What inspired you to go abroad?
I have long been inspired by organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and their commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare in underserved and resource-limited settings. For nearly four years, I have been volunteering in healthcare while studying medicine, which has solidified my desire to work with diverse patient populations and address health inequities on a global scale.
Going abroad was especially exciting to me because it offered the opportunity to apply my clinical knowledge and skills in a new environment with challenges very different from those I encountered at home. I was eager to learn how healthcare is delivered in settings with limited resources, to adapt to different cultural and clinical practices, and to gain a deeper understanding of the social and structural factors that influence health.
This experience represented an important step in aligning my academic training with my long-term goal of contributing meaningfully to global health initiatives.
Why did you choose International Medical Aid?
Some other IMA interns and I after a hygiene clinic we taught.
I chose International Medical Aid because it offered a uniquely immersive experience that emphasized both cultural engagement and meaningful clinical education. Through the program in Mombasa, Kenya, I was able to learn deeply about the region’s history, culture, language, and social structures, and to understand how each of these factors shapes healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
In addition to supporting my travel from the United States to Kenya, IMA provided comprehensive in-country support that allowed me to focus my time and energy on what I found most valuable—learning, service, and clinical growth. The program offered a strong balance of structured educational sessions, hands-on community engagement, and mentorship from highly skilled and dedicated physicians. I also had meaningful opportunities to serve local communities and schools, which reinforced the importance of culturally informed and community-centered care.
What further distinguished IMA for me was its continued support beyond the program itself. Their guidance as I progress academically and prepare to apply to medical school has helped me further develop the skills, perspective, and professionalism necessary to one day serve as a healthcare provider in underserved communities. This long-term investment in both education and ethical global health practice strongly aligned with my personal values and career goals.
What was your favorite part about Mombasa?
My favorite part about Mombasa, Kenya, was the people I had the privilege to interact with.
Everyone was warm and excited for us to be there. I especially remember our tour guide, Abraham, who drove around the city with us, teaching us about the rich history of Kenya. He took us to many local shops and explained how Kenya, similar to the US, was a melting pot of many different European, African, and tribal cultures.
Feed a giraffe while touring a nature preserve
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The staff at IMA truly made my experience extraordinary. Christabell, Hilda, and Pherris were all amazing mentors. Of course, I can not forget about the kitchen staff who allowed us to experience the local cuisine in a safe and delicious way. They took requests and even made birthday cakes for those celebrating their special day abroad.
From the very beginning, the team at IMA was intent on supporting me. Christabell, my assigned mentor, answered my and my mom’s questions. I felt very supported by the staff as the encourage me to learn and experience things.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
I chose International Medical Aid because it offered a uniquely immersive experience that emphasized both cultural engagement and meaningful clinical education. Through the program in Mombasa, Kenya, I was able to learn deeply about the region’s history, culture, language, and social structures, and to understand how each of these factors shapes healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
In addition to supporting my travel from the United States to Kenya, IMA provided comprehensive in-country support that allowed me to focus my time and energy on what I found most valuable—learning, service, and clinical growth. The program offered a strong balance of structured educational sessions, hands-on community engagement, and mentorship from highly skilled and dedicated physicians. I also had meaningful opportunities to serve local communities and schools, which reinforced the importance of culturally informed and community-centered care.
What further distinguished IMA for me was its continued support beyond the program itself. Their guidance as I progress academically and prepare to apply to medical school has helped me further develop the skills, perspective, and professionalism necessary to one day serve as a healthcare provider in underserved communities. This long-term investment in both education and ethical global health practice is strongly aligned with my personal values and career goals.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
The only aspect of my time abroad that I would change is the duration—I would have liked to stay longer. Unfortunately, due to my academic course load and other commitments, spending an entire semester abroad was not feasible, though I completely understand the appeal. I am deeply grateful for the time I was able to spend abroad; however, an additional few weeks would have allowed me to engage more fully in each rotation and make a more lasting, large-scale impact.
In order to make a serious change that is accepted by the community I am working in I must have a deep understanding of their culture and what resources are avalible too me. With only one week per rotation, my experience often felt like an introduction rather than an opportunity for deeper involvement. I had myriad ideas, including teaching a consent and sexual health clinic, but this would take much more time than I had to plan and implement.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Riding a camel on the beach
Typically, I would wake up around 6 a.m. and begin my day with a short run, followed by reading and a cup of coffee. After showering, I would head to breakfast around 7 a.m., where I enjoyed a wide variety of foods—ranging from American classics like pancakes and eggs to more traditional local dishes. It was not uncommon to find beans or other vegetables on the menu alongside fresh fruit, including the best mangoes I have ever had.
