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Summer Study Abroad Programs in France

Summer break—the perfect time for drinks, beaches, and festivities – oui? Oui! Experience the best of all of these AND get ahead in your studies by spending this magical time in France. The birthplace of Napoleon, Descartes, Monet (the list goes on), your extended vacation will enlighten your education. From vast vineyards in Bordeaux to an iconic stroll along la Seine to the seemingly never-ending countryside in Provence, this romantic country will woo you with its endless flirtatious features. Grab your swimsuit and pop the champagne—you’re spending a once-in-a-lifetime of summer study abroad in France!
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111 Summer Study Abroad Programs in France

University Studies Abroad Consortium

8.95

74

Top Rated Program Study Abroad in France 2025
Lyon, France: Intensive French, Undergrad Studies in English

Study in Lyon to learn and live in one of the most attractive cities in France, creating a fresh combination of the bustle of a large European city and the simplicity of French tradition. Explore the city center with towering business buildings, blocks of busy shops, and streets lined with cafes full of Lyonnais taking their afternoon break. Then, turn onto a quiet cobblestone street and duck into a small bistro, where you are sure to get a chance to practice your French. Spend your weekends biking or strolling along the Rhône or Saône rivers, planning a Sunday picnic with friends, or wandering through some of the most well-preserved Renaissance architecture in the world. The Lyon program offers an intensive language approach at L’Université Catholique de Lyon (Lyon Catholic University), where you earn up to nine credits of French in one semester. Depending upon your language level, you will choose electives in culture, political science, cinema, economics, or literature taught specifically for USAC students. The university also offers the opportunity to enroll in courses taught in either English or French with French students.

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AIFS Abroad

9.16

32

AIFS Abroad in Cannes, France: Summer

Spend your summer in the sunny, international resort city of Cannes, France, with AIFS Abroad! Earn up to 13 credits at the Campus International de Cannes. Courses are taught in English and French. Learn or perfect your French language skills with no previous French language study required. Live on campus in a student residence hall overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. You will share a double or triple room, with single rooms available for an additional fee. If you want to immerse yourself in the French language and culture, a homestay is also an option for housing. Homestay students receive breakfast daily and lunch Monday through Sunday on campus. Enjoy cultural and social activities, including: • Boat trips to St. Marguerite Island and St. Tropez • Museum visits • Afternoon at a French cinema • Trips to Monaco, Nice, Gorges du Verdon (French Grand Canyon), and a Cistercian monastery on St. Honorat Island An optional, 3-day cultural excursion to Paris, France, is available for session 2 students. A 2-night tour of London, England, is included for students on the AIFS Abroad Flight Package.

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StudyAbroad.com

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Study Abroad in France (Institut Culinaire de France)

Dive into the heart of French culinary tradition with a semester at the renowned Institut Culinaire de France in Bordeaux. Known as one of the world’s top gastronomic destinations, Bordeaux offers the perfect backdrop for students passionate about food, culture, and innovation. This program stands out by blending hands-on training in classical and modern French techniques with an immersive cultural experience in one of Europe’s most picturesque cities. Ideal for aspiring chefs, food enthusiasts, and anyone looking to refine their culinary skills, this program balances rigorous coursework with real-world application. You’ll work alongside top chefs, gaining valuable experience in state-of-the-art kitchens, all while exploring Bordeaux’s vibrant markets, Michelin-starred restaurants, and world-famous vineyards. Participants emerge with a deeper understanding of French cuisine, industry connections, and an international perspective that sets them apart in a competitive field. Open to students with a strong interest in culinary arts, the program requires no prior professional experience—just a love for food and a thirst for adventure. Take the next step in your culinary journey!

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WorldStrides

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26

Study Abroad in Paris, France

Apply to our Paris program and get the chance to attend French culture and language, business, and/or elective courses based on your academic goals! Your choices of institutions are the American Business School Paris (ABSP), the Cours de Civilization Française de la Sorbonne (CCFS), and the Institut Catholique de Paris. All courses, except French language and some culture courses, are taught in English by guest lecturers and international professors. Our Paris office is located in the Latin Quarter, across the Seine River from the Notre Dame Cathedral. Enjoy full access to our facilities, amenities, and resources; ensuring you have everything you need while in Paris. The “City of Light” is rich in academia, culture, tradition, luxury, and history. It has distinct personalities you can observe from the two banks of the Seine River. While the Eiffel Tower is a must-try, check out other stunning attractions including the Musée du Louvre, Centre Pompidou, Musée d’Orsay, Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, Sainte-Chapelle, and many more!

