from. It was something that made it that much more special. On the overcast days, I liked to take some personal time; sitting on my balcony and just watching, working on my journal, or my video of my adventures. Thinking back on the view that I had looking out at what all was going on is enough to make me miss being there. I would also spend time getting to know the house staff and the other interns. I have such special and vivid memories of being with the people that I shared my experience with that I’ll hold onto forever. 

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it? 

The accommodations abroad were rather basic. Basic, that is, compared to what a Westernized girl like me considers. I was living in a higher-end area of Mombasa, in a house that had a gate with 24/7 security guards outside. There were flies from having the doors always left open and you could bet on a cold shower at the end of the day, but none of that seemed to matter all that much to me. The house staff, Javan, Naomi, Victoria, and Osman exceeded all of my expectations. They are what I liked best about my accommodations. They took such good care of me, and took the time to get to know me.

Saying goodbye to these special souls was the hardest part about leaving. I felt like I was leaving family behind when I left. My clothes were always clean, my bed was always made, and my stomach was (almost) always full—I was more sensitive towards the food and the spices than expected, but chef Osman was very accommodating to my needs. If I were to return to IMA’s Kenya program, which I hope to eventually, I would hope and pray that this same staff be there to care for me, and I for them. The house staff is what I loved most about my accommodations through IMA. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about International Medical Aid before their program begins? 

If I had to choose one thing that future participants should know about International Medical Aid’s Mombasa, Kenya program, it would be that you have to be eager and motivated to get what you want out of this experience. A lot of the journey is about putting yourself out there, asking questions, being respectful, and being proactive. When I would get back home from my hospital shifts each day, I would take out my journal and write down bullet points or even short stories from my day. I would keep up with the names and contacts that I acquired on that day, along with blurbs regarding each person and situation. I would also write down what I learned each day. I had a smaller notepad journal that I would bring with me to the hospital to scribble things down during the day so that I was able to remember the little things once I got back to my journal.

Along with what I learned each day, I would write down things that made me happy or things that made me sad, funny moments from the day, and any questions that I had or things that I was curious about. This made my experience so much brighter. I can’t imagine going through the program and not taking daily notes because so much happens in one day. It’s the little memories like laughing with the surgeons in the theatre about something during a procedure or something inquisitive from a hospital staff member that moved me that I look back on and cherish the most. So, if I had to choose one thing that future participants should know, it would be to take notes, and put yourself out there. Nobody is going to think that you are weird, and do not fear the cultural differences—embrace them. 

Would you recommend International Medical Aid to others? Why? 

I would recommend International Medical Aid to others without a doubt, specifically their Mombasa program. I am lucky enough to have traveled to many different countries, and I can easily say that Kenya is one of, if not my favorite. The Kenyans were the perfect people for me to be surrounded by during this time for me. Even though I was over 8000 miles away from home, I was always so comfortable. I’m a homebody, but I didn’t miss home for a minute when I was in Kenya. IMA’s staff was more than helpful, encouraging, and just as excited to have me as I was to be there. There is a lot to figure out on your own though (I think primarily because of the cultural differences especially in communication), but that was part of the fun of it for me. IMA provided me the opportunity to be adventurous, to hustle, and to achieve a level of self-confidence that cannot compare to anything else. 

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

Traveling abroad gave me a newfound sense of confidence; I learned to trust myself and believe in myself, to improvise, adapt, and overcome. Traveling entirely alone to a place you or anyone you know have never been took more courage than I realized. The biggest benefit of traveling abroad, at least for me, was this realization that I am capable and I am worthy. I wanted this for myself, I owned it, I did it, and I am better because of it. I feel like I have the world at my fingertips now, and obstacles that I am faced with seem more like challenges. 

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life? 

I grew nervous as my plane began its descent back onto American soil. I felt nervous landing in Kenya, but it was a different kind of nervous. I thought that adjusting to life in Kenya was going to be difficult and emotional, but adjusting back to my “normal” life was far more difficult. I always knew that I was blessed and that I lived a life much different than the rest of the world, but to be separated then immersed back in the advanced Western culture was something that I was not mentally or emotionally prepared for.

While I returned home more mature and more confident than ever, I returned far more appreciative and aware than I could have ever expected. I was excited to be home and back with my family and friends, but at the same time, I found myself feeling really down. It got better over time, but I struggled for a while to accept the difference in the lives that we live. I was beyond frustrated, trying to justify the vast differences in material ways contrasted with emotional ways. The Kenyan people have much less material wealth, but a great deal more emotional wealth. I was envious of this, and now I live every day to love the way that the Kenyans love. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

Meaningful travel is about making the world a more meaningful place, not only for yourself but also for those you encounter. Meaningful travel enhances your life by engaging with the people you share this Earth with. Traveling with meaning to a different country, one is immersed in uncomfortable, awkward situations, particularly in communications and customs. Through this, one is forced to practice humility, patience, and cultural awareness—the chance to learn a few words of a different language, step out of their comfort zones and even come to understand and welcome other cultures.

When someone experiences meaningful travel, they return a better version of themselves. Their eyes have a new sense of life in them, inspired and eager to share their stories with others. Meaningful travel creates better global citizens who are informed, receptive, and accepting. Meaningful travel creates better citizens of their respective country, who are appreciative, experienced, and respectful.