What inspired you to travel abroad?
What inspired me to go abroad was the opportunity to learn from people that were from a completely different background from mine.I wanted to experience a new language, food, culture, and most importantly, the lessons that I could carry after each interaction, each moment while abroad.
I wanted to make myself vulnerable to the environment and the people I was surrounded by, and there was no better option for me than to go abroad.
Why did you choose International Medical Aid (IMA)?
As an undergraduate student on the premedical track, I knew that I wanted to dive in all possible areas pertaining to surgery and clinical work. Particularly, I was, and still am, very interested in pediatrics and cardiology.
I was able to shadow doctors in the pediatrics ward, to the obgyn, to the cardiology department, and finally to surgery. I chose these programs based on understanding better what a life in medical school and a possible future career would look like.
What was your favorite part about Kenya?
It is hard to choose my favorite part about Kenya. It is such a vibrant, beautiful country where people are filled with stories and experiences to share.
If I were to choose my favorite part, I believe the best part would be touring around Mombasa. To visit the spice market, Fort Jesus, and to be able to interact with locals was truly a unique experience that I would do all over again.
Monkey baby and mother
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
My experience abroad was extraordinary because of the people I met–both the interns and the incredible staff. From the ones taking care of us by cooking and cleaning, to the ones in administration, who were ever-so-kind, supportive, and helpful, I cannot imagine a single happy moment from my abroad experience without these people.
It would have been an entirely different experience, perhaps not as memorable and as transformative, if I had not crossed paths with the people I met during my time in Kenya.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
As I mentioned, without the local staff, my experience could not have been the same. Always attentive, always present, always smiling, my program was marked by the kindness, conversations, and experiences shared by the staff in the program.
From Caroline explaining to me how the traffic on the bridge worked on our way to the hospital, to Robert always being the happiest person in the room, to Bella listening to all our wishes, difficulties, and thoughts, the staff was simply memorable.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had journaled during my time abroad. Although many of my hospital experiences I kept track of, there were so many smaller, but still significant momements that I wish I had a better account of.
Each memory can be so fleeting and not truly encapsulate all that is experienced while abroad. I can still hold onto the feeling of a memory, but exactly remember what were the words, or what was the name of the child that had such an impact on my life.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day during my premedical internship in Kenya was both fulfilling and varied.
I would start by heading to the public hospital, where I would shadow doctors and medical staff, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
After a busy morning, I would return to our accommodations for lunch, followed by some debriefing and rest.
Some days, we would spend our evenings visiting local schools, educating girls about personal hygiene, which was also incredibly rewarding. Other days, I would have extra shifts in the hospital, further immersing myself in the medical field and learning from nurses and doctors alike.
Feeding a giraffe on safari
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
During my free time in Kenya, I loved visiting the beach, where I would often unwind with a good book in hand. Engaging in various outreach projects was incredibly fulfilling.
In some afternoons we would go to nearby communities and schools to provide educational information about health, as well as neccessary supplies. One experience I had in my free time was the opportunity to visit a safari to see the wildlife, and it was a thrilling experience.
I also enjoyed exploring typical Kenyan restaurants with friends, savoring the local cuisine and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. These activities made my time in Kenya unforgettable, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, education, and cultural immersion.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
During my time in Kenya, I lived in a room with a bathroom, a couple of bunk beds and three roommates. While the accommodations may seem simple, they were always well-taken care of, clean, and ventilated.
What I liked best about this setup was the camaraderie we developed. Living in such close quarters allowed us to bond over our shared experiences, and my roommates and I became good friends.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing they should know about it is the importance of being willing to put aside expectations and be completely vulnerable to all they can learn at the program. This mindset allows for a deeper, more enriching experience, enabling participants to fully immerse themselves in the culture, challenges, and lessons that the program has to offer.
If you come in already concluding what you should get out of it, it will truly not be a real experience, but rather frustrating for not being what you had imagined. That being said, I can affirm that by changing my mindset, this program surpassed every expectation I had.
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?
I would wholeheartedly recommend my premedical internship program in Kenya to others. It was an incredibly inspiring and transformative experience, filled with valuable life lessons.
The program not only provided me with valuable medical experience but also allowed me to immerse myself in a different culture, broadening my perspective and enhancing my empathy and understanding.
The challenges I faced and overcame during the internship have made me a more resilient and compassionate individual, and I believe others would benefit greatly from such an enriching experience.
Cheetah
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit I feel from traveling abroad is the profound personal growth it offers. Stepping out of my comfort zone in Kenya allowed me to confront new challenges, understand different perspectives, and broaden my horizons in ways I never imagined.
It pushed me to adapt, learn, and grow, fostering resilience and empathy. Kenya, with its rich culture and diverse landscapes, provided the perfect backdrop for this transformative journey, leaving me with memories and lessons that will stay with me forever.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I'm home, reflecting on my time in Kenya, I can see how profoundly it has changed me as a person. The challenges I faced and the experiences I had pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me grow in ways I never imagined.
I've become more adaptable, resilient, and empathetic, with a greater appreciation for the diversity of the world. My time in Kenya has also ignited a passion for global health and a desire to make a positive impact on underserved communities.
Overall, this experience has shaped me into a more compassionate, culturally aware individual, and I am grateful for the growth it has brought into my life.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is about stepping into the unknown, embracing unfamiliar cultures, and challenging myself to grow in ways that wouldn't be possible in familiar surroundings.
It's about immersing myself in new experiences, opening my mind to different perspectives, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world and my place in it. Meaningful travel is about seeking out moments of connection, learning, and personal transformation, ultimately returning home with a broader perspective and a richer, more nuanced view of life.
