How to Fund Your Internship Abroad: Scholarships, Grants & Fundraising Ideas

Dreaming of interning in a Kenyan hospital or experiencing real-time patient care in Tanzania? A global health internship can transform your future as a pre-med, pre-PA, nursing, or public health student. But if you're wondering how to fund it—you're not alone.

At Go Elective, we know that cost is one of the biggest concerns for students. That’s why we’ve created this complete, actionable guide to help you afford your internship through scholarships, grants, and creative fundraising strategies.

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Why Fundraising for Your Internship Abroad Is Worth It

A two-week internship abroad with Go Elective costs around $2,600 (excluding flights). That includes clinical placement in public hospitals, accommodation, meals, airport transfers, in-country support, and daily transport to and from the hospital.

It’s a comprehensive and immersive experience—but we also know $2,600 can feel daunting, especially for students juggling tuition and other expenses. The good news? Many past participants have successfully funded their programs using the very methods outlined below.

Step 1: Understand What You're Paying For

Before you start applying for grants or launching a fundraiser, it's helpful to understand where your money goes. With Go Elective, your program fee covers:

• Hospital placement in departments like pediatrics, OB/GYN, emergency medicine, and more
• Comfortable housing in vetted accommodations
• Two meals per day
• Private airport transfers and daily transport to the facility
• Pre-departure support and 24/7 in-country assistance
• Weekly reflection sessions, case discussions, and cultural experiences

Knowing this allows you to clearly articulate your goals in fundraising appeals, helping sponsors and donors understand the value.

Step 2: Apply for Scholarships and Educational Grants

Many students overlook scholarships as a source of funding for internships, but you don’t have to be studying abroad for credit to qualify. Start by checking with:

✔ Your University:

• Study abroad office
• Pre-health advising office
• Financial aid or career development office
• Honors college or academic department

Many universities offer travel or experiential learning grants, ranging from $500 to over $2,000. Some may even cover flights, insurance, or vaccine costs.

✔ National and Private Scholarships:

• Gilman Scholarship (for U.S. students on Pell Grants)
• Fund for Education Abroad
• Diversity Abroad
• Rise Travel Grant
• GoAbroad Scholarships

Bonus tip: Be sure to highlight how your Go Elective internship supports your academic goals and increases your cross-cultural healthcare experience.

Step 3: Fundraise with a Purpose

Your next step? Create a fundraising profile that tells your story and inspires people to support your journey.

Define Your Fundraising Goal

Be specific: are you fundraising for your full placement, just flights, or additional expenses like vaccinations and hospital donations?

Tell Your Personal Story

Explain your motivation for interning abroad. Why healthcare? Why now? Why Africa? Whether it’s a desire to serve under-resourced communities or a dream of becoming a doctor who understands global health, this is your chance to make it personal.

Break Down the Costs

Offer a transparent breakdown of your expenses. For example:

• Program Fee: $2,600
• Flight: $900
• Insurance: $150
• Visa and Vaccinations: $150
• Spending Money: $200

Donors appreciate honesty and clarity.

Step 4: Choose Your Fundraising Strategy

There are many ways to raise money—combine a few of these methods for the best results.

✔ Crowdfunding

Set up a campaign on GoFundMe, FundMyTravel, or GiveCampus.

Tips:

• Use photos of you in scrubs or at previous volunteer events
• Create a catchy hashtag (e.g. #ClaireGoesGlobal)
• Share updates regularly
• Thank your donors publicly

Leverage social media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) to drive attention. Create short video reels explaining your story, goals, and how others can help.

✔ Sponsorships and Community Support

Local businesses, churches, and nonprofits are often open to sponsoring students—especially those with a clear sense of purpose.

Write a personalized sponsorship letter. Offer to:

• Feature them on your blog or social media
• Present your experience after you return
• Add their logo to your fundraising campaign
  
  

✔ Hosting Fundraising Events

Events don’t have to be big or expensive. Some creative ideas:

• Trivia or movie night with an entry fee
• Bake sales or coffee mornings
• Raffle with small donated prizes
• Wellness-themed events like yoga or Zumba for a cause
  
  

✔ Selling Goods or Services

Consider:

• Selling baked goods, crafts, or digital art
• Offering tutoring or resume editing
• Organizing a bring-and-buy sale on campus

You can even design t-shirts or scrubs with your internship destination and sell them to friends and family. Platforms like Etsy or Instagram shops make it easy.

✔ Working Part-Time or Gig Work

Short-term gigs like dog walking, freelancing, babysitting, or driving for delivery apps can help you meet your goal. Even earning $100 a week over 10 weeks gets you halfway to Kenya.

Step 5: Get Your Story into the World

Don’t limit your fundraising to digital platforms. Use your community.

✔ Reach Out to Local Media

• Submit your story to your town newspaper or online publication
• Request a segment on a local or student radio station
• Mention how your global health experience will benefit your future community
  
  

✔ Use Campus Resources

• Ask your student union to share your fundraiser
• Speak to pre-med or public health clubs
• Collaborate with student organizations to host a fundraiser

Offline fundraising still works—especially when it’s personal.

Step 6: Budget Smartly

A solid budget will help you raise exactly what you need—no more, no less.

Key Budget Areas:

• Flights: Use student discounts and book early
• Insurance: Required for both travel and indemnity
• Vaccines & Visa: Often mandatory for entry and clinical participation
• Daily Spending: Souvenirs, snacks, weekend safaris, etc.
• Optional Donations: Consider bringing supplies for hospitals or clinics
• Program Fee Installments: Go Elective offers payment plans so you can split costs over time

You can also explore interest-free financing options to pay the balance after returning, depending on your credit eligibility.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let finances stop you from gaining the global healthcare experience you deserve. With the right mix of creativity, planning, and community support, you can fully fund your internship abroad.

Start early, stay motivated, and remember: the experience you’ll gain shadowing doctors, assisting in real hospitals, and immersing yourself in East African healthcare will repay itself many times over. Personally and professionally.

If you’re ready to begin your journey, start your application or reach out via hello@goelective.com. We’re here to help every step of the way.

Article Details

Categories

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

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 29, 2025