GoAbroad

Trimester Study Abroad Programs

If you’re living the three-term life, you know that trimester schedules are more unique and allow for more creativity and flexibility in your studies. Trimester systems offer the opportunity to graduate sooner, experience internships, and of course, study abroad! If you have an active learning approach, are easily bored in class, and would rather be taking a more independent, hands-on approach to learning while frolicking around in another culture, it’s time to check out trimester study abroad programs!
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110 Trimester Study Abroad Programs

Arcos Learning Abroad

9.59

117

Top Rated Program Study Abroad in Mexico 2025
Arcos Learning Abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico

Study abroad in the charming colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Oaxaca’s extensive colonial architecture and deeply-rooted indigenous cultures make it a unique and fascinating destination. Spanish classes are offered for all levels and students can choose from a variety of electives and specialized programs in healthcare and the arts. Oaxaca is nestled in a valley in the highlands of central Oaxaca state surrounded by the Sierra Norte mountains. Within easy access to the city, you will find some of Mexico’s best-preserved archaeological sites. Oaxaca is a vibrant city for the arts and possesses a world-famous food culture with cutting-edge restaurants. The Arcos Learning Abroad program provides an all-inclusive study abroad experience with cultural activities on the weekdays, excursions on the weekends, on-site directors, carefully vetted homestays, tuition, and much more. Arcos invites you to step through the arch and into a life-changing experience abroad. Immerse yourself in the timeless culture and rich history of Oaxaca. Mexico awaits!

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University Studies Abroad Consortium

8.25

8

USAC Australia: Melbourne - Full Curriculum

Travel to an Australian destination famous around the world for the Great Ocean Road – Melbourne. Join the Deakin University program, an ideal study abroad opportunity combined with industry partnerships and plenty of fun! The program guarantees top-quality research, tailored courses, and academic excellence. You will enroll in a broad range of courses from these fields: Science and Technology, Arts, Nursing and Behavioral Sciences, Business, Health, Education, and Law. Choose to attend the university’s coastal location near the Great Ocean Road, letting you study on a campus with a scenic backdrop. Deakin University gives assurance of an outstanding learning and living experience on top of state-of-the-art facilities and services. Apart from quality courses, you can take part in internships spanning various disciplines, including Environmental Science, Business, Sociology, Performing Arts, and Journalism, among others. Due to the global health status worldwide, USAC is making programmatic changes to summer, fall, and yearlong programs, and some options might not be available. These changes are posted on individual program pages on the USAC website.

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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International Medical Aid (IMA)

10

69

Physician Assistant/Pre-PA Internships Abroad | IMA

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

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CIS Abroad

10

6

Semester in Barcelona - Universitat de Barcelona

The Semester in Barcelona – University of Barcelona (UB) program is the perfect location for you to elevate your Spanish, study culture and politics, and discover the secrets of this captivating city. Barcelona is an intriguing mix of Spanish, Catalonian, and European culture, and you’ll immerse yourself at a level no tourist could ever achieve. There’s more good news: The UB ranks as the #1 university in Spain, so you’ll study with ace professors in a thrilling, multicultural academic environment. And did we mention the warm climate, the superb shopping, the blissful beaches, and the Gaudí architecture? Once you set foot in Barcelona, you may not want to leave.

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Meiji Academy

9.89

62

Meiji Academy - Study Japanese in Fukuoka

Meiji Academy is your gateway to Japan through our numerous Japanese courses! Choose the type of class that fits your interest and learning style. This way you will learn the language in the most efficient and fun way. - Our Standard Japanese course has 20 lessons per week and is taught in small classes with up to 6 people. - Our Intensive Course has 4 extra private classes per week, and your teacher will focus on your needs. - Our Japanese Traditional Culture Course allows you to experience Zen meditation or wear a kimono. - Our Japanese Pop Culture Course helps you learn more about your favorite Manga and Anime, or visit a maid cafe. - Our Japanese Business Course teaches you about ethics and rules in the Japanese workplace. This is an especially useful class if you plan to live and work in Japan without committing typical mistakes. After class and on the weekends, participate in a variety of activities such as singing karaoke with your new friends or eating ramen at a yatai (a shop stand or mobile food stall)!

