What to Expect in Your First Week with Go Elective (Intern Diaries)

Starting a clinical internship abroad is exciting — and a little nerve-wracking. New country, new hospital, new culture. You may be asking: What will my first week actually look like? At Go Elective, we know how important those first few days are in setting the tone for a successful and unforgettable experience.

In this article, we walk you through exactly what to expect during your first week on a Go Elective internship in Kenya or Tanzania. From airport pickup and orientation to hospital shadowing and Swahili basics, here’s what real interns experience in week one.

Arrival: Airport pickup and warm welcome

Whether you’re landing in Mombasa, Naironi, or Arusha a member of the Go Elective team will be waiting for you with a smile (and your name on a placard). From there, you’ll be taken directly to your intern residence — fully furnished, secure, and shared with a small group of other students from around the world.

Expect:

• Transportation arranged in advance
• A quick city tour en route to your new home
• Time to settle in, rest, and meet your fellow interns

Tip: Most arrivals are scheduled over the weekend to give you time to adjust before your first hospital day.

Day 1: Orientation + Hospital Introduction

Your first official day begins with an orientation session led by our local coordinator. It covers everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared:

• Cultural norms and expectations
• Safety guidelines and health tips
• Hospital dress code and conduct
• Program schedule and rotation plan
• How to navigate the city, transport, and emergencies
• Introduction to your language and culture guide

After orientation, you’ll visit your assigned hospital and be introduced to your clinical supervisor or ward manager. You’ll also receive your hospital ID and review your weekly schedule and departmental rotations.

 “On my first day, I was introduced to the matron, then walked through the maternity ward. Everyone was welcoming. I was nervous, but by Day 2 I felt part of the team.” — Sarah, pre-nursing intern, Mombasa

Days 2–5: Clinical shadowing begins

After orientation, you’ll start shadowing in your first assigned department. For most interns, this includes a rotation through:

• Pediatrics
• Maternity/OB-GYN
• Internal Medicine
• Surgical ward or minor theatre
• Emergency care (A&E), and more depending on your interest.
  
  

What you’ll actually do:

• Join morning ward rounds with doctors, nurses, and clinical officers
• Observe patient consultations and treatments
• Learn how cases are diagnosed and managed with limited resources
• Ask questions during downtime or debriefing sessions
• Log your hours and reflections with guidance from the Go Elective team

No two days are the same — some interns witness deliveries, others observe emergency trauma cases, and many rotate through multiple departments within their first week.

“By the end of the week, I had watched three C-sections, joined a pediatric ward round, and started understanding how resource-limited hospitals work. I felt both challenged and inspired.” — Jake, pre-med intern, Naivasha

Afternoons and evenings: Culture, language, and connection

Your internship is about more than just hospital work. In the afternoons and evenings, Go Elective offers:

• Swahili crash courses to help you greet patients and navigate the market
• Cultural cooking sessions — learn how to make pilau, chapati, or ugali
• Neighborhood tours and local markets
• Time to relax at the intern residence, journal, or reflect on your clinical experiences
• Guest speakers from local NGOs, hospitals, or youth leaders

“We had Swahili lessons every other day, and I quickly learned how to greet patients. It made them smile — and it made me feel part of something bigger.” — Emma, public health intern, Kisumu

Weekend 1: Coastal trips, safaris, or rest

Most interns take their first weekend to unwind, explore, or go on a short excursion. Options include:

• Diani Beach, Watamu or a Tsavo National Park Safari if you're in Mombasa
• Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate, or hiking Mount Longonot near Naivasha
• Kisumu’s Impala Sanctuary and Lake Victoria views
• Group safaris to Maasai Mara (available as add-ons)
• Or just time to relax and reset

Don’t worry — our team helps coordinate optional trips with verified guides and transport, so you’re never figuring it out alone.

What past interns say about Week One

“The first week exceeded my expectations. I wasn’t just watching — I was learning, reflecting, and slowly becoming more confident each day.”

“Go Elective made everything so smooth. From airport pickup to my first hospital day, I always felt supported.”

“The cultural orientation was incredibly helpful. I felt prepared to work in a new system without feeling overwhelmed.”

Final thoughts: Trust the process, lean into the experience

Your first week with Go Elective is about settling in, observing, and adjusting. You’ll likely feel a mix of excitement, culture shock, and inspiration — and that’s okay. By the end of the week, you’ll already be more confident in the hospital, more comfortable navigating your city, and more connected to the local healthcare team.

Every Go Elective intern starts here — and we’re with you every step of the way.

Ready to begin? Explore our programs and apply to join our next cohort

Article Details

Categories

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

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jul 1, 2025