Pre-Physician Assistant Internships
Pre-Physician Assistant Internships
Go-Electives pre-PA programs abroad are ideal for students looking to strengthen their resumes, gain firsthand exposure to global healthcare, or enroll in PA graduate school. We carefully choose experienced mentors committed to delivering an engaging shadowing experience in private and public remote hospitals in East Africa. You'll have the opportunity to explore various hospital departments, offering a holistic view of global health.
Go Elective PrePA Internship Program Approach
To gain a competitive edge in admission to P.A. schools, many universities emphasize the value of volunteering in a hospital to acquire practical medical knowledge; It's no longer sufficient to have a top-notch undergraduate GPA. Opting for an international pre-pa shadowing program exposes you to a healthcare delivery system in a completely distinct environment.
While shadowing, you will engage with diverse patient perspectives and witness firsthand how sociocultural influences shape the provision of quality healthcare services. This unique exposure allows students to observe physician assistants' professional roles, including tasks such as obtaining patient medical histories, conducting examinations and procedures, prescribing treatments, diagnosing illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, referring patients to specialists, and shadowing surgeries.
Why Choose a Pre-PA Shadowing Internship Abroad With GE?
Go Elective understands that students often face budget constraints. To address this, we offer an affordable program that allows you to tailor your experience to your needs. Our flexibility in scheduling, coupled with adhering to university requirements, ensures that our programs align with your education and personal objectives.
Our internship programs empower you to connect with like-minded individuals whom you'll meet through the program, clarify career goals, and immerse yourself in new cultures, enriching your personal and academic impact while setting you on a path to success in healthcare.
Pre-PA Internship Program Duration
Our Pre-PA internship programs run from 2- 12 weeks but can be made shorter or longer upon request. We offer flexibility, allowing you to choose a duration that suits your schedule and aligns with your school's requirements. Whether you're looking for a short-term experience or a more extended stay, we can accommodate your needs.
Daily Pre-PA Program Schedule
On weekdays, you'll be taken to the hospital at 8 am and brought back to the residence at 1 pm for lunch. Afternoons provide opportunities for exploring the destination, enjoying the beach, attending global health seminars, or relaxing with a book in the residence. You also have the option to extend your clinical hours by returning to the hospital for an afternoon, evening, or night shift, allowing for a more comprehensive experience.
Weekends are your time to unwind, whether it's going on a safari, participating in community outreach programs, or engaging in preventive health education while immersing yourself in local communities and their cultures.
What’s Included in the Program Fees
GE offers a comprehensive pre-PA shadowing internship abroad package for pre-health students.
This package includes pre-trip support; airport transfers; round-the-clock assistance; safe, spacious, and comfortable housing; private transportation; unlimited Wi-Fi access; laundry services; chef-prepared meals tailored to your dietary preferences; hospital fees; orientation, mentorship, and training; Residence-based weekly global health seminars; language lessons; recommendation letters/certificates of participation; volunteering opportunities, and the chance to explore the destination. You can even take on exciting adventures such as hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro or embarking on a safari.
Why Should You Consider A Pre-PA Internship Overseas?
Our pre-physician assistant internship program is structured to strengthen your resume and provide valuable avenues to letters of recommendation and PA school admission. 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.
These experiences provide you with an opportunity to:
- Gain real-world experience and take on greater responsibilities to build your resume.
- Build a network of social and professional connections with individuals who share your
career aspirations. - Clarify your career goals by exploring what a future as a healthcare provider entails.
- Immerse yourself in new destinations, culture, and form lasting friendships.
These internship programs can help you demonstrate skills that are highly valued in PA school applications, such as cultural competence which aligns with the AAMC's 15 Core Competencies.
Clinical Shadowing Hours in Your Pre-PA Internship Abroad
During your pre-PA internship program, you'll be required to shadow experienced healthcare professionals for a minimum of 25 hours per week. This hands-on experience provides invaluable insights into the daily responsibilities of healthcare providers working in understaffed and under-resourced environments. By observing these challenges, you'll develop a deeper understanding of global health issues and enhance your cultural intelligence.
Unique Program Insights
Our programs are located in regions with unique healthcare challenges. Kenya, for instance, grapples with a shortage of doctors, resulting in a distinct doctor-to-patient ratio requiring innovative healthcare approaches. Additionally, in some areas, traditional medicine coexists with modern practices, offering a fascinating opportunity to explore healthcare diversity.
Cultural attitudes towards care and the influence of religious beliefs on medical practices further enrich the healthcare landscape in this part of the world. These challenges extend to patients with financial constraints, unable to afford basic treatment, and the prevalence of extremely late presentations shapes the dynamics of care.
Beyond medicine, these regions offer remarkable experiences, from unwinding on palm-lined beaches to encountering elephants, lions, and giraffes on safari.
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 Pre-PA Program & