What inspired you to work for Young Surgeons Travel?
Because I'm passionate about traveling and enjoy adventures. Working at my organization also helps me learn and see many places.
Meeting new people and learning their culture can be really fulfilling. I enjoy new adventures and safaris, and meeting people from other cultures. My organization keeps me busy all the time, and I get to learn new things.
Describe a typical day at work.
My good days at work are defined by feeling accomplished and knowing I’ve made progress on the projects I'm working on!
I start by checking and replying to all inquiries to the program. I finish any assignments left over from the previous day and make sure they are fully accomplished before starting a new task.
Why do you do what you do, and what is your favorite part of your job?
Because it helps me make positive changes and impact other people’s lives!
I also get to learn new things and experience different other people’s cultures and behaviors, and gather more knowledge. By doing the things I do, I earn a living and it helps me meet my general expectations in life.
My favorite part of my job is traveling and going for adventures. It also helps me add more value in life in general!
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I use my education and international background to inspire others and help them learn new things.
I offer free support to all our participants and introduce ideas that I’ve gained through my vast experiences. This helps me fulfill my job assignments and bring fresh energy to my everyday routine work.
Outdoor adventure with Young Surgeons Travel participants.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
Communication is the heart of a strong organization. It's important to remember that effective communication doesn't always require a team meeting.
I embrace methods such as phone calls, emails, check-ins, instant messaging, and team gatherings. The goal is to cultivate an environment of trust and openness.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I'm currently working on new program development and destinations to offer better experiences to our students and volunteers.
The programs include Medical, Nursing, Sports Teaching, Dentistry, and many other medical-related fields. I'm also finding new adventures for our participants to enjoy during their trips.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
A general rule of thumb is to make sure you have a valid passport before booking your flight.
The passport process can delay your trip if you don’t apply in advance. Also, check whether you need a visa — it’s a document issued by the destination country that grants you entry. Without a visa, you might be denied boarding, especially if you can’t get one on arrival.
What makes your organization special?
Comprehensive pre-departure preparation from experienced program support staff.
Young Surgeons Travel offers the trip of a lifetime by allowing you to become known as someone who makes a real difference in the lives of others. Our program lets you discover the life-changing benefits of volunteering in medicine, dentistry, and other medical-related fields.
We offer unique educational opportunities, such as Medical Exploration Programs for pre-med and high school students who are interested in medicine.
Why should someone choose Young Surgeons Travel over competitors?
Because our organization considers and takes care of your needs. We match you with a program that suits your interests and remove the hassle of organizing it all yourself.
Young Surgeons Travel is currently the largest provider of overseas healthcare placements in Africa. Our success and achievements can be attributed to the following factors:
- Flexibility & Freedom – Our programs have no set start dates. This allows students and volunteers to join us when it’s best for them. Programs run year-round, which helps fit your schedule.
- Supportive Arrival – No matter the time of day or night, our staff will be there at the airport with all program details fully prepared.
- Well-Structured Programs – Our programs are carefully organized with minimal logistical hurdles, safe and secure accommodation, and staff, including a housekeeper and chef, available around the clock.
Relaxing at the program residence.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
Technological agility and incorporating strategic foresight into the organization's culture, leadership, and daily practices.
Innovation and fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging collaborative creativity. Diversity and inclusion—building a diverse and inclusive team—and adapting to change and fostering agility. Embracing lifelong learning cultures.
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
Our organization has made inroads in networking with other organizations. We are now listed in more than five professional organizations, such as Idealist.org, just to mention a few.
We have offices in different regions, including the United States and Kenya (Africa). We also have program support ambassadors in other countries in Europe.
What makes Young Surgeons Travel easy to market to potential participants?
The key to excellent customer engagement marketing strategies is to realize potential customer touchpoints, analyze customer behavior, and create experiences they can’t help but participate in.
For example, I create social media campaigns they can join, a poll they feel compelled to share their views on, or a push notification with a fantastic deal at the perfect time.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to create the perfect balance between meaningful travel and valuable learning opportunities.
Our programs are an opportunity to turn your knowledge into practical work experience that can be added to your resume. But they’re also an opportunity to explore different sectors, live in foreign places, and immerse yourself in new cultures.
On top of all these, we believe internships are also a chance to make a difference. Through our internships, you can combine resume-building with contributing to important causes. What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
More knowledge and experience after the completion of the program.
