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Study Medicine Abroad

Apply your medical skills in the real world and explore different health systems by studying medicine abroad. Medicine is a global career that goes beyond the classroom and lab. Spend summers volunteering on HIV/AIDS projects in Africa or gain hands-on experience in surgery during clinical rotations in Mexico. Whether taking vitals or teaching kids proper hygiene, studying medicine abroad lets you apply your skills and start changing the world, one person at a time.
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193 Medicine Study Abroad Programs

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Featured Provider of the Month

International Medical Aid (IMA)

9.96

161

Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA

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

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Atlantis

9.69

115

Shadow Doctors in Spain w/ #1 Pre-Health Provider

Have the opportunity to shadow doctors for 20+ hours per week in this program. Learn from and build relationships with physicians in each specialty you rotate in as well as participate in excursions to enhance your intercultural perspectives. Show MD/DO/PA school admissions you can compare and contrast different healthcare systems, and then apply that knowledge toward improving the care of your future patients. With alumni in 40 of the top 50 MD programs, Atlantis prepares you for a future career in healthcare. Atlantis is the largest and most reputable pre-health study abroad organization for US undergraduates. What better way to gain 60+ clinical hours than in the beautiful and warm country of Spain? Not only will you shadow well-esteemed physicians in top European hospitals, but you also have plenty of time to explore the country's rich culture and traditions.

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Arcos Learning Abroad

9.5

8

Arcos Learning Abroad in Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Study abroad in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. Set in the verdant northwest corner of Spain’s Galicia region, this small city is the final destination of the famous Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James. The city is a World Heritage site and has attracted pilgrims walking the Camino for over a thousand years. The most prominent feature is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of St. James the apostle. Here you will study at the prestigious University of Santiago de Compostela, which was established in the 1500s. It is historically one of the top 3 universities in Spain. The university is a central part of the city and adds a wonderful youthful vibe. Enjoy exploring the old city center with its winding cobblestone streets and hidden plazas. For the semester, there is no student visa required and you will take Spanish classes and electives. All students have the option to participate in an internship course. During the summer, join the Medical Spanish and Healthcare program. The university is renowned for its top-rated medical school. The experience of a lifetime awaits you in Santiago de Compostela!

University Studies Abroad Consortium

8.84

19

USAC Maastricht Undergraduate Coursework

The Maastricht program is ideal for students interested in earning credit toward their degree while engaging in hands-on, student-led learning in an international setting. Regardless of the term you choose, your coursework is supplemented with experiences such as field trips, museum visits, and seminars on locations. Since the majority of Dutch citizens are fluent in English (and extremely welcoming!), connecting with locals couldn’t be easier. One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, Maastricht boasts picturesque architecture, medieval city walls, cobblestone alleys and streets, seventeenth-century facades, and a Roman bridge. It is conveniently located in the heart of Europe, with major capitals such as Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and London only a short train ride away. However, once you arrive in Maastricht, you may not want to leave—with a historic city center; countless numbers of inviting sidewalk cafés, pubs, and restaurants; sports facilities; shops; and numerous film, music, and theater venues, Maastricht has everything a student could wish for!

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AIFS Abroad

9.11

37

AIFS Abroad in San José, Costa Rica: Semester

Spend a semester or academic year in the lively capital of San José with AIFS Abroad! You’ll earn up to 20 credits per semester from Universidad Veritas through various courses and internship opportunities. Courses are taught in English and Spanish. No previous Spanish language study is required for most programs. Universidad Veritas offers an internship program and volunteer opportunities that’ll help you make the most of your semester abroad. Their Spanish Language and Internship Program welcomes students with an advanced level of Spanish and a minimum of 2 years of college-level Spanish. It combines a 4-week Spanish language course with a 12-week internship placement within local companies or NGOs based on your major. You’ll also enjoy cultural and social activities, including: • Costa Rican cooking classes • Visits to local museums and historical sites • A 3-day trip to Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and Monteverde Cloud Forest • A 3-day trip to the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park • Day trip to Poás Volcano, Doka Coffee Estate, and Sarchi artisans Optional excursions include a 2-day trip hiking and rafting in Sarapiquí.