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CIEE College Study Abroad

8.94

17

CIEE Summer + Semester Internships Programs

CIEE offers the most extensive network of internship programs. Are you a U.S. college student looking to study and intern abroad? We have full-time and part-time placements across 40+ locations worldwide and in diverse fields, from AI and engineering to public policy and business administration. Find the right fit for you! Live, learn, and work abroad on an internship program with CIEE! CIEE Summer Internships CIEE Summer Global Internships are 6-credit, 8-week programs with full-time working hours (approximately 30 hours weekly) and a seminar. CIEE Summer Intern and Study Abroad are 6 to 7-credit, 6-week programs with a part-time internship (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and a 3-credit academic course. CIEE Semester Internships CIEE Semester Global Internships are 9 to 13-credit, 12-week programs that feature a full-time internship (approximately 30 hours weekly), a seminar, and an optional 3 to 4-credit academic course online. CIEE Semester Intern and Study Abroad Programs are 12 to 14-credit, 12-week programs that feature a part-time internship​ (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and two academic courses.

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New York University

8.22

9

Practice French at NYU Paris

At NYU Paris, you’ll practice your French language skills while being immersed in French culture. If you’re a beginner, you’ll take courses taught in both French and English. But if you have some knowledge, you’ll take all of your courses in French. Courses include "France and the European Union: Europe in Crisis," "Fundamentals of Machine Learning," and "Writing Paris." NYU’s academic center is in the Latin Quarter, a vibrant neighborhood known for its rich culture, laid-back atmosphere, and intellectual history. While studying abroad at NYU Paris, the Tandem Language Exchange program helps improve your French by pairing you with a student from a Parisian university. You’ll be introduced through email and then meet online or in person. This program aims to develop your French conversation skills while also helping French students practice their English language skills. You don't just improve your fluency, but you also get the chance to learn more about French life and culture. Opportunities vary based on local restrictions. Visit the NYU Paris website for up-to-date information.

SAI Programs

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SAI Study Abroad at the American University of Paris (Paris)

Study in the French capital through SAI and take advantage of our services, ranging from pre-departure advice to on-site support. By enrolling in SAI's program at the American University of Paris, students benefit from an American-style education in an international context. Established in 1962, the AUP is one of Europe’s oldest American institutions of higher education. It offers a US-accredited liberal arts curriculum, allowing you to take relevant and exciting English courses while integrating your learning with a rich Parisian experience. Join the school’s community of international students, on a campus based in the prestigious “7th arrondissement” of Paris, not far from the Eiffel Tower. SAI oversees and coordinates all aspects of student enrollment, including application processing, course selection and credit, visa advising, housing, student health insurance, and transcripts. In addition, SAI provides comprehensive student services, beginning with pre-departure and leading to our on-site orientation.

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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)

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Physician Assistant/Pre-PA Internships Abroad | IMA

Join the ranks of forward-thinking healthcare professionals through International Medical Aid's (IMA) Physician Assistant and Pre-PA Internships. Our program, rooted in the educational standards of Johns Hopkins University, is designed to propel undergraduate students, PA school attendees, certified PAs, and high school students into the heart of global health care. IMA, a non-profit entity, extends beyond traditional borders to bring essential medical aid and education to underserved regions in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. The internship, underscored by an ethics-based approach to care, enhances clinical skills and lets you explore the cultural and societal nuances of healthcare, facilitated by our seasoned mentors. IMA's commitment to improving global health while also enriching the educational journey of each intern is evident in our comprehensive support system. From day one, interns receive personalized guidance, from field-specific orientation to admissions consulting for PA school, ensuring a seamless transition into international medical settings.

IES Abroad

9.27

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IES Abroad: Study Abroad & Intern

IES Abroad offers 140+ programs in more than 35 locations worldwide for undergraduate students. We're a little obsessed with study abroad, and not at all ashamed to admit it. We are a highly-charged force of study abroad enthusiasts. Every day we have the privilege of witnessing how study abroad changes our students' lives. That's the reason we do what we do: to provide once-in-a-lifetime educational adventures. Everything we do is about the IES Abroad student. Our goal is to provide personal support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process. Whether it's housing or cultural events or field trips, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible. Study with us for a summer, semester, or year. No matter the term, our world-class faculty and courses will engage you as you discover new ways of learning both inside and outside the classroom. How will study abroad redefine you? We can't wait to find out.

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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.

