Medical & Pre-med Internships Abroad | Go Elective

I took a gap year because I didn’t want to rush into the next stage of school without being sure about what I wanted. I also didn’t want the year to become just more studying and applications. Spending part of it abroad gave me the chance to stay connected to medicine while doing something completely outside my normal routine. Some days were spent at the hospital, while others were spent exploring. I also liked being able to connect with other students who were figuring out their next steps too. Now, I feel less pressure to have everything figured out and much more certain about why I want to continue pursuing medicine.

I was looking for a program that would help me complete my elective requirement while also giving me real clinical experience. During the program, I spent time in surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, emergency care, and cardiology. I saw cases involving trauma, normal deliveries, post-op care, and a variety of other conditions that I would not normally be exposed to during my training back home. That made the experience much more valuable for me. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a clinical elective with a lot of variety and opportunities to learn.

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One of my favorite parts of this program was seeing how healthcare is delivered in a resource-constrained environments. The hospital rotations exposed me to conditions such as severe malaria that are uncommon in the United States, and I was inspired by how healthcare teams provided excellent patient care despite limited resources. The Global Health seminars helped me better understand how factors such as poverty, access to healthcare, and healthcare infrastructure influence patient outcomes. I also enjoyed exploring Mombasa! I left Kenya with a greater appreciation for global health, new friendships, and lessons that I know will carry with me throughout my medical career.

This program gave me the perfect balance of clinical learning and adventure, with the safari being one of the highlights of my trip. It was my first time seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, and so many other incredible animals in the wild, making it an experience that I will always cherish.

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I learned so much throughout this experience, both in and out of the hospital. The clinical rotations, Global Health seminars, and Swahili classes gave me a better understanding of medicine in a different healthcare system, while exploring Mombasa and meeting students from around the world made the experience even more memorable.

The clinical experience exceeded my expectations. I was able to observe a wide range of procedures, ask questions freely, and learn from physicians in Coast General Hospital. I especially enjoyed my time in the pediatrics department, where I gained valuable insight into caring for children and working alongside a supportive team. Every department offered something different, making each day engaging and educational. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in global health or pursuing a career in medicine.

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I can't thank Go-Elective enough for providing such an incredible experience in Africa. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to gain meaningful clinical experience in an actual hospital with a really supportive team

My clinical experience in Kenya was both eye-opening and rewarding. The program allowed us to work with physicians across several departments, and the hospital staff were incredibly welcoming and involved us in daily patient care and clinical activities. Each department offered a different learning experience. I practiced basic patient examination skills and observed hands-on activities such as triage and surgical procedures, which gave me a broader understanding of how medicine is practiced in a real hospital setting. During my rotation, I spent time in general surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and dermatology, and I also had opportunities to shadow physicians during specific procedures and consultations. Outside the hospital, experiencing Kenya’s culture and seeing the Big Five on safari made the trip truly unforgettable and one I will always cherish.

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I stayed 3 weeks with GoElective in Mombasa, Kenya. This trip was truly life changing and the best experience ever. I would highly recommend this organization to many people. The people involved in this organization are truly the best.