Self-Arranged Accommodation in Your Internship Abroad

Placement Only Programs - Sometimes Simplicity Is the Smartest Option

If you're a pre-med, pre-PA, nursing, or healthcare student planning a medical internship abroad, you’ve likely come across full-service programs that include housing, meals, excursions, and airport pickups. While these all-inclusive packages offer convenience, they’re not the only option—nor are they always the best fit for every student.

For independent travelers or budget-conscious applicants, a self-arranged accomodation (better known as placement-only programs) may offer the flexibility and value you need. Without sacrificing clinical learning or mentorship.

In this guide, we’ll explore what a placement-only medical internship is, who it’s best for, and why it could be the right choice for your upcoming healthcare experience abroad.

What Is a Placement-Only Internship?

A placement-only program provides you with:

• A verified hospital or clinic internship
• Formal introduction and coordination with supervising physicians
• Clinical rotation scheduling
• Support from local contacts (on-site or remote)

What it doesn’t include:

• Housing
• Meals
• Excursions or add-on travel
• Daily in-country transportation
• Group coordination

✅ At Go Elective, placement-only programs are available for students who want a customized clinical experience while making their own arrangements for accommodation and travel.

Who Should Consider a Placement-Only Program?

This model may be perfect for you if:

• You’re already planning to be in the region (e.g., study abroad, family visit, volunteer trip)
• You want more control over your travel budget and itinerary
• You’re an experienced traveler comfortable arranging your own housing and meals
• You have friends or family in the destination country
• You want to extend your trip beyond the internship (e.g., research, tourism, volunteering)
• You’re applying for academic credit and only need a verified placement

Many students doing gap years or mission-based travel in Kenya or Tanzania opt for this model and pair it with independent accommodations or university-based housing.

Key Benefits of Placement-Only Internships

#1. Cost Savings

By handling your own housing, meals, and flights, you can reduce overall costs. You’re not paying for bundled services you may not need or use.

✅ Ideal for students on tight budgets or using grants to cover clinical hours only.

#2. Greater Flexibility and Autonomy

Choose how long you stay, where you live, and how you explore the country.

• Stay in a hostel, Airbnb, or with a host family
• Customize your post-internship travel

Eat local meals, cook your own food, or try restaurants of your choice

✅ With Go Elective’s placement-only option, you’re still supported—but you set the pace.

#3. Academic Customization

Some students enroll in electives as part of a formal curriculum or capstone. In such cases, all that’s needed is a verified placement with a hospital and supervisor.

✅ Go Elective provides documentation and evaluations for schools requiring proof of placement, shadowing logs, or supervisor feedback.

#4. You Can Still Get Clinical Mentorship

Even without full program coordination, you’ll still be:

• Shadowing licensed physicians or clinical officers
• Rotating through hospital departments
• Observing real cases and ward rounds
• Engaging in meaningful learning in public health or clinical settings

You get the core clinical experience—without the extras.

#5. Cultural Immersion on Your Own Terms

Not everyone wants group excursions. Placement-only students can explore local culture at their own pace.

• Visit community markets, coastal towns, or national parks when it works for your schedule
• Practice Swahili or volunteer in local initiatives outside clinical hours
• Connect with locals and immerse in daily life beyond the tourist experience
  
  

#6. Option to Upgrade Later

Not sure if you want to manage everything on your own? Some providers—like Go Elective—allow students to upgrade to a full-service program even after beginning with a placement-only plan.

What’s Included in a Go Elective Placement-Only Program?

• Verified clinical placement in a public hospital (e.g., Coast General Hospital or Mount Meru Hospital)
• Formal introduction to your supervisor
• Scheduled shadowing and department rotations
• Pre-departure coordination and preparation
• Letter of completion and recommendation upon request
• Ongoing virtual support for any questions or emergencies

What You’ll Need to Arrange on Your Own

• Accommodation (hostel, hotel, homestay, Airbnb)
• Daily transport to/from the hospital
• Meals
• Flights and airport transfers
• Travel insurance
• Local SIM card or Wi-Fi access

✅ Go Elective can provide a list of safe housing options near the hospital if you prefer recommendations.

Who Should Not Choose a Placement-Only Program?

You might prefer a full-service program if:

❌ You’ve never traveled abroad alone
❌ You prefer group activities and coordinated excursions
❌ You want everything arranged in one package
❌ You’re concerned about safety, logistics, or navigating new environments

✅ In that case, Go Elective’s fully coordinated internships may be a better fit.

Final Thoughts: Placement-Only Is a Smart, Flexible Option

A placement-only program can be the perfect solution for students who are independent, budget-conscious, or customizing a broader travel or study experience.

At Go Elective, we make sure your clinical experience remains strong, even if you’re managing your own housing or itinerary. It’s the same high-quality mentorship and hospital access, just with more freedom and less cost.

Interested in a Placement-Only Internship in Kenya or Tanzania?

Go Elective offers:

✓ Verified public hospital placements
✓ Clinical shadowing and department rotations
✓ Supervisor support and documentation
✓ Flexibility to build your own travel plan

Apply today to secure a customized placement that fits your goals and your schedule.

Article Details

Categories

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

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 26, 2025