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StudyAbroad.com

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Study Abroad in the USA (University of Wyoming)

Discover the American West at the University of Wyoming, located in Laramie, a friendly college town surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges and open plains. At UW, study abroad students benefit from small class sizes, affordable tuition, and strong academic programs—especially in engineering, business, environmental sciences, and education. Whether you're looking to experience American campus life, explore Yellowstone and the Rocky Mountains, or participate in cutting-edge research, UW offers a unique and welcoming environment. Students enjoy over 200 student clubs, Division I athletics, and access to outdoor adventures year-round. With a safe, tight-knit campus and supportive faculty, the University of Wyoming is an ideal destination for international students seeking a high-quality education and unforgettable cultural experience in the heart of the USA.

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WorldStrides

9.7

30

Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain

Study abroad in Salamanca! Sign up for any of our programs - Spanish Language & Culture, Business & Spanish Language, Liberal Arts & Spanish Language, etc. - no matter your Spanish proficiency level. You will study at the Universidad de Salamanca, Spain’s oldest and most prestigious university. Throughout the program, you will become part of a large community comprising around 6,500 foreign students who take language and culture classes or regular classes with local students. You will have access to our office, which is within a five-minute walk from the university. Visit us if you wish to use the internet, learn about activities and excursions, receive mentoring, or simply hang out. Of course, don’t miss out on guided and solo trips around the city. Check out sandstone-colored buildings, earning Salamanca the nickname “La Ciudad Dorada” (The Golden City), as well as other beautiful locations in and around the city.

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CIEE College Study Abroad

9.29

58

CIEE Arts and Sciences (Hayang University) in Seoul, Korea

Your Arts + Sciences program in Seoul lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Korean culture. Live and learn in Seoul! Seoul is South Korea’s high-tech capital, celebrated for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and cutting-edge advancements in science and technology.

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IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad

9.5

8

IFSA Study in Shanghai: International Business

Your ticket to Asia's financial headquarters! As China’s financial epicenter, Shanghai is a fascinating place to explore international business, economic development, marketing, finance, and more. Put theory into context with corporate visits and internships at Chinese and multinational companies. These experiences not only give you a front-row seat to this nation’s rapidly changing business environment—they also stand out on a resume. Enhance your professional communication skills with an elective specially geared for business. Team up with a Chinese university student for a couple of hours of casual, social language practice each week.

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MAXIMO NIVEL

9.49

637

Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America

Live and study in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Maximo Nivel offers the most intensive and professional Spanish immersion program in Latin America. Our Native Spanish Program emphasizes oral communication and integrated skills development to truly help build your Spanish language proficiency - this is a great immersion experience! Our native-speaking Spanish teachers are highly qualified professional instructors with years of experience. Our Tandem Conversation program pairs Spanish program participants with our local English students for free conversation practice.

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CIS Abroad

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Semester Study + Intern in London - Uni. of Westminster

Imagine spending the semester living in the heart of London while taking classes and completing an international internship. Your academic base will be the University of Westminster, where you'll be taking classes in a wide variety of topics and gaining professional experience in an internship chosen according to your background and interests. Fulfill major course requirements and boost your résumé like nothing else! The University of Westminster offers over 700 classes in a number of fields such as architecture, chemistry, computer science, British history, business, design, psychology, and many more. Interested in learning about British business practices? Want to try your hand at journalism or fashion design? Use this opportunity to build on existing skills or learn something new!

IES Abroad

9.11

18

IES Abroad London – Health Practice & Policy

Don’t just learn about health care in a classroom—immerse yourself through theory and practice. Study compelling public health issues in the United Kingdom and Kingston, Jamaica, that are affecting local communities, regions, and the global population. The curriculum for this program was created to meet the academic needs and interests of students in pre-professional medical studies and public health majors and minors, as well as students studying Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology. Through our program, you discover the different perspectives, challenges, and needs of diverse populations in London and Kingston with a once-in-a-lifetime service learning opportunity. During the final 10 days of the term, you participate in an extended course-related trip to Kingston, Jamaica, hosted by the University of the West Indies School of Nursing, Mona. Learn about the health care issues in a developing economy through lectures, discussions, and observation at community health clinics and local NGOs.

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SIT Study Abroad

8.7

10

SIT Study Abroad: Chile: Public Health, Traditional Medicine

Live in ethnically diverse Arica, near the borders of Peru and Bolivia, and explore local healthcare practices. Here, you’ll learn about transnational issues such as infectious disease management and examine healthcare from an international perspective. You will spend more than three weeks with the Mapuche and Aymara communities to learn about Indigenous medicine. Through classroom learning, cultural immersion, homestays, and excursions, you will develop your Spanish language skills. SIT’s program in Chile offers the opportunity to earn a minor in global health or Indigenous health. MONEY MATTERS SIT has given an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in recent years and is committed to ensuring you have the information necessary to apply for such funding. Our program costs include academics, excursions, accommodations, airport transfers, meals, and health insurance. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information.

