How Go-Elective Students Fundraised for Overseas Dental Electives

Funding an international internship can feel daunting, but with creativity and determination, it’s more achievable than you might think. Sarah, a dental student from the U.S, and her classmate Maya proved this when they successfully raised nearly three-quarters of the cost for their elective in Kenya.

Here’s how they did it. And why the effort was more than worth it.

Finding the opportunity

As a dental student, Sarah had long dreamed of gaining experience abroad, but opportunities often seemed geared toward qualified dentists. A chance conversation with a friend led her to discover Go Elective, and soon she and Maya signed up together for a placement at a teaching hospital in Mombasa.

“I’d always wanted to work in Africa because the need for dental care is so great,” Sarah explained. “Kenya seemed like the perfect destination and it turned out to be both beautiful and eye-opening.”

Their fundraising idea: from bake sales to concerts

Like many students, Sarah and Maya first considered small-scale events such as bake sales and pasta dinners. But they wanted to aim higher. Both had musical backgrounds. Sarah played cello and Maya played violin, and their siblings were musicians as well. Together, they decided to organize benefit concerts.

They hosted two performances in different cities, one in a local school auditorium and another in a community church. Friends, family, and neighbors turned out in large numbers. “The concerts ended up being the perfect way to raise money while also doing something we loved,” Sarah said.

They promoted the events through Facebook pages, flyers around campus, and outreach emails to local businesses. Several companies, including a dental supply distributor and a construction firm, even offered sponsorships. Some were even interested in donating equipment for the hospital in Africa, while others contributed directly to the fundraising pot.

In the end, around 250 people attended the concerts, and the sponsorships added significantly to their total. By the time they left for Africa, they had raised nearly three-quarters of their program costs.

Lessons from their clinical placement

Arriving in Mombasa was a cultural shock. The hospital was crowded, with patients sitting in chairs, standing in hallways, and waiting patiently for care.

“The lack of resources was the biggest difference from back home,” Sarah recalled. “There was limited equipment for restorative dentistry, so extractions were common. Antibiotics were also used much more frequently than in the U.S.”

Despite the challenges, the students gained invaluable experience. Sarah, under supervision, performed a root canal on a canine tooth, improvising when the files available were too short by removing the handle to reach the full root. Without functioning water sprays, she and Maya used syringes of water to cool burs during drilling.

“These improvisations taught us to be adaptable and creative,” Sarah said. “It made me appreciate the technology we have at home while showing me what’s possible even with limited tools.”

Advice for other students

For Sarah and Maya, the experience was transformative both personally and professionally. Fundraising required persistence, community outreach, and the courage to think beyond small ideas. The clinical placement itself provided unique cases and practical skills they could never have gained in the U.S.

“Time flies while you’re overseas, so plan ahead for what you want to see and learn,” Sarah advised. “Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, both in fundraising and in the hospital. You’ll come home with experiences that stay with you for life.”

At Go-Elective, we’ve seen countless students successfully fundraise their way to placements in Kenya and Tanzania. To learn more, visit our fundraising guide or explore dental electives abroad.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Dental Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 20, 2025