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Study Abroad Programs in Africa

Studying abroad in Africa means trading ordinary classrooms for cultural deep dives, real-world experiences, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. Forget the stereotypes! This is the continent where your education comes alive. From bustling cities to rural villages, Africa offers endless opportunities to grow as a student and a global citizen. Get ready to explore a continent as diverse as it is unforgettable.
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Seamester

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240 Study Abroad Programs in Africa

University Studies Abroad Consortium

8.57

7

USAC South Africa: Stellenbosch - Undergraduate Courses

Live and study in one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa, featuring historic architecture, rich cultural heritage, and easy access to outdoor and sporting activities. Found in the heart of the wine country, Stellenbosch provides the region's cuisine, culture, and stunning scenery. It is surrounded by mountains in the Jonkershoek Valley and offers the best of both worlds: a small, historic university town with convenient access to the amenities of Cape Town's bigger metropolitan area. Stellenbosch University focuses on inclusivity and diversity, using academic excellence and research activities to find sustainable solutions to some of South Africa's and Africa's greatest challenges. Specifically, the university promotes a science-for-society approach aimed at improving people's lives by eradicating poverty and promoting human dignity and health, democracy and human rights, safety and security, and a sustainable environment and competitive industry. Have the opportunity to create an educational program that meets your personal and academic goals, choosing from courses in a variety of topics—many with a South African or African theme.

AIFS Abroad

9.08

24

Study Abroad and Discover the World with AIFS!

Traveling and seeing the world doesn’t necessarily mean taking a break from your studies. Study abroad with AIFS and broaden your academic knowledge while learning about foreign cultures! Serving more than 1.5 million students since 1964, AIFS is a recognized provider of study abroad programs. We offer a broad range of unique programs in the Americas, South Africa, Europe, Australia, and Asia. And you don’t even have to be proficient in a foreign language to join because most AIFS campuses conduct courses in English or other foreign languages across all levels. AIFS offers all-inclusive program fees, making it simple for students to experience everything the world has to offer while living and studying abroad! Most of all, we guarantee their safety and welfare anywhere they are.

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StudyAbroad.com

0

0

Study Abroad in South Africa (Stellenbosch University)

Stellenbosch University offers a transformative study abroad experience in one of the most beautiful regions of the world. Renowned for academic excellence, the university provides diverse courses in business, arts, environmental science, and more, making it a top choice for students seeking a global education. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty ensure personalized learning in a supportive environment. This program is perfect for students eager to experience South Africa’s rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Participants earn transferable credits while building valuable skills and global connections. Nestled in the picturesque Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch combines vibrant town life with breathtaking natural beauty. From exploring historic vineyards to hiking mountain trails and visiting nearby Cape Town, every day offers new opportunities for discovery. Join Stellenbosch University and make your study abroad experience truly unforgettable!

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WorldStrides

9.57

7

Study Abroad in Meknes, Morocco

Meknès, known as the "Versailles of Morocco," is home to a beautiful blend of the Arab, Berber, and French cultures composing modern Morocco. The diverse and distinct districts of Meknès, such as bustling Ville Nouvelle (modern city), labyrinthine Medina (medieval city), and relaxing plazas and green spaces, speak true to the traditional Moroccan lifestyle. Due to the cultural and historic richness of this medieval city, UNESCO declared Meknès a World Heritage site in 1996 (one of eight in Morocco). With its myriad opportunities for exploration, Meknès provides an ideal setting for studying abroad.

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Semester at Sea

9.64

44

Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Fall 2026: European, African, South American, and Asian Adventure Embark: September 9, IJmuiden, The Netherlands Disembark: Dec 22, Bangkok, Thailand Itinerary: Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, St. Helena, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Hong Kong Spring 2027: Asia, Africa, and Europe Embark: Jan 5, Bangkok, Thailand Disembark: Apr 20, Bremerhaven, Germany Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Scotland

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CIEE College Study Abroad

9.09

22

CIEE Open Campus Block in Cape Town

Situated on the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Town is a magical destination you can call home for one block – or up to three blocks – of your study abroad adventure through CIEE's Open Campus Block program. Spend six weeks - or up to 18 - studying history, politics, literature, film, gender studies, communication, community health, international relations, STEM, and more in English at CIEE Cape Town. Between classes, you're encouraged to explore Cape Town's 72 khaki-colored beaches, eat your fill of braai (BBQ), participate in excursions organized by CIEE, and form connections in the University of Cape Town's vibrant student community, conveniently located in the quaint residential Rondebosch district, near shops, cafés, and restaurants galore. Build your study abroad adventure! Designed for students requiring a flexible study abroad experience, CIEE's Open Campus Block program was thoughtfully structured to be completely customizable. Select one, two, or three six-week blocks per term at any CIEE Open Campus Block location. Choose from Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, and more.

