How to Organize a Physician Assistant Internship Abroad on a Budget

For aspiring Physician Assistants (PAs), gaining diverse clinical experience is essential. But not all shadowing hours are created equal. A PA internship abroad offers exposure to healthcare systems in resource-limited settings, strengthens cultural competency, and gives you a competitive edge for CASPA. Still, one question stops many students in their tracks:

Can I afford it?

Yes, you can—and this guide will show you how. At Go Elective, we offer structured, hands-on internships in Kenya and Tanzania, and we’ve helped hundreds of pre-PA students organize their trips without breaking the bank.

Why a Global Internships Are Worth It for PA and Pre-PA Students

Electives in Kenya or Tanzania aren’t just an adventure. They offer:

Hands-on clinical learning in public hospitals with real patient contact
Exposure to cases not commonly seen at home (e.g., malaria, late-stage cancers, trauma)
Mentorship from local physicians and specialists
The opportunity to explore cross-cultural medicine, health systems, and equity
Content for your portfolio, reflections, interviews, and academic write-ups

> Explore Go Elective's clinical placements

Step 1: Choose a Cost-Smart Program Type

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

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

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:

Item	Estimated Cost (USD)
Full Program Fee (Plus deposit)	$2,600
Roundtrip Flight	$1,100
Visa, Insurance, Vaccines	$150
Personal Spending	$250
Total Estimate	~$4,100

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:

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., #EmmasGlobalMedTrip)

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

Bring your PA school friends, partner with another university, or reach out to peers in your clinical year.

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 futurehealthcare professional.

Conclusion: You Can Afford a Global Elective—With the Right Strategy

A global PA internship might feel out of reach financially, but it’s closer than you think. With Go Elective’s affordable pricing, flexible payment plans, and fundraising tools, you can make it happen—debt-free and on your terms.

Start planning now, and let your experience abroad shape your future as a compassionate, confident, and culturally aware Physician Assistant.

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