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American University of Beirut

8.94

50

Study Abroad at the American University of Beirut

The American University of Beirut has long been admired for the strength and breadth of its academic programs and its commitment to a broad-based liberal arts education. All entering undergraduate students are required to complete a number of general education courses that provide them with the opportunity to explore many different disciplines. The University's Faculties of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Architecture, Health Sciences, Medicine (which includes the Rafic Hariri School of Nursing), and the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business offer more than 120 undergraduate and graduate programs. In addition, AUB also offers a select number of PhD programs in Arab and Middle Eastern History, Arabic language and literature, cell and molecular biology, theoretical physics, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and environmental and water resources engineering.

Reach Cambridge

9.77

26

Reach Cambridge International Summer Courses

Join us for the experience of a lifetime! Reach Cambridge offers students aged 14-18 from all over the world the unique opportunity to prepare for their future in the beautiful and inspiring University City of Cambridge. We offer a diverse range of subject courses taught by expert tutors, complemented by engaging workshops and lectures. Each course is specially designed to complement high school studies while offering a glimpse of university-style learning. We also offer a varied daily program of inclusive, fun activities and weekend excursions to other famous cultural highlights within the UK, such as London, Oxford, and Stratford-upon-Avon. Join our truly international community of students and make friends from around the world in a safe and positive environment. Applications are now open for 2025! Please visit our website to check offers and apply. Choose your program: Two weeks Sunday 5th July - Saturday 18th July 2026 Sunday 19th July - Saturday 1st August 2026 Sunday 2nd August - Saturday 15th August 2026 Four weeks Sunday 5th July - Saturday 1st August 2026 Sunday 19th July - Saturday 15th August 2026 Six weeks Sunday 5th July - Saturday 15th August 2026

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Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

9

1

Study Abroad at UAB: Tailor Made Study Programs for Groups

This is a unique, tailor-made learning and living experience integrated with the academic quality of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Our customized programs are for institutions and agencies that want to provide groups of international students with an educational experience at a university of international excellence. Participants study on the main campus just outside the city or at a campus in central Barcelona. Individual programs are tailored by selecting from more than 100 elective subjects in English or Spanish across areas like Business, Communication, Medicine and Nursing, Law, Arts and Humanities, and Spanish and Catalan Language. Guarantee maximum flexibility! Programs are available all year round, with flexible timetables and no minimum duration. Students can add accommodation, meals, transport, cultural visits, and leisure activities.

Mente Argentina

9.93

27

Dynamic Academic Semester: Study & Immerse in Buenos Aires

Embark on a dynamic academic journey in Buenos Aires with Mente Argentina’s Academic Semester Program. Designed for students eager to delve into Argentine culture and academic excellence, this program allows you to study at one of four prestigious universities. Whether aiming for a semester or a full academic year, earn between 12-18 US semester credits or 24-36 ECTS credits, all transferrable to your home institution. Our program not only provides comprehensive academic options but also enables you to enrich your experience through internships, volunteer work, or specialized immersion courses in Tango, Cooking, Wine Tasting, Photography, and TEFL Certification. Why Choose Buenos Aires? Buenos Aires, with its lively arts scene, diverse culinary landscape, and dynamic social atmosphere, offers an unparalleled backdrop for academic and personal growth. Studying here enhances your academic credentials and provides a rich, immersive cultural experience, preparing you for global citizenship.

Forum-Nexus Study Abroad

9.83

6

Nursing and Pre-Med Traveling Summer Program in Europe

Make the most of your summer by traveling through Europe and taking classes related to your major! Our Ultimate Summer in Europe program offers courses related to nursing and pre-med in the European Union, along with other options for elective credit. See more than you could imagine in one summer with Forum-Nexus Study Abroad and new friends worldwide! It's free to apply online. Ultimate Summer in Europe: 5 Countries, 8 Cities in 1 Month Program itinerary: Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Milan, Lugano, Verona, Riva del Garda Program dates: June 28 - July 25, 2026 Shorter sessions are also available Visit our website for more details, including how to apply for free.