After breakfast, I would head to the hospital for the clinical rotation I had selected. Depending on the week, I observed a range of orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures, including joint replacements, femur repairs, and tumor removals. Following a late lunch, the afternoon was often action-packed. My favorite experiences, however, were visits to local schools, where I helped teach workshops on hygiene, women’s health, and mental health.
The evenings, although more relaxed, were equally as enjoyable and valuable as the day. We had free time to explore the local restaurants and bond with our fellow interns as we shared about the day’s experiences.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time abroad, I most enjoyed connecting with my fellow interns. In addition to becoming regulars at a local fitness center, we shared countless meals together—often enjoying some of the most delicious seafood I have ever had—accompanied by laughter and stories from our time in Kenya and beyond.
It was especially meaningful to work alongside such a diverse group of individuals. While we were all pre-health students, each person arrived with a unique journey shaped by distinct passions and experiences. I found that no one had less dedication or drive than another; rather, our goals were equally valuable yet individually defined. Some envisioned careers in major cities, while others were drawn to practicing medicine in rural or underserved communities.
We all had unique educational experiences, and each person took something different away. I especially enjoyed hearing all the people had to say during the weekly clinical debrief sessions.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
We were fortunate to have very comfortable accommodations during our stay. IMA owns a small residential complex that includes intern housing, dining facilities, and shared communal spaces, including a pool. The residence was consistently clean, and we enjoyed many meals that were freshly prepared on site, which contributed greatly to a welcoming and supportive living environment.
I appreciated these accomodations becuase it provided a safe and comfortable place that removed much of the normal strains of travel so we could focus on what we were learning and the care we were providing.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One important thing every future participant should know before beginning the program is the value of approaching the experience with flexibility and an open mind. While the program provides strong structure and support, the most meaningful learning often comes from adapting to new environments, cultural differences, and unexpected moments.
Being open to these experiences allows participants to fully engage with both the clinical and community aspects of the program and ultimately gain far more from their time abroad.
Would you recommend Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships? Why?
Absolutely—I would recommend this program to anyone looking for meaningful clinical experience and a chance to immerse themselves in a new culture. IMA provides incredible support, from organizing travel and accommodations to offering guidance on rotations, which allowed me to focus entirely on learning and engaging with the community.
During my time in Mombasa, I observed a variety of orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures, including joint replacements, femur repairs, and tumor removals. I also had the chance to work directly with local schools, teaching workshops on hygiene, women’s health, and mental health—experiences that gave me a deeper understanding of how culture and community influence healthcare.
Beyond the professional and educational opportunities, the program fosters a strong sense of community among interns. We shared meals, explored the city, exercised together, and swapped stories from our different backgrounds and journeys. These relationships made the experience not only educational but also genuinely fun and rewarding.
Overall, the combination of hands-on clinical exposure, cultural immersion, and personal growth makes this program a unique and unforgettable opportunity that I would recommend to anyone looking to push themselves, learn, and make a real impact.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Me and the class I taught about women's health.
I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the chance to step completely outside your comfort zone and see the world—and yourself—from a new perspective. Being in a different country forces you to adapt, communicate across cultures, and appreciate ways of life that are different from your own.
For me, living in Mombasa allowed me to experience firsthand how culture, community, and healthcare intersect, and it gave me a deeper understanding of people’s lives beyond textbooks. At the same time, it challenged me to grow personally, build resilience, and connect with people I never would have met otherwise.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I’m home, my time abroad has had a lasting impact on both my personal and professional life. Experiencing healthcare in Mombasa showed me how access to knowledge and education—or the lack thereof—can shape health outcomes and community well-being. It made me more aware of the challenges many people face in accessing reliable information and resources, and it has inspired me to think creatively about ways to share knowledge and support learning in my own community.
On a personal level, the experience strengthened my adaptability, cultural awareness, and confidence in unfamiliar situations. I returned home with a broader perspective, a deeper appreciation for diverse approaches to healthcare, and a renewed motivation to make a meaningful impact wherever I go.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is about more than just seeing new places—it’s about truly engaging with the people, culture, and community around you. It means stepping out of your comfort zone, listening, learning, and contributing in ways that matter, whether through service, education, or simply building relationships.
My time abroad in Mombasa felt meaningful because I wasn’t just a visitor; I was able to participate in local healthcare, teach workshops at schools, and connect with people in a way that was both educational and impactful.
Meaningful travel leaves you changed—not just with memories of a place, but with a deeper understanding of the world and your role in it.