See All 45 Programs

New York University

8

1

Focus on Public Health at NYU Accra in Ghana

Experience life in a developing nation while exploring one of Africa's most intellectually and culturally vibrant cities. Gain direct experience with West Africa’s public health system at New York University in Accra. Students may conduct fieldwork and volunteer at a local hospital or healthcare institution. Local professors and visiting faculty from New York City ensure a rich learning experience. Take multidisciplinary courses like Environmental Health in a Global World and Health and Society in a Global Context. NYU Accra’s academic center is located in suburban Labone, one of the most beautiful residential areas in Accra. The gated center has AC, classrooms, a computer lab, a film-editing suite, Wi-Fi, lounges, and a patio where students can relax and unwind. Opportunities vary based on local restrictions. Visit the NYU Accra website for the most up-to-date information.

SAI Programs

10

3

SAI Programs: Education Abroad Inspiring Creativity!

Since 1995, we have offered students the very finest English-speaking study abroad programs. Headquartered in Northern California, SAI offers a diverse range of summer and semester programs. Each unique program has been carefully designed in collaboration with the host institution to maximize the student experience; both in terms of academic rigor and cultural exploration. SAI provides a full range of student services, including enrollment and registration, housing, visa consultation and a team of full-time, on-site Program Coordinators. Host institutions include: * Florence University of the Arts (Florence) * John Cabot University (Rome) * ITALIAIDEA (Rome) * Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (Milan) (Rome) * Domus Academy (Milan) * Istituto Marangoni (Milan) (Paris) * Santa Anna Institute (Sorrento) * Siena Italian Studies (Siena) * Paris American Academy (Paris) * American University of Paris (Paris) * Paris School of Business (Paris) * Cours de Civilisation Française de La Sorbonne (Paris) * Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (Barcelona) * Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona) * Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering (Barcelona) * Instituto Químico de Sarrià (Barcelona)

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

9.76

51

Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

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International Medical Aid (IMA)

9.96

162

Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Shadow doctors in underserved communities, and immerse yourself in diverse healthcare systems through our extensive network of public and private hospitals. IMA, a nonprofit organization, is deeply invested in the communities we serve, focusing on sustainable health solutions and ethical care practices. You'll be involved in community medical clinics, public health education, and first responder training, addressing the root causes of disease and illness alongside local community leaders. Beyond clinical experience, explore the beauty of your host country through cultural excursions and adventure programs during your free time. Join IMA's fellowships developed at Johns Hopkins University and step into a role that transcends traditional healthcare learning, blending clinical excellence with meaningful community service.

See All 7 Programs

CIS Abroad

9.01

277

Affordable, Comprehensive Study and Intern Abroad Programs

CIS Abroad Study and Intern Abroad programs are some of the most affordable, comprehensive program packages available. We also don't cut any corners by offering everything you would expect from an overseas program: tuition, housing, support, insurance, excursions, social and cultural activities, and airport pick-up – all considered the core of our package. Some programs also include all or most meals, extensive off-site orientations/excursions, transportation passes, and more. Whether you want to study for a year, semester, or summer, intern for a month to a year, or take an intensive foreign language course for a couple of weeks, CIS Abroad has the perfect program for you at the best value! "You're Going Places with CIS Abroad!"

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IES Abroad

8

2

IES Abroad Cape Town – Health, Culture & Development

You have the opportunity to take specially designed courses with other IES Abroad students in a variety of disciplines. These English-taught courses were created with a comparative and interrelated curricular focus in order to help you learn more about South Africa and its neighboring countries. Choose from several Health Science courses and learn how globalization, development, and disease affect different communities. Don't miss the once-in-a-lifetime chance to study abroad in one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. You'll love the crystal clear blue waters, the breathtaking mountains, and everything in between. But there's more to Cape Town than its beauty--its dynamic society is ever-changing and growing, and you can witness it first-hand. Immerse yourself in the African culture and explore one of the most diverse environments in the world. We know you'll agree that studying in Cape Town will make you feel like you're on top of the world.