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JaLS GROUP

9.65

51

Short-term Japanese Course & Cultural Activity in Hokkaido

Hokkaido Japanese Language School, located in the center of the bustling and modern city of Sapporo, offers students the chance to study Japanese conversationally and culturally. No previous experience is necessary and classes are offered for all levels and age groups. Courses begin every Monday and students have the choice between our nine different programs, including: - Standard Course - Standard + Private Course - Traditional Culture Course - Pop Culture Course - Fashion Culture Course - Travel Japanese Course - JLPT Preparation Course - Winter Course - Summer Course Our certified teachers teach standard Japanese, and interaction with local Japanese during school activities creates the perfect environment to improve your Japanese speaking abilities and learn about Japanese culture. Come join us in beautiful Hokkaido!

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Deakin University

0

0

Study Online at Deakin’s Cloud Campus

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

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.

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Cracow School of Art and Fashion Design

9.46

13

International School of Fashion Design in English

The Cracow School of Art and Fashion Design offers a two-and-a-half-year full-time program that enables students to release their full potential. At the school, students are in the heart of a vibrant community—alive with creative energy, surrounded by people who love what they do, have ideas and talent, plans and passion. The school is for self-motivated fashion enthusiasts who have the flexibility and passion to succeed, mature enough to commit to a course that is demanding in both its breadth and depth. Students receive an intensive education with individual attention and are encouraged to interact freely and often to exchange ideas. The informal, lively atmosphere creates a community of working artists. The program introduces students to the essential skills of fashion and textile design from sketchpad to catwalk. It includes textiles, fashion illustration, pattern making, and styling.

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Therapy Abroad Inc.

10

10

Caribbean Care: Occupational Therapy Abroad

Join one of our most sought-after programs! This is the Occupational Therapy Adventure you have been looking for. Dive into rich Dominican culture and history while experiencing all the “Nature Island” offers. Embrace the tropical climate while exploring the biodiversity of the coral reefs, mountains, rivers, hot springs, and beautiful sights and sounds of the rainforest. Then, spend your clinical time working with adults and children, providing needed care, running group therapy camps, designing adaptive technology, administering formal and informal assessments, and learning about quality patient care from licensed American Occupational Therapists. Our one-of-a-kind agreement with the government of Dominica offers students the most diverse experiences possible – work in hospitals, nursing facilities, schools, and home health settings! Gain clinical hours and increase your cultural competency as a future clinician. Broaden your horizons as you try new adventures, such as snorkeling the famous Champagne Reef, jumping into the Emerald Pools, exploring Trafalgar Falls, and whale watching. This is the perfect program for those seeking adventure and hands-on learning.

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GLS German Language School Berlin

0

0

Learn German @ GLS Campus Berlin

The GLS Campus Berlin is a green oasis in the very center of Berlin - and the only language school in Germany with a 14000 square meter campus, including accommodation on site. The facilities on campus are second to none in Europe: 60 classrooms, 50 student apartments, 70 hotel rooms, a restaurant serving German food and a cafeteria. The most spectacular building on campus is a Berlin landmark under monument protection. The location is absolutely central, within walking distance to Berlin attractions like Museum Island. Two trams stop in front of the campus. German courses start every Monday on all levels. If you plan to study at a German university, GLS will get you ready for it: GLS is an official testing center for TestDaF, the language entrance exam for university studies in Germany. A special offer: the combination of German course + internship in a Berlin company or institution Awards: GLS has received the Star School Germany award 5 times - in 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The awards are bestowed every year in London and honor the best language schools worldwide, country by country.

Euroace

9.07

72

Internship and Academic Programs with Euroace

Looking to boost your career while improving your Spanish? Why not combine both in an unforgettable and unique study abroad experience? At EUROACE, we partner with top companies across various industries in Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona, offering internship placements that enhance your academic studies, help you transition into a new professional field, or give you first-hand insight into the business world. It's an unforgettable experience! What's more, complementing your internship with Spanish language classes can provide you with the ultimate learning experience. These classes, tailored to all levels and designed to fit your work schedule are only available in Valencia (where our school is based). However, you can always choose the online Spanish classes to complete your experience!

