What to Pack for a Medical Internship Abroad (Kenya or Tanzania)

Preparing for an Internship Abroad? Start with the Right Gear.

Heading to Kenya or Tanzania for a medical internship is an exciting and life-changing step in your pre-med or healthcare journey. Whether you’re traveling with Go Elective for a clinical placement, public health program, or gap year experience, what you pack will shape how comfortable, effective, and prepared you feel abroad.

You’ll need to balance hospital-appropriate attire, cultural sensitivity, and practical essentials for a safe and immersive experience.

This comprehensive guide covers exactly what to pack for your medical internship in East Africa, including must-haves for the hospital, free time, and rural outreach settings.

1. Essential Travel Documents

These should be in your carry-on and backed up digitally.

✅ Valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
✅ Visa/eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization, as advised by Go Elective)
✅ Yellow fever vaccination certificate and recommended vaccinations (required for entry)
✅ Flight tickets, and emergency contacts

Tip: Keep hard copies in a folder and digital scans on your phone or email.

2. Medical Internship Clothing (Hospital Appropriate)

Dress codes in Kenyan and Tanzanian hospitals are formal and conservative. Interns are expected to look neat, professional, and culturally respectful.

Tops:

• Scrub tops
• Long-sleeved button-ups (for cooler mornings or ward rounds)

Bottoms:

• Dress pants or scrub pants
• Midi or long skirts (for female students)
• Avoid shorts, leggings, or ripped jeans in clinical settings

Shoes:

• Closed-toe, waterproof shoes (e.g., clogs or durable sneakers)
• Comfortable sandals or loafers for evenings

Accessories:

• Stethoscope (Optional)
• White coat or lab coat (Optional)
• ID badge holder or lanyard
• Penlight and notebook for rounds

Pro tip: Laundry is available weekly through Go Elective housing, so you don’t need to overpack.

3. Clinical Supplies and PPE

While Go Elective hospitals provide basic PPE, it’s helpful to bring your own extras for comfort and reliability.

Recommended items:

• 2–3 cloth or disposable surgical masks
• Pocket-size hand sanitizer
• A few pairs of nitrile gloves (for outreach days)
• Refillable water bottle
• Notebook and pens for case notes or reflection

Optional: Blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, or clinical reference flashcards (not required but helpful for engaged learners)

4. Everyday Casual Clothing

You’ll want clothes that are breathable, lightweight, and appropriate for tropical climates and cultural norms.

Daily wear:

• T-shirts and modest tops
• Shorts, Lightweight trousers or long skirts
• Dresses (knee-length or longer)
• Comfortable walking sandals or sneakers
• Light jacket or hoodie for cool evenings

Extras:

• Sunglasses and sunhat
• Swimsuit (for beach days or safari lodge pools)
• Flip flops (for shower or casual wear)
  
  

5. Cultural and Weekend Adventure Wear

Go Elective offers optional weekend excursions to places like Maasai Mara, Diani Beach, and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Pack accordingly.

For excursions:

• Lightweight backpack or daypack
• Activewear (for hikes or safaris)
• Insect repellent
• Binoculars and camera (for game drives)
• Swahili phrasebook or offline translator app

> Cultural tip: In many communities, modesty is valued. Avoid tight-fitting or revealing clothes during village outreach or rural clinic visits.

6. Personal Toiletries and Health Essentials

Most toiletries are available locally, but bring your preferred brands and any prescriptions.

Must-haves:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Mosquito repellent (DEET-based or natural)
• Sanitary supplies (tampons/pads may not be widely available)
• Basic first aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, rehydration salts)
• Any regular prescription medications (bring enough for your entire stay)

Optional: Travel-size detergent, dry shampoo, or laundry bag

7. Technology and Accessories 

Suggested gear:

• Unlocked smartphone
• Portable power bank
• Local SIM card (available upon arrival)
• Universal travel adapter (Kenya and Tanzania use UK-style Type G plugs)
• Headphones for downtime
• Flashlight or headlamp (for power outages or rural travel)

> Go Elective provides Wi-Fi in student accommodations, but it can be intermittent.

8. Educational and Reflection Tools

Use your downtime to log experiences, reflect, and prepare for future interviews.

Pack:

• Journal or digital note-taking app
• Pre-med reading (e.g., When Breath Becomes Air, Being Mortal)
• AMCAS activity tracker
• Printed copies of personal statement drafts (for refinement during your trip)
  
  

9. Cultural Gifts and Personal Touches (Optional)

Want to connect more deeply with locals, hospital staff, or your host family?

Thoughtful items:

• Postcards or small souvenirs from your home country
• Stickers, pens, or Thank-you card for your supervisor or translator

Final Packing Tips

✅ Pack light, but smart—choose multi-use clothing and layers
✅ Respect local culture—modest, clean clothing matters
✅ Double-check medical gear with your program coordinator
✅ Bring a spirit of openness, humility, and curiosity

Getting Ready for Your Medical Internship in East Africa?

Go Elective provides everything you need to succeed on the ground—so you can focus on learning, growing, and making a difference.
✓ Hospital placement and supervision
✓ Cultural orientation and language crash course
✓ Safe housing, meals, and in-country support

>For more info reach out to hello@goelective.com or Inquire here 

Article Details

Categories

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

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 26, 2025