See All 11 Programs

SIT Study Abroad

9.25

8

SIT Study Abroad: Netherlands: Perspectives on Sexuality

Explore the complexities and paradoxes of gender and sexuality in the Netherlands and Morocco. In Amsterdam, study how gender and sexuality intersect with race, class, and religion, while interrogating the city’s reputation for tolerance through theory, policy, and lived experience. Learn directly from activists, academics, and practitioners, and visit organizations such as COC Netherlands and the Prostitution Information Center. A two-week excursion to Morocco highlights how religion and culture shape gender and sexuality in a Muslim-majority country. SIT’s program in the Netherlands offers the opportunity to earn a minor in global gender & sexuality studies. MONEY MATTERS SIT has given an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in recent years and is committed to ensuring you have the information necessary to apply for such funding. Our program costs include academics, excursions, accommodations, airport transfers, and health insurance. Meal arrangements vary by program. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information.

See All 23 Programs

Deakin University

0

0

Study Online at Deakin’s Cloud Campus

When you’re seeking continuity and flexibility in your studies amid the pandemic, Deakin University offers the perfect solution. Study online at our Cloud Campus, an advanced platform that gives you access to classes, resources, and live-streamed seminars. While attending lessons online, you’ll also participate in discussions, chat with other students and staff, and submit assignments. Where, when, and how you study is up to you. Choose from more than 200 courses designed for interactive learning on our premium online platform. Study at your own pace as well as collaborate and interact with your peers. You also have the option to complete your studies by sitting an exam at the closest or most convenient location. Check out over 100 exam locations. Interested in Deakin’s Cloud Campus? Get a taste for online study by joining a free online course today! Please feel free to contact us for information about short courses as well as our online study program.

Forum-Nexus Study Abroad

9.7

93

Ultimate Summer in Europe: 5 Countries in 1 Month

Experience an unforgettable summer taking classes and traveling through Europe! The Ultimate Summer in Europe program is a multi-city summer study abroad program that visits some of Europe's top cities. Classes are taught by an international team of professors who travel with you. In the evenings and on weekends, enjoy free time to explore and sightsee on your own. Make friends from around the world while gaining valuable professional and academic experience. This is Forum-Nexus! Ultimate Summer in Europe: 5 Countries, 8 Cities in 1 Month Program itinerary: Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Milan, Paris, Lugano, Verona, Riva del Garda Program dates: June 28 - July 25, 2026 Shorter sessions are also available. Don't miss our early bird discount! Visit our website for more details, including how to apply for free.

See All 11 Programs

Academic Programs Abroad (APA)

10

1

APA Dakar: Summer Study in French - Economics, Art, and More

Discover Francophone West Africa in the capital city of Senegal. Dakar is the westernmost point in mainland Africa and is home to numerous businesses, regional banks, NGOs, and a vibrant arts scene. APA's Dakar Summer Program is available for six weeks. All students choose two courses taught in French. Subjects include developmental economics, oral and written African literature, contemporary West African art, and more. A three-day orientation upon arrival and ongoing academic and language support are available. Benefit from APA's signature culture package, including cultural events and seminars, two-day trips to Goree Island and Lac Rose, and one-weekend excursion to the Sine Saloum Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay with a carefully selected host family during your time in Dakar, with all meals and weekly laundry included. Consider extending your stay in Senegal an additional two weeks (perfect for qualifying for funding opportunities!) and choose to pursue an independent study, participate in an internship in an industry of your choice, or volunteer in a village outside of Dakar.

See All 3 Programs

GVI

9.31

26

South Africa Wildlife Awareness Service Learning for Groups

Travel to the culturally diverse country of South Africa and gain insight into both wildlife research and conservation activities as well as critical community development initiatives. Groups get to participate in this interdisciplinary course, accredited by universities and colleges around the world. We introduce students to international service-learning and sustainable development, both in theory and practice. Two weeks prior to departure and two weeks after returning home students engage in lectures, discussion, research, service, and reflection at home and abroad. Emphasis will be placed on relating long-term goals with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and engaging in daily reflection surrounding the experience, led by qualified group facilitators, furthering individual educational development. This course curriculum will be tailored to students' academic level or curriculum. The aim of our Service Learning course is to empower students to gain confidence in their knowledge and practical experience of their subject area.