Iguana Abroad

9.9

115

Spanish Cultural Immersion and Adventure in Mexico

Come and join the leading Spanish-language immersion program in Mexico! Iguana Abroad offers you the chance to live in one of the best locations in Mexico and learn Spanish in a fast, authentic, and immersive way. Whether you are a complete beginner or you already speak advanced Spanish, our personalized courses will bring you to the next level! Our trips include 30+ hours of Spanish tuition, a unique program of cultural immersion, and a series of excursions to diverse and exciting locations around Mexico. Iguana Abroad will take care of all the details: Spanish lessons, excursions, activities, and much, much more! Get in touch today to find out more!

Instituto Hemingway

9.62

21

Study Spanish in Bilbao, Spain

Study Spanish at our fully accredited language training center, located in one of the most interesting areas of Spain. Our educational programs provide a unique combination of in-class work and outside activities. We are not only a 'School for Spanish', but we are also an 'Institute for Languages and Cross-Cultural Training'. The Institute is located in the very heart of the financial city center. Our facilities overlook the Ibaizabal river, the old part of the town, and the most traditional park in the city. We supply a broad variety of courses. This is a highly individualized program designed to meet your personal interests, level of Spanish, and academic and/or professional needs. We assist you to assimilate the language quickly and easily, no matter your grammatical knowledge. Our professionally trained teachers will patiently help you and answer any questions you might have about a topic. Each teacher is available to help any individual with issues of cultural adaption or of a personal nature, which may hinder their progress in learning Spanish.

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Instituto Franklin - UAH

9

4

Study Abroad in Madrid: Instituto Franklin-UAH

Do you want to attend a renowned and historically significant Spanish university? Do you enjoy dynamic university cities, picturesque streets, and beautiful architecture? Then, come and study in Cervantes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, better known as Alcalá de Henares. Aimed at fostering academic cooperation between Spain and the US through specialized educational programs, the Instituto Franklin - UAH Study Abroad in Spain program was founded in 1987. We serve students with various academic backgrounds and proficiency levels in Spanish, ranging from beginner to advanced. Many of our courses emphasize developing intercultural and language skills professionally and incorporate experiential learning through practicums. Spanish and English language courses are available. In addition, students may participate in a unique internship program and spend a full semester in a company or an organization of their choice.

Child Family Health International

10

2

Global Health in Puerto Escondido, Mexico (2 Week Intensive)

Participants get the chance to learn about tropical diseases in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca while improving their conversational Spanish language skills. They will also learn medical terminology. Service opportunities will vary, from work at primary care facilities to awareness promotion for rural diseases through a control program. Malaria is one of the most common issues that students will encounter during their experience here. Other diseases include dengue fever, Chagas, and parasites that frequent tropical climates. Participants will also get the chance to support the work of doctors who treat diabetes, as it has become a primary cause of death in the community and they often lack resources to diagnose and treat it.

Non-Profit Study Abroad (NPSA)

0

0

Non-Profit, Low Cost, Direct Study in New Zealand

Travel to stunningly beautiful New Zealand and combine learning and adventure! Choose from non-profit, low-cost, direct study programs. These academic-type programs are available all year round and in a range of terms: weekly, monthly, summer, quarterly, semester, and academic year. Plus, stay in low-cost housing on campus or in nearby areas. Overall, avoid expensive, for-profit programs and register directly with a school in New Zealand. After successful completion, you will earn academic credits that are transferable to your home school. These study abroad programs are open to students worldwide. See more details on the NPSA website. Use this website to review and book your study abroad program in New Zealand.