University of Warwick

0

0

Pre-University Summer School 2026

If you are an enthusiastic and motivated 16-17-year-old student looking for a summer experience to inspire and enlighten you, our Warwick Pre-University Summer School is for you. Have an unforgettable summer experience at Warwick, 14 - 24 July 2026 Experience what it's like to be a university student with like-minded peers from around the globe, learning from top faculty from one of the UK's highest-ranked universities. You can choose from these courses: Economics and Finance, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Health, Medical and Life Sciences and Science and Engineering. You'll get to spend ten nights on Warwick's beautiful self-contained campus and live alongside student ambassadors who are current Warwick students. You'll also have a choice of activities and a visit to the famous City of Oxford and Warwick castle, as this program offers a great mix of academic and personal development sessions and social and cultural activities.

Go Abroad China Ltd.

9.71

150

Paid Internships in Fortune 500 Companies in China

Go Abroad China’s Paid Internship Program connects international students, graduates, and young professionals with guaranteed placements in Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, and innovative startups across China. Since 2003, we’ve placed over 4,000 participants from 50+ countries into 2,000+ paid internships spanning 20+ industries—including business, finance, engineering, IT, marketing, law, hospitality, and more. Designed for ambitious and motivated individuals aged 18+, our year-round programs offer real-world, cross-cultural experience in booming cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. No Mandarin skills required—many placements are in English-speaking environments. All-inclusive packages from $1,980 cover accommodation, visa support, Mandarin classes, orientation, business/cultural activities, 24/7 local assistance, and a risk-free refund policy. With 90% of interns securing jobs within 3 months and 20% receiving full-time offers, this is your gateway to a global career. We understand that every intern's needs and budget are unique, which is why we offer fully customizable package options, and we will tailor a program specifically for you.

A Guide to Studying Medicine Abroad

Prepare to Study Abroad

Understand the benefits

Studying medicine abroad can offer plenty of perks and benefits! Anyone participating in a semester or so abroad can gain:

  • New cultural insights. Getting to know patients in your own country can be an eye-opening experience as you begin in the field. Imagine how much more you’ll gain from working with professionals and patients of another country. Your perspective will certainly broaden and can help improve the lives of so many more people.
  • New people. Between peers, staff, medical professionals, clients, and everyone you’ll meet there, you’ll have plenty of new faces to meet and grow with. Having friends and connections internationally is more exciting and unique than other relationships.
  • Hone your skills. The term or year abroad can help you refine and grow your skills in a new environment.
  • Jumpstart your career. By participating in a program abroad you can add more than just the internship to your resume. Going abroad makes both your hard and soft skills expand and become more resilient.

Things to know

Medicine students are needed and welcomed virtually everywhere! Wherever you head, there are some important things to know before settling in.

  • Language requirements - Ensure you meet the language proficiency needed for your destination. Even if it’s not required for classes, knowing basic phrases in the local language is helpful when traveling.
  • Cost of living and money - Research the cost of living and budget accordingly. Look for student deals, such as discounted transportation or museum passes, which are often available in many countries.
  • Visa and documentation - Understand the visa requirements and gather the necessary documents. Double-check with your program, embassy, or airline for any additional documentation beyond the basics.
  • Health and safety - Familiarize yourself with the health and safety regulations of your host country. Prepare personal emergency funds, housing, transport plans, and other backups in case of unexpected situations.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can study medicine abroad. Many countries offer medical programs for international students. Keep in mind that pursuing a medical degree abroad often involves a competitive and rigorous application process.

Some popular destinations for studying medicine include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Ireland. The "best" country for studying medicine will depend on your goals, preferences, budget, and eligibility.

A medical degree typically takes years of study and training. On average, studying medicine requires approximately 6 to 8 years to complete. This timeframe includes undergraduate and medical school education.

Studying medicine abroad for free is highly unlikely. But some countries may offer scholarships, grants, or financial aid opportunities specifically for international students.

Yes. In most cases, you will need a visa to study medicine abroad. The type of visa depends on the country where you plan to study and your nationality.

Latest Program Reviews

A Life-Changing Kenya Journey of Growth and Purpose Through My Pre-Physician Assistant Internship With IMA

December 22, 2025by: Grace Munoz - United StatesProgram: Physician Assistant/Pre-PA Internships Abroad | IMA
10

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.

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