What inspired you to travel abroad?
What inspired me to go abroad was the desire to step out of my comfort zone and explore the world from a new perspective. I have always been curious about the way different healthcare systems work in different countries, but I have never had the privilege to see them for myself. Along with that, I am passionate about learning about different cultures and immersing myself in new things. Additionally, I wanted to push myself, whether that meant learning a new language, adjusting to new environments, or forming relationships with individuals from different backgrounds. My decision was motivated by the hope of developing not only knowledge but also a greater sense of empathy and global awareness. That is what drew me to this program, and it allowed me to do all of that!
Why did you choose International Medical Aid (IMA)?
I chose the Pre-Med Internship with International Medical Aid in Mombasa, Kenya, because I was intrigued by the flexibility and vast amounts of departments that were open for shadowing. This program allowed me to choose the different specialties that I was most intrigued by to rotate through each week of my stay. Additionally, I picked this program because of the amenities that they provided me. They were very accommodating and always promptly answered questions I had before leaving my home country.
Hygiene Education Session at Utange Primary School in the Utange neighborhood of Mombasa, Kenya.
What was your favorite part about Kenya?
My favorite part about Mombasa, Kenya, was undoubtedly the people. Everyone that I met was so kind and accommodating. Locals and I shared the same fascination about each other's country and had great conversations about related topics. Colleagues I met in the hospital were eager to know which national dishes I had tried, and they suggested local restaurants. One of my friends that I made at the hospital wanted to show me where they go and eat their lunch on their breaks and invited me to go with her. This was one of the highlights of my trip because it wasn’t like the restaurants we normally go to; it was a local stand where all the workers had their lunch. I was the only intern there, and everyone stared with curiosity. However, I received many welcomes and amazing conversations with the hospital staff.
What made your experience in Kenya extraordinary?
What made my experience in Mombasa so extraordinary was the lasting connections I made. The interns that I was with during my stay were from different countries, schools, and programs, but we all had similar goals and formed a tight bond. Even after finishing this program about five months ago, my cohort and I still stay in contact and talk almost every week. In addition to the individuals in my program, I have also had the privilege to make friends with many of the staff at Cost General Hospital who I stay in contact with. From nutritionists, nurses, and orthopedic students, I got to learn about the differences in their schooling, country, and life. We even got the chance to hang out outside of hospital hours, allowing me to be further immersed in their culture and get to know them better in the short time I was there.
Women’s Health Education Session at KP Senior Secondary School in Mtwapa, Kilifi, Kenya
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff played a crucial role in supporting me throughout my program, offering both practical and emotional guidance. They are among the most wonderful, generous, and kind people I have ever met; they are always approachable and ready to talk about any issues or answer questions. They arranged training sessions, supplied necessary materials, and assisted with the program's daily operations. Additionally, they created a friendly and encouraging atmosphere where I felt free to ask for help and discuss any difficulties I was having. Their support kept me inspired and connected to the program's larger goals.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing that I wish I had done differently during my time abroad would have been to immerse myself deeper in the Swahili language. While I tried to learn some common phrases before leaving for my internship, I wish I had spent longer preparing. I also wish that when I was there, I took more time to practice the new words I was learning and hearing around me. While it was amazing that all of the staff was very fluent in English, I often forgot to test out my new phrases. It would have allowed me to better understand doctor-patient consults and hospital staff conversations. Swahili is a beautiful language that I wish I had prioritized learning and speaking during my time in Kenya.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day in my life during the week with hospital rotations starts with waking up at about 7:00 am. I would get up and ready, then head to the dining room for breakfast. There, I chatted with my fellow interns and the staff before heading on the bus at 8:00 am. We arrived at the hospital at 8:15 where we headed to our assigned department for that week and introduced ourselves to the lead doctor for the day shift. Throughout the day we would shadow the physician and any other staff that were helping the patients. We helped where we could and took in everything they were showing us. Some afternoons, we had workshops to learn different skills, such as intubation, suturing, etc. After leaving the hospital, we would eat lunch, and then the rest of the day was free. Some days, there were planned excursions, and others, we would try out local shops and cuisines. That was the typical day with IMA in Mombasa, Kenya.