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Columbia University School of Professional Studies

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Study Abroad at Columbia University SPS

With 17 Master’s degrees and a variety of flexible courses and formats, Columbia's School of Professional Studies rigorous programs meet students where they are and take them where they want to go — on their terms and throughout their lives. Columbia's location in NYC offers students the unique opportunity to take advantage of one of the most diverse and dynamic places in the world. Whether you’re seeking to take a deep dive into an area of interest or incorporate a cross-disciplinary perspective into your studies, Columbia's Visiting Students program offers students enrolled in a degree program at another institution the specialized, world-class instruction that you would expect in the Ivy League. Visiting students are enrolled alongside matriculated Columbia degree students, and earn credits that may be used toward graduation at your home institution.

Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne

8

5

Learn Business French in Paris

Business French is of growing importance in a world where intercultural communication and mastery of several languages are essential assets! The CCFS business French course thus allows students to integrate many language skills necessary to evolve in a French-speaking professional environment. This program offers the following combination, over 12 weeks of class (one semester), either in the Fall or in the Spring: - French language teaching focused on Business (10 hours per week) - phonetics with laboratory (5 hours every other week) - lectures on French civilization (optional, up to 9 jours a week) - sessions dedicated to oral and professional writing (job interview, administrative email, annual evaluation interview, meeting, telephone interview, cover letter, analysis of articles from the economic and professional press etc.) We also offer the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in the language and culture by living with a French host family!

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Edu-Culture Immersion

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French Individual Immersion in Paris

Join this individual French host family immersion program for high school students! Spend 2 to 6 weeks of your summer in stunning and historic Paris, living with a volunteer family. We will choose a family most suited to you and your interests and with a teen of a similar age. You will speak only French from start to finish and will be completely integrated into your host family's life and culture. This is the best way to improve your French! Our families live in and around Paris, giving you a unique and authentic experience living in the capital! Our families are carefully chosen and are all volunteers, eager to host and forge a connection with international students. Enhance your stay with the option to take one-to-one French classes and participate in sports or local activities. This is a highly flexible program—you choose the dates and length of stay. Your host family coordinator is on call 24/7. You will have regular contact with your amazing local host family coordinators during your stay.

CEA

8.84

58

CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Paris, France

Imagine spending a semester in Paris, the embodiment of fine art, cuisine, and fashion. Home to one of the most beautiful skylines in the world, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame, and the enchanting Seine River, this French capital has an incredible history. CEA CAPA partners with Paris-Sorbonne University, The Catholic University of Paris, and ESSCA École de Management. Study at one of these renowned institutions, at CEA CAPA Paris Center, or both with a hybrid learning program. Choose from various courses offered in both English and French. To ensure you get the most out of this cultural and academic experience, CEA CAPA offers volunteer opportunities, excursions to other cities, and many other cultural and learning activities to complement course offerings that turn Paris into a classroom. In addition to study abroad programs, explore CEA CAPA Internships Abroad in Paris. Gain hands-on, pre-professional experience as you dive into a career field and develop the professional skills needed to rise above the competition. Interested in going abroad with CEA CAPA? Contact us to get started!

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Academic Programs International

9.36

11

API: Experience Paris, France (Scholarships Available)

Immerse yourself in French culture and the way of life in Paris, France! Whether it is gastronomic greatness, artistic endeavor, or cultural cachet you are looking for, there is no doubt that the City of Light still sits right at the top of the European heap. Visit wondrous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre! Are you interested in Art? Study art, design, or fashion with some of the greatest modern artists and professors at Parsons Paris. Take excursions all across France, from Bordeaux to Champagne! The cultural hub of Europe is at your fingertips when you study abroad in Paris, France! New for 2024: Study at one of Europe's top business schools, Grenoble École de Management, with our Semester International Business Studies program in Paris. Here, you can hone your business skills and expand your network amidst a vibrant international student community. Learn more on our website! We also have new internship opportunities in Paris! Design and Restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral to working with Luxury Fashion Brand Management, you will select an internship with an international organization that meets your professional, academic, and personal goals.

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Abbey Road Programs

9.2

25

Nice, France: French Immersion Summer Program

In Nice, you will live in a modern student apartment, in the beautiful Old Port neighborhood, in the very heart of town. Every student chooses two classes as their academic focus: a major and an elective. The French major class meets every morning Monday to Friday while electives meet three afternoons a week. Electives include French Conversation, Photography, Sports, and Studio Art. Abbey Road provides three meals a day of high-quality food through a variety of venues. We often cook together using traditional French recipes. On some nights we go out for group dinners. In any case, our students eat authentic, quality food, as opposed to fast food or tourist meals. Our teaching method emphasizes active, hands-on learning, cultural and language immersion. Most of our French classes include interacting with locals, practicing French, and small group French conversation workshops. The program also offers a great variety of cultural, educational, athletic, and travel activities. You will visit some of the most beautiful destinations on the French Riviera: St. Jean, Beaulieu, Monaco, Eze, Antibes, Cannes, and many others.

