What inspired you to travel abroad?
Since I realized the inequality and poverty we face worldwide, I became curious about it and wanted to help. I understood that in order to do that, I needed first to understand people and what they truly need. With this in mind I decided to take part in the internship that international medical aid offers.
Also, a phrase from my favorite book: We learn medicine not only by treating patients and studying cells in hospitals and laboratories, but also in streets and homes where we can discover why people get sick and what from” (Abad Faciolince, 2022)."
Why did you choose International Medical Aid?
After my research, I realized this was the only program that aligned with my values. IMA was making a real impact and followed the appropriate standards. Actions like teaching children basic hygiene information and girls about menstrual and reproductive health, are vital practices I value. This was especially important to me because education and awareness can have a bigger impact on populations.
First day at the hospital! We had an induction with Dr. Shazim and learned how everything worked.
What was your favorite part about Kenya?
International Medical Aid gave me an integral experience which not only allowed me to see how things work inside the hospital but also in the outreach area. Getting to know different schools and communities, like the Bombolulu Workshops and the Akamba Handicraft Industry, allowed me to learn their way of teaching and operating as well as to get a real perspective of Kenya, their difficulties, and their strengths as a country.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Many things made my experience extraordinary, first the amiability of the staff, the delicious traditional food we had, the activities organized for us and for the community that were always very well structured and meaningful. Also, having locals show me how they live there and making friends from all around the world, with whom I shared different thoughts and perspectives of the world made my experience abroad special.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
They were kind, had a nice attitude and also were always available to help. They make all the effort to try to understand you and make you feel comfortable. I never felt any language barriers with them.
If you had a problem or any concern, you were always able to talk to them and discuss anything you wanted. They were always trying to make things work the best for you and the other interns.
Last day picture with my diploma, after that we had a special dinner made by our chef.
Did International Medical Aid provide specific pre-departure Covid support? If yes, please tell us what kind of support you received.
Yes, they gave us clear information about the measures they were taking. Also, they informed us about the requirements we had to fulfill. For example, they told us which covid tests were needed and also if vaccines were mandatory. Also, they gave us information about prices of the tests for COVID-19 in Kenya and what to do in case we had it.
How did International Medical Aid help you stay (and feel) safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic?
They always had face masks available. At the entrance of the house and in the cars, they always had hand sanitizer and places for washing our hands as well. Also, before we got there and at the end of the program, we had to give proof that we had done COVID-19 testing.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I could have had more energy to do more things and also be less shy at the beginning of the program. Going out more and visiting more places is for sure is one thing I would have done differently there.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I woke up at 6 a.m. and had a delicious breakfast done by our chef. After, we were taken to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, to start our rotations. In the rotation you were able to do things according to your level of education. You had nurses and doctors who were supporting and teaching you different things.
Then we were taken home for our lunch, prepared by the chef. Then in the afternoon, we usually participated in different social and educational activities.
Labor Day with the OBGYN team, they were always including students in the learning process.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I enjoyed getting to know the city and its surroundings, going to different restaurants, beaches, and ice cream shops. Also, getting to know people from Mombasa was great, because you could get a better perspective of how they live their lives.
Talking to the staff and the other interns about different topics regarding our experiences and differences was also a thing I liked a lot. Getting to know them all better to build strong friendships was great.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
It was a very big house for interns. The upper floor was for women and the first floor for men. There was a big kitchen and a living room with a T.V. where you could watch YouTube and Netflix.
We had a swimming pool that was always clean and available for us. The rooms had air conditioners and the bathrooms were small but had everything we needed.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Taking everything into consideration, this experience has given me a wider view of the world and a better understanding of the dynamics in Kenya. At the same time, it shows me how different countries face similar challenges and, most remarkably, how to improve as a country by different means and not only by money.
This is important because one cannot see health as an isolated aspect that only occurs in the hospital, making me realize how social determinants of health are real and go beyond books. Finally, making healthcare more humanized and emphasizing women's health is something our practitioners as well as politicians must have as a priority in their agenda.
For this outreach activity, we taught children the proper way to brush their teeth, and gave them a toothbrush and toothpaste.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
You should be open to different experiences, be open to making new friends and have energy for all the activities that are offered. You should talk to everyone you can, people in the hospital are always happy to make new friends from all round the world and know about your life and how different your country is. If you open up to different people there, your experience will be extremely better.
Would you recommend International Medical Aid to others? Why?
Yes, they are responsible, organized, honest, and helpful with everything. The information they gave us before the internship was real, I did not find anything unexpected or missing. We were always able to call somebody in case of an emergency. You could always talk directly to the program directors in case you had any concern.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
To me, based on a perspective of global health, traveling abroad creates real change. We need to see each other as humans with the same needs, who can learn and gain different perspectives to grow as a community. This is important because one cannot see health as an isolated aspect that only occurs in the hospital. This makes me realize how social determinants of health are real and go beyond books.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means traveling with purpose and values. It also means getting new perspectives about life and getting to know yourself better. It means having an impact on yourself but also in the world and people. And finally it means going beyond your comfort zone and having experiences you never thought you were going to have.