See All 11 Programs

GBS Malta

0

0

Foundation Degree - Business Management and Study Skills

Enroll in the Foundation Degree - Business Management and Study Skills, delivered through face-to-face and online learning. It offers students a solid academic and professional foundation in modern business and management. It covers essential theories and practices and their applications across various business types, as well as approaches to management and current topics in the field. Students will also gain an introduction to project management within a business context. Furthermore, the program focuses on developing essential academic skills, including writing, communication, digital proficiency, and effective study practices, which are crucial for success in higher education. Students will also have the opportunity to reflect on their career goals and create a personalized career development plan.

SIT Graduate Institute

0

0

Global MA in Sustainable Development Practice

Learn to integrate policy, scholarship, ethics, and participatory practice to achieve sustainable development goals. Starting in Quito, Ecuador, explore the challenges of one of the most biodiverse countries in the world while learning from faculty, guest lecturers, and experts in the field. Study ecological impacts, forest regeneration, sustainable land practices, and conservation on an excursion to northern Ecuador’s patchwork of cloud forests. The second semester unfolds in Africa, with time split between Cape Town, South Africa, and Lilongwe, Malawi. Over 15 weeks, you will engage in comparative analyses of design thinking, monitoring and evaluation, economics, resource management, health policy, and trade. In the final semester of this one-year program, you will spend 10 to 12 weeks in a full-time practicum in a role and location of your choice.

A Guide to Study Abroad Trimesters

Best Locations

So many options to choose from! But don’t fret—you will get where you are meant to go with a little soul-searching and a lot of research. 

Italy. The most difficult decision you will make once you decide on study abroad trimester programs in Italy is which gelato flavor to choose for a snack between classes. Dripping in culture, history, and delicious food, Italy provides a gorgeous backdrop for studying a vast array of topics, from history to world politics to Italian, and everything in between. 

Australia. Choosing study abroad trimester programs in Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reach the other side of the globe and open yourself up to a more relaxed, sun-soaked way of living. While there is no doubt that students take their schooling very seriously, Australians are famous for their laid-back lifestyles, and the student culture epitomizes this.

Peru. With one of the clearest Spanish accents in the world, Peru remains THE place for study abroad trimester programs in South America. With pristine Pacific beaches, mind-blowing Inca ruins, and some of the most challenging treks in the world, there is no shortage of activities to keep students busy outside the classroom.

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Latest Program Reviews

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

December 25, 2025by: Taylor Breiby - United StatesProgram: Physician Assistant/Pre-PA Internships Abroad | IMA
10