See All 3 Programs

CEA

8.67

6

Study Engineering Abroad with CEA

Whether it is in historic Rome or in romantic Paris, you will enjoy a truly enriching and exciting study experience abroad! Don’t miss this chance to broaden your knowledge while ticking off some items on your bucket list. Aligning a study abroad program with an engineering major can pose a challenge, especially if you want to stay on track for graduation. CEA recognizes this challenge; hence, we have carefully chosen international partner institutions that offer the courses you need to meet study goals on time. Spend a summer or semester studying engineering abroad with one of our partner institutions. Choose courses from a wide selection of subject areas, such as Aerospace, Civil, Petroleum, Biomedical, STEM programs, engineering-focused internships, as well as core engineering courses at CEA study centers. Or search for a program based on individual requirements and available in locations like Alicante, Buenos Aires, or Paris. While studying engineering abroad with CEA, increase your employability by building an international network, becoming acquainted with the global engineering environment, and beefing up your résumé with valuable skills and experiences.

See All 2 Programs

Carpe Diem Education

9.92

12

Latitudes Gap Year w/ Carpe Diem: Group & Independent Travel

An immersive gap year experience combining a group travel semester and an individual volunteer placement, Latitudes Year is the full-year option for students who want to go deeper in their independent travel journey. As a Latitudes Year student, you’ll spend your first semester traveling on one of our group semesters. During your second semester, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your educational experience with an independent volunteer placement. You’ll work with a specific organization and community that reflects your unique interests and develop meaningful relationships with your host community. Along the way, you’ll develop confidence and independence, and enrich your worldview. Previous placements have included scuba certification while protecting coral reefs in Southern Thailand, working with wildlife in Belize, or participating in conservation efforts in Central America. Carpe Diem’s experienced coordinator works with you to develop a unique program to match your goals.

Pacific Discovery

9.4

35

Semester Abroad in New Zealand & Australia - Conservation

Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. This Pacific Discovery program is designed for students taking a gap year, seeking an alternative study abroad, or looking to combine travel with purpose. Journey across dramatic landscapes, from the fjords of New Zealand to the tropical reefs of Australia. Hike, surf, snorkel, and dive while building global perspective through hands-on conservation and meaningful service learning. Learn directly from Māori and Indigenous Australian communities through authentic cultural exchange. Along the way, develop real-world skills in leadership, teamwork, and sustainability with the option to earn U.S. college credit. With experienced instructors by your side, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and lifelong friendships while exploring two iconic destinations for adventure and growth. Whether you’re preparing for college, building your resume, or redefining your education through travel, this immersive journey will leave you inspired and ready for what’s next. Inquire today to start your New Zealand & Australia Semester with Pacific Discovery.

How to Study Abroad in Africa

Prepare to Study Abroad in Africa

Set goals

Before you start packing your bags for Africa, think about what kind of experience you want academically, personally, and culturally.

  • Choose your subject focus. Africa is perfect for studying medicine, arts, agriculture, politics, or language. You just need to align it with your interests.
  • Location matters. Pick your destination based on what excites you: vibrant cities, historic landmarks, rural communities, or all of the above.
  • Decide your learning style. Want hands-on, field-based learning? Africa offers real-world application through service learning and local engagement.
  • Think long-term. Are you looking for career-boosting internships, research opportunities, or cultural immersion? Set goals that support your future.

Understand the benefits

Studying abroad in Africa isn’t just bold—it’s a game-changer. You’ll get more than classroom lessons; you’ll walk away with life lessons.

  • Unmatched affordability. With tuition between $1,000–$3,000 per year, studying abroad in Africa is budget-friendly and accessible.
  • Explore social impact. From healthcare access to sustainability, Africa gives you the chance to engage with critical global issues.
  • Stand out professionally. Africa isn’t a typical study abroad choice, which means your experience will impress employers and grad schools.
  • Live history. From Egypt’s ancient wonders to South Africa’s complex past, you’ll study in places that shaped the world.

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Latest Program Reviews

A Pre-Medicine Internship Program in Kenya That Shaped My “Why”: Cultural Immersion, Clinical Insight, and a Community That Felt Like Family With IMA

December 24, 2025by: Kayla McBride - United StatesProgram: Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA
10

