What inspired you to go abroad?
I have been very fortunate to have been able to travel frequently during my childhood. Going on a safari somewhere in Africa has always been at the top of my bucket list. Making this happen was proving to be difficult as the flight routes were complicated and I had no idea where to start, so I quickly dismissed the idea as something that I would do when I was older and settled into a career.
Another passion of mine is medicine and the study of the human body. I am very eager to apply to medical school this coming school year. Despite the looming decade of schooling ahead of me, I knew that this was the career I wanted to pursue, and my travel dreams would have to wait until my thirties or forties.
I worked hard during the first years of my undergraduate degree, but I felt as though something was missing. I wanted first-hand experience in hospitals, which would supplement the theories and drawings I was learning about in class.
I started shadowing doctors at the University of Alberta hospital to give myself these experiences. These shifts only further solidified my desire to become a doctor. I felt at home in the hospital and enjoyed running around following my resident to each new patient. In my 3rd year of university, I became friends with a girl in my same undergraduate program. She also wanted to attend medical school, and we quickly bonded over our shared interests and realized that we had many classes together.
After spending some time with her, she told me about a medical internship she did in Kenya. Hearing about this, I immediately knew I had to apply since both medicine and cultural experiences have always piqued my interest. Although I was scared to travel that far away by myself, I knew that if I did not pursue this opportunity, I would regret it.
This internship was everything I could have asked for and more. It gave me an experience that combined my love for animals, nature, culture, history and medicine all into one.
Why did you choose International Medical Aid?
Myself and some of the other interns!
International Medical Aid (IMA) has a significant social media presence, showcasing the experiences of many of its interns through various social media posts. This made their program extremely enticing as I was able to see firsthand what a daily experience was like for an intern within this organization.
Their Instagram showed videos of ‘Days in the Life’, cultural tours, and the different departments that you could rotate through in the hospital. Additionally, I was fortunate enough to have had a friend who had interned with IMA two years prior. She had an incredible experience with them and could not speak any higher of the staff, hospital, and education that she received.
Having seen both the photos and videos on Instagram and the high regard my friend held for this program, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue.
What was your favorite part about your host country/city?
Mombasa is located along the East coast of Kenya and has many beautiful white sandy beaches. This was definitely one of the perks of the city, as in Canada, there are no beaches like this. Even though it was winter during my internship, the weather was always above 25 degrees celsius and being able to swim in the Indian Ocean was an experience I will never forget. The water was so blue and contrasted so beautifully against the white sand.
In addition to the beaches, several kilometres inland was the notorious Masai Mara, known for the large Wildebeest migration and Africa’s famous ‘Big Five.’ Growing up, my favourite TV shows were always animal documentaries, some of which were filmed in this exact location. Being able to see these animals in person was an incredible experience that fulfilled many of my childhood dreams.
Aside from the natural beauty of Mombasa, there was also a rich cultural history. Mombasa was a popular historical trading site and, therefore, was often a point of high value to invading countries.
The history of the Portuguese and Arab empires that previously controlled Mombasa was truly fascinating to learn about. It was a privilege to learn about a country with such vast historical and political importance.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Safari Photo and the Open Landscape
During my time in Kenya, I was able to go on a 5-day safari in the Masai Mara. We stayed at different campgrounds each night and were guided by locals of the Masai tribe. One of the most incredible things about this safari was how expansive and free the land was. There was not a single building, light post, paved road, or telephone line as far as I could see. This was so different from the large Canadian city I grew up in.
I was truly amazed at how the land seemed to go on forever, and the sun just simply blended into it as it set every day. It was here that I really realized just how big our world is. It felt surreal to finally see the animals I had only ever watched on TV, roaming freely in their natural habitat. The lions, elephants, and zebras were even more awe-inspiring than I had imagined, and I found myself completely captivated.
But it was not just the wildlife that left a lasting impression; it was also the Masai people, whose stories about their nomadic lifestyle and deep connection to the land added a whole new layer to the experience. These men were so knowledgeable about both the land and the animals. They could spot a pride of lions from kilometres away and knew exactly what places the leopards liked to hide.
They told us stories about growing up in the Masai Mara and how interconnected the people are to their land and the animals that live within it. They spoke with pride about their cattle, which are central to their way of life and how they see themselves as caretakers of the land and its creatures. We were also told about creator stories, focusing on the origin of the land and river animals and the legends that coincide with each species.
Each excursion into the Masai Mara deepened my understanding of Kenya, blending history, culture, and nature in a way that no textbook could ever do.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The staff with International Medical Aid did everything in their power to go above and beyond. The chefs at our residence always ensured we had nutritious, filling meals and made sure all 50+ interns had something to eat. They even catered to specific dietary restrictions and were always kind towards anyone who had a question or concern.
