Nursing Electives Abroad
Nursing Electives Abroad
Our nursing internship programs are customized to provide you with a unique and enriching experience in resource-deprived hospitals abroad. At Go-Elective, we understand the vital role nurses play in delivering healthcare, particularly in developing countries where patient-to-nurse interaction is often more pronounced compared to other medical professionals.
In regions with high patient loads and limited resources, especially in rural areas, African nurses take on responsibilities that extend beyond traditional nursing duties found in more developed healthcare systems.
Go-Elective’s nursing programs cater to a wide range of candidates, including pre-nursing students, undergraduate nursing students, graduate nursing students, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and Nurse Practitioners (NP).
Why Undertake a Nursing Internship Abroad?
Go-Elective’s nursing programs typically take place in a government, or community health facility in East Africa, offering a unique opportunity to engage in a wide range of tasks, including supervised hands-on patient care and administrative duties.
We offer a diverse program that promotes clinical experience, career insight, cultural exchange, and professional development. Whether you're a high school student exploring your options, a registered nurse, or a college student seeking to advance your nursing education, our internships are a compelling opportunity.
Importantly, many nursing students are required to complete a compulsory internship as part of their studies. Our program provides valuable insights into hospital operations and nursing tasks, along with intercultural skills that are invaluable for your nursing career.
Program Duration & Schedule
The duration of our nursing elective placements abroad is flexible, ranging from 2 to 12 weeks. You have the freedom to choose the program's start and end dates to align with your academic commitments and personal availability.
On weekdays, your schedule will include hospital rotations from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., allowing your afternoons to be free for various activities, such as attending our global health seminars, language lessons, or relaxation at the residence. If you're looking to get additional clinical hours, you are free to take on extra hospital shifts.
During weekends, you'll have the opportunity to unwind, engage in safaris, spend time with local schoolchildren, or participate in volunteer work that may involve offering preventive health education.
What’s Included in the Program
Go Elective offers a comprehensive international residency rotation package.
We provide pre-trip support; airport transfers; 24/7 assistance; safe, spacious, and comfortable housing; private transport; unlimited Wi-Fi access; laundry services; chef-prepared meals tailored to personal dietary preferences; hospital fees; orientation; mentorship/training; residence-based weekly global health seminars; language lessons; recommendation letter/certificate of participation; volunteering opportunities as well as a chance to explore the destination, hike Mt. Kilimanjaro or go on a safari.
Why Choose Go-Elective for Your Nursing Elective Abroad?
In today's interconnected world, gaining an international perspective is essential for healthcare professionals. This program offers hands-on experience and cross-cultural exchange providing invaluable nursing insights beyond lecture halls.
Our nursing internship programs abroad offer:
Flexible Program Durations and Dates
Our program operates year-round, offering flexibility in choosing a time that suits your schedule. You can participate for as little as 2 weeks or extend your experience for up to 12 weeks.
Path to Graduate School
Nursing careers are becoming increasingly competitive. Structured Internship opportunities overseas provide a unique edge in medical schools and job applications.
Global Health Seminars
These residence-based seminars give a unique perspective on healthcare in resource-limited settings. You'll gain an understanding of how poverty, socio-cultural traditions, and limited resources affect patient care.
Safety and Support
Your well-being is our top priority. We ensure your safety with secure accommodations and provide 24/7 support through designated mentors and other staff.
Safaris & Cultural Immersion
Why travel so far and miss out on exploring these destinations? Consider a safari in the Maasai Mara, or, for hikers, the chance to conquer Africa's tallest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro. These opportunities await when you open yourself to exploring beyond your borders. Picture yourself in a new country, navigating vibrant markets, and sampling exotic cuisines.
Unique Program Highlights
Our programs are located in regions with unique healthcare challenges. Kenya, for instance, grapples with a shortage of doctors, resulting in a distinct nurse-to-doctor-patient ratio. Limited resources lead to different approaches to healthcare delivery, such as prescribing medication when resources are scarce. Traditional medicine is also practiced in some hospitals, and research into its effectiveness is ongoing.
Resources are often limited, and emergencies can be challenging due to a lack of equipment. Patients and their families are typically expected to pay for treatment unless they have health insurance, which many cannot afford. Patients may present with advanced conditions, and you'll have the opportunity to contribute to research on diseases like TB and Malaria.
Beyond medicine, these regions offer remarkable experiences, from unwinding on palm-lined beaches to encountering elephants, lions, and giraffes on safari.
Featured Hospitals in Our Nursing Program
One of our highlighted medical facilities is the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital. It has a history dating back to 1908 and is now the second-largest public hospital in Kenya, serving more than a million people as their primary healthcare provider, and about 3 million as a secondary option. People from all over Kenya and East Africa come here for high-quality care.
We also work with other hospitals in Mombasa, Malindi, Nairobi, Kakamega, and Arusha, Tanzania.
Program Supervision & Mentorship
Upon your arrival, our staff will meet you at the airport and drive you to our residence, allowing you to relax after your journey. The following day, you will receive a local area orientation, followed by a hospital induction.
During the hospital induction, you will be assigned a doctor mentor who will guide you throughout the program. We maintain daily communication with your supervisor to ensure your learning experience stays on track and aligns with your objectives.