My experience in Kenya was amazing. I loved fully embracing the culture and meeting so many new people. The people who worked at IMA and in the hospital were wonderful. From the moment Michelle picked me up from the airport, she made IMA feel like home. She was so welcoming, and we quickly became very good friends. I also grew very close with Hilda, who always went above and beyond to make me feel at home and let me know I had a friend in her. The kitchen and housekeeping staff made my time at IMA even more enjoyable. The housekeeping team once even washed my scrubs when I forgot to put them out—something I truly appreciated. I loved the food at the residence, especially the cake! It was really fun when a few of my friends and I got to help make a cake and cinnamon rolls. The residence quickly became my home, and I’m so grateful for that. I feel that I grew as a person both in the hospital and in everyday life, as I was constantly challenged to step out of my comfort zone. The special relationships I formed and every moment I spent in Kenya will stick with me forever. I truly cannot wait to return someday. Everyone comes into this world with nothing. Most people spend their whole lives working to have something—then leave this world with nothing again. So, your soul must gain more than your hands. That sentiment has come to define the way I view my daily life after my internship in Mombasa, Kenya. I've always struggled to find my passion and purpose. Yes, I have things I enjoy doing, but nothing defines who I am as an individual. It's something I’ve prayed about for as long as I can remember but never quite felt to come to fruition. That changed during my time in Mombasa. I found the importance of being a part of a community greater than myself and the impacts small actions can have on others for an eternity. I can truly say it set me on the path to becoming a better version of myself—a better future physician and a better friend. I witnessed the beginning of life, formed lifelong friendships, and saw the end of life. The full cycle. And through it all, I was challenged to value every part of my life more deeply. Birth. As Dr. Shazim would say in every debrief, “Let’s start at the beginning of life. Maternity.” Before arriving at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, I was pretty determined to become a pediatrician. I have always been somewhat apprehensive about going into a specialty where death was on the line, and admittedly I had never stepped into a surgery prior to theater 2 at Coast General. Thus, I have spent most of my shadowing hours in a pediatric clinic. However, surprisingly, the maternity ward quickly became my favorite rotation. I could directly see my feelings about Kenya correspond to labor. Mothers spend months preparing to deliver their babies. They feel everything—excitement, fear, anxiety. There’s always an adrenaline rush. No one knows exactly what will happen, but the mothers, nurses, and physicians prepare for the moment a baby finally comes into this world expectantly. That’s exactly how I felt arriving in Kenya—a rush of emotions and so much uncertainty. A dream I’d held since high school was finally coming true, but I had no idea what to expect. The culture shock, the unknown, the lack of healthcare resources—it was all very real. But the maternity ward shaped me into the kind of physician I want to become. Witnessing a woman’s intense pain during labor to then peacefully hold her newborn is a moment I will carry with me. Despite the challenges of pursuing a career in medicine, like labor, being a part of some of the most shaping and important aspects of someone’s lives will make it worth it. In Mombasa I thought I’d be most influenced by the physicians, but it was the strength of the women that inspired me. They made me want to be the best physician I can be—for them. From C-sections to natural births, witnessing the beginning of life reminded me that nothing is guaranteed. I walked away with a new calling: to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology. I looked back on my journal entries for my rotation in the maternity ward, and I couldn't help but smile. The women I directly got to help, either by stretching with them during labor or holding their hands, I will always remember, and that empathy I learned while in Kenya will shape me into the best physician I can become. Friendship. Throughout my life, many people have influenced me. I’m a firm believer in “friends for different seasons”—some friendships fade, and some stand the test of time. Friendship is an impactful aspect of a person’s life and shapes who they are and become. In Mombasa, I saw the true value of friendship: in patients, mentors, fellow interns, and strangers. Growing up, I attended the same private school from kindergarten to senior year. I graduated with seven people, and I was not challenged to step outside my comfort zone and interact with different types of individuals. However, during my time in Kenya, I was able to reflect on different friendships I had encountered and truly what I had learned from other individuals in my daily life. There were friends who rallied together after tough shifts at the hospital. Friends like Hilda and Michelle, who made Mombasa feel like home. Patients who opened up to me—confided in me—as if we had known each other for years. Strangers asking me what I was doing in Mombasa and fully welcoming me into their city and culture. There were friends who became like family. I watched physicians rally around one another to care for a community in need. That kind of camaraderie—rooted in compassion—deepened my belief in the importance of human connection in medicine. According to Harvard Medical School, medicine has somewhat lost its human connection due to technology: “At its best, being a doctor is an extraordinary and intimate privilege. We build relationships with our patients and see them through times of both joy and suffering; our relationships with each other help us through the same. It's hard to do that in a way that's truly satisfying when we spend most of the day at the computer screen” (Harvard Health, 2016). At Coast