What inspired you to go abroad?
After previously going to Africa on a family trip, I knew I wanted to experience its healthcare side. I could not think of a better way than to do an internship there. I have seen many people do internships across the world, but not many who have chosen Africa. I knew I was going to love it as soon as the idea popped into my head!
At the hospital with people from the Dental Department.
Why did you choose Go Elective?
My friend and I decided that we would research places to go online. We did not know of any other students who had been to Africa, so we were hesitant at first. We quickly found Go Elective.
Go Elective made it very reassuring by answering any and all questions we had. We met many times via Zoom, and they were always accommodating and reassured our parents it was safe.
What was your favorite part about your host city?
My favorite part about Mombasa, Kenya, was the beach. It was within walking distance and so peaceful. They also have fun activities to do on the beach, like camel riding or shopping!
We also did a tour around Old Town. This was such a fun experience. We were able to get a good understanding of the history behind the city!
What made your experience with Go Elective extraordinary?
My Go Elective experience was the best because of the people I met. I now have so many friends from the hospital, the program, and people that I met in town. The phrase “people make the place” could not be more true. I plan to go back in the future just to see and catch up with all of the people that I met!
Safari in Tsavo Park
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The staff at Go Elective was the best. They ensured that I was always comfortable and safe. They made sure that we were well fed, were not bored, and always had a clean place to stay. The staff at Go Elective really are the highlight of the company. Since leaving Mombasa, I still talk to the staff weekly. I miss them so much already!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish that I had begun talking to the staff at the hospital sooner. Everyone was super friendly in the beginning, but once you actively engage with the staff, they really open up. We all became such good friends by the time we had to leave.
I also wish that we had spent more time at the safari. It was the best!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
We began the day with an amazing breakfast. Our driver then picked us up from the residence and took us to the hospital. We went to our specialty areas until lunchtime.
Once arriving back at the residence, we ate lunch and had some downtime. We then typically had an evening activity such as a tour, a visit to the orphanage or a school, or a class (suturing/Swahili).
After dinner, all of us students would turn on a TV show that we watched all together.
Tour around Old Town
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
I loved watching Love Island with all of my friends I met through the program. We started it all together and would turn it on each night when it was released. The days can be very exhausting, but rewarding, so it was nice to have some downtime. We also made ice cream or went on grocery store runs to get some sweet treats!
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
We stayed in an apartment, which was fully furnished with everything we needed. We had a chef who made 3 meals a day and someone to wash our laundry each day. Having them there for the majority of the day was so much fun.
Our view over the city was absolutely amazing. We also had a pool that was inside the gates in the apartment complex.
What is one thing every future participant should know before their program begins?
Bring extra scrubs!! You go through scrubs daily and need at least 3 pairs to ensure you are not re-wearing dirty ones. I also think that having a good base of commonly used Swahili words would have been so helpful at the start. I was able to pick it up quickly, but I wish I had already known more.
My friend, Kennedy, and I at the hospital.
Would you recommend Go Elective to others? Why?
Yes. The staff made it the absolute best experience I could have asked for. It was also super affordable for what was provided. I have already recommended Go Elective to many of my friends who want to go down the healthcare path. I could not say better things about the experience that Go Elective blessed me with.
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
I got to experience a whole new culture. By working every day with people of different cultures, I was able to ask questions. It was never a debate about who was right or wrong, but simply us gaining knowledge about each other’s beliefs and lives. I was also able to make lifelong friends, which has been so important to me.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My friend and I still speak Swahili to each other. We also call our friends in Africa very often to talk to them. We both plan to go back once we graduate from dental school and meet up with our friends.
The people who were also studying abroad with us made the experience so much fun. We were all from different parts of the US, so it was so cool.
Teaching CPR at a local school
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is more than what you see; it’s what you learn. Throughout my time in Mombasa, I learned so much. When I came back to the US, I realized how differently I saw things. I was able to realize so many things about myself and our culture that wouldn't have been possible without traveling.
