Pre-Health and Pre-Med Internships
Premed Shadowing Internships Abroad
Go Elective offers exceptional premedical internships abroad designed for premed students, undergraduates, and medical students who are looking to enhance their resumes by gaining firsthand exposure to global healthcare in public and private healthcare centers in East Africa.
With the world becoming more interconnected, it is important to get a global view of healthcare practice and delivery. This will help you interact with people from other cultures than your own and adapt your skills. It is also a great way to get out of the classroom and participate in practical work in another country.
Are you in the UK? Note that our programs are well-structured and safe for pre-clinical students keen to enhance their CVs by doing global health summer observerships as well as clinical students who may also be interested in international electives. We also have customized premedical internships for high school students.
Go Elective PreMed Internship Program Approach
Getting into good medical schools is highly competitive. It's no longer sufficient to have a top-notch undergraduate GPA. Successful applicants need substantial community service hours and clinical exposure. Thankfully, our pre-med internship program is structured to strengthen your resume and provide valuable avenues to letters of recommendation and med school admission. You will be given the opportunity to shadow physicians as a pivotal part of the preparation needed for medical school.
With a commitment to empowering the future of healthcare, we provide supervised hands-on experience and cultural immersion. Besides hospital placements and partnerships with local healthcare experts, Go Elective give you an opportunity to travel and explore East Africa with expert tour guides.
Participating in this program can serve as a distinguishing factor in the personal statement section of your application, be it for AMCAS, UCAS, or the application process specific to your country.
Premed Internship Duration
The duration of our premed internship program abroad is flexible, ranging from one to twelve weeks. You can choose the start and end dates that suit your schedule and align with your school’s requirements.
Daily Premed Program Schedule
On weekdays, you will be driven to the hospital at 8 am and then back to the residence at 1 pm for lunch. Afternoons can be spent exploring the destination, going for a walk on the beach, attending a global health seminar, or reading a book in the residence.
Moreover, you have the option to extend your clinical hours by returning to the hospital for an afternoon, evening, or night shift, enhancing your practical experience.
You can spend your weekend unwinding, going for a safari, or volunteering in our community outreach programs. You can actively participate in providing preventive health education, interacting with local communities, and immersing yourself in their culture.
What’s Included in the Program Fees
Go Elective offers a comprehensive pre-health shadowing internship abroad package.
We provide pre-trip support; airport transfers; 24/7 assistance; safe, spacious, and comfortable housing; private transport; chef-prepared meals tailored to personal dietary preferences; hospital fees; orientation; mentorship/training; weekly global health seminars in the residence; 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 Should You Consider A Premed Internships Overseas
Recently, more premed students are shown keen interest in international medical internships because of the great value and memories they offer. Here are some other important qualities to consider:
- Experience - Step out of your comfort zone, and take on greater responsibility to build your resume.
- Network - Make social and professional connections with people with similar pursuits as you.
- Clarify Goals - Take on your career exploration, and discover what a future as a healthcare provider is like.
- Immerse Yourself - Explore new destinations, and cultures and make new friends.
Clinical Shadowing Hours in Your Premed Internship Abroad
During your premedical internship program, you will be required to shadow experienced healthcare professionals for a minimum of 25 hours per week. This experience will provide you with valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of healthcare professionals working in understaffed and under-resourced environments.
By observing the challenges they face, you will develop a deeper understanding of global health issues and gain cultural intelligence
Why Choose a Pre-Health Shadowing Internship Abroad With GoElective?
For students interested in the field of medicine, well-structured and flexible internship opportunities can be hard to come by. Go Elective offers an incredibly affordable and appealing program for interning abroad.
We understand that as a student, you are on a tight budget. We also have a flexible schedule to enable you to make changes to your trip and travel dates or structure to suit you. Importantly, our affiliation with universities has allowed us to tailor our programs to align with the curriculum and requirements of medical education.
Through our program, students receive thorough orientations and actively contribute to healthcare initiatives, including public health education and participation in locally organized medical outreach programs. This builds your academic, social, and personal impact.
Hospital Profile
One of our featured hospitals is the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, with a
rich history dating back to 1908. It's now the second-largest public hospital in Kenya,
serving a primary population of over a million people and a secondary population of about 3
million.
Patients travel from across Kenya and East Africa to seek high-quality and compassionate
healthcare at this institution.
We also work with other public and private healthcare centers in Mombasa, Malindi Nairobi,
Kakamega, and Arusha in Tanzania.