General, resources and technology are very limited, and these physicians and nurses must communicate with the patients and peers, which depends on human connection and in turn often creates a more positive experience for the patient. I specifically saw this at the medical clinics, as physicians had limited resources but collaborated and did their best to help every individual, which is something I deeply admire. Death. I wasn’t prepared to see someone take their last breath. I expected panic, sadness, maybe fear. Whenever I have had a loved one die in the past, I usually view it in a negative way. But the death I witnessed was peaceful—like the patient was ready. In a strange way, that’s how I felt leaving Mombasa. I expected to be in tears, not ready to leave the place I had called home for the past month. But instead, I felt peace. Peace that I had experienced something life-changing. Peace that I had grown spiritually, emotionally, and personally. Peace that I had found friendships that would last a lifetime. In a way, this feeling of “death” will stick with me as I start my career to become a physician. The feeling of peace is advice I can pass onto others who are losing a loved one. Death is inevitable, but while in Kenya I learned it can also be peaceful. Death does not have to have a negative connotation, but the narrative of death can be changed for the better. “If you think about it, life is nothing but thoughts, and our thoughts come from the mind. Our thoughts are an internal path leading us somewhere. To the next thought, the next idea, the next life. Everything is created with thought—emotions, designs, and theories. Where thoughts lead us is the most important thing; it’s our inner path leading to freedom or suffering” (At Peace With Death | Bennington College, n.d.). The people in Kenya were steadfast in their faith, and this helped me realize that in some way we are all just walking each other home. I feel like this is an important lesson to take with me in my journey to become a physician, as I have to come to peace with death and help loved ones keep moving forward in their lives. Souls. Souls tie people together. A soul is what makes someone who they are—and it’s shaped by every experience, every relationship. Kenya changed my soul for the better. I poured into others. I learned patience. I experienced a completely different culture and let it shape me. In the pediatric outpatient ward, I met a young girl named Nora who became obsessed with a balloon glove I made for her. That small gesture—something so simple—brought her joy, and in turn, filled me with joy. It made me more aware of how even the smallest acts can have a big impact on someone else’s soul. Yes, Kenya was culturally different from my small town in Georgia. But what struck me most was the people—their outpouring of love and gratitude. They valued what they had. They didn’t take life for granted. In the Western world, we often measure worth by material things—by how much we have, not by how full our lives are. But in Kenya, I saw the meaning of the phrase “Make sure your soul gains more than your hands.” Even amidst poverty and corruption, people remained faithful, grounded, and fulfilled. That lesson is one I’ll carry for life. Before Kenya, I struggled to articulate my "why" for medicine. My answer was something generic—“I enjoy helping others.” But now, I understand it's deeper than that. Medicine isn’t just about helping others—it’s about having a soul-level impact. What I saw, experienced, and endured in Kenya wasn’t easy. The children begging for food outside our Ubers, the lack of basic life-saving devices in the hospital, and people dying due to lack of ICU beds. None of this was glorious, but the community of people that rallied around each other was. Despite differences in ethnic and religious backgrounds, I saw new mothers look out for each other and their newborns, which is a testament to the people in Kenya and the type of person I want to be for others in my life and when I become a physician. Following my arrival home from Kenya, I was asked to speak at church about my experience. I gave my presentation about my time in Kenya and the ways Mombasa and Coast General impacted my life. I will still struggle to put into words the impact the experience had on me. However, unbeknownst to me, the sermon directly following my speech was about souls. About how people have started to value what they materially have in this life over friendships and the impact they have on others. But whenever one dies, none of those materialistic things goes with them, but their soul does. The experiences and impacts that others have on their soul go with them to their next life. Thus, I realized that the impact Kenya had on my life will stay with my soul forever, and consequently the impact I had on others will stay with their souls. Those who connect medicine with the soul are the difference between a good physician and a great physician. The main physician I saw this connection in was Dr. Faruk. Spending the day with him in the diabetes and thyroid clinic, he taught me the importance of finding my voice and passion in medicine that subsequently has an impact on others' lives. He is starting his own nonprofit to help children with type 1 diabetes get access to insulin. This is something he is passionate about and will have an amazing impact when accomplished. Dr. Faruk is an inspiration for me, as he is the physician I want to become. A physician who is not in it for the money or for the fame but is in it for the direct impact that they have on others' souls and daily lives. As Sir William Osler said, “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease” (Centor, 2007) International Medical Aid has shaped me into the physician I want to become. My time in Mombasa taught me the importance of understanding each patient’s story and beliefs, and the responsibility I have now to leave a lasting impact on everyone I meet. These challenges and lessons will stick with me forever and my growth as an individual is all accredited to my experience in Mombasa, Kenya.

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