How to Organize a Dental Internship Abroad on a Budget (2025 Guide)

For aspiring dentists, building clinical experience early on is a game-changer. But not all shadowing hours are created equal. A dental elective placement or internship abroad offers immersive exposure to oral healthcare in low-resource settings, cultivates cultural competency, and strengthens your application for dental school. That said, one concern comes up time and again:

Can I afford it?

Yes, you can — and this guide will show you how. At Go Elective, we’ve helped countless pre-dental and dental students gain hands-on experience in Kenya and Tanzania, while staying within their budget.

Why Global Internships Are Worth It for Dental Students

A dental internship abroad isn’t just an adventure — it’s an investment in your professional development. With Go Elective, you will:

• Work with licensed dental surgeons in public and teaching hospitals
• Observe and assist in procedures like extractions, restorations, and oral hygiene clinics
• Understand oral health challenges in underserved populations
• Reflect on access disparities and cultural practices influencing dental care
• Strengthen your application with unique insights for your personal statement and interviews

> Explore Go Elective's dental placements

Step 1: Choose a Cost-Smart Program Type

For budget-conscious students, Go Elective offers two main options:

1. Placement-Only Program

This lower-cost track is ideal if you already have accommodation sorted (e.g., staying with family or traveling independently). It includes:

• Hospital placement and supervision
• Pre-departure support
• In-country orientation
• Completion certificate and recommendation letters

> To explore this option, contact hello@goelective.com 

2. Full Program (All-Inclusive)

Starts at $2,300 USD for 2 weeks (excluding airfare), payable in installments. It includes:

• Hospital mentorship and placement
• Shared student accommodation
• Daily meals
• Airport pickup and in-country transport
• 24/7 safety support
• Optional excursions and cultural add-ons

> See the full list of what’s included

Step 2: Break Your Budget into Pieces

Here’s a sample 3-week budget for a full Go Elective program:

Want to save more? The Placement-Only option can reduce costs by $800–$1,200. Also note that this can be paid in installments. 

Step 3: Fund Your Internship (Yes, It’s Possible)

Plenty of students fund their electives through a mix of grants, part-time jobs, and community support. Here’s how:

Crowdfunding

Set up a profile on:

• GoFundMe
• FundMyTravel
• Razzoo
  
  

Include:

• Your story: Why this internship matters
• Where funds will go (be transparent)
• Photos or videos to bring it to life
• A catchy hashtag (e.g., #EdsGlobalMedTrip)
  
  

Grants and Bursaries

Check with:

• Your med school’s electives or global health office
• Organizations like IFMSA, CFHI, or university foundations
• Public databases: Grants.gov, StudentAid.gov, Scholarships.com

Explain how the elective aligns with your academic goals and how you’ll use what you learn.

Local Fundraising

Engage your local community:

• Host a trivia night, silent auction, or sports tournament
• Sell branded merch (T-shirts, mugs, baked goods)
• Raffle off donated prizes or experiences
• Reach out to churches, rotary clubs, and local clinics for sponsorship

Offer to speak at events or write a reflection article for supporters after your return.

> See complete fundraising guide

Step 4: Save Smarter, Spend Smarter

Even if your program is paid for, spending smart while abroad keeps your budget under control:

• Book flights early and monitor for student fares
• Pack wisely to avoid excess luggage fees
• Take advantage of Go Elective’s provided transport
• Limit unnecessary weekend spending—plan your excursions ahead
• Eat local meals and shop at markets instead of tourist areas

Step 5: Pay in Installments

Go Elective allows you to split your fee into 3 or 4 manageable payments. This gives you time to:

• Raise funds
• Budget around your class schedule
• Avoid using credit or loans up front

Some students also apply for interest-free post-trip financing—perfect if you plan to work over the summer after your elective.

Bonus Tip: Travel With Friends or a Group

Students who travel in groups often:

• Qualify for Go Elective’s group discounts
• Split some travel or housing costs
• Share fundraising platforms and events
• Feel more supported during the experience

Whether you’re in a pre-dental club or a classmate circle, consider teaming up to save more.

What You’ll Gain (Besides Savings)

Budgeting your way into a medical elective abroad teaches more than cost control—it strengthens the same qualities you’ll need in medicine:

• Resourcefulness under pressure
• Communication across cultures
• Creative problem-solving
• Empathy rooted in lived experience

You’ll leave not just as a stronger student, but as a more globally aware and reflective future healthcare professional.

Conclusion: You Can Afford a Global Dental Internship — With the Right Plan

Don’t let cost be the reason you miss out on life-changing global exposure. With Go Elective’s affordable pricing, placement-only flexibility, installment plans, and fundraising resources, you can make your internship abroad a reality.

> Start your budget-friendly journey today or email us at hello@goelective.com

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Dental Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 30, 2025