How to Get the Most Out of Your Pre-Med Internship Abroad

A pre-med internship abroad is more than just a line on your med school application. It’s a chance to grow into the healthcare provider you aspire to be.

Whether you're assisting in a hospital in Kenya or observing outpatient care in Tanzania, the way you approach your experience will shape both your confidence and your future. With thousands of applicants competing for limited med school seats, students who’ve had intentional, hands-on clinical exposure stand out.

At Go Elective, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful this kind of experience can be. Here's how to make the most of your time as a pre-med intern abroad, no matter where you're starting from.

> Explore Go-Elective's PreMed & Medical Internships Abroad

Plan Ahead with Purpose

Choose the Right Program for Your Goals

Not all internships are created equal. Before committing, ask yourself:

Do I want to rotate through a large referral hospital or gain experience in a more rural setting?
Am I more interested in shadowing surgery or exploring public health?
Do I want to improve my communication skills in diverse clinical environments?

With Go Elective, you’ll be placed in real hospital settings in Kenya or Tanzania where you’ll observe, learn, and contribute with intention. Whether you're passionate about OB/GYN, pediatrics, infectious disease, or emergency care, we’ll tailor your rotations to match your goals.

Understand the Logistics

Once accepted, make sure you’re prepared:

Confirm visa requirements and travel insurance
Ensure you’re up to date with recommended vaccinations
Learn a few Swahili phrases to connect with patients and staff
Set 2–3 personal learning goals (e.g. understanding patient flow, improving note-taking, observing common diseases)

With Go Elective’s comprehensive pre-departure support, you won’t navigate this process alone—we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Show Up and Engage Fully

Be Proactive in the Hospital

Once you arrive at your clinical site, it’s up to you to make the experience count. Ask questions, observe carefully, and introduce yourself to your supervising staff. The more present and curious you are, the more you’ll learn.

You might observe surgeries, witness patient-doctor interactions, or follow cases through diagnosis and discharge. Many Go Elective interns even participate in health education sessions or community outreach—offering a broader view of care in low-resource settings.

Practice Cultural Sensitivity

Your internship is also a cross-cultural exchange. Embrace it. Learn about local customs, respect differences in health beliefs, and be open to different models of care. Building trust with both patients and colleagues requires humility, awareness, and adaptability.

Our interns often say that the cultural lessons they take home are just as impactful as the clinical ones.

Keep a Daily Journal

You’re going to learn a lot in a short time. Keeping a journal will help you process and reflect on what you’re seeing. It’ll also come in handy when you’re writing your personal statement or prepping for med school interviews.

Include:

Memorable clinical encounters
Observations about healthcare systems
Ethical dilemmas or unexpected challenges
Personal growth moments

Even if you’re not a natural writer, a few minutes a day can go a long way.

Build Meaningful Connections

Network with Purpose

Your internship is a rare chance to work closely with doctors, nurses, and global health professionals. Ask for feedback. Learn about their journeys. Stay in touch after your internship ends—you never know when a conversation might lead to a letter of recommendation or future opportunity.

Learn from Other Interns

If you’re interning alongside students from other countries or backgrounds, take time to share experiences and perspectives. This is part of the global learning experience that sets programs like Go Elective apart from domestic shadowing.

Leave a Lasting Impact

Take Ownership of Your Role

Even though you’re still a student, professionalism matters. Show up on time, be respectful, and bring enthusiasm to every task, whether it’s observing rounds or helping with a community health project. The way you carry yourself reflects your readiness for med school—and healthcare as a career.

End Strong

As your internship winds down, thank your mentors and supervisors. Ask for feedback. Offer to write a summary of your experience or contribute to a final report for your placement hospital. These gestures show maturity and appreciation—and help solidify the relationships you’ve built.

Why Choose Go Elective for Your Internship?

Our pre-med internships in Kenya and Tanzania are designed to be affordable, flexible, and deeply impactful. With options starting at $2,000 for one week, we make it possible for students from all backgrounds to access meaningful global health experiences.

All programs include:

Safe, catered housing with 24/7 support
Visa and travel assistance
Personalized clinical placements
Weekly global health seminars
Cultural immersion, language lessons, and volunteer outreach
Certificates and recommendation letters

> See Complete Pricing and What’s Included

Final Thoughts

The best pre-med internships abroad aren’t just about checking a box—they’re about transforming the way you see medicine, culture, and yourself. With thoughtful preparation and full engagement, your time abroad can become a defining chapter in your journey to becoming a doctor.

So be bold. Step outside your comfort zone. And start building the skills and perspective that will set you apart in med school and beyond.

> Apply Today To Secure Your Spot!