Famulatur Abroad: Medical Electives for German Students

Explore hands-on international electives in Kenya and Tanzania with Go Elective

For German medical students, the Famulatur requirement is a vital component of medical education. It’s a time to step outside the lecture halls, immerse yourself in clinical practice, and experience the realities of patient care. But what if you could fulfill your Famulatur while also gaining international healthcare exposure, improving your intercultural competence, and contributing to global health equity? That’s exactly what Go Elective offers.

Whether you're studying in Heidelberg, Munich, Berlin, or Hamburg, Go Elective’s programs in Kenya and Tanzania provide an excellent opportunity to complete your elective abroad while aligning with German medical faculty expectations.

What is a Famulatur – and Can You Do It Abroad?

In Germany, medical students must complete four one-month clinical electives (Famulaturen) before qualifying for the final section of the medical licensing examination. According to the ÄAppO (German medical licensing regulations), these can be completed in accredited hospitals either in Germany or abroad, provided documentation standards are met.

Many German faculties approve Famulatur experiences abroad if:

The host hospital is recognized by its country’s Ministry of Health
Students are supervised by a licensed physician
The elective duration and duties are clearly documented

Go Elective’s partner hospitals, such as the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa and Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital in Arusha, meet these requirements — making them ideal destinations for your international Famulatur.

Why Choose Go Elective?

Go Elective is more than just a placement provider — it's a full-service experience designed to support German students in gaining meaningful, safe, and academically valid clinical exposure abroad. Here's what sets our programs apart:

✔️Structured Clinical Learning

Gain hands-on experience across departments such as internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and emergency medicine — under the guidance of English-speaking local physicians.

✔️ Cultural Competence

Participate in Swahili language introductions, cultural orientation, and community outreach to broaden your social awareness and patient communication skills — qualities highly valued in German and global healthcare systems.

✔️ Seamless Documentation

We provide signed logbooks, confirmation letters, and detailed evaluations aligned with German faculty requirements, easing recognition of your international Famulatur.

✔️ Full Support

Enjoy airport pickup, comfortable accommodation, daily transport to hospital sites, 24/7 local support, and weekend excursions to safari parks, the Indian Ocean, or Mount Kilimanjaro.

Language Requirements: Basic English Skills Needed

To fully benefit from your elective abroad, you should have at least basic English communication skills. All clinical mentorship, documentation, and hospital interactions are conducted in English. While fluency is not required, students must be able to understand patient case discussions, take notes, and engage in simple medical dialogue. This ensures a productive and safe learning environment for everyone.

Our team is always available to provide language support where needed — and many students also enjoy picking up some conversational Swahili along the way.

Where Can You Go?

Mombasa, Kenya

Train at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya’s second-largest public hospital, where you'll see a wide range of tropical diseases, trauma cases, and complex obstetric conditions.

Arusha, Tanzania

Experience hands-on medicine at Mount Meru Hospital, known for its high-volume maternity ward, pediatrics department, and opportunities to observe rare medical presentations.

> Explore our destinations in detail

How to Prepare as a German Medical Student

To maximize your elective abroad with Go Elective:

Check your university’s elective guidelines:

Each medical faculty in Germany has slightly different requirements for recognizing international Famulatur experiences. Contact your Landesprüfungsamt or university’s academic advisor for clarity.

Plan early:

We recommend applying at least 3–6 months in advance to secure your visa, travel documents, and elective approval.

Prepare documentation:

Go Elective provides signed verification forms, detailed evaluations, and hospital stamps to support your Famulatur recognition in Germany.

Elective Backdrop: Safari and Cultural Experiences

One of the unique advantages of doing your Famulatur with Go Elective is the chance to explore some of Africa’s most iconic destinations. On your days off or weekends, you'll have the opportunity to go on unforgettable adventures:

Go on safari in Maasai Mara, Tsavo, or Serengeti National Park and see the Big Five in their natural habitat
Relax on white-sand beaches in Diani or Zanzibar after a week of clinical immersion
Hike through the Ngong Hills or view Mount Kilimanjaro as part of your cultural immersion
Visit local Maasai or Swahili communities, learning firsthand about traditional medicine and local health beliefs

These experiences don’t just serve as a break from the clinical environment — they enrich your understanding of the broader context in which health and healthcare exist. It’s a perfect blend of education, exploration, and reflection.

What's Included in the Program Fee?

Clinical placement aligned with your interests
Pre-departure orientation and support
On-ground program coordinators and 24/7 support
Accommodation in secure student housing
Meals and airport transfers
Transport to the hospital each day
Certificate of completion and academic documentation
Learn more about what’s included.

Go Elective maintains close partnerships with hospital administrators and physicians to ensure your learning is structured, safe, and fulfilling.

Testimonials from European Students

“I did my internship in Mombasa through Go Elective and it was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. The patient volume, the clinical teaching, and the cultural immersion were beyond anything I could have expected. Highly recommended!”
— Julia B., Charité

“The support from the Go Elective team was amazing. From helping me get my placement approved by my university to providing detailed evaluation letters — everything was taken care of.”
— Lukas K., Ludwig

Apply Now: Medical Electives That Go Beyond Borders

If you’re a German medical student looking to complete your Famulatur abroad, Go Elective offers the perfect mix of academic credibility, clinical exposure, and cultural adventure. Our programs are designed to meet the standards of German universities while expanding your global perspective as a future doctor.

> Inquire today or reach out to us via hello@goelective.com