What inspired you to travel abroad?
While growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of travel and immersing myself in new cultures. They always prioritized saving for trips whenever possible and took us to new places to inspire a love for the world and its diversity.
I always knew I wanted to study abroad during my undergraduate years, but I was unsure where the trip would take me. After my freshman year of college, I fell in love with medicine. Through shadowing and my coursework, I realized how much I loved caring for others while applying my interest in the sciences.
I quickly realized that I wanted to expand my understanding of medicine in any way I could, which ultimately led to the idea of volunteering at a hospital abroad. This opportunity allowed me to immerse myself in an unfamiliar culture while continuing to grow both personally and professionally in the medical field.
Hygiene education clinic at a local school, teaching students about handwashing and dental care with fellow volunteers
Why did you choose International Medical Aid (IMA)?
Once I decided to volunteer abroad, I began researching different programs and what they offered. I was immediately drawn to programs that were offered in developing countries because they provided support to those who need it the most, and the healthcare systems differ heavily from those in the United States.
From there, I found International Medical Aid (IMA). IMA started to stick out to me through its website, which emphasized that the program’s mission was not only to educate its interns but also to make a meaningful impact on the local communities the interns would become a part of.
The alumni testimonials further reinforce the program’s intentionality and success in broadening the participants’ perspectives. Additionally, I connected with alumni of the program through my college, who spoke highly of the profound impact IMA had on their understanding of medicine and Kenyan culture. After interviewing and talking with the staff of IMA, I knew it was the program I belonged in.
What was your favorite part about Mombasa, Kenya?
My favorite part of the host city and country was witnessing the immense pride that everyone had in being Kenyan. Despite the challenging living conditions many face compared to the standard of living in the United States, it was inspiring to see how deeply connected people were to their heritage.
I loved learning about the different tribes from which individuals came and seeing how much they knew about each generation of their family. Through countless conversations, community members expressed their love for their country and shared that they had no desire to leave.
One beautiful symbol of this pride was the beaded bracelets that so many people wore, representing their love for Kenya. It stuck with me because while many might argue that the quality of life is higher in places like the United States, the level of pride for one’s country is rarely expressed. It was refreshing to see that a simple lifestyle and minimal material possessions could bring so much fulfillment when paired with a strong sense of community and appreciation for their country.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Countless aspects of my program made it truly extraordinary. One of the most memorable experiences was the friendliness and genuine care shown by everyone I encountered.
The hospital staff was incredibly welcoming and eager to ensure we learned as much as possible. They would go out of their way to learn about each intern's experiences and provide us with valuable educational experiences about medicine and culture.
The patients, despite facing emotionally challenging circumstances, remained positive and thankful, which was both humbling and inspiring. Getting to interact with mothers in the pediatric unit, who slept on plastic chairs day and night to be there for their child, will always be an experience that I continue to cherish and reflect on during my future healthcare career.
The IMA staff were equally supportive and prioritized each intern’s well-being and safety throughout our time in Kenya. My fellow interns also became some of my closest friends, as we encouraged and supported each other throughout the life-changing experience.
Additionally, exploring Kenya’s landscape through weekend trips and day adventures in Mombasa allowed me to fully immerse myself in the country’s culture and history. The experiences both inside and outside of the hospital made the program unforgettable.
Demonstrating proper handwashing techniques to local students during a hygiene clinic with fellow volunteers
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff went above and beyond to ensure each intern had the best and safest experience possible in Kenya. They were always available to answer questions or drive us to local malls and community spots, making it easy to enjoy and connect with the area.
One instance that truly demonstrated their care was when I came down with a stomach bug while volunteering at the hospital. With just one phone call to my program leader, I was picked up and brought back to the residence, where I was checked on twice afterward to ensure I was ok. This level of attentiveness demonstrated how cared for and secure I was during my internship.
In addition to their support, the staff organized lectures on Kenyan culture, Swahili, and hands-on clinical instruction, helping us deepen our understanding of healthcare and the local culture. They even provided a platform for interns to share feedback and suggestions, demonstrating their commitment to continuously improving the program and maximizing its impact.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I had done differently during my time abroad was to make a greater effort to engage with the doctors and clinical staff during certain rotations. In specialties like OBGYN and Pediatrics, I felt deeply connected with the staff and gained a thorough understanding of how these fields are practiced in Kenyan hospitals.
However, during my Internal Medicine and Surgery rotations, I feel I could have taken more initiative to build stronger connections with the staff. By starting more conversations and asking additional thoughtful questions, I believe I could have gained deeper insights into these specialties and further enriched my perspective on medicine.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day abroad began at 7 a.m. when I would wake up and get dressed in my blue scrubs for shadowing at the hospital. Some mornings, I would get up earlier to do a workout with other interns outside before going downstairs for breakfast. Breakfast was usually filled with lively conversations with the staff or other interns as we all tried to get to know each other better and reflected on our experiences the day before.
Then we would drive to the hospital, where the next 4 to 5 hours were spent in my assigned department. I would spend my time observing the clinical staff and trying to help out where I could. For example, I would often help gather supplies or assist with feeding long-term patients.
Then, I would remain at the hospital if an afternoon shift was available and spend lunch eating outside with the other interns before returning to shadowing. On days when afternoon shifts were not available, I would return to the residence and get changed for lunch.
