Staff Interview with Priyal Patel

What inspired you to travel abroad?

I like traveling and learning new things. I am open and accepting of learning about new cultures. I want to go into the medical field in the future. Every country has its own system of things such as schooling, education, healthcare and common diseases. Since I want to go into the medical field, I thought it was important to gain medical knowledge globally just because every place is different.

I also wanted to learn more about different diseases that may not be common from where I am from. Also, I wanted to learn more about the healthcare system. I also think that as someone that wants to go into the medical field, it is important to learn about different cultures because people come from all different types of backgrounds.

I believe that it is important to learn & understand what cultural competence is and what it means in order to help me succeed in becoming a better medical provider in the future since I want to be a physician.

Why did you choose International Medical Aid?

I did a google search on medical programs. There was a list of programs and International Medical Aid was one of them. I decided to do some research on my own and by checking out the website and other reviews. Then I applied to the program and ended up getting an interview. When I was researching more information about the program, 

I realized that this was the program for me because of all the things it included from the learning experience to understanding cultural differences.

What was your favorite part about Kenya?

The people, food, and culture. The country itself was beautiful. When I started going to local restaurants and meeting new people, I was learning so much as well learning more about myself.

I am Indian and more specifically Gujarati. I didn't realize the history between Kenya and Gujarat until I went on this medical program. The food and culture were somewhat similar to mine and I was discovering new things about myself. The people were so nice and would always start a friendly conversation with me. The food was amazing, it reminded me of home.

What made your experience abroad extraordinary?

The fact I got to experience this with people from around the world and make new friends. I got to learn about a different culture as well as medicine. I remember when I would go to the hospital I would encounter Indian people that are living in Kenya. They would see me and start a conversation and start talking to me in Gujarati. I got to learn more about my culture as well as learn about the similarities between the two cultures. I also got to shadow at a public hospital as well as a private hospital.

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?

They were very supportive, friendly, and caring. They were more like friends than staff and I enjoyed talking to them. Sometimes the hospital staff would look at my name tag and say you’re Gujarati, and I would say yes.

They would already know so much about my culture. They would love talking to me about my culture and I loved asking them about their culture. The local staff was very friendly; they would always answer my questions and made me feel as if I was at home.

They were friendly and very interactive, they always made sure I was taken care of. Even when I was fine, they would still check up on me to make sure I was doing good.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?

I was taking a college course during the time of my internship so sometimes there was a lot going on at once, but I managed to stay organized and on task. I still managed to get the full experience during my time in Mombasa, Kenya but I still think that if I had not taken a college course during my internship that I would have been able to enjoy the experience even more.

I am glad that I got to experience this medical program to the fullest. Even though there were times I would stay up late or wake up early to finish schoolwork just to stay on track I'm glad I got the full experience because even other members in my group were very supportive of me.

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.

I would wake up, shower, and eat breakfast. Then around 8:00 a.m. I would head to the hospital until around 1:00 p.m. I would shadow the doctors and nurses as well as interact with patients. I would then come back to the living area to eat lunch and then there would be a briefing on my experiences from the day.

Some days there were cultural treks while other days there were medical clinics/volunteering events, or presentations. After that, I would have time to myself or I could hang out and go out and explore Mombasa with the other group members.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?

I enjoyed exploring the city of Mombasa, Kenya as well as trying the local restaurants. I went sightseeing to a zoo, workshop, local beaches, and restaurants. I went shopping at the mall. I also went on cultural treks. I even went grocery shopping.

Since I was in Mombasa Kenya for Christmas and New Years, I got to experience how they celebrate in Mombasa. I went to a concert of a famous Kenyan singer and rode camels on the beach. I got to feed giraffes, go swimming and do a lot of fun things.

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?

Everything was nice and I had a good overall experience. There were three home-cooked meals provided daily and you can tell the chef your dietary restrictions. There were shared rooms and bathrooms. There was a common living space with a TV and internet. Pick up and drop off to and from the hospitals were provided as well as to and from the airport. Transportation to the cultural treks and medical clinics/volunteer events were also provided. I really enjoyed the food. It was healthy and delicious and made fresh.

What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?

People should do research on the country they are traveling, like maybe research the culture. I think people should also do more research on the program they are applying to. 

Some people experience a cultural shock while others don't, so I think it is important to try to learn something about the country you are traveling to better enhance your experience.

People should come with an open mind and a readiness to learn and try new things. Even though it might be scary or hard for some people to open up to new things, it can be possible as long as people have a good support system and a willingness to try.

Would you recommend International Medical Aid to others? Why?

Yes, If someone is really interested in healthcare this is a great program for them to learn new things as well as gain experience. Not only do you get to learn about different types of medical professions and shadow different departments in the hospital, but you also get to learn about different diseases and the differences in the healthcare system. I had a great learning experience and I would want others to get the chance to experience this since it is a once in a lifetime experience.

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?

It makes you more independent, responsible and you begin to start taking ownership. Sometimes when people travel alone they become more responsible and especially since they are going to a different country/new place and you never know what to expect.

It helps you grow as an individual since you start to make your own choices. Traveling abroad can be thought of as part of a path to help one grow as an individual. It's like how going to university helps people become more independent and responsible.

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?

It makes me feel really grateful for everything I have. There are some things in life that you can't fully explain/describe or understand until you witness it first hand. Comparing the different facilities I have access to and the treatments and everything.

There were so many people I saw at the hospital that came from far away towns and cities just to come to this one specific hospital because not all hospitals have the same facilities. There are so many things I witnessed first hand and I even witnessed horrible accidents and deaths because of the lack of doctors, nurses, equipment and facilities.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Learning something new or making new discoveries while traveling. It can also mean to deepen your knowledge. Also, giving back to the community while traveling such as volunteering or making donations. You can learn a lot about yourself by traveling and experiencing new things just like I got to learn more and new things about my culture in Mombasa, Kenya through the medical program. It can also mean to be discoveries within yourself. As long as you travel while being open to trying new things and different experiences, then you are allowing yourself to open up and learn.