The drivers were very talented in navigating the busy streets of Mombasa. The roads were often very crowded and it was definitely a challenge to get a massive bus through the narrow passageways. However, the drivers were knowledgeable of the roads and neighbourhoods and always ensured that we got there safely and on time.
Additionally, during our cultural tours, the guides we were assigned were always very knowledgeable. They taught us about the sites we visited in a respectful and dignified way, ensuring that the land and people we were visiting were respected and cherished. They also answered any questions the interns had with eagerness.
Finally, before the internship, we were each assigned to a mentor. My mentor was incredibly helpful with coordinating flights, visas, transportation, and excursions. She kindly answered any questions I had and helped to calm my nerves before travelling across the world.
I have so much more I could say about how incredible the staff was, and I am immensely grateful for these amazing people who put their time, energy, and love into running this program.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
Safari Photo
During my time abroad, I kept a very organized journal of all the medical information that I learned during my lectures, rotations through departments, and time with the doctors. This book helped me keep track of all the medical things I had witnessed and experienced.
However, despite my precise note-taking on the events I experienced in the hospital, I did not do any journaling of my experiences outside of the hospital. All of the excursions, cultural tours, and adventures I went on went undocumented, aside from a few photos and the memories I have of the event.
I regret not writing down everything I did outside of the hospital, as it was equally valuable in its own way. I wish that I had written down my feelings in the moment, knowing that I will never be able to relive them exactly as they were.
This trip abroad was a roller coaster of emotions that I wish I could look back upon with detail. I will cherish these memories forever, and I still remember them vividly, but I do wish that I had some form of documentation of my journey to show to my family and future children.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I did a two-week internship with International Medical Aid. Their program is organized so that each week, you rotate through a different hospital department of your choice. I chose to rotate through the surgical and pediatric departments.
We would wake up early, and the first bus left at around 8:30 am, so that we would arrive at the hospital by 9 am. Once we arrived at the hospital, the 50+ interns dispersed into their respective departments, often with 5-6 interns per department.
In the surgical department, 4 of us were on the surgical floor, while the other 2 went to the inpatient area to sit with the doctor and go through the process of determining whether someone needed surgery and when they would be scheduled. Before entering the surgical floor, we had to change all of our scrubs and shoes and put on hair nets and masks. Once inside the surgical floor, there were 4 surgery rooms and a sheet near the check-in window that showed all the surgeries scheduled for the day. We were allowed to walk between the 4 surgical rooms and watch any of the surgeries that were taking place.
During my time here, I witnessed a hip replacement, an elbow joint repair, an exploratory laparotomy, spinal surgery, brain shunt implantations, and a below-the-knee amputation. The doctors encouraged us to ask questions, and some of them even stepped aside to give us a mini-lecture on the procedures they were doing.
I often got as close as a few inches away from the patient, and once was lucky enough to hold the saline bottle and pass medical supplies to the surgeon.
We usually finished our rotation around 12 pm and returned to the residence for lunch. Every afternoon, there was a different program planned for us. This activity changed every day, and we experienced clinical lectures, medical stimulation lessons, cultural tours, and outreach programs.
Womens health clinic presentation
My favourite activity was the hygiene clinics we gave to the local schools. After our time at the hospital, we would drive to local elementary & secondary schools and either give lessons on basic hygiene, such as hand-washing and brushing your teeth, or more complex women’s health classes. Additionally, there was also the option to stay at the hospital and do additional shifts in different departments.
I chose to do an extra afternoon shift in the OB/GYN department and got to see the birth of several babies! After our afternoon excursion, we all returned to the residence for dinner. The food was always delicious and filled me up after a long day.
To end the evening, I often hung out with my roommates and other interns. On a few of the days, we went out to fancy dinners at local bars and restaurants, and we even went on a Catamaran cruise. If we were all exhausted, we stayed at the residence and played card games or watched TV in the communal rooms.
Every day was different, with its own unique moments.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time, some of the other interns and I would often take Ubers to the mall, go out to local restaurants and bars, as well as visit the neighbouring beaches and resorts. This allowed us to experience the city more intimately as we were separated from the larger group. My friends and I ate delicious local foods and saw some of the beautiful tourist sites in Mombasa.
During these trips, we were able to have more personal conversations with the locals. They often asked where we were from and, in turn, told us about their experience growing up in Kenya. This allowed me to gain a whole new perspective on how different childhood in Kenya was compared to Canada and how this shapes an individual's goals and worldview.
