Winter Study Abroad Programs in France

I chose AIFS Abroad because of the variety of programs that they offer. I went to Paris, France for a January term to take an Accounting class at the American Business College. The AIFS staff was super helpful with me. Even before departure, they were there for me helping me with my housing options and to coordinate my flights, during my program they invited us to different excursions and to the AIFS office in Paris to know the staff and after the program they were very interested in our feedback and reviews. During my program I stayed with a host family and it was such an amazing thing because i got to experience French culture first-hand while also sharing a little bit about my own culture. The American Business College is a place where students from different cultures and backgrounds share one same perspective on global business with an American point of view, which made everything easier for me. This program had a great impact in my life because it made me get out of my comfort zone and get to know so many people while earning credit towards my degree. I'd recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking to study abroad or intern while getting credits towards their degree. AIFS is very helpful, has so many programs available and a staff who is always willing to make the best for you.

My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.

My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.

My study abroad experience with CEA CAPA in Antibes France was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made! I made so many core memories I will never forget and stories that I cherish. I meat people from all over the world and expanded my global perspective. I learned what it means to live and “adult” in a different country. But most importantly I got to live a life full of adventure and freedom that I would have never experienced if it was not for CEA CAPA!

It is difficult to find the words to describe what an incredible time I had in Paris with CEA Study Abroad. My life is forever changed because of my time in Paris. Meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, having to converse in a language I had never studied grew me more than I could have imagined. The CEA staff was extremly organized and welcoming, beginning to end and calmed the nerves I had landing in Paris. I will never forget my experience and will forever be grateful to the CEA team

I absolutely loved my time in Aix-en-Provence with CEA Capa. Their staff were super helpful in teaching me about the local culture and all the best places in the city. The excursions were incredible and highlights of my trip! The standard housing was also really nice, with a lofted bedroom, single bathroom, and kitchen. The only thing I didn't love about the housing was the lack of oven, but we made it work. Lastly, learning mostly in French was such a rewarding experience for me. It was difficult for sure, but it was super rewarding. Overall, I felt my skills in French got so much better due to my experience here.

Studying abroad is one of the best decisions I could have made. I found it to be a great learning experience and a taste of independent life. I enjoyed the freedom of getting to visit any place in the city, as well as neighboring cities and countries. I traveled to 3 other countries and went on both CEA-sponsored trips. I had a blast in the academic center and made a lot of great friends. I liked the instructors that I had for my Thermodynamics and Architecture classes. They were not trying to trick us or fail us, and they did a lot to incorporate the city of Paris into the class content. I took the train and metro everywhere! I didn't realize how convenient it was to get around. I was used to NYC subways, but Paris metros were so much better. The transportation system everywhere (even in Switzerland and Germany) was very easy to figure out. Pros: the great food ease of transport not really a language barrier Cons: cost of souvenirs transportation doesn't run after 1 am

I had a wonderful time on this trip! The opportunity to experience so many new cultures through art was great! Being in foreign countries with new people also created the perfect opportunity to create new friendships, especially since you're all in the same boat! Travel is a great way to build bonds. We also had plenty of time to explore on our own and enjoy the cities we were in!

I loved every minute of travelling and exploring the city of Paris, the program was really fun and I learned quite a bit. My professor was great and the locations we went to were awesome. Go abroad! It's worth it.

My j-term abroad was a life changing event. From the start, AIFS made things very clear, which was helpful for me as a planner. Getting to Paris, and then to the place I was staying, was incredibly easy and worry-free with AIFS booking the flights and the rides. Without having to worry about those thing, I got to spend more time studying up on the language and culture of Paris for my stay. Once I got there, I knew I would remember it forever. My professor was an absolute pleasure to learn from, knowing the ins and outs of the city and teaching us things beyond the course material, allowing us to grow as people as well as scholars. The free time available to us made it possible for everyone to explore what they they wished to. The gatherings hosted by the AIFS staff were very fun, and a nice way to connect with people who knew exactly what a study abroad trip entailed. I met my best friend on this trip, and we still talk every day a year and a half later! Between the course, the city, the guidance from AIFS, and the truly kind people in Paris, I had the best time. I 100% suggest everyone study abroad while they have the chance. It is a lot easier and realistic than you would think!

Choosing to spend a semester abroad was one of the best decisions of my life! It can seem daunting and scary sometimes, but it's so worth it! AIFS is unique in that it incorporates travel opportunities and excursions during the semester, which truly immerses you in the culture and helps you to feel more comfortable with traveling abroad. I really enjoyed my French language course, and my French skills increased exponentially. I felt like I was able to easily balance my classes and exploring, and my roommates and I traveled almost every weekend. Cannes is a fantastic location because of its stunning views and proximity to the airport. Our program director was incredibly helpful, knowledgable about the area, and always prioritized us having a positive abroad experience. I made lifelong friends and met so many people from across the globe. I learned so much about myself and different cultures, and my outlook on life changed for the better. If you have the opportunity to study abroad, 100% do it!

