Packing Essentials for Your Internship Abroad

Preparing for a healthcare internship abroad is exciting, but deciding what to pack can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need to overpack. Many of our interns manage with just one backpack or suitcase for 6–8 weeks, and plenty of essentials can be bought locally if you forget something.

Below you’ll find a packing guide with key items to bring for your Go Elective placement in Kenya or Tanzania.

Travel documents and security

1. Passport (with copies stored separately)
2. Flight itinerary and booking references
3. Yellow fever vaccination certificate and any other vaccination records
4. Travel and health insurance documents (plus policy number and emergency contacts)
5. List of useful contacts: family, your bank, Go Elective staff numbers, local emergency contacts
6. Debit/credit card (inform your bank before traveling) and some cash (USD or GBP for exchange)
7. Money belt for carrying cash securely
   
   

Placement essentials

• Scrubs and closed-toe shoes for hospital use
• Stethoscope, pen torch, gloves, pens, and notebook
• A small medical reference book (optional, but handy in rural placements)
• Alcohol hand gel for use in the hospital and during day trips
• Padlock for securing valuables in your accommodation
  
  

Personal comfort

1. Head torch or small flashlight (very useful during power cuts)
2. Earplugs and eye mask for restful sleep
3. Swimwear, towel, and light nightwear
4. Comfortable clothes for evenings and weekends
5. Footwear: flip flops for the house, trainers or walking shoes for excursions
6. Sunglasses, hat, and sun cream
7. Mosquito repellent and a basic first aid kit (plasters, pain relief, anti-diarrhea tablets, bite cream)
   
   

Tech and extras

• Unlocked mobile phone (local SIM cards are cheap and easy to buy)
• Camera for capturing your experience
• Small backpack for day trips or hospital use
• Notebook or journal to record your experiences
  
  

Optional items if you plan to travel after placement

1. Sleeping bag liner or sheet
2. Mosquito net (most accommodations provide one, but extra can be handy)
3. Travel-size laundry soap or detergent if you’ll be away from the program house for extended trips

For any clarification and more info, reach out to operations@goelective.com

Donations and supplies

If you’ve raised funds and want to contribute to your host hospital, it may be easier to purchase supplies locally once you arrive. Our in-country team can advise on what’s most useful.

At Go Elective, we provide safe accommodation, meals, and laundry services in our program houses, so you won’t need to worry about everyday basics. This allows you to travel light and focus on the incredible clinical and cultural experiences ahead.

For more on preparing for your trip, check out our safety and security guide and fundraising tips to help make your elective possible.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Travel Tips, Dental Internships, Nursing Internships, PA Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 20, 2025