How to Raise $2,900 for Your Pre-Health Internship Abroad

Turning an Idea into Action

When Kloe, a pre-PA student at the Mississippi State University University, first heard about Go-Elective internships in Kenya and Tanzania, she was intrigued but unsure how to make it financially possible. A few of her classmates had traveled the year before and told her they’d managed to raise most of their costs themselves. Inspired, Kloe teamed up with two friends to try fundraising for her own placement in Mombasa, Kenya.

“I didn’t think I could raise that much at first,” she says. “But once I started, I realized it was not only doable, it was actually fun. I ended up raising more than I expected and covered nearly the whole cost of my trip.”

Creative Ways She Raised the Funds

I. Hosting a Community Fun Day

Kloe’s biggest event was a summer “Family Fun Day” at her home. She set up stalls like ring toss, a raffle table, and even rented a small bounce house. Her parents grilled food, neighbors brought baked goods, and friends helped run the games. By the end of the day, they’d made nearly $900. Her single biggest fundraising success.

II. Bake Sales on Campus

She also organized bake sales at her university. After getting permission to set up tables in the student union, Kloe and her friends baked dozens of cookies, brownies, and cupcakes. With posters around campus and her professors spreading the word, both sales sold out and added another few hundred dollars to her total.

III. Online Fundraising

Kloe set up a GoFundMe page and kept it updated with photos, event recaps, and progress toward her goal. “I was surprised to see people I didn’t even know donating,” she recalls. Friends shared the link widely, and over several months she raised about $600 through the page.

IV. Themed Nights

Her aunt hosted a themed karaoke party where everyone donated to attend. Between entry donations, snacks, and a raffle, the event added an extra $150 toward the trip.

V. Grants and Small Sponsorships

Using Go-Elective’s fundraising guide, Kloe applied for local grants and contacted community organizations. She secured a $500 grant from a local Rotary Club and received small contributions from two local businesses who wanted to support her experience abroad.

Staying Motivated

Kloe started fundraising in the fall, about nine months before her departure date. Spacing events throughout the academic year kept the momentum going and gave her time to plan creative ideas without feeling overwhelmed.

“There were times I worried it wouldn’t be enough,” she admits. “But every little bit added up. Even $20 donations mattered. The key is to keep going, stay organized, and enjoy it. I made memories from the fundraising itself before I even got on the plane.”

Final Thoughts

By the time she boarded her flight to Kenya, Kloe had raised just over $2,900. The process not only made her internship possible but also gave her new skills in event planning, networking, and communication.

If you’re considering an overseas placemen, start early, explore creative ideas, and use every channel available. With persistence and the right support, funding your internship can become one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

We also have discounts, if you are coming as a group! Contact hello@goelective.com

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