I chose to go abroad with AIFS Abroad because they had a specific program that I really wanted to do. This was the Cannes Extended Spring Semester Study Abroad & Internship program. While abroad, I had great support from AIFS Abroad staff, in particular my program director, Aude Romens, who made herself available to help myself and other students with whatever we needed help with. She worked hands-on with us to guide us through program excursions to local cities (and countries) such as Nice, Monaco, and Grasse, as well as taking us on longer trips to Paris and Florence, Italy. For housing, I had my own room and had the best view ever, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. I had the opportunity to have cool experiences in my classes, such as creating a short film for my film class and putting on a play, all in French! I made some of the greatest friends abroad, who I still talk to today. My program consisted of about 25 people, so the group became a very tight-knit group of people, which was great as we did all the activities and excursions together. This experience allowed me to grow my French language skills and also allowed me to participate in an internship during the Cannes Film Festival. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to students who really want to make the most out of their experience abroad. They provide you with all the resources you need to not only survive but thrive abroad.

It was an amazing experience participating in CIEE. This is my second time studying abroad through CIEE, and it’s been an amazing experience so far. I would recommend it to everyone who’d love to enjoy a new perspective in life and gain a sense of leadership and independence.

When I decided I wanted to go abroad, I was nervous about a lot of things. First off, I was scared that when I went abroad I would have to settle for a location I did not want to be in because I needed my credits to transfer over. Luckily AIFS had a program in a wonderful city with a bunch of classes that would transfer back to my home university super well. When I chose this program, I was overjoyed but nervous about living in a homestay. When I got there I was happily surprised to find that my host family was amazing and provided me with an experience I would not have been able to have if I had been in a dorm/apt. The people that I met in the program were some of the coolest people I have ever known and am happy to call them my friends to this day. If you are looking for a great program in Paris where you have the freedom to meet new people, travel, and find yourself in a new place, I would 100% recommend this to you!

It was an amazing experience participating in CIEE. This is my second time studying abroad through CIEE, and it’s been an amazing experience so far. I would recommend it to everyone who’d love to enjoy a new perspective in life and gain a sense of leadership and independence.

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.

