Pre-PA Student Interview: What I Learned from My Go-Elective Internship in Kenya

What’s it like to complete a clinical internship abroad as a pre-PA student? We sat down with Alyssa, a junior from the U.S. who spent three weeks on a Go Elective placement in Mombasa, Kenya. From shadowing in surgery to navigating culture shock, she shares what she learned—and why she believes every future PA should consider going abroad.

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Q. Why did you choose to do a Go Elective internship abroad?

A. Alyssa:

I was looking for something more immersive than the typical hospital volunteer roles in the U.S. I wanted real shadowing, mentorship, and cultural exposure. Not just filing paperwork. When I found Go Elective’s pre-PA internships abroad it felt like the perfect fit. I liked that it was structured and included a lot of support from the local team.

I was also drawn to the chance to explore global health from first-hand experience. Not just through books or podcasts.

Q. What did your clinical days look like?

A. Alyssa:

We were based at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa. It’s a huge public hospital—busy, fast-paced, and full of learning opportunities. Each day started around 7:30 a.m. with morning rounds. Depending on the department, I’d shadow physicians, clinical officers, or nurses.

In my three weeks, I rotated through Emergency and Trauma, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, and General Surgery

I also helped take vitals, record notes, and assist with simple tasks when allowed. The mentors were super supportive. They explained everything and encouraged us to ask questions.

Q. Was there a moment that stood out to you?

A. Alyssa:

Yes. I was in the emergency department when a motorcycle crash victim came in. It was intense and the team had to work fast. Watching them stabilize the patient in that environment me realize how much skill, adaptability, and teamwork medicine requires.

That moment cemented my interest in emergency medicine. It was also the first time I saw how critical clinical judgment is not just following protocols, but thinking on your feet.

Q. Did the experience help you grow professionally?

A. Alyssa:

It boosted my confidence and clarity. Before this internship, I knew I wanted to go into healthcare, but I wasn’t completely sure if PA was the right fit. After shadowing clinical officers (who have a similar role to PAs in Kenya), I saw firsthand how PAs can lead, educate, and collaborate across specialties.

It also helped me build:Stronger communication skills, confidence around patients, and and humility

Q. What were your biggest challenges—and how did you handle them?

A. Alyssa:

Culture shock, definitely. The first few days were overwhelming. The pace of life, the patient load, the language differences. It was a lot. But Go Elective had orientation sessions, and a dedicated in-country team checked in with us daily.

Also, being open-minded helped. I appreciateD the resilience of the Kenyan healthcare system. I journal every time, which helped me process what I was seeing.

Q. What did you do outside of the hospital?

A. Alyssa:

So much! On weekends, we visited Diani Beach, took a trip to Wasini Island, and visited Haller Park. Go Elective helped organize a safari to Tsavo too which was the highlight of my experience.

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Q, What advice would you give to other pre-PA students considering this?

A. Alyssa:

I highly recommend doing the program. You don’t have to wait until PA school to get a meaningful experience. This isn’t just shadowing, you get to do a lot more. It’s immersive, guided, and eye-opening. The experience challenged my assumptions on what it means to provide care.

Q. Would you do it again?

A. Alyssa:

Absolutely. I plan on returning after PA school. Go Elective gave me exactly what I was looking for:

Conclusion: A Defining Chapter in the Pre-PA Journey

For aspiring PAs like Alyssa, a Go Elective internship offers far more than clinical hours. It delivers clarity, confidence, and cultural competence—three things that set future healthcare providers apart. Whether you're preparing for your first shadowing experience, meeting your academic requirement, taking a gap year or building your CASPA application, interning abroad could be the most powerful step you take.

> Learn more and apply today!