What inspired you to travel abroad?
When I was three years old, I lost my leg as a result of a lawnmower accident. The days following my accident were slow and terrifying as I traveled my long road to recovery. A few years later, I was well-adjusted to my new leg, and at five years old, I started my first day of kindergarten. I adapted so well to my new way of life; it was as if I had always been an amputee. I retained my cheerful and determined spirit. Living as an amputee presented many challenges to me. However, my life experiences have only served to strengthen me and make me a more determined and passionate woman. The first responders and the medical team who assisted me after my accident did so much more than just their job/role; they comforted me, supported me, and went above and beyond to make me feel safe and confident as I embraced a whole new way of living. They made me feel loved and valuable despite the loss of my leg. God used all these experiences to plant the seed, and the people in my life lit the fire in my heart to help others as I had been helped. This, coupled with the desire to experience life and culture outside of my world and my small circle of experience, inspired me to look for opportunities to go abroad. Everyone I talked to and everything that I read online by those who had gone abroad expressed what an incredible journey it was for them. So, I made the decision to apply to IMA with the intent to push my limits, to stretch myself outside of my comfort zone, and to experience a life-changing trip.
The majestic elephants in Kenya.
Why did you choose International Medical Aid?
I actually stumbled upon the International Medical Aid program while researching opportunities to acquire direct patient care hours for my application to PA school. I have always wanted to study abroad or serve on a mission trip, but it never worked out for me to go. Once I read about IMA, I was immediately interested in attending the PA internship program. Africa has long been at the top of my list of places I've wanted to visit. IMA offered me the opportunity to experience intensive clinical shadowing in several specialties, help with clinical work, engage in community outreach, attend lectures, and so much more. The program also included PA school admissions support, 24/7 U.S. and local country support, orientation and training, gated housing with security 24/7, health/travel/accident insurance, local transportation, and daily meals prepared by chefs and kitchen employees. All these incredible things made my decision to apply extremely easy!
Chloe with some of the participants at a school for women's reproductive health clinics they participated in bi-weekly.
What was your favorite part about Kenya?
Kenya was absolutely breathtaking. My favorite part about Kenya was the foliage, the unique variety of animals ranging from monkeys to elephants, and the amazing Kenyan people and their unique culture. Seeing the tall mango trees, palm trees, and other exotic plants on the grounds was incredible. Every night, I enjoyed watching the sunset from the patio of our living quarters and listening to the chitter of insects and whistles of the birds. Another favorite part was the Safari expedition–this was, by far, the best thing I have ever experienced in my life. The Kenyans I met on my trip were so unbelievably welcoming and generous. Anything I needed from the IMA staff, such as food accommodations, a shower seat, or extra towels, they provided without hesitation.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The journey in itself was what made my experience abroad extraordinary. I was pushed beyond my limits, and I learned so much about myself and really grew in my confidence. Shadowing the doctors and hospital staff helped me learn so much about the study of medicine. The Kenyan people have such a welcoming and hospitable culture that it was impossible not to fall in love with them and their country. The activities, excursions, friendships, and staff made my trip so memorable. On the second day of the program, we traveled to different excursions on a bus and listened to pop music. After one of the clinics we attended ended late, the staff brought us pizza on the bus. One of my best friends on the trip and I laughed together and ate some good food that reminded us of home. On one of our last nights in Kenya, my friends and I hung around in the courtyard and played soccer. We talked and laughed and began to reminisce about our experiences together over the past month, like going out for breakfast on Saturdays to our favorite restaurant in Mombassa. We would follow it up with a day by the pool and some much-needed relaxation. After every hospital rotation, we would discuss our day on the bus ride home and share stories and events that impacted us that day. There are so many moments that I will never forget!
Chloe hugging a sweet little girl after lessons on proper toothbrushing and handwashing at a hygiene clinic.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The staff was so welcoming and helpful. Anything I needed from the IMA staff, such as food accommodations, a shower seat, or extra towels, they provided without hesitation. One day, I had to skip my hospital rotation when I was feeling under the weather, not only did the staff check on me, but they brought me food and something to drink. The staff made me feel so comforted and cared for, especially since I was so far from home. Transportation was provided to anywhere I wanted to go, such as stores and restaurants, etc. The staff had regular check-ins with us and always asked how our rotations were going. There was also a personal staff mentor assigned to us who was available for any questions, concerns, or problems that we might have.What's one thing you wish you would have done differently to this trip of a lifetime?