This trip was truly life-changing and inspiring, and I am very thankful for all of the staff for their amazing support through the process. I loved everything—the food and culture were beyond amazing. I want to give a shout out to my bestie Janet; she accompanied me through my weekend treks. I had a blast with her, and I’m so glad she’s the one that went with me. I never felt unsafe during my time in Kenya, and for that I am so appreciative. I think one of the most positive experiences I made on this trip were the friendships I made, but also the community outreach events we had. There was nothing more eye-opening than going to underprivileged communities and providing the extra support that they desperately needed, which is proper healthcare. I am so blessed to have been able to experience something like this with such a well rounded program. Thank you!! The first time I heard about IMA, I was immediately intrigued. I remember seeing the program, and it fueled my curiosity that had been growing ever since I thought about doing an internship. The idea of actually getting accepted into such a program felt almost far-fetched. I have never taken the time to apply to anything like this before, so the idea of stepping into this opportunity was so thrilling yet nerve wracking. I was lucky enough to have a supportive circle around me—people that encouraged and reminded me that I was capable of doing anything I set my mind to. With enough convincing, I applied. In my mind, I thought, “What’s the worst that could happen? I don’t get accepted—or I could end up having the craziest experience in Kenya.” Fast forward a couple months, and I find myself at the Royal Suites residence, staring in awe at what the next three weeks of my life would hold. I was greeted by a wonderful group of peers and staff, and from that moment, I knew I would be in good hands. Walking into this program, I had some experience as a medical assistant in a neurology office. However, that was completely different from what I encountered at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital. I vividly recollect the first day I arrived at the hospital, knowing I would encounter far more striking cases than those back home. During my time there, I rotated through the Emergency, Pediatrics, and Surgery departments, and I also participated in night rotations at least once a week in other departments. Before beginning, I received an orientation that included discussions on what to expect in terms of medical cases, as well as the local culture and customs. I was told that healthcare in Kenya was severely understaffed and poorly supplied due to location and financial reasons (Cultural Approaches to Pediatric Palliative Care in Central Massachusetts: Kenyan, n.d.). I was also informed that many patients present with advanced stages of illness, often as a result of financial constraints or religious beliefs. During my time in the Emergency Room, I saw many patients that would arrive with advanced cancers, severe infections, and untreated wounds. When asked about the situation, the most common response was that they simply did not have the money for treatment. Others would say the nearest medical facility was too far from their homes, requiring them to strategically plan when they could make the trip. One response in particular really struck me: a patient’s family explained that they were relying on prayer to heal their loved one, believing it was best to let God provide the cure. As a believer myself, I was impacted and inspired by that statement. However, it was hard to reconcile because many of the situations I saw needed urgent attention. In those moments, it felt challenging to accept that faith alone was being relied upon in circumstances where timely medical care was critical. There are many traditions of healing and medicine that Kenyans use. Various natural remedies are commonly used such as African potatoes, rooibos, and the hoodia cactus. Additionally, there are rituals that are performed for spiritual healing. For example, shells, bones, and stones are used to communicate with ancestors or spirits to learn more about the patient’s health condition (Brooke, 2023). When I was in the hospital I never encountered someone that firmly believed in these practices, but I heard from the nurses around that it was used by many patients. In terms of patient care, I witnessed a wide range of cases. Being in a public hospital, I observed severe understaffing as well as lack of essential tools equipment. There were many moments when I would instinctively look for an instrument we would normally have back home, only to find it unavailable. In those situations, we often had to improvise and make do with what was already on hand. I vividly recall one night during a shift a patient began coding. One of the nurses was desperately searching for a BVM (bag valve mask), going drawer by drawer in an attempt to find one. The search took four or five minutes, and by the time the mask was finally located, the patient had already been declared deceased. I don’t know if the patient would have survived had the mask been found and used sooner; regardless, the situation highlighted the critical lack of necessary resources. Another example of improvisation was when gloves were used as tourniquets, which led to supplies running out more quickly. I remember one shift in the PICU, I was reminded that one of the mothers that gave birth to two beautiful boys was in intensive care due to birthing complications. One of the nurses approached me and one of my peers, asking if we were interested in feeding the babies. Without hesitation, we both agreed. I have never fed a premature baby before, so I was incredibly nervous and assumed there would be a machine of some sort. I was wrong. We had to use a syringe, carefully letting the milk independently go through the tube. This process was time-consuming, as we had to hold the syringe up in the air to allow the milk to flow, which took roughly ten to fifteen minutes. At times, the milk would get stuck in the tubes or even harden, creating additional challenges. I remember hearing that these methods were used back in the day, so it wasn’t uncommon—just time-consuming and requiring extra attention. Typically, Nairobi and the Central Province are considered to offer the best public healthcare, while the North Eastern Provinces are generally more underdeveloped in terms of medical infrastructure and resources. There are private hospitals in Nairobi that are very respected and known to be top tier (Healthcare in Kenya, n.d.). After all that I have learned during this trip, I returned home with a deep sense of appreciation for the healthcare providers I had worked alongside, as well as a strong desire to continue learning more about global healthcare practices and the challenges faced in resource-limited settings. Witnessing the dedication of the healthcare providers who worked tirelessly despite limited supplies and overwhelming patient needs gave me a deep sense of respect and admiration for their commitment to their patients. I recall all of the conversations I had with the providers and students—one thing was clear: they all shared a deep love for the field. They acknowledged that their work could be challenging and frustrating at times, yet none could imagine doing anything else. There was genuine passion and grit behind every single provider, evident in the care they provided and the dedication they showed to their patients. I witnessed what it was like to think quickly on my feet and rely on the limited skills I had. These experiences taught me that healthcare isn’t just about medicine—it’s about human connection, understanding, and trust. I will be sure to bring these lessons into my career by prioritizing empathy, effective communication, and cultural sensitivity. I’ve always had a deep passion for healthcare, shaped both by my childhood interests and personal experiences. This trip has only intensified my passion, leaving me with a strong desire to learn and do even more in the field. I fully plan to return to Kenya and work at Coast General once I am a certified Physician Assistant, so that I can gain more practical experience while contributing to the healthcare system and properly helping patients in need. My time in Kenya was transformative. It exposed me to the realities of healthcare in resource limiting settings, challenged me to develop critical thinking skills and adaptability, reignited my passion for healthcare, and strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant. I am determined to apply all that I have learned in every aspect of my future practice—fully dedicated to serving patients with compassion and cultural competency while continuing to seek opportunities to learn and grow as a healthcare professional. Beyond the clinical skills, this experience taught me the importance of patience and resiliency. This applies to myself and the patients. I learned how small gestures like listening, showing empathy, and providing reassurance can have a profound impact on the patient’s wellbeing and steps to recovery. Allowing myself to see how other providers navigate such a challenging system inspired me to think of more solutions and think proactively about improving healthcare, even in similar situations where resources are limited. I have gained an appreciation for proper teamwork and collaboration. It was refreshing to see how providers rely on one another to manage heavy workloads and ensure the patients’ comfortability—some demonstrated it better than others. This experience has diligently motivated me to approach my future career with a humbled mindset of service, humility, and continuous growth. Every patient encounter is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. I am now more committed than ever to properly advocating for patients, embracing diverse perspectives, and integrating proper cultural competency in all aspects of my future practice.

