How to Be Assertive on Your Healthcare Internship Abroad

When you step into a hospital abroad, the environment can feel unfamiliar and even intimidating. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are busy managing patient care in a fast-paced setting. As a student, one of the best ways to ensure a rewarding experience is to be assertive.

At Go-Elective, we’ve seen that students who confidently introduce themselves, ask thoughtful questions, and offer small but meaningful assistance consistently get more out of their internships in Kenya and Tanzania.

Below, we’ll explore simple strategies to build relationships with your supervisors and make the most of your time abroad.

Looking for a premed internship, PA, Nursing, Dental,  or medical elective abroad? Inquire here.

Why Assertiveness Matters on Placement

Being assertive does not mean being pushy. Instead, it’s about showing initiative, demonstrating genuine curiosity, and making it clear that you are ready to learn. When you do this, local clinicians are more likely to engage with you, explain cases, and involve you in clinical activities.

Students who take this approach often report that their confidence and comfort levels grow quickly, making the hospital environment feel more welcoming.

#1. Introduce Yourself & Smile Often

One of the simplest yet most impactful habits is introducing yourself to staff while wearing a genuine smile. Since doctors and nurses frequently rotate between departments and shifts, reintroducing yourself helps ensure they remember who you are and why you’re there.

A friendly opener like, “Hello, I’m Sarah, a pre-med student from the U.S. here on a clinical internship,” quickly establishes your role. This small gesture sets a positive tone and makes it more likely that professionals will include you in ward rounds and discussions.

#2. Ask Questions Thoughtfully

One of the best ways to build rapport is by asking thoughtful, respectful questions. Clinicians appreciate students who are eager to learn. Whether it’s clarifying a diagnosis, exploring why a particular treatment was chosen, or asking about cultural factors in patient care, your curiosity will help deepen your understanding.

The key is timing. Avoid asking questions during critical moments. Instead, note them down and bring them up later when your supervisor is free.

#3. Offer Small Acts of Help

You may not yet have the skills to carry out advanced procedures, but you can still be useful. Students often strengthen their relationships with staff by offering small, practical forms of assistance. Examples include switching on lights during an exam, helping position a patient comfortably, or fetching supplies.

These gestures may seem minor, but they signal to staff that you are invested in the clinical environment and willing to contribute where you can.

#4. Carry a Journal & Respect Hierarchies

Keeping a small journal with you is a powerful habit. Use it to jot down patient cases, questions that arise, or reflections from your day. Not only will this help you remember details for later study, but it also shows your supervisors that you take the learning experience seriously. 

At the same time, remember that assertiveness doesn’t mean challenging or correcting doctors in front of others. In many hospitals abroad, respecting professional hierarchies is crucial. Instead of questioning a decision in the moment, note it in your journal and raise it later in a respectful, one-on-one conversation. This approach allows you to learn deeply without risking offense.

Turning Confidence into Experience

Assertiveness is one of the key skills you’ll carry home from an international internship. It builds professionalism, strengthens communication, and makes you adaptable to different clinical environments.

At Go Elective, our healthcare internships in Kenya and Tanzania are designed to give you these opportunities. With small student cohorts, dedicated in-country support, and close hospital partnerships, you’ll always have the chance to build strong relationships with supervisors while exploring specialties that interest you.

Final Takeaway

Being assertive during your internship abroad can transform your hospital experience. By introducing yourself while smiling, asking questions, carrying a journal, and offering small acts of help, you’ll not only gain clinical insight but also earn the trust and mentorship of local professionals.

If you’re ready to grow your confidence and immerse yourself in global health, explore our medical internships, nursing electives, dental, or pre-PA programs today.

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

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 21, 2025