I honestly have no regrets, and there is really nothing that I wish I had done differently. However, if I had to say something, I would say that I wish I had taken on more hospital rotations. My time at the public hospital where we conducted our rotations was grueling, and I saw many difficult things that I may never be able to speak about. That was the reason why I was hesitant to extend my rotation at the hospital; I felt like I needed time afterward to decompress and write in my journal about the things I experienced that morning.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Most days, I would wake up early, around 6-7 am, and prepare for my hospital rotation. I was required to wear scrubs, closed-toed shoes, masks, and sometimes gloves when appropriate. I brought a backpack to carry extra supplies, a journal for notes, pencils, snacks, and a water bottle. After I was packed and ready, I would eat breakfast in the dining hall and then get on the bus that would take my group to the hospital. Most of the interns ended their rotation around noon, and we would head back to our living quarters to eat lunch. Sometimes, we would have a debriefing, while other times, we would host clinics in the local community or we would be able to go on a fun excursion. In the evenings, after dinner, we were free to do as we pleased, which is when I would shower or FaceTime with my family and friends and I would write in my journal and reflect on my day. Sometimes, we would go into the city to get frozen yogurt, but other times, we would stay at the residence and have a game/movie night.
Chloe happily smiling with her IMA friends with their certificates of completion.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time in Kenya?
I really enjoyed the fun excursions that IMA planned, as well as swimming and sitting by the pool, walking to the beach in the mornings, getting frozen yogurt with friends, shopping for souvenirs, and enjoying coffee and eating at local restaurants together with friends. I often Facetimed my family/friends in the evenings or sometimes watched TV shows with my roommates. We loved hosting game nights, movie nights, and wine nights at our residence, always welcoming other friends to hang out with us.
Did you have any special request?
The only accommodation I had was the gluten-free option for meals. I selected this because I have a slight sensitivity to gluten, but it wasn't an absolute necessity. The staff was always kind enough to tell me which meals had gluten and offered me alternatives when necessary. They would provide scrambled eggs in the morning as a special request when asked.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Any future participant should know that the beginning of the program is the hardest part. Getting into a routine, making friends, and trying not to sike yourself out is challenging. On the flight over to your destination, you may seriously doubt your decision and wonder what you got yourself into, but trust me, it is SO worth it. I would not change a single thing about my experience abroad. Also, remember that if you travel to a warm climate, make sure to bring more lightweight and flowy clothing as it gets very humid–a daily shower will be a definite! It would also be extremely helpful if a participant learned some of the native languages beforehand.
Would you recommend International Medical Aid’s internship programs to others? Why?
Yes, I would absolutely recommend the PA internship to others! The staff of IMA were some of the most generous, welcoming, and kindest people that I have ever met. They were knowledgeable about cultural customs, which were the best grocery stores to shop at, and which local cuisine to try. The IMA staff were always available to talk to if we were having a hard time adjusting to the program and/or any difficulty during our time at the hospital. The four weeks I spent in Kenya as a PA intern were incredible; my experiences there were life-changing and invaluable to my future as a potential PA.
The IMA program participants all dressed-up for their final night in Kenya.
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
Traveling abroad opened my eyes to how blessed I am to live in the United States. It provided me with a newfound thankfulness and appreciation for the American healthcare system. I experienced a whole new way of life outside of everything I had ever known. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, and I became more courageous to try new things and meet new people.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad changed your perspective in life?
Every time I go to the doctor, have a checkup with my dentist, or make use of any medical service, I remember what life was like for the citizens of Kenya. I remember the limited resources that were available for those in great need and the poverty that plagued the people of Mombassa. Upon returning home, I have a renewed desire to return to a third-world country when I become a physician assistant. I want to give back to those who welcomed and embraced a stranger from America who had nothing much to offer them.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means that I travel for a cause and purpose, not just for leisure or recreation. I am there to give of myself and my time to help others even if I am tired, worn out, or just don't feel up to it. It means sacrifice, determination, vigor, and purpose. No matter how insignificant I think that my presence was to the Kenyan people I met along the way, I hope that somehow, I impacted those around me for the better.