My time in Cusco was amazing, and I really appreciated everything and all the staff who took care of us. Juda, Manuela, and Surabhi were all very helpful when it came to asking them questions about the program, and they were equally helpful when we asked questions about Cusco, such as restaurant or shop recommendations and how to navigate around the city. I have no complaints with any of the doctors; all of them were super nice and answered any of our questions. Particularly, Dr. Silva and Dra. Yadhira stood out to me, and I really liked their approach to medicine. Lastly, I participated in the Machu Picchu trek, and I want to shout out Hans and Raul, who were our guides. They were amazing and very accommodating. I am a slow hiker, so Raul stayed back with me and my friend so that we wouldn't get lost or be unsafe. They were also very fun and did karaoke with a few of us after the trek, which is forever going to be memorable for me. Overall, I have no complaints with any staff. I also want to shout out Victor for being the best driver, and all of the staff in the hotel for all their hard work. My experience being a pre-Physician Assistant intern through International Medical Aid (IMA) in Cusco, Peru is an experience I will be eternally grateful for—not only because it was a determining factor in why I want to pursue medicine, but also because I learned so much from the social and medical culture in Peru. A reason I applied specifically to the Peru location is because I never hear much about South America as a whole in U.S. media, and if I do hear about it, they only mention the “dangers.” However, the three weeks I have spent here gave me so much growth and knowledge about Peru. I was able to connect deeply with the mentors and other locals in the city of Cusco, and getting to talk to the doctors about their experience in the medical field was eye-opening. Coming to Peru was like finally understanding the expression, “Don’t knock it till you try it,” because all my preconceptions were erased and replaced with true knowledge of the culture and the socioeconomic structure. Ever since I was younger, I was always interested in the medical field, and as I grew up, I started to become more and more aware of how medicine is run in the U.S. I am lucky to have grown up in a household where we are able to afford sufficient insurance, so personally, I have never dealt with the hardship of large medical bills, but through personal research, I have learned how difficult it is for people of low socioeconomic status to get proper insurance and medical care. In the United States, healthcare is not free, but as I learned in Peru through our cultural presentation sessions, all Peruvians have the right to universal healthcare. Though I did not know this before coming to Peru, I was not shocked. It is rarer to see countries that do not provide free healthcare, such as the United States. One of the largest ongoing debates is whether the U.S. should pivot to a universal healthcare plan; some of the disadvantages include “significant upfront costs and logistical challenges,” while the advantages could create “a healthier populace and thus, in the long-term, help to mitigate the economic costs of an unhealthy nation” (Zieff et al., 2020). Due to the U.S. having an extremely advanced healthcare system that can offer some of the best care and procedures for extremely unique cases, many people disagree with the idea of offering a universal plan because it will create more complications in how healthcare should be divided. However, the latter perspective suggests that having an option of universal healthcare will create a healthier America and illness in our population will decrease. Furthermore, in Peru, the way healthcare works is that everyone has access to universal healthcare, but if they are employed, they can opt in to affordable insurance that gives them access to more advanced hospitals such as EsSalud, which is a division 3-1 center. The level of care there is not entirely comparable to the advanced care in the U.S.; however, these hospitals provide general and some specialized care, which is considered high level. The highest level of care in Peru is division 3-2. These centers contain sub-specialized fields and are only found in the capital, Lima, because it is the most populated city (International Medical Aid, 2025). This is unfortunate because if someone were to have a unique medical emergency, they would have to be rushed to Lima to get quality care, while in the U.S., it is common to live closer to hospitals with specialized care. During our time with IMA in Cusco, we also made a short trip to a nearby rural city called Casacunca, where we held a community clinic to help and provide medical attention to the citizens of the city. As we learned in our clinical debriefing sessions, most of Peru’s population is in the large cities such as Lima and Cusco, but there are a vast number of rural cities that, unfortunately, rarely get medical attention, so it was amazing that we were able to assist those who deal with this misfortune. Through my American perspective, I initially thought it was so unfair that people who live far from major cities hardly ever seek medical attention from doctors, and I believed it was almost diabolical that the government hasn’t expanded and created more large hospitals in these regions. However, as I learned by being in the rural cities in Peru, a lot of the citizens do not go to physicians and/or do not believe in Western science and instead prefer herbal medicines and advice from shamans/healers. This is because they strongly believe in the powers of traditional medicine, and access to it is more proximal (van Soeren & Aragon, 2016). In contrast, in Cusco, more people tend to turn to Western medicine because they have access to it, and the EsSalud hospital and many clinics we shadowed at are examples. In an even larger contrast, in the United States, we are the pinnacle of Western medicine—so much so that we try to cure anything and everything with medicine or medical treatment. The U.S. also spends the most out of all wealthy countries on healthcare, which allows us to have many advanced hospitals and medical technology