Educating Students on Women’s Health at KP Senior Secondary School in Mtwapa, Kilifi.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time in Kenya?
During my free time away from the hospital, I enjoyed exploring the local city and going to the nearby beach. After our shifts, many of the interns and I would get together to try new restaurants, visit the mall, and spend time with the friends we had made at the hospital. These outings gave us the chance to bond while experiencing the local cuisine, shopping, and leisure activities. We also embraced Kenya’s nightlife and cultural events, which were both unique and exciting compared to those at home. These experiences allowed us to connect more deeply with the local culture. The blend of professional growth and personal discovery made our time in Kenya incredibly rewarding and unforgettable.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The accommodation provided by International Medical Aid was a hotel-like residence. There were many rooms on the property, including a central house and another building beside it. The staff took care of our every need, took care of our laundry, prepared delicious meals, and taught us about the healthcare system and history of Kenya. Our rooms included single bunk beds with 3-4 interns per room. The meals provided had a lot of variety, incorporating some of the country's food and some American-style dishes as well. What I liked the best was being able to try so many types of produce and dishes that were completely new.
Educating Students on Women’s Health at KP Senior Secondary School in Mtwapa, Kilifi
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know about the program before it begins is that it can be emotionally challenging, as you will encounter many difficult situations. These include witnessing the loss of patients, which can be profoundly heartbreaking, and observing the stark reality of limited resources in the hospital setting. This lack of resources often restricts the level of care that can be provided, creating moments of frustration and helplessness. Understanding and preparing for these challenges in advance can help future interns build resilience and develop strategies to cope with these emotional experiences while remaining focused on learning and contributing positively to the program. It was a privilege to be able to witness all aspects of health care, but this is something to prepare yourself for before this internship.
Would you recommend International Medical Aid (IMA) to others? Why?
I would recommend this program to anyone interested in healthcare. This was the best experience of my life and has grown my passion for both traveling and healthcare. IMA allowed me to be fully immersed in the hospital setting and gave me the privilege of seeing many procedures and sitting in on countless consultations. It also allowed me to see how different roles in the healthcare field interact, allowing me to better understand what I want to do in the future. Besides the hospital experience, this program also opened my eyes to the disparities in healthcare in different parts of the world and within the country itself. They gave a brief lecture about the state of the country's healthcare system and its history. It was crucial to appreciate the hospital we were in and amazing to see what we learned played out during our rotations.
Final day of my internship.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity to broaden your perspective by experiencing different cultures, languages, and ways of life. It fosters a deeper understanding of the world, promotes empathy, and challenges preconceived notions by exposing you to new ideas and diverse viewpoints. You can appreciate the differences between your home country and the country you went to. Everything from the healthcare system to the culture. Additionally, traveling abroad can enhance personal growth by pushing you out of your comfort zone, developing adaptability, and improving problem-solving skills in unfamiliar settings. It leaves lasting memories, connections, and insights that enrich both your personal and professional life.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
This internship has been the most impactful month of my life and has changed what I am looking for in my career, shifting my perspective on life. I now understand the disparities in healthcare in Kenya and other countries abroad after being able to experience them firsthand, which has made me choose to pursue a career that allows me to travel and provide service to these communities. This time abroad has also increased my passion for learning about cultures and traveling. Learning about the different tribes and languages from friends I made at the hospital and how deeply rooted it is in their family was amazing. This life we have been given is only for a limited time, and I now realize how big the world is and how much I can and want to learn about everything in it.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means that you leave a lasting positive impact and take one with you. This can be from the relationships you have made or the actions you have done, leaving the host country with you as a beneficial, happy memory. Additionally, I believe that meaningful travel includes what you take away from the experience. This includes everything from a newfound appreciation for the country, culture, and people to meaningful connections and experiences that you will cherish for a lifetime. That is what meaningful travel means to me, and I will forever be grateful for my month in Mombasa, Kenya.
