How My Midwifery Internship in Kenya Transformed My Career

Where Are They Now?

In 2018, Emma went to Mombasa, Kenya, for her midwifery internship with Go Elective. Today, she’s a qualified midwife in the UK and credits her overseas placement with shaping both her clinical skills and her passion for global maternal health.

We caught up with Emma to hear about her time in Mombasa and how it changed her life and career.

Why Midwifery?

“I actually started my first degree in the arts, but I felt it was too self-focused. I wanted a career that was about caring for others. Midwifery felt like the opposite. It was about supporting women, empowering families, and being present at one of the most important moments of someone’s life. It became a calling.”

Why Kenya?

Emma wanted to experience maternal care in a completely different context.

“I’d heard about the challenges midwives face in low-resource settings and wanted to see how they work without the technology we rely on back home. Go-Elective’s program in Mombasa stood out because it combined clinical learning with cultural immersion. I knew it would push me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible.”

Settling Into Life in Mombasa

From the moment she landed, Emma felt reassured.

“The Go-Elective team was waiting at the airport, and within hours I was settled into the student house with peers from medicine, nursing, and dentistry. The support structure was incredible. We had orientations, language lessons, and a team on the ground who made us feel safe and welcome.”

Clinical Placement: Labor and Delivery

Emma was placed primarily in the labor and delivery ward of a large teaching hospital.

“I witnessed breech deliveries, complex labors, and situations where midwives had to improvise with limited equipment. Watching their skills in action was incredible. They worked with such precision and calm despite the challenges. I learned techniques and approaches that I still draw on today.”

She also observed neonatal care and rotated briefly through antenatal services, gaining a fuller picture of maternal health in Kenya.

Learning Through Contrast

The differences with the UK were striking.

“In the UK, breech deliveries almost always mean a C-section. In Mombasa, I watched midwives deliver breech babies safely because surgery wasn’t an immediate option. Their hands-on expertise was inspiring. It made me realize how dependent we are on technology at home and how much can be achieved with skill and clinical intuition.”

She also noted the resilience of patients.

“Women often traveled long distances to reach the hospital, sometimes walking for hours. Their strength and gratitude for care, even when resources were limited, was humbling. It completely shifted how I view maternal health.”

Beyond the Hospital

Life outside placement was just as rewarding.

“We’d debrief with other students in the evenings and share stories from our day. Weekends were for adventure. We went on safari, which was amazing! Exploring Old Town Mombasa, and even snorkelling in Diani. Having that balance made the whole experience richer.”

Career Impact

Looking back, Emma says her internship changed everything.

“My interviews for midwifery positions were filled with examples from Mombasa. Employers were fascinated by the adaptability and cross-cultural skills I’d developed. More than that, the experience made me more confident, compassionate, and resilient.”

Now a community midwife in the UK, Emma still draws on her time in Kenya.

“It shaped my philosophy as a midwife. I trust my instincts more, respect the value of hands-on skill, and see every patient interaction through a broader global lens.”

Final Thoughts

“If you’re considering an overseas placement, don’t hesitate. You’ll never again have this chance to step into a completely different healthcare system as a student. It was life-changing for me. I came home a stronger midwife and a stronger person.”

Learn more about midwifery internships abroad or explore other healthcare internships in Kenya and Tanzania to see how you can shape your future career.

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Go Elective offers immersive opportunities for medical students, pre-med undergraduates, residents, nursing practitioners, and PAs to gain guided invaluable experience in busy hospitals abroad. Discover the power of study, travel, and impact.