Arrival To The Premed Program & Mentorship
Upon your arrival, a designated representative will meet you at the airport to provide transportation to the residence, allowing you to rest after your long journey. Subsequently, you will receive a comprehensive local area orientation followed by a hospital induction the following day.
During the hospital induction, our Placement Coordinator will introduce you to the facility, after which your assigned doctor mentor will assume the role of guiding you throughout the program. This mentorship extends beyond informal teaching of fundamental clinical skills; your mentor will also impart valuable personal insights concerning the medical profession, aiding you in making well-informed decisions about your future career path.
Our premed internships abroad comply with the AAMC's Guidelines for premedical and medical students providing patient care during clinical experiences abroad. We maintain daily communication with your supervisor to ensure that your learning experience is on track and fulfilling your objectives.
Pre-Health and Pre-Med Internships
Our program residences are situated in the safest parts of the cities where we work. Each residence is in a gated community with security staff available all through. The accommodations might involve sharing a room with one other person depending on the number of participants at that particular time. You'll also have access to common areas equipped with a TV, Wi-Fi, kitchen, dining space, and a swimming pool. Additionally, we offer private transportation in the destinations.
Available Hospital Departments
When it comes to choosing specialties, you have the freedom to rotate through various departments including accidents and emergency, pediatrics, general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, radiology, cardiology, psychiatry, tropical medicine, general medicine, orthopedics, respiratory medicine, trauma, intensive care, and laboratory work. This gives you a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the conditions and illnesses you've previously encountered only in textbooks.
Our interns get to work side by side with physicians, doctors, and nurses, gaining practical experience and knowledge that will come in handy in their medical school applications and future career.
At Go Elective, we are dedicated to customizing your premed internship to suit your preferences. Whether you want to work in multiple departments or focus on a specific area of interest, we will accommodate your needs. Kindly note there is a maximum number of slots available for different departments so be sure to secure your spot as early as possible. We maintain a controlled number of students to uphold the quality of our clinical placements.
Applying for a Pre-Health Shadowing Internship Abroad
After a simple application and being accepted into the program, we provide personalized pre-departure support, including assistance with securing visas, vaccinations, and resources for cultural acclimation.
Upon arrival, our staff will be available to provide round-the-clock support until your departure. At Go Elective, we offer a structured environment where we oversee every aspect of our interns’ clinical experience, providing extensive guidance and ensuring you get the most out of the program.
Note that additional application requirements such as uploading your CV, transcripts, or letter from your school may apply.
Scope of Activities During Your Premed Internship at the Hospital
One of the questions we get the most is what duties, responsibilities, or tasks will you be allowed to do in the hospital.
While you won't be directly involved in surgery due to ethical standards, certain destinations may provide more opportunities for surgical observation. You will, however, learn how to take patients' medical histories, record their symptoms, and engage in other aspects of healthcare delivery under the direct supervision of registered healthcare professionals.
Note that Premed programs are mostly observing, however, the typical duties for senior medical students and residents include history taking, record keeping, taking vitals, removing stitches, doing minor suturing, administering shots and vaccinations, applying an IV, assisting in childbirth and operations, and so forth. Carrying out these procedures is of crucial importance to an aspiring med student as opportunities to perform such tasks are infrequent.
Adventure Beyond Medicine
We understand that exploring the local culture and attractions is an important part of your experience. In your free time, you'll have the opportunity to go on safaris, join excursions, or even take on adventurous activities like hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa.
These optional add-on activities allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of the placement destinations.
Preparing for Your Trip: Cultural Appropriateness
Before embarking on your premed internship overseas, we recommend familiarizing yourself with your designated placement location. Learning about the language, climate, tribes, culture, and local customs will enrich your experience and help you adapt more easily.
When it comes to what to wear, we suggest choosing conservative and comfortable clothing, considering the local norms and the varying temperatures. You can expect hot weather in some rooms during clinical rotations, so lightweight clothing is recommended. However, it's advisable to carry a warm jumper or jacket for colder evenings, particularly during the middle months of the year. This will be covered in the pre-trip sessions.
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 Premed Applications Ongoing
Looking for specific advice or more information about our premed internships in 2026 or summer 2027 before applying? Email us or click here to schedule a virtual meeting or call.
Reach out to Go Elective and embark on a transformative journey that will shape your medical career and broaden your perspective on healthcare worldwide.
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
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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.
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