Most participants gain enough experience to help them build their resume or CV. Some participants are able to get admission to medical colleges as required by some institutions. Some participants feel satisfied after participation in our program—self-motivation.
If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I would go for the Homa Bay program because there are lots of activities to enjoy apart from the program itself.
A journey to Homa Bay can take you through the Great Rift Valley to Kenya's premier wildlife reserve—the famous Masai Mara. This is an exploration of diverse wildlife crossing rolling plains dotted with acacia trees. Here, you have excellent chances of seeing the "Big Five"—lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino.
The varied wildlife in their natural environment, the colors and culture of the local Masai people, along with a unique nature walk in the area, come together to provide a spectacular safari.
Sharing a moment at the Homa Bay, Kenya location of Young Surgeons Travel with an international participant.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Our participants usually ask about safety.
One of the key reasons for using Young Surgeons to facilitate and organize your elective or volunteering in Africa is that we do everything we can to ensure you are safe during your time abroad. Kenya is one of the safest countries in Africa.
We ensure you are placed in a safe environment and you will be very well looked after while volunteering in Kenya. The Kenyan people are very warm and friendly toward visitors.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Because traveling to new locations broadens your perspective on ways of thinking and living in other societies.
In addition to cultural exposure, having an educational experience abroad helps develop critical thinking. You truly will never know what you can accomplish until you try!
That is why youth are encouraged to venture out into the world and seek new opportunities for growth, education, and independence. Being far away from home means that you have to stand on your own two feet—making decisions, staying motivated, keeping things on track, and reaching out for assistance when needed.
Doing so will make your time abroad an experience you’ll continue to look back on for the rest of your life.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
There are endless reasons why learning a new language is important. These are some of the reasons:
- Foreign language study creates more positive attitudes and less prejudice toward people who are different.
- Studying a foreign language will improve your chances of getting a job.
- Studying a new culture helps you meet new and interesting people.
- Dealing with another culture enables people to gain a more profound understanding of their own culture.
- The study of foreign languages boosts confidence.
- Graduates often cite foreign language courses as some of the most valuable courses in college because of the communication skills developed in the process.
- International travel is made easier and more pleasant through knowing a foreign language.
- Skills like problem-solving and dealing with abstract concepts are increased when you study a foreign language.
- Foreign language study enhances one’s opportunities in government, business, medicine, law, technology, military, marketing, and more.
- A second language improves your skills and grades in math and English and on the SAT and GRE.
- Analytical skills improve when students study a foreign language.
- One participates more effectively and responsibly in a multicultural world if one knows another language.
- Your marketable skills in the global economy are improved if you master another language.
- Foreign language study offers a sense of the past—culturally and linguistically.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Students should get the latest medical advice on inoculations and malaria prevention from their physician before coming to Kenya.
Malaria risk exists year-round. Immunization against yellow fever, polio, and typhoid is usually recommended, but please consult your physician prior to travel.
Always think about your safety, be aware of your surroundings, and take care of your belongings.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel can mean different things to different people, but it can generally be defined as a way to learn, grow, and discover the world and yourself.
It gives you a new perspective and helps you redefine your meaning of life. Traveling helps develop life skills such as patience, humility, presence, awareness, and cultural sensitivity.
Sharing a moment at the Homa Bay, Kenya location of Young Surgeons Travel with an international participant.
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial & educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located within?
The issues include challenges in areas like language barriers, academics, social and cultural differences, discrimination, financial stressors, and mental health concerns.
These are not easy problems to overcome, and there’s so much we can all do to help. Financial challenges, in particular, are a major factor since not everyone enjoys easy access to funding.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
It simply means a way of interacting with the world that is based on mutual benefit and respect for local knowledge and leadership.
Effective and ethical engagement recognizes the diversity of communities and learns from the communities themselves—how they are defined and conceptualized, what the community means to its various members, and what the community as a whole considers important topics in general.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
My hopes would be to develop citizens of the world—people who understand culture, language, and have the capacity to live among others from different nations.
This includes building and reinforcing a sense of identity and cultural awareness, and fostering the recognition and development of universal human values.
I hope for a global dimension and a holistic perspective in education—one that helps people understand the complex realities and processes of today’s world, and develop the values, attitudes, knowledge, and skills needed to face the challenges of an interconnected world.
Why is community relations important to your organization?
The community relations function is a key component of public relations.
Community relations can be an effective way for organizations to build a strong reputation and increase brand awareness. A good community relations program can help an organization become more visible both locally and internationally.