This program was a great experience in exploring global health differences and disparities, gaining shadowing experience, and immersing myself in a different culture. The mentors were very welcoming and supportive, even checking in on us when we seemed down or quiet. Hilda in particular checked in on us frequently. The food was 10/10, and the kitchen staff was very hospitable. I enjoyed Dr. Shazim's collaboration with the program, where I learned a great deal from his knowledge and experiences. He was always witnessing to discuss clinical experiences and took it upon himself to give us new facts or wisdom. Additionally, I enjoyed the effort put into the cultural treks, and the mentors always encouraged us to explore while giving us tips on staying safe in the area. I appreciated the gated location of the residence with a guard and locked doors in keeping us safe at night. I gained a lot out of observing the public health system and the impact that access, socioeconomic status, health literacy, local diseases, etc. has on a population's health outcomes. I tend to be a shy person as well, and so this opportunity helped me grow out of my comfort zone a bit in getting to know the other interns and the staff at CGTRH, as well as exploring the city. Lastly, I appreciate that IMA enforces the ethical standards of students participating within their scope of practice. Because the vast majority of interns are students with minimal to no experience, it did feel as though not much of an impact was made from us to the hospital, at least for my duration (except for the medical clinic, where I felt useful). Everyone comes into this world with nothing. Most people spend their whole lives working to have something—then leave this world with nothing again. So, your soul must gain more than your hands. That sentiment has come to define the way I view my daily life after my internship in Mombasa, Kenya. I've always struggled to find my passion and purpose. Yes, I have things I enjoy doing, but nothing defines who I am as an individual. It's something I’ve prayed about for as long as I can remember but never quite felt to come to fruition. That changed during my time in Mombasa. I found the importance of being a part of a community greater than myself and the impacts small actions can have on others for an eternity. I can truly say it set me on the path to becoming a better version of myself—a better future physician and a better friend. I witnessed the beginning of life, formed lifelong friendships, and saw the end of life. The full cycle. And through it all, I was challenged to value every part of my life more deeply. Birth. As Dr. Shazim would say in every debrief, “Let’s start at the beginning of life. Maternity.” Before arriving at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, I was pretty determined to become a pediatrician. I have always been somewhat apprehensive about going into a specialty where death was on the line, and admittedly I had never stepped into a surgery prior to theater 2 at Coast General. Thus, I have spent most of my shadowing hours in a pediatric clinic. However, surprisingly, the maternity ward quickly became my favorite rotation. I could directly see my feelings about Kenya correspond to labor. Mothers spend months preparing to deliver their babies. They feel everything—excitement, fear, anxiety. There’s always an adrenaline rush. No one knows exactly what will happen, but the mothers, nurses, and physicians prepare for the moment a baby finally comes into this world expectantly. That’s exactly how I felt arriving in Kenya—a rush of emotions and so much uncertainty. A dream I’d held since high school was finally coming true, but I had no idea what to expect. The culture shock, the unknown, the lack of healthcare resources—it was all very real. But the maternity ward shaped me into the kind of physician I want to become. Witnessing a woman’s intense pain during labor to then peacefully hold her newborn is a moment I will carry with me. Despite the challenges of pursuing a career in medicine, like labor, being a part of some of the most shaping and important aspects of someone’s lives will make it worth it. In Mombasa I thought I’d be most influenced by the physicians, but it was the strength of the women that inspired me. They made me want to be the best physician I can be—for them. From C-sections to natural births, witnessing the beginning of life reminded me that nothing is guaranteed. I walked away with a new calling: to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology. I looked back on my journal entries for my rotation in the maternity ward, and I couldn't help but smile. The women I directly got to help, either by stretching with them during labor or holding their hands, I will always remember, and that empathy I learned while in Kenya will shape me into the best physician I can become. Friendship. Throughout my life, many people have influenced me. I’m a firm believer in “friends for different seasons”—some friendships fade, and some stand the test of time. Friendship is an impactful aspect of a person’s life and shapes who they are and become. In Mombasa, I saw the true value of friendship: in patients, mentors, fellow interns, and strangers. Growing up, I attended the same private school from kindergarten to senior year. I graduated with seven people, and I was not challenged to step outside my comfort zone and interact with different types of individuals. However, during my time in Kenya, I was able to reflect on different friendships I had encountered and truly what I had learned from other individuals in my daily life. There were friends who rallied together after tough shifts at the hospital. Friends like Hilda and Michelle, who made Mombasa feel like home. Patients who opened up to me—confided in me—as if we had known each other for years. Strangers asking me what I was doing in Mombasa and fully welcoming me into their city and culture. There were friends who became like family. I watched physicians rally around one another to care for a community in need. That kind of camaraderie—rooted in compassion—deepened my belief in the importance of human connection in medicine. According to Harvard Medical School, medicine has somewhat lost its human connection due to technology: “At its best, being a doctor is an extraordinary and intimate privilege. We build relationships with our patients and