Additionally, I chose to pick up extra shifts at the hospital during the afternoon and evenings in order to see even more departments and doctors. This allowed me to rotate through more positions than just the two I had originally signed up for, putting me in a position to learn even more.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
Our accommodation was dorm-style with 4-6 interns in one room. There were two main buildings, each with 4-7 separate rooms. Each room had bunk beds and a bathroom. My room also had a living space with a couch and TV, as well as a mini kitchen area, although I know some of the rooms did not have this feature.
There was a communal TV room with large couches and board games, and both an inside and outside dining room. There was also a large pool near the entrance. My favourite thing about this setup was the large outdoor dining table. The table was under a covered roof and sat around 25 people.
After a long day at the hospital, we would all get off the bus, quickly run to the shower, and then all rush to the table to get a spot and some food. We shared lots of laughs and discussed our days and what we experienced at the hospital.
After a stressful day, this was the perfect way to relax and connect with everybody. These conversations brought us all together and aided in forming friendships that I still cherish to this day.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
I think one thing everybody should know before travelling abroad with International Medical Aid is that you must make the most of this opportunity and talk to as many doctors, patients, and staff as you can.
Everybody has something to teach you, and every interaction is an opportunity to learn something. Your time on this internship is limited, so it is in your best interest to absorb as much information and knowledge as you can.
It is also essential to o be open-minded and compassionate. Many of the people here have had experiences wildly different from my own, and it is only through mutual respect and understanding that you can attempt to appreciate these experiences.
There is so much to learn on an internship like this one, from large concepts such as cultural, religious, and medical importance, all the way to the differences in smaller everyday tasks.
Would you recommend Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships to others? Why?
Women's Health Clinic
I would definitely recommend this program and International Medical Aid to any student interested in pursuing a medical career. They provide hands-on, interactive learning spaces where you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to ask doctors any questions you may have about patient care.
Additionally, we also receive clinical lessons from the doctors themselves, where they give presentations on common diseases and how they affect the Kenyan population. Paired with these lectures, there are also medical stimulation sessions where we can practice technical skills such as suturing and intubating.
There is also a large diversity of departments you can choose to rotate through, which allows each intern's experience to be catered towards their interests. This includes, but is not limited to, the surgical, OB/GYN, dentistry, cardiology, ICU, NICU, and pediatric departments.
Additionally, travelling abroad with an internship like IMA has made me a more compassionate and culturally aware person. I have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges that healthcare systems in low-resource settings face, as well as the innovation, resilience, and cultural factors that shape patient care.
An experience with IMA can aid in solidifying an interest in pursuing a healthcare career and inspire students to consider the broader systemic factors that contribute to health disparities.
Additionally, there has recently been a program started in Peru that allows students to witness a different cultural setting.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of travelling abroad is gaining perspective. Experiencing different cultures, lifestyles, and ways of thinking pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me see the world from viewpoints that I had not thought of before. Travelling abroad has also encouraged reflection, putting the things I have at home in a different perspective.
During my time in Mombasa, I was constantly surprised by the cultural differences that came up in everyday life, especially when it came to gender, social events, and religion. These were the things that do not always show up in textbooks, but were there in the lived experiences of the people I met.
Overall, travelling abroad goes beyond seeing new places. It reshapes how you understand people, cultures, and your own place in the world.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Overall, my internship in Mombasa with International Medical Aid has profoundly impacted both my personal and professional life. I have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges that healthcare systems in low-resource settings face, as well as the innovation, resilience, and cultural factors that shape patient care. My experiences have solidified my interest in pursuing a career in healthcare and have inspired me to consider the broader systemic factors that contribute to health disparities.
Moving forward, I will use the knowledge and perspective I gained in Kenya to become a more culturally competent, adaptable, and compassionate healthcare provider. The lessons I learned about resourcefulness, the importance of community, and the necessity of considering political and cultural contexts in patient care will guide my approach to medicine as I strive to make a difference in the lives of my future patients.
Going to Africa has been my dream ever since I was a little girl, and every experience I had in Kenya outlived all my expectations. All I have to say is asante sana, Kenya, and International Medical Aid for a life-changing experience that I will never forget.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means immersing myself in the language, culture, history, and religion of the place I am visiting and being open to learning new perspectives that may be different than my own. Being able to travel is a privilege and involves stepping out of my comfort zone to see how lives are different around the world.
Meaningful travel also encourages reflection, helping me recognize what truly matters, what I value, and how I want to grow. These experiences stay with me, shaping my mindset, influencing my choices, and reminding me that the world is so much bigger than just my hometown.