GE Nursing Programs Health & Safety
Our program residences are located in the safest areas of the cities we operate in. Each residence is within a gated community with round-the-clock security personnel. Depending on the number of participants at any given time, accommodations may include shared rooms with one other person.
The residences are equipped with a TV, Wi-Fi, kitchen, dining area, and access to a swimming pool. Furthermore, we provide private transportation to our destinations to guarantee your safety and convenience.
Specialties Available
Our nursing programs have different specialties spread out in select locations. They include:
- Burn Nursing
- Cardiac Nursing
- Community Health
- Critical Care Nursing
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Emergency and Trauma Nursing
- Infection Control Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Nurse-Midwifery
- Neonatal Nursing
- Oncology Nursing
- Orthopedic Nursing
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Pediatric Nursing
- Adult Nursing
- Child Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
Please note that there are limited openings in each specialty, so we recommend securing your spot as early as possible. We maintain a controlled number of participants per department to uphold the quality of our healthcare internships.
Scope, Task & Responsibilities in Your Nursing Internships Abroad
During your nursing elective, you will work closely with professional nurses, assisting with patient care and administrative duties. You'll have the opportunity to rotate through different departments, including the Emergency Room and the Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit.
You'll also have the chance to provide healthcare to childcare centers, HIV/AIDS support centers, and elderly care homes in select locations. Beyond nursing skills, you'll immerse yourself in the local culture, gaining insights that extend far beyond the scope of your clinical duties.
Student nurses can experience various nursing branches, including adult, child, and learning disabilities nursing.
Other activities might include:
- Getting involved in community outreach campaigns will allow you to witness a wide range of different illnesses.
- Educating locals about family planning, reproductive health, cervical cancer screening and HIV/AIDS prevention.
- Supervised hands-on experience with basic health checks, wound care, blood pressure monitoring, and more.
- You'll shadow nurses on their daily routines in government hospitals, witnessing the crucial role nurses play in Kenya and Tanzania as they care for patients and administer medication.
- Rotating across departments to observe different illnesses, injuries, and practices. Under supervision, you'll assist with IVs, medication administration, minor procedures, and more.
Adventure Beyond Medicine
We recognize the significance of immersing yourself in the local culture and attractions during your experience. During your leisure time, you'll have the chance to go on safaris, and excursions, or even embark on adventurous activities such as hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa.
These extra activities provide you with the opportunity to deeply engage with the beauty and culture of the locations where you'll be placed.
Preparing for Your Nursing Internship Abroad
Before embarking on your nursing program, we recommend familiarizing yourself with your designated placement location. Learning about the language, climate, local customs, and culture will enrich your experience and facilitate a smooth transition. We normally discuss these essential aspects in our pre-trip sessions.
We have established strong partnerships with universities worldwide, ensuring your course requirements are met in terms of minimum hours and placement settings. We can complete any paperwork required by your university.
Don't Leave Your Friends Behind!
Most applications are solo trips that then join other participants in the program. However,
you are free to travel with a group of friends or classmates. Moreover, you have the option
of extending your experience by inviting your family to join you for a memorable safari at
the program's conclusion.
Note that there may be group discounts available for those who choose to travel with friends
or classmates.
Other Placement Options
Besides healthcare, other work placement options available are Teaching, Community Development, Business Treks, HIV work, Orphanage Work, Agriculture, Environmental Protection, and more.
Our programs revolve around volunteering, studying abroad, career exploration, cultural immersion, language study, and gap year programs. Which can all be used for school credit.
2026 & Summer 2027 Electives Applications Ongoing
Ready to embark on this transformative journey with Go Elective? We're here to support you every step of the way, from liaising with university staff to handling paperwork, visas, and flights.
If you're seeking specific advice or more information about our Nursing Electives in 2026 or the summer of 2027 before applying, don't hesitate to reach out. You can email us or click here to schedule a virtual meeting or call.
It's your chance to scrub up and hit the ground running. Join Go-Elective and expand your horizons in the world of healthcare. It's an experience that will enhance your skills, broaden your perspective, and empower you to make a difference.
Success Stories from Our Alumni Network
Go Elective surpassed my expectations. From the moment I arrived, the GE staff made me feel at ease. The shadowing experience I got from the rural clinics in Mombasa was incredible, allowing me to see things I don't think I would have seen anywhere else.
Kayla Foord, Premed Internship
Success Stories from Our Alumni Network
Working with a skilled surgeon was incredible, but the real highlight was the eye-opening experience at the Coast General Hospital. It humbled me and showed me the impact that the medical profession can have worldwide.
Matthew O'Donnell, Medical Elective
Go Elective surpassed my expectations. From the moment I arrived, the GE staff made me feel at ease. The shadowing experience I got from the rural clinics in Mombasa was incredible, allowing me to see things I don't think I would have seen anywhere else.
Kayla Foord, Premed Internship
Travel with us.
Inquire Today!
Go Elective offers immersive opportunities for medical students, pre-med undergraduates, residents, nursing practitioners, and PAs to gain guided invaluable experience in busy hospitals abroad. Discover the power of study, travel, and impact.
Partners & Collaborative Ventures