see them through times of both joy and suffering; our relationships with each other help us through the same. It's hard to do that in a way that's truly satisfying when we spend most of the day at the computer screen” (Harvard Health, 2016). At Coast General, resources and technology are very limited, and these physicians and nurses must communicate with the patients and peers, which depends on human connection and in turn often creates a more positive experience for the patient. I specifically saw this at the medical clinics, as physicians had limited resources but collaborated and did their best to help every individual, which is something I deeply admire. Death. I wasn’t prepared to see someone take their last breath. I expected panic, sadness, maybe fear. Whenever I have had a loved one die in the past, I usually view it in a negative way. But the death I witnessed was peaceful—like the patient was ready. In a strange way, that’s how I felt leaving Mombasa. I expected to be in tears, not ready to leave the place I had called home for the past month. But instead, I felt peace. Peace that I had experienced something life-changing. Peace that I had grown spiritually, emotionally, and personally. Peace that I had found friendships that would last a lifetime. In a way, this feeling of “death” will stick with me as I start my career to become a physician. The feeling of peace is advice I can pass onto others who are losing a loved one. Death is inevitable, but while in Kenya I learned it can also be peaceful. Death does not have to have a negative connotation, but the narrative of death can be changed for the better. “If you think about it, life is nothing but thoughts, and our thoughts come from the mind. Our thoughts are an internal path leading us somewhere. To the next thought, the next idea, the next life. Everything is created with thought—emotions, designs, and theories. Where thoughts lead us is the most important thing; it’s our inner path leading to freedom or suffering” (At Peace With Death | Bennington College, n.d.). The people in Kenya were steadfast in their faith, and this helped me realize that in some way we are all just walking each other home. I feel like this is an important lesson to take with me in my journey to become a physician, as I have to come to peace with death and help loved ones keep moving forward in their lives. Souls. Souls tie people together. A soul is what makes someone who they are—and it’s shaped by every experience, every relationship. Kenya changed my soul for the better. I poured into others. I learned patience. I experienced a completely different culture and let it shape me. In the pediatric outpatient ward, I met a young girl named Nora who became obsessed with a balloon glove I made for her. That small gesture—something so simple—brought her joy, and in turn, filled me with joy. It made me more aware of how even the smallest acts can have a big impact on someone else’s soul. Yes, Kenya was culturally different from my small town in Georgia. But what struck me most was the people—their outpouring of love and gratitude. They valued what they had. They didn’t take life for granted. In the Western world, we often measure worth by material things—by how much we have, not by how full our lives are. But in Kenya, I saw the meaning of the phrase “Make sure your soul gains more than your hands.” Even amidst poverty and corruption, people remained faithful, grounded, and fulfilled. That lesson is one I’ll carry for life. Before Kenya, I struggled to articulate my "why" for medicine. My answer was something generic—“I enjoy helping others.” But now, I understand it's deeper than that. Medicine isn’t just about helping others—it’s about having a soul-level impact. What I saw, experienced, and endured in Kenya wasn’t easy. The children begging for food outside our Ubers, the lack of basic life-saving devices in the hospital, and people dying due to lack of ICU beds. None of this was glorious, but the community of people that rallied around each other was. Despite differences in ethnic and religious backgrounds, I saw new mothers look out for each other and their newborns, which is a testament to the people in Kenya and the type of person I want to be for others in my life and when I become a physician. Following my arrival home from Kenya, I was asked to speak at church about my experience. I gave my presentation about my time in Kenya and the ways Mombasa and Coast General impacted my life. I will still struggle to put into words the impact the experience had on me. However, unbeknownst to me, the sermon directly following my speech was about souls. About how people have started to value what they materially have in this life over friendships and the impact they have on others. But whenever one dies, none of those materialistic things goes with them, but their soul does. The experiences and impacts that others have on their soul go with them to their next life. Thus, I realized that the impact Kenya had on my life will stay with my soul forever, and consequently the impact I had on others will stay with their souls. Those who connect medicine with the soul are the difference between a good physician and a great physician. The main physician I saw this connection in was Dr. Faruk. Spending the day with him in the diabetes and thyroid clinic, he taught me the importance of finding my voice and passion in medicine that subsequently has an impact on others' lives. He is starting his own nonprofit to help children with type 1 diabetes get access to insulin. This is something he is passionate about and will have an amazing impact when accomplished. Dr. Faruk is an inspiration for me, as he is the physician I want to become. A physician who is not in it for the money or for the fame but is in it for the direct impact that they have on others' souls and daily lives. As Sir William Osler said, “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease” (Centor, 2007) International Medical Aid has shaped me into the physician I want to become. My time in Mombasa taught me the importance of understanding each patient’s story and beliefs, and the responsibility I have now to leave a lasting impact on everyone I meet. These challenges and lessons will stick with me forever and my growth as an individual is all accredited to my experience in Mombasa, Kenya.

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