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Non-Profit Study Abroad (NPSA)

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Non-Profit, Low Cost, Direct Study in France

Study abroad in France and immerse yourself in the country’s elegance and romantic culture. NPSA connects you to a broad range of non-profit, low-cost, direct study programs. These university-level, academic-type programs are available all year round. Weekly, monthly, summer, quarterly, semester, and academic year—pick the best term for you. Plus, stay in low-cost housing on campus or in nearby areas. Overall, avoid expensive, for-profit programs and register directly with a school in France. After successful completion, you will earn academic credits that are transferable to your home school. These study abroad programs are open to students worldwide. See more details on the NPSA website. Use this website to review and book your study abroad program in France.

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The National Registration Center for Study Abroad

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0

Learn French at The University of Sorbonne

Learn French at the Sorbonne University, situated in the heart of the Latin Quarter of Paris on the Left Bank. The area has a bohemian character to it, and is an artists and students quarter. It also boasts the aristocratic and classical elegance of the Faubourg St. Germain. The Sorbonne University was founded in the 13th century and houses the University of Paris Arts and Human Sciences faculties. They have been running language courses for more than sixty years. Their programs are specially designed for teaching French to foreign students. They run the language lessons like regular university courses, with a practical element to it. The University represents those dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and higher education in France. They boast famous alumni, including St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Bonaventure, and Albert le Grand.

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Schiller International University

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Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Advance your career with the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Schiller International University. This program offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools like Python, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges. The comprehensive curriculum covers key areas such as software development, artificial intelligence, data analysis, and cybersecurity, equipping graduates with the skills needed to excel in today’s dynamic tech industry. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Schiller provides a solid foundation for a successful career and enhances your competitiveness in the job market. The program’s project-based learning approach emphasizes technical expertise and practical experience, giving graduates a unique edge highly valued by employers.

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A Guide to Summer Study Abroad in France

Why Spend Summer in France

With summer programs in France, you’ll experience the créme de la créme of everything France has to offer. You’ll not only be able to study art, fashion, history, and culinary arts—you’ll live and breathe them! Some of the best festivities of the year align with this season, from watching the cyclists at the Tour de France and admiring art at the Festival d’Avignon to celebrating the French Revolution on Bastille Day with the locals. Experience France to the fullest next summer!

While programs offer courses in both in English and French, why not immerse yourself in the language of love? French is the second most studied language in the world and the official language of France (in fact, most people won’t speak English on principle). Summer programs in France offer immersion courses in a relaxing atmosphere, with smaller class sizes for you to quickly learn your s'il vous plaît’s and merci’s. You’ll be ordering pastis in French in no time! After you get back home, you’ll make your (future) partner swoon with this seductive language.

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Latest Program Reviews

A Pre-Physician Assistant Internship Program in Kenya With IMA: Global Health Perspective, Cultural Immersion, and Growth Beyond My Comfort Zone

December 25, 2025by: Taylor Breiby - United StatesProgram: Physician Assistant/Pre-PA Internships Abroad | IMA
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This program was a great experience in exploring global health differences and disparities, gaining shadowing experience, and immersing myself in a different culture. The mentors were very welcoming and supportive, even checking in on us when we seemed down or quiet. Hilda in particular checked in on us frequently. The food was 10/10, and the kitchen staff was very hospitable. I enjoyed Dr. Shazim's collaboration with the program, where I learned a great deal from his knowledge and experiences. He was always witnessing to discuss clinical experiences and took it upon himself to give us new facts or wisdom. Additionally, I enjoyed the effort put into the cultural treks, and the mentors always encouraged us to explore while giving us tips on staying safe in the area. I appreciated the gated location of the residence with a guard and locked doors in keeping us safe at night. I gained a lot out of observing the public health system and the impact that access, socioeconomic status, health literacy, local diseases, etc. has on a population's health outcomes. I tend to be a shy person as well, and so this opportunity helped me grow out of my comfort zone a bit in getting to know the other interns and the staff at CGTRH, as well as exploring the city. Lastly, I appreciate that IMA enforces the ethical standards of students participating within their scope of practice. Because the vast majority of interns are students with minimal to no experience, it did feel as though not much of an impact was made from us to the hospital, at least for my duration (except for the medical clinic, where I felt useful). 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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