throughout the country. However, we still see a lot of problems with the health of our citizens (PFPG, 2022). Even with this level of spending, we see high infant mortality rates, unmanaged diabetes, and more (PFPG, 2022). This shows that maybe Western medicine is not always the cure for medical problems, and instead there should be a balance between traditional and Western medicine. In one of my classes in college, I learned how if someone is pre-diabetic, instead of instantly starting insulin doses, they should invest in caring for their diet by cutting out artificial sugars and eating more protein. Ultimately, from my knowledge of Western and traditional medicine, I believe that they are both valuable and people should research both when they are looking for a “cure” to what they have. Additionally, through the IMA program, we had weekly presentation sessions, and in one session we specifically discussed the disease burden in Peru. One large takeaway I had from this presentation was that many people die from disease annually in Peru, and some of the main diseases that are killers in Peru are completely managed here in the United States. From the lecture, we learned about the most common communicable and non-communicable diseases found in Peru. Communicable diseases are transmitted between people or other organisms, and the common ones in Peru are malaria, dengue, tuberculosis, and acute respiratory infections (International Medical Aid, 2025). Non-communicable diseases are not spread from person to person, yet they arise due to the individual’s behavior, and the most widespread ones in Peru are hypertension, diabetes, and COPD in adults and anemia and malnutrition in infants/children (International Medical Aid, 2025). Two diseases that stood out to me from being in the lecture and staying in Peru for three weeks were tuberculosis and anemia. According to the lecture, there are about 27,000 cases of tuberculosis (TB) annually in Peru. In the U.S., we have less than half that rate annually, at around 10,347 cases reported by the CDC in 2024 (CDC, 2025). One possible reason that could explain why the U.S. does not experience as many TB cases compared to other countries like Peru is because of our widespread healthcare system. Again, as I have mentioned earlier, U.S. healthcare is considered to be one of the most technologically advanced and is well known for having extremely specialized care. This is most likely the reason why we do not see as many cases of TB, and if we do see them, there is less chance of it leading to mortality. In Peru, healthcare is not as widespread, and what I mean by this is that large hospitals with specialized or sub-specialized care are only seen in the most populated cities. If people are diagnosed with TB in a rural city, they will have to travel long distances to get specialized care in a hospital, and if they can’t afford the travel or do not have access to travel, they have to treat themselves the best they can. This is why TB is extremely prevalent in Peru specifically, and the reason why TB is one of the most deadly diseases in Peru, causing an estimated couple thousand deaths annually (International Medical Aid, 2025). This is why Peruvian healthcare should be more accessible, and this can start with the government allocating more funds to build more division 3 hospitals throughout the country, not just in major cities. Anemia was another disease that I became more familiar with through this internship. Working alongside the doctors and nurses in the EsSalud hospital, I learned that anemia has a different detection threshold in Cusco, Peru in comparison to the U.S. and even other cities in Peru, such as Lima, due to the high altitude. In Cusco, Peru, a detection of 11 mg/dL or below in the hemoglobin is considered anemic, but in the U.S. it is 13.5 mg/dL for men and 12 mg/dL for women (International Medical Aid, 2025; American Society of Hematology, 2025). The high altitude causes there to naturally be less oxygen in your blood because there is less oxygen in the atmosphere, and that is why anemia has a lower threshold in Cusco than in other cities/countries—because Cusco stands at about 12,000 ft, being one of the tallest cities in the world. Anemia is also highly prevalent in infants and children in Cusco, and this is due to malnutrition. Children in Cusco do not eat enough red meat and, in general, have poor nutrition, and I was able to actually see this while shadowing in the pediatric and nutrition departments. Fortunately, most of the doctors I worked with explained that anemia usually goes away after about 3–4 years of age, so it is able to be managed, but they did explain that malnutrition is something that is very common in infants throughout all of Peru, and this is the larger problem. Malnutrition comes with a lot more problems than anemia such as irregular bowel movements, thermal issues, dehydration, and even mortality. Chronic malnutrition in infants in Peru is at levels of 11.5%, and in the U.S. it is about 1%, which shows that our government has more control over infant malnutrition. However, according to the USDA, 1 out of 5 children in the U.S. lack food security, so the statistics on chronic malnutrition could be fluctuating regularly depending on the state of the economy (International Medical Aid, 2025; USDA, 2025). Ultimately, infant malnutrition should not be something prevalent in any country, and it should always be a priority that children have access to sufficient nutrition and meals. To conclude, my pre-Physician Assistant internship with International Medical Aid was life changing and taught me more about medicine and myself. I learned exactly how passionate I am about medicine, and I am grateful that I was able to learn in a new environment where I experienced medicine in ways that I have never seen or heard of before. Now, as I pursue my future career, my perspective on medicine and patient care has broadened, and this is for the better because I can approach medicine with the structured U.S. mindset and also the more interactive Peruvian mindset. I will always remember my time in Cusco, and I cherish it. Thank you for giving me this outstanding opportunity.

