How My Midwifery Elective in Tanzania Opened My Eyes to Global Health

Where Are They Now?

In 2019, Sarah traveled to Arusha, Tanzania, for her midwifery elective with Go-Elective. Today, she’s a qualified midwife in the U.S. and credits her overseas placement with shaping her clinical practice and her outlook on maternal care.

We caught up with Sarah to hear more about her time abroad and how it continues to influence her work.

Why Midwifery?

“For me, midwifery was always about compassion and advocacy. I’d seen family members struggle through difficult births, and it made me want to pursue a path where I could support women through one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. It’s more than a profession, it's a calling.”

Why Tanzania?

Sarah wanted to challenge herself with an elective outside the familiar healthcare system in the U.S.

“I wanted to understand how midwives manage in low-resource settings. Go Elective’s programs stood out because it offered structured hospital placements while also supporting us with in-country staff, safe housing, and cultural integration. It felt like the perfect balance of learning and security.”

First Impressions

Arriving in Arusha, Sarah was welcomed by the Go-Elective team and introduced to her housemates.

“The support was incredible. I never felt like I was alone. We had orientations, language lessons in Swahili, and staff who were available 24/7. That made me feel safe and gave me confidence to really immerse myself in the hospital experience.”

Inside the Labor Ward

Sarah’s placement focused on labor and delivery, where she immediately noticed striking differences from her training back home.

“In Tanzania, women often labored without pain relief and sometimes without a birth partner. Monitoring was limited, often just with a Pinnard stethoscope. Yet the midwives were incredibly skilled at managing emergencies, even when equipment was scarce.”

Cultural Insights

Beyond clinical skills, Sarah gained a deep appreciation for cultural context.

“I’ll never forget one young mother who tapped my hand to ask for help. It hit me how different her experience was compared to what a teenage mother would have in the U.S., where epidurals, partner support, and constant monitoring are the norm. It was humbling, and it made me rethink the way we view safety and support in childbirth.”

Life Outside the Hospital

Evenings and weekends brought a balance to the intensity of placement.

“We’d debrief with housemates over dinner, then head to the beach or explore local markets. On the weekends, we went on safari and even visited Zanzibar. Having those experiences made the trip not only educational but unforgettable.”

Lasting Impact

Back in the U.S., Sarah draws on her Tanzanian experience daily.

“In interviews, I found myself using examples from my elective to show adaptability, resilience, and cultural competence. Employers are really interested in that kind of experience. More importantly, it shaped me as a midwife. I trust my instincts more, and I have a deeper appreciation for global health disparities.”

Words of Advice

Sarah encourages other students not to hesitate.

“Go for it. You’ll never again have this unique opportunity to train in such a different context as a student. It’s challenging, yes, but it’s also empowering. You come back more compassionate, and with a perspective that will stay with you throughout your career.”

Learn more about pre-nursing and midwifery shadowing abroad or explore other midwifery and nursing internships in Kenya and Tanzania.

Article Details

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, PA Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 21, 2025