Go Elective Packing Guide: What to Bring for Your Medical Internship Abroad

Packing for your medical internship abroad can feel overwhelming. What’s essential? What’s optional? What do past students actually use? Whether you're heading to Kenya or Tanzania with Go Elective, this guide will help you pack confidently and efficiently.

We’ve broken it down into six clear categories based on real participant feedback: Health & Safety, Travel Documents, Clothing, Toiletries, Clinical Tools, and Other Essentials. Read on to find out what to pack—and what to leave behind.

> Explore Go-Elective Internships Abroad

Health & Safety Essentials

Interning abroad is rewarding, but you’ll want to prepare with health in mind. Go Elective recommends packing proactively to stay healthy and focused during your clinical experience.

Must-haves:

• Immunizations & vaccines (consult CDC or your local health authority)
• Travel insurance (required for all Go Elective participants)
• Insect repellent and sting relief
• Allergy, anti-diarrhea, or motion sickness medicine
• Guardian/emergency contact information
• Any personal prescriptions in original containers

Tip: Bring a mini first-aid kit. Even a few plasters and antiseptic wipes can go a long way.

Travel Documents to Secure

Before departure, double-check your documents—especially if you're an international student coming from outside Africa.

Checklist:

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months left before expiration)
• Valid visa or eTA (Go Elective will guide you)
• Return flight ticket
• Physical and digital copies of your documents
• USD cash and credit/debit cards

> Learn how to apply for an internship visa or eTA for Kenya

What to Wear: Clothing & Clinical Attire

You’ll be working in clinical environments and spending downtime exploring cities, beaches, or rural areas. Pack for both.

Hospital attire:

• At least 3 pairs of scrubs (lightweight, breathable)
• Comfortable closed shoes (ideally waterproof)
• Optional: ID badge holder or clip
  
  

Casual and free-time clothing:

• Lightweight t-shirts, modest tops, and trousers
• Long skirts (for women, if preferred in rural areas)
• Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
• Swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops
• Sunglasses and hat

Laundry services are available, so pack light but smart.

Toiletries and Personal Hygiene

You can purchase basic items locally, but it’s easier to bring travel-sized versions for your first few days.

Essentials:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
• Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Nail clippers, tweezers, and small scissors
• Lotion, shampoo, soap
• Feminine hygiene products

Clinical and Travel Tools

These are items that students consistently find useful in the hospital and while traveling.

Clinical tools:

• Stethoscope
• Pocket-size notebook for clinical observations
• Medical reference pocket guide (optional but helpful)

Electronics and gear:

• Unlocked mobile phone (for local SIM or Wi-Fi)
• Camera or extra phone storage
• Power adapters and electrical converters (Type G for Kenya; Type D/G for Tanzania)
• Hairdryer or electric shaver (if needed)

> See our full guide on what vaccinations are needed for Kenya

What Students Actually Use Most

Students who have gone through Go Elective programs report these items as being most useful:

Top-rated by past interns:

• Fast-drying travel towel
• Headlamp or small flashlight (useful during rural outreach)
• Refillable water bottle
• Daypack for hospital and excursions
• Mosquito net (especially for weekend trips; our accommodations provide one)

What You Can Leave Behind

It’s easy to overpack. Here's what students say they didn’t really need.

Items to skip:

• Dressy clothing (there are few formal events)
• Too many shoes or accessories
• Large grooming kits or heavy hair tools
• Makeup kits
• Heavy books (go digital instead)

Final Packing Tips for Go Elective Interns

Packing efficiently is all about planning. Here’s how to pull it all together:

Final tips:

• Use packing cubes or zip bags to stay organized
• Carry one change of clothes and essentials in your carry-on
• Bring a small backpack for daily hospital use

For more info inquire here or reach out to us via hello@goelective.com 

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jul 2, 2025