Why In-Person Internships Beat Virtual Shadowing for Pre-Med and PA Students

As healthcare education becomes increasingly competitive, many pre-med, pre-PA, and pre-health students are turning to virtual shadowing as a quick way to gain clinical exposure. But is it enough? And does it truly prepare you for medical school—or give you an edge?

While online shadowing sessions may offer basic insights into healthcare professions, virtual experiences simply don’t measure up to the depth, skill development, and real-world preparation that in-person internships provide. If you’re serious about a career in medicine, clinical experience needs to go beyond the screen.

Here’s what you need to know about virtual shadowing—and why immersive, patient-facing internships abroad (like those offered by Go Elective) are still the gold standard for aspiring healthcare professionals.

What Is Virtual Shadowing—and Why Has It Grown?

Virtual shadowing emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a workaround for students unable to access hospitals or clinics in person. These programs typically allow students to watch recorded or live telehealth consultations and hear from healthcare providers about their careers.

While convenient, this setup lacks the interactivity, spontaneity, and practical experience that med schools and PA programs truly value.

> Explore of Pre-PA and PA internship Abroad

Limitations of Virtual Shadowing for Healthcare Students

No Hands-On Experience

You can’t take vitals, assist in triage, or even stand beside a physician. Virtual shadowing limits you to passive observation—no patient interaction, no physical exams, no real-time participation.

Minimal Mentorship and Interaction

In a virtual setting, it’s difficult to build meaningful relationships with physicians or ask questions during or after patient encounters. Mentorship—the kind that leads to references, guidance, or even letters of recommendation—is extremely limited online.

No Exposure to Team-Based Care

Healthcare is collaborative. In a real hospital, you see how nurses, doctors, lab techs, and administrators work together. Virtual shadowing rarely offers this full-system perspective.

Weak Clinical Skill Development

Virtual observers don’t practice patient communication, clinical reasoning, or cultural sensitivity—the very skills most admissions committees want to see in applicants.

Not Recognized by Many Schools

Most medical schools and PA programs consider virtual shadowing supplementary at best. Few count it toward direct patient care hours. If you rely only on virtual experiences, your application may fall short.

Why In-Person Internships Matter More Than Ever

If you want to show med or PA schools that you're ready for real clinical environments, nothing replaces in-person exposure.

With a Go Elective internship in Kenya or Tanzania, you’ll gain:

Direct observation and participation in patient care
Small-group mentorship in real hospitals and clinics
Rotations tailored to your interest (pediatrics, surgery, OB/GYN, internal medicine, etc.)
Insight into how healthcare operates in low-resource settings
Meaningful cultural exchange and global health awareness

These are the exact experiences that build confidence, cultural competence, and clinical communication skills—the kind that make admissions committees take notice.

Included in Every Go Elective Internship

Our global health internships are available year-round and designed for students at every stage of their healthcare journey—from high school to med school applicants.

Each program includes:

Clinical shadowing and patient-facing rotations
Weekly global health seminars and academic mentorship
Comfortable, secure housing with in-house catering
Visa and travel support
Hospital placement fees, documentation, and supervision
Cultural tours, volunteer opportunities, and Swahili lessons
Certificates and recommendation letters from local clinicians

Pricing starts at $2,000 for one week with longer options available:

1 week: $2,000
2 weeks: $2,300
3 weeks: $2,700
4 weeks: $3,100

Compare that to many U.S.-based or “voluntourism” programs that charge twice as much—and deliver half the experience.

View full program details and apply here.

Key Benefits of In-Person Clinical Experience Abroad

Real-World Skill Development

See and assist in actual medical cases. Understand how patient care unfolds in busy public hospitals. Learn from real-time clinical decisions and ethical dilemmas.

Networking and Letters of Recommendation

Work closely with healthcare professionals who observe your dedication firsthand—leading to strong letters of recommendation that carry real weight in your application.

Cultural Competence

In today’s globalized world, medical professionals need to work across cultures. Our placements prepare you to serve diverse populations with sensitivity and empathy.

Confidence for Your Career Path

Still unsure if medicine is for you? After two weeks in a hospital in Mombasa or Arusha, you’ll know. There’s no better career test-drive than real clinical immersion.

Virtual Shadowing FAQs

Does virtual shadowing count for med school?

Not usually. It may be acknowledged as supplemental, but direct, in-person clinical experience is almost always preferred.

Can virtual shadowing replace in-person experience?

No. Most programs, including those in the U.S., require patient-facing hours for admission.

Is virtual shadowing better than nothing?

Yes—but only as a start. Use it to explore your interest, then follow up with in-person experience to strengthen your application.

How do I get direct clinical exposure if I don’t have connections?

That’s exactly what Go Elective offers. Our programs are open, affordable, and intentionally structured to give you access—no prior experience or network needed.

Final Thoughts: Experience Still Matters Most

Virtual shadowing is a helpful introduction—but it’s not a substitute for the real thing. To become a competitive applicant and compassionate future provider, you need to experience healthcare in its full complexity—right alongside patients and professionals.

That’s what Go Elective offers: intentional, affordable, and life-changing healthcare internships in East Africa.

Your journey to medicine starts in the field.

> Apply now or learn more about our pre-med internships abroad.