From Nursing Internship to Medical School: How One Student’s Experience in Kenya Changed Her Path

Where Are They Now?

When Harley, a nursing student from the U.S., signed up for a Go-Elective internship in Mombasa, Kenya, she thought it would simply strengthen her skills as a nurse. Instead, it became the turning point that inspired her to pursue an MD. Today, Sarah is a medical student preparing for a career in global health — and she credits her overseas internship for sparking the change.

Why did you decide to take your internship abroad?

“I’d always been interested in global health, but my nursing program back home didn’t offer many opportunities beyond local rotations. When I heard about Go-Elective, the idea of combining cultural immersion with hands-on clinical learning was too good to pass up. Kenya appealed to me because I wanted to see how healthcare was delivered in a busy, resource-limited hospital. I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone.”

What were your first impressions of Mombasa?

“Honestly, it was overwhelming at first. The hospitals were packed, and the resources were stretched thin compared to what I was used to in the U.S. But what stood out to me right away was the resilience of the staff. Despite the shortages, the doctors and nurses were so innovative. They worked with what they had, and patients were incredibly grateful. That attitude made me reflect on how much we sometimes take for granted at home.”

Were there moments that challenged you?

“One of the hardest parts was seeing patients present very late with advanced conditions. I’ll never forget a young man in the emergency ward who needed oxygen, but supplies weren’t available that day. In the U.S., that would have been unthinkable. It was tough to process, but it also pushed me to think critically about health systems and equity in care. Those experiences planted the seed that I wanted to do more. Not just provide nursing care, but to take on a physician’s role where I could diagnose, manage, and lead treatment plans.”

How did your internship shape your career shift toward medicine?

“Living in the Go-Elective residences, I met other students, including future doctors, from all over the world. At night we’d share stories from our departments. Hearing how medical students were trained and listening to their perspectives on cases made me realize I wanted to deepen my knowledge. I started asking myself: What if I could combine my nursing foundation with a physician’s scope of practice? That’s when I knew I had to apply to medical school.”

What lessons from your internship have stayed with you?

i. Cultural awareness

“I learned the importance of approaching patients with respect for their cultural context, even when practices differed from what I was used to.”

ii. Adaptability

“Watching clinicians improvise with limited tools taught me to think outside the box — a skill I use in every setting now.”

iii. Collaboration

“The bonds I formed with Kenyan staff and international peers gave me a global network that continues to inspire me.”

How did you process the tough moments?

“One of the best parts of Go-Elective was the support system. After difficult shifts, we’d sit down as a group in the house and debrief. Having fellow students to talk to, people who were experiencing the same culture shock, made all the difference. It turned overwhelming moments into learning opportunities.”

Where are you now?

“After finishing nursing, I applied to medical school and was accepted. I’m now in my third year, focusing on internal medicine with plans to work internationally. When interviewers asked me about meaningful experiences, I always came back to my time in Mombasa. It gave me stories, lessons, and perspective that set me apart.”

Why would you recommend Go Elective to others?

“Go-Elective made the whole process stress-free. The in-country staff set everything up hospital introductions, safe housing, even weekend travel tips. All I had to do was focus on learning and soaking in the experience. More importantly, it gave me clarity about my career path. Without Kenya, I might never have pursued medicine.”

Final Thoughts

An overseas internship isn’t just a chance to gain clinical exposure. It can reshape your entire career. For Sarah, Go Elective’s medical internships in Kenya were the catalyst that turned a nursing student into a future doctor.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself, broaden your perspective, and discover where your healthcare journey might lead, secure your place today.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Nursing Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 22, 2025