How Mitchell Fundraised Her Entire Medical Internship Abroad

Funding an overseas healthcare internship can feel overwhelming, but it’s entirely possible with creativity, persistence, and the right strategy. Mitchell, a pre-med student from Ohio, raised enough money to fully cover her clinical internship in Mombasa, Kenya. We caught up with her to hear how she managed it all while balancing her studies and her best advice for students who want to do the same.

Why did you decide on an overseas internship, and why Mombasa?

Even before starting my pre-med track, I knew I wanted hands-on experience in Africa. When I began researching programs, Mombasa stood out because of its dynamic teaching hospitals and the chance to observe specialties like surgery and internal medicine. I also wanted exposure to global health challenges you just don’t see at home.

When I found Go-Elective, it clicked. The team helped me match my clinical interests to the right departments, and the program provided the structure I needed while still giving me independence.

What inspired you to fundraise the entire trip yourself?

Like many students, I didn’t have the savings set aside for something this big. But I was determined. I’ve always believed that if you really want an opportunity, you find a way. Instead of letting cost hold me back, I turned it into a challenge.

Where did you start?

The first step was creating a detailed budget. I wrote down everything I’d need: program fees, flights, insurance, vaccinations, and even weekend travel costs. Having that number motivated me.

Then I built a fundraising page and shared my story widely. I wrote letters to local businesses, community organizations, and Rotary clubs, explaining what I was doing and why it mattered. A few offered small sponsorships, and that momentum snowballed.

Did you organize any events?

Yes! I tapped into my network and strengths. I used to sing in a local choir, so I organized a community concert with a few musician friends. We sold tickets, served food, and explained how the proceeds would support healthcare access in Kenya. That one event raised several hundred dollars.

I also hosted a holiday craft sale. Friends and family donated handmade cards, ornaments, and baked goods, and people were generous because they knew the money was supporting an educational experience with real global impact.

What were the biggest challenges?

Balancing it all with my coursework. Every spare evening was spent writing emails, making crafts, or chasing down raffle prizes. It was exhausting at times, but I kept reminding myself what I was working toward standing in a Kenyan hospital, learning from doctors and patients in a setting completely different from home. That goal kept me motivated.

What advice do you have for other students thinking about fundraising?

Start small and don’t get discouraged. You don’t have to raise the whole amount at once. Break it into pieces. Think about what you’re good at and build around it. If you love sports, host a charity game. If you’re into baking, run a cake stall. People want to support you when they see your passion.

And always share your story. Be clear about why the internship matters to you and what you’ll gain from it. That personal connection makes people more likely to contribute.

Why do you think fundraising was worth it?

Because when I finally landed in Mombasa, I wasn’t just stepping into a new hospital. I was stepping into something I had built. Every donation, every raffle ticket, every late night of planning made that experience possible. It gave me a huge sense of pride before I even started placement.

The Go-Elective advantage

At Go-Elective, we know cost can feel like a barrier. That’s why we provide fundraising resources and flexible payment options to make your internship achievable. Many students, like Sarah, have successfully fundraised their placements through creativity and community support.

If you’re ready to explore your own medical internship abroad, we’ll help you design a placement tailored to your goals, whether that’s surgery, pediatrics, or emergency medicine. Alongside the clinical learning, you’ll have weekends free to discover Kenya’s coastline, go on safari, or connect with fellow interns in safe, catered accommodation.

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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.