Medical Internships in Africa vs South America: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing where to do your medical internship abroad is a major decision that can shape your clinical experience, cultural understanding, and career trajectory. Africa and South America are two of the most popular continents for global health internships, each offering distinct opportunities and challenges for pre-med, medical, nursing, pre-PA, and public health students.

In this guide, we compare medical internships in Africa and South America across key factors like clinical exposure, mentorship, affordability, language, safety, and overall impact — to help you decide which destination is right for your goals.

> Explore Go-Elective Medical Internships in Africa

1. Clinical Exposure and Hands-On Experience

Africa:

Internships in countries like Kenya and Tanzania often take place in large public referral hospitals, such as Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa. These hospitals serve high patient volumes and are ideal for:

• Shadowing rounds in surgery, pediatrics, OB/GYN, internal medicine, and emergency care
• Observing rare conditions like malaria, tuberculosis, and maternal complications
• Gaining hands-on experience (under supervision) in basic procedures and clinical tasks

In many African placements, students are welcomed as part of the care team, especially in under-resourced settings where support is valued and participation is encouraged.

South America:

In countries like Peru, Ecuador, and Argentina, clinical placements often occur in urban clinics or small hospitals. Due to legal and language barriers, many programs here are more observation-based, with hands-on opportunities limited unless you’re fluent in Spanish and further along in your training.

That said, South America excels in public health immersion, especially in community clinics, health outreach projects, and rural rotations focused on nutrition, sanitation, and infectious disease.

Verdict: 

If you’re seeking deeper hands-on hospital experience, Africa generally provides more structured access and freedom to engage, especially with providers like Go Elective.

2. Language and Communication

Africa:

In Kenya and Tanzania, English is an official language and widely used in medical settings. Interns are able to communicate directly with doctors, nurses, and most patients. This facilitates:

• Clear instruction from supervisors
• Accurate case reporting and medical note reviews
• Participation in ward rounds and clinical discussions

South America:

Spanish is dominant, and proficiency is often required to fully participate in clinical care. Students with strong Spanish skills may thrive, but those without may feel limited. Some programs offer language classes as a supplement.

Verdict: 

If you’re not confident in Spanish, Africa is the better choice. It allows full immersion in English-speaking clinical environments from day one.

3. Cultural and Global Health Exposure

Africa:

Interning in Africa means confronting the realities of healthcare in resource-limited environments. You’ll experience:

• Overburdened public hospitals
• Limited access to diagnostic tools and supplies
• Creative problem-solving in real time

Cultural learning also includes deep interactions with local communities, Swahili language, traditional medicine practices, and socioeconomic health determinants.

South America:

Many South American internships focus on public health education, traditional healing practices (e.g., curanderos), and maternal-child health. You’ll likely engage with rural communities and explore how poverty, education, and access affect outcomes.

Verdict: 

Both regions offer rich global health lessons, but Africa tends to emphasize acute clinical care and hospital medicine, while South America leans more toward community and preventive health.

4. Program Cost and Value

Africa (e.g., with Go Elective):

Go Elective’s programs in Kenya and Tanzania are all-inclusive, covering accommodation, meals, in-country transport, airport pickup, and 24/7 support. Prices are competitive compared to U.S.-based shadowing programs or South American placements that don’t offer housing.

• Example: A 2-week Go Elective internship starts at $2,300, including logistics and full support
• Optional safaris and weekend excursions are also available, giving extra value to the experience

South America:

Many South American programs vary in price depending on language lessons, homestay arrangements, and flight costs. Some budget programs may lack structured clinical oversight or consistent in-country support.

Verdict: 

For value, structure, and safety, Africa with a vetted provider like Go Elective often gives you more clinical hours and cultural access per dollar.

5. Mentorship and Academic Support

Africa:

Programs like Go Elective prioritize mentorship. Interns are matched with experienced clinicians who guide them through:

• Department rotations and case reviews
• Weekly academic reflections
• Opportunities to present findings or case summaries

South America:

Mentorship structures vary. In larger cities, clinical oversight may be limited or inconsistent, especially if placements are through third-party travel organizations rather than hospital partners.

Verdict: 

Africa provides a more intentional academic environment, especially if you’re looking to reflect, journal, or use the experience to strengthen a medical school application or PA school personal statement.

6. Safety and Support

Africa:

Go Elective offers in-country program coordinators, pre-departure orientation, and 24/7 support. Accommodation is in secure intern houses or hostels. Safety briefings are provided, and staff accompany interns on hospital introductions.

South America:

Safety can vary significantly by city. Some areas in South America have higher rates of petty crime, and intern support systems may not always be present unless you’re with a large, established program.

Verdict: 

With the right provider, both regions can be safe. But structured programs with vetted housing and transport, like those in Kenya and Tanzania, offer a higher standard of security and supervision.

So, Which One Is Right for You?

 

Final Takeaway: Choose Africa If...

• You want hands-on clinical exposure in a hospital setting
• You prefer English-speaking programs
• You value structure, mentorship, and academic relevance
• You’re interested in a mix of global health and adventure, including safaris and cultural tours

Start with Go Elective’s Medical Internships in Africa — designed for pre-med, med, nursing, and PA students looking for meaningful global healthcare experience.

Choose South America If...

• You’re fluent or conversational in Spanish
• You’re focused on community health, outreach, and prevention
• You want to combine your internship with Spanish language immersion
• You’re prepared for more observational learning

Looking for more info? Reach out to us via hello@goelective.com 

Article Details

Categories

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

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 27, 2025