What inspired you to travel abroad?
About a year before I traveled to Africa with International Medical Aid, I was on a high school culture club trip, and we traveled to several countries in Europe. While traveling throughout Europe, I was often in a sense of awe because, before this, I had done little travel outside of the Midwest.
Because of this awe and fascination with the new cultures, history, and traditions I was experiencing throughout Europe, I told myself that I wanted to keep traveling and seeing the world.
At this point in my life, going abroad for longer stints of time was not an option, so I decided that I wanted to complete an internship abroad to not only satisfy my desire to travel but also to grow as a person.
Why did you choose Pre-Med/Health Fellowships | IMA?
When I was searching for organizations that had a medical focus to go abroad with, I honestly had no idea where to start, so naturally, I asked Google. I looked at a couple of organizations before I stumbled onto International Medical Aid (IMA).
However, after I saw all that IMA had to offer, I did not look elsewhere. One thing that stuck out to me about IMA and the reason why I chose to travel with IMA. It included their commitment to the safety and well-being of the interns, specifically with their million-dollar travel insurance policy.
Going abroad and traveling alone, safety was a concern for both me and my family, and knowing that IMA has not had any incidents and had that particular insurance policy was comforting.
Another reason why I chose IMA was because of the numerous opportunities they offered, specifically with the number of medical specialties I was able to shadow and the various treks I could partake in.
Teaching four-year-olds from a local primary school lesson in oral and hand hygiene.
What was your favorite part about Mombasa and Kenya?
My favorite part about Kenya and Mombasa was the people. If I had to pick one word to describe the people of Mombasa, I would have to describe them as warm.
Everyone I met had a warmness and inviting nature that always made me feel welcome and included. This not only included the International Medical Aid staff but also included the hospital staff and many of the strangers I interacted with at the beach, restaurants, and grocery stores.
Because of this, I never felt like a stranger in Kenya; instead, I felt like someone who the locals enjoyed having.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary were the connections I was able to make. It seems kind of crazy that I had to travel thousands of miles across the globe to meet people who are only a couple of states away.
However, the unique experience of traveling abroad provides an opportunity to make more meaningful connections. Some of these connections that I was able to make will last a lifetime, and I know that I will be able to reach out to these people in the future.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The support I received from local staff was phenomenal. Aside from the logistical work of running the program, such as scheduling, coordinating transport, planning treks, and the like, the local staff also cooked and provided all our meals, did laundry daily, and they also made sure that the residence was always clean.
Most importantly, however, the local staff supported us interns emotionally and were always supportive and accommodating to whatever we may have needed. They were also always there for us and able to answer our questions and listen to our concerns 24/7.
Outside the theatre (the OR) in the maternity ward, waiting for a C-section patient.
Did your program provide specific pre-departure Covid support? If yes, tell us what kind of support you received.
Because of the timing of when I traveled with International Medical Aid (IMA), the COVID-19 pandemic had kind of settled down. Meaning that travel was not limited, and I did not have to provide any proof of a negative test prior to flying.
With that said, Kenya’s National Government did require that I carry proof of vaccination when entering the country. Overall, IMA always provided guidance and support leading up to and during my travel with them. They provided timely updates on how to navigate any guidance changes so that there were no surprises on my end.
How did your program help you stay (and feel) safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic?
Although the COVID-19 pandemic had settled down, International Medical Aid (IMA) was very committed to continually monitoring the situation while I was abroad.
Additionally, IMA always had spare personal protective equipment that I could borrow if I accidentally forgot something. Knowing that IMA had my back and would provide accurate information and data was comforting.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
For the most part, I do not have any regrets from my time abroad. I think that everything went about as well as I could have hoped, and honestly, I do not think I would change a thing. However, if I were to do one thing differently, I wish I would have been a bit more adventurous.
Although I did not back out on doing anything like feeding a giraffe or going snorkeling, I often found myself going back to my comfort zone a little too often. I mainly found myself doing this when ordering food at a restaurant.
I always knew that I would probably enjoy eating the cheeseburger on the menu, so that is what I picked often. Looking back, however, I wish I would have broken out of my comfort zone and picked the option that I was maybe a bit scared of.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day began with breakfast at the program residence at around 7:30 in the morning. Following breakfast, all the interns would board the bus to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital.
