How My Midwifery Internship Abroad Prepared Me for the Workplace

Faith, now a qualified midwife in Manchester, spent her overseas elective in Mombasa, Kenya, during her second year of training. Looking back, she says the experience gave her cultural awareness, resilience, and confidence that continue to shape her practice today.

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What were your expectations before leaving for Kenya?

I expected to see cases that I wouldn’t normally encounter during placements in the UK, particularly obstetric emergencies. I knew resources would be limited, but I also anticipated seeing how skilled and adaptable the Kenyan midwives and doctors were in managing complications without the same equipment we rely on.

In the maternity wards, I saw that clinical practice was surprisingly similar in many ways: patient-centered, consent-seeking, and collaborative. But without access to technology like CTG monitors and routine scans, midwives relied heavily on their skills and judgment, which was eye-opening.

What was the highlight of your internship?

One of the most memorable moments was joining a community outreach program in a rural village. Along with nursing students, I stayed with a local family, shared daily routines, and participated in health education sessions for expectant mothers.

This immersion into Kenyan culture was invaluable. I learned how cultural values influence healthcare decisions, and it gave me insights that I now apply when working with women from diverse backgrounds in the UK.

What was the most important lesson you learned?

Cultural awareness was the biggest takeaway. I had to learn how to communicate with women who spoke little or no English, often using gestures, basic Swahili phrases, or the help of colleagues. Even simple efforts like introducing myself in Swahili made patients more comfortable.

I also learned resilience. Facing situations like high maternal and neonatal mortality was difficult. But reflecting on these experiences has made me more grounded and empathetic in my practice.

How did this placement prepare you for working as a qualified midwife?

Working in a culturally diverse UK city, I regularly support women from different parts of the world, including East Africa. Having firsthand knowledge of how maternity care is delivered in a low-income country helps me build trust. For example, women often compare their experiences of childbirth at home with the NHS system. Being able to explain the differences and reassure them has been powerful.

The experience also strengthened my advocacy skills. Seeing patients who lacked access to basics like pain relief or privacy reminded me never to take our system for granted, and to always prioritize dignity in care.

Why do you recommend Go-Elective to other midwifery students?

Everything was so well-organized. From accommodation to hospital orientation. Knowing that I’d be supported throughout allowed me to focus on learning and cultural immersion. The Go-Elective team in Mombasa connected me with mentors who made sure I got the most from every day in the hospital.

I often share my story with student midwives because I want others to gain the same growth I did. An overseas elective with Go-Elective isn’t just about clinical skills; it’s about building cultural competence, adaptability, and confidence that will serve you throughout your career.

What advice would you give to midwifery students planning an overseas elective?

Keep an open mind, and be ready to see situations you may never encounter at home. Obstetric emergencies, higher risks of complications, and the reality of limited resources can be emotionally challenging, but they will make you a stronger, more resilient midwife.

Most importantly, embrace the cultural exchange.Learn the language basics, and take time to understand the community you’re serving. These experiences are just as important as the clinical ones.

At Go-Elective, we offer midwifery electives in Kenya and Tanzania that combine supervised hands-on hospital placements with cultural immersion. From maternity wards in regional hospitals to rural outreach programs, you’ll gain skills and insights that will prepare you for your future career.

Explore our midwifery electives and see how you can build cultural competence, clinical confidence, and global health experience before graduation.

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