6 Compelling Reasons to Do Your Midwifery Internship Abroad

Midwifery is playing an increasingly important role in addressing global maternal and newborn health challenges. As awareness grows around birth outcomes and maternal mortality, many countries—especially in low-resource settings—are investing in stronger midwifery systems. For students pursuing this field, that means new opportunities to learn, serve, and grow professionally through international midwifery internships.

Whether you're just beginning your training or preparing for a midwifery graduate program, completing your internship abroad can be a transformative experience. Here are six powerful reasons to take your midwifery internship internationally.

> Explore Go-Elective Pre-Nursing Internships and Midwifery Electives Abroad

1. Build Cross-Cultural Competence in Maternal Care

Childbirth is deeply influenced by cultural beliefs and practices. From birth rituals to pain management and postpartum care, understanding the cultural context is critical for delivering safe, respectful care.

By interning abroad, you’ll gain firsthand insight into how different communities view pregnancy, labor, and delivery. This exposure will:

• Help you develop empathy and cultural sensitivity
• Prepare you to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations
• Equip you to provide care that respects patients’ traditions and beliefs

At Go Elective, midwifery interns in East Africa work closely with local nurses and midwives, building the skills to serve patients from all walks of life with dignity and compassion.

2. Strengthen Your Resume and Medical School Applications

An international internship immediately distinguishes you from other applicants—whether you’re applying to midwifery school, a healthcare job, or further education.

Here’s how it helps:

• Shows initiative and a global mindset
• Demonstrates your ability to adapt to unfamiliar environments
• Highlights hands-on clinical experience in real-world settings

Employers and admissions officers value candidates who step outside their comfort zones and show commitment to underserved communities. Interning abroad sends a strong message that you're serious about your career in maternal health.

3. Work Alongside Skilled Midwives and Medical Teams

One of the biggest advantages of interning internationally is the chance to shadow and learn from experienced midwives and OB/GYN specialists.

During your internship, you may:

• Observe and assist during live births
• Participate in prenatal and postnatal care
• Learn emergency response protocols in resource-limited settings
• Engage in mentoring conversations with local healthcare professionals

At teaching hospitals like Coast General in Kenya or Mount Meru in Tanzania, Go Elective interns benefit from high-volume maternity wards and guided rotations under seasoned practitioners.

4. Gain Perspective on Healthcare Challenges in Underserved Regions

Working in low-resource settings helps you understand the realities many communities face during pregnancy and childbirth. You’ll learn how to:

• Deliver care with limited equipment and supplies
• Innovate and problem-solve under pressure
• Appreciate the resilience of both healthcare workers and patients

These experiences not only deepen your clinical adaptability but also shape your values and long-term goals as a future midwife. You'll return home with renewed purpose and perspective.

5. Expand Your Social and Professional Network

Interning abroad introduces you to fellow students and healthcare workers from around the world. Along the way, you’ll:

• Make lasting friendships
• Build a network of future colleagues and mentors
• Exchange knowledge and cultural experiences
• Possibly pick up a new language or two

These connections can open doors to future opportunities—both academic and professional.

6. Raise Awareness About Midwifery in Underserved Communities

Many midwifery internships abroad include community outreach and health education. As an intern, you may:

• Join mobile clinics and rural health camps
• Teach families about safe childbirth, newborn care, and hygiene
• Collaborate with local organizations on maternal health campaigns

Not only do these initiatives help address local needs, but they also allow you to advocate for midwifery as a vital, life-saving profession.

Final Thoughts: Why Midwifery Internships Abroad Matter

If you’re passionate about maternal health and ready to grow as a clinician and global citizen, a midwifery internship abroad is an investment in both your career and your character. You’ll gain practical experience, develop cross-cultural understanding, and be better prepared to serve women and families—wherever your path leads.

Ready to take the next step? Explore midwifery internships abroad with Go Elective in Kenya and Tanzania. Our programs offer immersive clinical placements, community outreach, and personalized support to help you thrive.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Nursing Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 16, 2025