At the hospital, I would find the department that I was assigned to for that week. I would then introduce myself to the doctor or nurse who I would shadow for the day. For the next five hours or so, I would observe in my assigned department.
At around 1:00 in the afternoon, the interns would board the bus and go back to the residence for lunch. The afternoons varied from day to day.
Afternoon activities included Swahili lessons, education lectures, oral and hand hygiene clinics at local primary schools, feminine hygiene clinics at local middle schools, cultural treks, and free time.
Following afternoon activities, supper was served at the residence, and then I had free time for the rest of the night.
At the Gedi Ruins near Watamu, Kenya, we were able to feed friendly monkeys.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
During my free time, I enjoyed exploring Mombasa’s beaches, malls, and restaurants. Most of my weekends in Africa were spent at the beach, where there is a lot more to do than I ever thought.
Aside from simply laying out enjoying the sun or swimming, I was also able to ride a camel or get a massage. As for the malls and restaurants, there was so much to explore and a lot of different food to try.
Finally, if I did not want to leave the program residence, I was able to chill by the pool or play games with my fellow interns.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The way I like to describe the accommodation (where I was staying) is that it is very similar to a small apartment complex. The entire property was surrounded by a concrete wall with a security guard watching the entrance at all hours.
As for the housing, there were two main buildings on the property where us interns would stay. In each building, there were either a couple of apartment-style “units,” each having a couple of bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen.
Then, in one of the buildings, there was a “main” area where we would gather to meet with the program coordinators, have meals, or relax and watch a movie together.
I think the best part about the accommodation was the fact that us interns were all in close proximity to each other. Meaning, that we were able to connect and enjoy each other’s company outside of our time at the hospital.
What is one thing every future participant should know about Pre-Med/Health Fellowships | IMA before their program begins?
The best piece of advice that I can give to future participants is that although it is nerve-wracking to leave home and travel across the globe, it is going to be okay. I remember feeling super worried about what was going to happen when I got there if I was going to like it, and if I was going to feel welcome.
However, as soon as I got off the plane and met some of the International Medical Aid (IMA) staff, I knew I was going to be just fine. Thus, although it seems very general, I think future participants should know that the IMA staff are absolutely incredible, and they will make sure that everyone’s experience is perfect.
Would you recommend International Medical Aid (IMA) to others? Why?
I absolutely would recommend traveling with International Medical Aid to others; in fact, ever since coming back home, I do recommend that people go abroad and travel with IMA! The reasons why I recommend IMA to others are numerous, and most of the time, I cannot put into words why I loved traveling with IMA.
Overall, however, the biggest reason I recommend IMA is the fact that the way that it is structured is perfect for anyone traveling abroad. Meaning, the program has the perfect combination of education, team building, cultural appreciation, and fun for anyone traveling abroad.
Additionally, I always praise IMA and recommend them because they always prioritize my well-being above anything else, which is important, especially when abroad and in a new place.
Post an IMA oral and hand hygiene clinic showing off their new toothbrushing supplies.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is having the ability to experience a new culture in its place of origin. Growing up in a small town in southwestern Minnesota, my experience with different cultures was very limited.
Even in college where I have had more of an opportunity to experience new cultures, I have always believed that it is not the same as traveling because culture changes and adapts in a new country.
Thus, I feel that traveling abroad and experiencing a new culture firsthand, in its place of origin, is unlike anything else. Also, from traveling and being more worldly, I feel like I am better able to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Overall, traveling abroad has changed how I view healthcare. Prior to traveling abroad, I had a very one-sided outlook on medicine that was dominated by my experience with Western medicine.
Additionally, since traveling abroad, I have been inspired to pursue a career and lifestyle that will allow me to practice global medicine. Because of this, I have investigated different organizations that facilitate medical providers traveling abroad to assist in medical efforts worldwide.
Also, I have looked into studying a second language so I can be more well-versed when traveling abroad in the future.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel represents an opportunity. It represents an opportunity to see the world, experience new cultures, understand other groups of people, and better myself.
Meaningful travel opens doors to understanding the world and its inhabitants that reading a textbook or watching a movie cannot do.