Then, we would spend our afternoons at community clinics, such as hygiene clinics or menstrual clinics, to help educate the local community on basic healthcare, or learn about Kenyan culture through different scheduled lectures. Then my nights were traditionally spent hanging out with the other interns in the common area after dinner, either playing a game or watching a movie.
After a women’s health clinic where interns taught young female students about menstruation and proper hygiene practices.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
During my free time abroad, I enjoyed exploring the community and immersing myself in the local culture through its restaurants, shops, and attractions. A small group of fellow interns and I quickly became close friends, and we often enjoyed going out to lunch or dinner to experience and learn more about the local culture.
Many afternoons were also spent cooling off in the pool after our hospital shifts, where we would reflect on our experiences and future goals. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared my passion for healthcare was incredibly inspiring and deepened my appreciation for the field.
Furthermore, on Sundays, we typically started the day with a group activity and then spent the rest of the day reading in the common area. We all found that having these moments of personal time to reset after a busy week at the hospital was helpful in preparing for the week ahead.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
During my time with International Medical Aid, all the interns stayed in a shared house that was divided into several apartment-style living areas. I shared a room with two other interns, where we slept in bunk beds and shared closet space.
Our floor also had a communal bathroom that we shared with three other girls in the room next to us. There was also a living room with couches, a TV, and a connected patio that was often used for our Sunday reset days.
The main house served as the central area for interns, where we all gathered for meals, clinical debriefs, and lectures. The house was located in a safe neighborhood where we could walk around and even access the beach, which added to the overall experience.
One of my favorite aspects of the accommodation was the sense of community it created within the group of interns. Being in a shared space provided plenty of opportunities to connect, whether it was reflecting on our shifts or relaxing together after a long day. The communal environment helped us become close quickly, which was comforting in an unfamiliar country and made my experience more meaningful.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Before beginning the program with International Medical Aid, every intern should be reminded that it is ok to feel hesitant or uncomfortable at first. Traveling to a new country alone, especially for those with limited travel experience, can feel intimidating.
However, I would reassure anyone considering the program that it is worth it. That initial unfamiliarity fades quickly, thanks to the incredible support from the other interns and the local staff.
I would tell them to go all in and immerse themselves in everything, even when it feels unfamiliar, because I found that those are the experiences that impacted me the most when I was abroad. The experience gained, both in the hospital and while being immersed in Kenya’s culture, is truly life-changing.
Sharing laughs and meaningful moments with fellow interns during our community clinics in Mombasa
Would you recommend International Medical Aid (IMA) to others? Why?
Yes, I would highly recommend International Medical Aid to anyone pursuing a healthcare career. I believe it’s essential to understand different cultures and healthcare systems to broaden one’s knowledge and respect within the medical field.
My time in Kenya deepened my appreciation for both the U.S. healthcare system and Kenya’s approach to care. I gained a profound respect for the resources and opportunities available in the U.S., but I will always remember how the healthcare providers in Kenya made the most of what they had.
Each provider maintained a positive outlook without hesitation and delivered the best possible care, even if it was different from the practices we might see in the U.S. My time in Kenya completely altered the way I view patient care, and I believe it has made me a more compassionate healthcare worker.
The program was incredibly safe and well-organized, providing everything an intern needs daily. Moreover, the opportunity to explore Kenya's rich history and culture through organized trips further enriched my experience and added to the lasting impact of my time abroad.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures, which allows for a broader worldview and respect for individual differences. Immersing oneself in a new culture can only truly be learned through firsthand experience.
The ability to learn about local customs, traditions, or ways of life offers invaluable insight that broadens an individual's perspective. These experiences can not be replaced by reading or studying a different culture, which adds to the magic of experiencing it.
Additionally, traveling abroad provides the chance to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, which offers new viewpoints and life experiences. For example, talking with clinical staff from all different backgrounds expanded my understanding of what being a good healthcare provider looks like in different cultures and how I can apply their knowledge to my own experiences. These experiences create a lasting impact that shapes an individual's culture and respect for the diversity of human experience.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad has profoundly influenced how I approach patient care, particularly in terms of compassion and empathy. During my time in Kenya, I learned that while advanced technology and medical tools certainly play a role in treatment, it is often the human connection, through genuine compassion and empathy, that truly impacts a patient’s healing journey.
I witnessed providers sit with stressed mothers and patients for hours to ensure that they knew they were doing everything that they could and that they were there for them during this hard time. Since returning home, I’ve made a conscious effort to be more mindful of my demeanor and the way I communicate with patients, ensuring that I’m providing warm and thoughtful care. I also developed a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to help others during their time of care.
Seeing how much the healthcare system in Kenya relies on resourcefulness and human connection continues to remind me not to take the privileges and opportunities in my life for granted. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the experiences provided for me, and I am committed to continuing to learn from them and striving to become the most compassionate and effective healthcare provider I can be.
A mother and her baby elephant spotted during a safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
For me, meaningful travel goes beyond simply visiting a country. It is about gaining a deeper understanding and perspective of the place and its people. It involves not just appreciating the country’s most beautiful landscapes or animals but also making a conscious effort to connect with the communities and immerse myself in their culture.
Meaningful travel also means using my time in these places to give back to the communities that have welcomed me. In Kenya, the most impactful moments were those spent connecting with local individuals, whether by offering help or sharing meaningful conversations. These experiences not only increased my enjoyment of my travels but also deepened my respect for the country and its community.
