What inspired you to travel abroad?
I wanted to take an internship abroad in order to experience how healthcare works in a different country—being able to experience the differences in countries that don’t resemble infrastructures similar to the U.S.A.
I knew I needed to get out of my comfort zone, and I wanted to further my knowledge and skills. With the research, I knew I was able to do that while I was in IMA.
Why did you choose Physician Assistant/Pre-PA Internships Abroad via IMA?
I saw IMA online when researching internships in the medical field. The website provided so much background on the program and its successes.
The reviews from alums talking about the mission and goal of IMA made me feel comfortable and excited to be part of their community.
Once I discovered their social media profiles, I was able to see more details about their daily activities, and it surprised me how much interns were experiencing.
What was your favorite part about Kenya?
My favorite thing about Kenya is the humbleness and kindness that exists. Everyone was very kind–from every staff we interacted with to the local community.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Experiencing tour excursions like the safari was the best experience ever! These types of opportunities show interns more what the country can offer.
It’s a way for interns to connect with other tribes and Kenyan people. Being able to partake and share in special traditions with the community made me feel special.
My last day as an intern was very bittersweet. I was proud of myself but very sad.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The staff at IMA were seriously the best people to have around. They were always available whenever we needed something.
They would check on us weekly with discussion groups and always made sure they were available in the office.
My mentor was Margaret, and I had to go to her a couple of times and she was always available and answered all my questions. The staff at IMA always had the best energy, and I never saw any of them with a negative attitude.
It surprised me how much patience and passion they have for their occupation and interns. They definitely made my days brighter.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I would have done differently is to stay longer. I chose my stay for it to be two weeks and that was not enough time for me.
I wished I stayed longer to experience more and participate in more activities. This opportunity would have allowed me to shadow other departments and enjoy my time in Mombasa for longer.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I started my day by going down to the dining room to have breakfast and then heading to the bus at my designated time.
After my shift, I would head back to the residence and change to clean scrubs for that afternoon’s activity. If there were no activities scheduled for that day, I would either stay at the residence and complete homework or go shopping with friends before dinner time.
After dinner, I would usually go to the common area and relax.
In Tanzania, but also Kenya
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
There are so many great places to go, shop, and eat. There were days when I spent my free time in the living room, and we would have movie nights. It was a nice moment to bond with other interns.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I was very happy with my accommodation. I was on the second floor, and I had two roommates. Everything was beautiful and comfortable.
I loved how big the window was in our room and the beautiful view. The air conditioning was probably the best thing because we were able to cool our room.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every participant should know about this program is the services that come along with being admitted as an intern. Students can receive resources for medical school admissions.
Would you recommend International Medical Aid? Why?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this program to others. IMA is an equipped program that securely provides programs, excursions, and resources that interns can rely on for their career journey.
This program provides interactive activities that extend interns' communication and collaboration skills while they explore the country of their choice. Interns are able to gain knowledge and skills in a hospital setting along with medical professionals.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The best benefit of traveling abroad is the unique experiences that expand your knowledge and skills for your career journey.
Not only do you get to know the country, but understand the limited resources the country has to offer. You learn to adapt to their needs, and it’s eye-opening how resources and “care” are different in another country, yet provide the best of it for their people.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
It impacted my life seeing how much help the world needs in the medical field. It was astonishing to see how healthcare professionals still try their hardest to provide the best care.
This experience has awakened a desire inside of me to go abroad and help those who are in need of care. I want to keep doing this, and I am hoping to return to IMA in the future for another placement in Peru or Kenya again.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means being able to explore a country and learn about its culture and traditions. Also to personally experience certain aspects a country goes through is very educational to understand its climate.
Completing an internship in Kenya was definitely meaningful because I was able to see a different world of medicine and quality care. These experiences become part of you, and they mean the most because they can be very touching.