Overall, I loved the program. I loved how all the doctors were inclusive. On off-clinic days, the program mentors always had an event planned, which was so nice. Being able to learn about the city and tour around was great, and I loved all the food they offered. I want to thank the mentors for being flexible with the interns. They would ask daily who was going out to eat and who was eating at the accommodations. The mentors were always concerned about our health if we did not feel well. I remember the day I got sick—Juda and Manuela kept checking up on me to make sure I was okay. I really appreciated their concern and willingness to help us. Manuela did a great job letting me know who was going to pick me up for my trek, and all the drivers were on time. Big shoutout to my trek guide, Hans. We got to know each other very well and really enjoyed the lunch spot he picked out for us. During my three-week internship with International Medical Aid (IMA), I gained a vast variety of knowledge and experience that has permanently impacted my medical journey. One of the most memorable moments of my internship happened at the community medical clinic. We traveled to Casacunca, a small village in the highlands of Anta, where I gained knowledge on how doctors diagnose patients based on their symptoms and physical examination. I also observed how doctors provided exceptional patient care with limited resources. Having the ability to apply my acquired knowledge of physical examination under the supervision of a physician and contribute to essential healthcare access was my favorite part. Furthermore, this experience is one I will carry with me throughout my medical journey to becoming a physician assistant. It helped me understand the importance of patient care, cultural sensitivity, and the value of healthcare access. At the beginning of the internship, I was excited and curious to see how the clinical rotations were going to be organized. I was looking forward to being hands-on and eager to learn from all the medical personnel at the hospitals and clinics. I have a healthcare background—my mother is a medical assistant, and I work at Stanford Health Care—but my patient care experience is limited. Moreover, I was indecisive about my career path in medicine at the beginning of this program. I have a bachelor's degree in Economics, and starting a career path in medicine would mean I would have to go back to school and start over. My plan is to become a nurse to gain patient care hours and then become a physician assistant. By the end of the internship, I was confident and certain my plan was the right one for me. One of the most important lessons I learned during this program was that patients are not just data or markers you read from an exam. They are human, just like us, so we must take the time to get to know them. This made me realize that becoming a nurse before I become a physician assistant is the right path for me. While shadowing the doctors in the IMA program, I learned something new in each rotation and gained an immense amount of experience in general medicine, urgent care, ultrasound, wound care, and pediatrics. Starting with urgent care, working with Dr. Pedro was great. The environment was fast-paced, as he only had about seven minutes to see every patient, but he always took the time to explain the key points to the interns after seeing each patient. During my time with him, we had a patient who came in with complaints of fever, dry cough, and throat pain that had lasted four days. The patient's oxygen saturation was at 88%, which is normal in Cusco. Dr. Pedro explained that the elevation causes physiological changes to the body. We see these changes not because there is less oxygen at higher altitudes, but because of the change in pressure. With the decline in barometric pressure and the ambient partial pressure of oxygen during ascent, the partial pressure of arterial oxygen and the oxygen saturation are reduced (Luks & Hackett, 2022). I was able to observe this change as soon as I started to walk around Cusco. I was out of breath and felt my body working harder to breathe. As we continued to examine the patient, Dr. Pedro auscultated the patient's lungs to check for any abnormal sounds. Dr. Pedro allowed the interns to participate, and we all heard a crackle in the patient's breathing. This moment stood out to me because I was able to put a sound and label on what abnormal sounds could be during a lung auscultation. When the patient was asked if they were taking any medicines for the cough, the patient said yes, they were taking antibiotics. However, the antibiotic the patient mentioned was indicated for someone who had a cough with phlegm, not the dry cough the patient reported. Dr. Pedro then highlighted the pharmaceutical problem they face in Peru. A pharmacist in Peru can prescribe antibiotics based on someone's symptoms. This causes an issue for doctors, as many patients don't need antibiotics for their illness. From this rotation, I learned that the environment and background of a patient become as important as the symptoms you see present. In addition, although Dr. Pedro had limited time with each patient, he made sure to answer all of the questions the patient had. “It's important to get to know the patient and understand them so they trust you and feel comfortable sharing their history with you,” Dr. Pedro would say. The more information you have, the better evaluation you can assemble, which is especially valuable in a setting where healthcare access has its barriers. These barriers can differ from country to country. Some are systemic differences, and others are economic differences. Having the opportunity to shadow at EsSalud helped me understand these differences. I have the privilege of working at Stanford’s Emergency Department, where resources are abundantly available compared to other hospitals. When shadowing at EsSalud, doctors highlighted the limited amount of resources they have to work with. They don't have every specialty at their disposal, so they work with what's available. One of the systemic problems they face consistently is the use of antibiotics. In Peru, pharmacists are allowed to provide antibiotics to patients without a prescription. Doctors are not supportive of this practice, as the patient could be taking medication that does not treat the illness they have. Many infections are caused by viruses, and antibiotics will have no effect on them because antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections (What Happens If You Take an Antibiotic You Don’t Need? | UNC Health Talk, 2024). I recall Dr. Fabrizio teaching us the Centor criteria to determine if an infection is viral or bacterial. The Centor criteria had different components in which you awarded a 0 or a 1. If the total came out to be greater than or equal to 4, then the doctors would consider the infection bacterial. This is when the use of antibiotics becomes most practical. Having this understanding of antibiotics has helped me educate my family members. My father is from Mexico, and they have the same type of pharmacy system. Throughout my childhood, I would visit my family in Mexico, and having the ability to discuss my complaints with a pharmacist and then obtain medicine in the same moment was something I always viewed as beneficial. However, after interning in Peru, my perspective has changed. I now remind my family to be cautious about going to the pharmacy right away when we visit Mexico. I advise them to see a doctor first so they can be evaluated and prescribed the right medication. As patients have easy access to antibiotics and are exposed to consuming so many, it's concerning that patients can become antibiotic-resistant. A study was carried out analyzing 10 hospitals across Peru to see the effects of antibiotics given to patients in a hospital setting. About 900 patients were given antibiotics, and around 70 percent of those patients were prescribed antibiotics as empirical treatment, with only about 4 percent of those prescriptions being effective (Rondon et al., 2023). Although this study does not address the specific reason why so many Peruvians are antibiotic-resistant, when I asked the doctors at EsSalud, they all attributed it to the easy access to antibiotics. Patients can simply walk over and obtain medication based on their symptoms from someone who is not licensed to prescribe. Over time, patients have taken so many unnecessary antibiotics that they have become antibiotic-resistant. Comparing this system to the United States, back in 1951, the US government passed the Durham-Humphrey Amendment. This amendment categorized prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs, with the intention of preventing harm to patients. Prescription drugs would be monitored by licensed medical professionals, and over-the-counter drugs would be available to patients at any local pharmacy (Harrington & Jarrell, 2024). This amendment laid crucial groundwork in controlling access to antibiotics and many other drugs within the United States. Furthermore, another factor that has contributed to the control of antibiotics is antibiotic stewardship programs. These programs aim to optimize the use of antibiotics and minimize the harm caused by unnecessary use (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). With programs like these in place and with political influence, the United States is able to control a problem other countries are still facing. The pharmaceutical industry is not the only systemic difference between the United States and Peru. The next topic of discussion looks at the economic differences between the two. During our lecture series with Dr. Fabrizio, he educated us on the economic differences between the healthcare systems of the United States and Peru. In the US, hospitals rely on private funding and public funding. Private funding comes in the form of private insurance companies and patient out-of-pocket payments. Public funding usually comes from government programs like Medicare and state-to-state insurance programs like Medi-Cal. My eyes lit up during this part of the presentation, as I deal with insurance as part of my job at Stanford, and I understand the struggles with funding. Most patients do not understand how insurance works. They think that by paying their monthly premium, they have nothing else to pay. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Some insurances have deductibles, and insurance companies want you to pay out-of-pocket to meet that full amount. However, there is another part of your insurance that many do not know exists, which is your out-of-pocket maximum. This number is the amount of money your insurance company wants you to pay out-of-pocket before they start covering all your medical expenses. So, in addition to paying your deductible, you must also meet your out-of-pocket maximum. When patients receive their estimate for their emergency visit, they are astonished by the high amount. The reason the bill is so high is because of the out-of-pocket maximum that patients are not aware they have. Consequently, patients have shared with me that the high bill is a reason they do not seek medical attention at times. Not everyone can cover the thousands of dollars it costs to be seen in the emergency department. It's always a tough conversation to have with a patient when they are dealing with an illness, accident, or injury, and my job requires me to collect payments from patients. Now, looking at public funding programs like Medi-Cal, which is insurance for low-income individuals and families in California, there are both benefits and setbacks. Patients with Medi-Cal insurance will have their emergency visits covered, but when they want to see a primary care provider or specialist, that becomes difficult. Patients insured by Medi-Cal have to see a primary care provider within the network before they see other doctors. These in-network doctors are usually based in small clinics around the communities and don't typically work at these clinics for very long. Patients have a hard time building a relationship with their primary care provider because they will see them a couple of times in the year, and by the following year, they have a new doctor. Patients have shared with me that they prefer Stanford's doctors, but their insurance makes it difficult to see them. There are even times when patients obtain an appointment, but at check-in, we have to inform them that their insurance has denied the visit. If they want to pay out-of-pocket to see the doctor, we have to advise the patient that they might lose their insurance coverage if they proceed. This can be a very frustrating process for the patient and is a reason why patients don't continue with their medical care. In comparison, the economic problems Peru faces are a bit different. When it comes to funding, they rely on public funding and insurance to cover the costs. Public funding comes directly from the government. In 2009, the government created universal healthcare for all Peruvians to address the health inequities and disparities in its most vulnerable population (International Medical Aid, 2023). Peru's healthcare system is divided into different sections. The Ministry of Health (MINSA) provides services to patients under universal healthcare. Social health insurance, or EsSalud, is a medical service that is paid for by patients' employers. Lastly, there are private clinics that typically receive their funding from patients paying out-of-pocket for their services. Many would think that having universal healthcare would solve healthcare access problems, especially for the most vulnerable and poor populations, but this is not the case. Although these services are built to help, access to these locations is still the biggest problem. Another complication is the distribution of funds from the government. When I asked our mentors in the program what they thought of the government, no one was in support. Some of the things they mentioned were the inconsistency of presidents and the misuse of funds. A study was completed in 2020 about the use of funds, and they found that 3.4 billion soles (1 billion US dollars) was not used (Rolf Erik Hönger & Montag, 2024). These funds could be very useful in many different areas, from healthcare supplies to healthcare infrastructure. No one’s healthcare system is perfect, and both systems could use improvements in different ways. Learning about each country's economic differences was interesting. There was always new information I learned throughout my internship. During my rotation at the private clinics, I observed how to perform an arterial blood draw and how doctors use it to obtain a more accurate read on a patient's oxygen level. Being able to see this in person was fascinating, and the lab technician explained all the new information in a simple manner. However, the patient interaction that stuck with me the most was with the community medical clinic patients we saw at Casacunca. Seeing doctors travel hours to provide care to people in rural communities, all while doing it with a smile, has shaped my perspective on being a healthcare provider. Being a provider is not only about giving care to those who can access it or afford it, but also about providing care to anyone, because everyone should be cared for regardless of their social or economic background. At the community medical clinic, I worked in general medicine with the doctors and attended to a mother and her son. The mother came in for a headache, and her son came in for throat pain. I was able to improve my communication with patients as I completed the lung exam and checked if the patient had any tonsillitis with the supervision of the doctor. Having this opportunity helped me better understand the importance of communication in the medical field. You want to make sure the patient understands how to take care of themselves once they go home, and being able to communicate that with your patient is essential in medicine. Being a part of the community medical clinic was my favorite part of my internship with IMA. Not only do I feel I made an impact in this community, but likewise, this community has made an impression on my future goal to become a physician assistant. In closing, this internship has shaped the way I will approach my medical journey. All of the rotations helped me understand the importance of patient care. The lecture series from the doctors improved my cultural sensitivity, and the community medical clinic helped me recognize the value of healthcare access. My career goal is to become a physician assistant. Before, this idea was up in the air. I was thinking of becoming a nurse first and then seeing if I still wanted to go back to school. After being around providers for three weeks, I have never been more certain that being someone who can diagnose and care for patients is my ultimate goal. I want to have the knowledge and autonomy to care for patients and help them understand what is going on with their bodies so they can care for themselves as much as I will. My next steps are to complete my last couple of prerequisites and apply to nursing school. If I don't get accepted in my first round, I will transition into working as an EMT, CNA, or MA to gain patient care experience and then become a physician assistant. Additionally, working in a rural community has sparked my interest in rural medicine, as it resonates with my family background. When we were in the Casacunca community, I felt at home. My father grew up in a village where you would have to drive for hours to seek medical care. I aim to study rural medicine or conduct research and be able to go back to my father's town or Peru as a physician assistant to provide care. I have already talked about applying to IMA again as an official provider with some of my IMA classmates. Not only do I want to provide care in a hospital or clinical setting, but I also want to travel to provide care to those with limited access. Healthcare should have no barriers and should be accessible to all. I intend to contribute to this belief by sharing my knowledge and being part of medical humanitarian programs throughout my medical career. This program will have a lasting impact on my medical journey, and I cannot be more thankful to IMA for allowing me to have this life-changing experience.

