Are Internships Abroad Safe? How to Choose a Secure Program

Planning to Intern Abroad? Here's What You Should Know About Safety

Embarking on an international internship is an exciting step in your healthcare journey. Whether you're a pre-med, nursing, pre-PA, or public health student, the opportunity to gain clinical experience abroad is unmatched. But a common and understandable question remains:

Are internships abroad safe?

The short answer: Yes.

The long answer: It depends on your choice of provider, destination, and how well-prepared you are.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what makes an internship abroad safe, what risks to be aware of, and how to choose a program that prioritizes your well-being from arrival to departure.

Choose a Reputable, Structured Program

Safety starts with the organization you choose. Reputable internship providers offer far more than just placements—they provide support systems, supervision, and cultural orientation.

✅ Look for programs that offer:

Verified hospital or clinic partnerships
Pre-departure briefings and health advice
In-country support staff
Structured schedules and 24/7 assistance
Transparent safety protocols

At Go Elective, students are placed in public teaching hospitals in Kenya and Tanzania, with full-time staff on the ground, reliable transportation, and secure housing.

Research Your Destination

Each country, and each city, comes with its own safety considerations. When researching, ask:

Is the destination politically stable?
Are there any current travel advisories?
What is the local healthcare and emergency infrastructure like?
Are medical facilities equipped to support foreign students?

Both Mombasa, Kenya and Arusha, Tanzania—Go Elective’s primary locations—are stable, student-friendly cities with vibrant healthcare sectors and strong public safety records for visitors.

Check the U.S. State Department or your country’s travel advisory site for up-to-date guidance.

Stay in Secure Housing with Local Support

Your housing setup plays a major role in your safety and comfort. Avoid providers that leave students to find their own accommodation or don’t explain where you’ll stay.

Safe housing should include:

Security staff or trusted hosts
Proximity to the hospital or clinic
Clean water, food, and reliable electricity
Emergency contact access 24/7

Go Elective prioritizes student safety by operating in the most secure regions of the countries we serve. Our residences are protected by perimeter walls, security fencing, and 24/7 guards.

In addition, all students receive clear safety guidelines to help them stay vigilant, including:

Avoiding going out at night alone
Never allowing strangers into the student residences
Always going out with a Go Elective staff member or a trusted group
Using credit or debit cards instead of carrying cash is safer and highly recommended.
Minimize the risk of petty theft by avoiding the display of cash, valuables or using your phone outside the residence at night.

These measures ensure our interns can focus on learning while feeling safe and supported throughout their experience.

Understand Health Risks and Vaccination Requirements

Health safety is just as important as physical security. Depending on the region, you may be advised or required to get vaccinations such as:

Yellow Fever
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Tetanus
Malaria prophylaxis

Refer to the CDC's Travel Health Notices or your country’s equivalent for location-specific requirements.

Go Elective provides detailed pre-departure health briefings and guides students through vaccination and travel health planning.

Avoid Ethical and Legal Risks

One of the lesser-known safety issues in international internships is inadvertent participation in unethical or illegal medical practices.

❌ You shouldn’t:

Perform clinical procedures you’re not qualified for
Diagnose or treat patients without supervision
Work in unregulated "pop-up" clinics

✅ Choose programs where you’ll shadow licensed professionals, participate within your scope, and observe ethical global healthcare practices.

Go-Elective’s model is rooted in ethical engagement—students observe and assist under supervision, with clear boundaries set during orientation.

Cultural Awareness = Personal Safety

Understanding cultural norms isn’t just respectful—it also helps you avoid misunderstandings or risky situations.

Learn basic greetings
Know when and how to ask for help
Always travel in groups when exploring new areas

Go-Elective includes basic Swahili lessons and cultural orientation for all participants.

Have a Communication and Emergency Plan

Make sure you’re always reachable and know what to do in case of:

Illness or injury
Travel delays or lost documents
Local unrest or natural events
Personal safety concerns

Essentials include:

Local SIM card or WhatsApp access
Emergency contacts uploaded in your student portal (MyTrip)

With Go Elective, all interns receive a local area orientation to familiarize them with key locations such as nearby clinics, embassies, and other essential services. We also require students to upload an emergency contact. Someone we can reach out to if needed. Additionally, a member of our staff is always on-call and available to respond in case of any emergencies.

Stay Updated and Use Common Sense

Most safety issues abroad are avoidable with smart decisions. Stay aware, stay in touch, and avoid unnecessary risks.

✅ Practical Safety Tips:

Avoid displaying valuables in public
Keep digital and physical copies of your passport and ID
Use only approved transportation—preferably the program driver
Always be accompanied by a program staff member at night
Follow local safety guidance provided by our team

What Past Interns Say About Safety with Go Elective

“I was nervous at first, but Go Elective made everything feel safe and supported. The house was secure, transport was reliable, and the staff were always there if we had questions. Even for weekend travel.”
— Jordan R., Pre-Med Intern, Kenya

“The local coordinator met us at the airport and walked us through everything. Including where essential places such as shopping malls are. I felt confident and prepared the whole time.”
— Alyssa M., Pre-PA Intern, Tanzania

Final Thoughts: Safety Is Not Optional—It’s Built Into the Best Programs

Interning abroad can be one of the safest, most rewarding decisions of your academic career—if you go with the right program. Don’t let safety concerns stop you from growing, exploring, and learning. Instead, use them as a guide to choose the right partner for your journey.

Looking for a Safe, Structured Internship Abroad?

Go Elective offers full-service medical internships in Kenya and Tanzania with:

✓ Secure accommodation and local support
✓ Verified hospital placements and physician supervision
✓ 24/7 emergency support and safety briefings
✓ Cultural orientation and ethical engagement training

Still have some questions regarding our safety? Visit goelective.com/safety-and-security or reach out to us via hello@goelective.com

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Go Elective offers immersive opportunities for medical students, pre-med undergraduates, residents, nursing practitioners, and PAs to gain guided invaluable experience in busy hospitals abroad. Discover the power of study, travel, and impact.