This experience in Peru has changed my view of not only healthcare but also life. The things I have learned are valuable not only to my future working in healthcare but also as life lessons. The doctors I worked hands-on with were all incredibly helpful and understanding. The culture I experienced will stick with me for a lifetime. My internship with International Medical Aid in Peru deepened my knowledge of healthcare and strengthened my resolve to work in the field. Being exposed to a healthcare system that is very different from the one in the United States has influenced who I am and the kind of healthcare professional I want to become. I was able to fully immerse myself in a different culture during this two-week trip, analyze the differences between healthcare systems, and observe a wide range of patient relationships. I will use the important experiences and knowledge I gained as I work toward becoming a physician assistant and developing into the best healthcare provider I can be, committed to combating healthcare inequities. The healthcare systems in Peru and the United States differ greatly. Infrastructure, equipment, and resources are some of the primary distinctions. The healthcare system in the U.S. benefits from significant funding, modern infrastructure, advanced technology, and a wide range of services. Despite having a highly developed healthcare system, access in the U.S. is often limited by insurance status and socioeconomic class. In contrast, Peru’s healthcare system faces major challenges, including older infrastructure, limited funding, and inadequate equipment—particularly in low-income communities and rural areas. Some Peruvian hospitals lack the specialized physicians that many patients may require due to these financial constraints. With limited resources, many hospitals do not have access to modern medical equipment, advanced technology, or even some basic supplies needed to evaluate and treat patients. The United States is said to have 95.58% access to modern technology, which is 27% more than Peru’s 75% (National Master, 2025). However, Peru is said to have 62.5% healthcare cost, which is 36% more than the United States at 45.81% (National Master, 2025). These percentages highlight just a few of the disparities between the healthcare systems in Peru and the U.S. During my internship, I was able to witness some of these differences firsthand. Compared to the United States, Peru has a higher prevalence of natural medicine. Instead of relying solely on pharmaceuticals, as is more typical in the U.S., many people in Peru advocate using natural methods to treat illnesses or wounds. Coca leaves, for instance, are strongly recommended as a treatment for altitude sickness, whereas in the U.S. a prescription medication is usually required to alleviate the condition. Another example is maca, which is said to help prevent or manage anemia due to its high iron, protein, and vitamin content (Peruvian Medicinal Plants, 2022). In contrast, prescribed medication or supplements are typically used to treat anemia in the U.S. Before traveling to Peru, I had never seriously considered using natural remedies to heal a variety of illnesses; I always assumed it was more of a placebo effect. This experience showed me how Peruvian and American approaches to treatment differ. During my time in Peru, I witnessed how medical professionals respected their culture and customs by treating patients with more conventional methods while also accepting and incorporating natural or traditional therapies. I learned to respect a patient’s culture and traditions while still offering a professional medical opinion, which can help the patient receive the best care possible. Traditional medicine was widely used when providing care in the Maras community. Although conventional medicine may often be more reliable or offer faster relief, allowing patients to continue using their traditional medicines helps them maintain their beliefs and gives them a sense of identity—both of which are essential for a patient’s overall well-being. I was also able to observe the distinctions between Peruvian rural and urban areas when delivering care in the rural town of Maras. I went to and helped at a day clinic run by IMA in Maras, which was about an hour and a half away from Cusco. My doctor and I saw about fifteen people and provided them with basic medical care. The patients in the rural and urban communities differed significantly. Due to the lack of resources in remote areas, many people had to endure illness for weeks, months, or even years before getting assistance. Delays in seeking treatment can lead to delayed diagnosis, which can mean that a patient’s condition is advanced and treatment is more difficult or sometimes impossible. This can result in increased rates of illness and mortality, contributing to Peru’s high burden of disease. The United States and Peru also differ in the diseases that are most prevalent in each country. In Peru, anemia is very common in children. About 7.3% of children ranging from ages 6 to 35 months have anemia (Alfonso Accinelli, Alfonso Leon-Abarca, 2020). In the United States, anemia prevalence is lower at 3% (Iron Deficiency in the United States, 2022). This is a major difference between Peru and the U.S. The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease, with 680,981 deaths attributed to it (CDC, 2025). In Peru, noncommunicable diseases are the leading cause of death, accounting for 102,145 mortalities (World Health Organization, 2022). These differences show distinct challenges within each country’s healthcare system. My internship with IMA has transformed the way I look at healthcare. It has taught me to advocate for better care and preventative measures for all communities. It has opened my eyes to worldwide disparities within healthcare systems. By witnessing these disparities firsthand, I feel even more encouraged to continue my commitment to becoming a healthcare provider. With this new understanding of patient interaction, preventative care, and advocacy for a better healthcare system, I am committed and excited to use my newfound knowledge to provide the best care possible to all patients. This experience has deeply impacted the type of provider I plan to be. It has taught me the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care, and it has strengthened my determination to help reduce healthcare inequities wherever I work in the future.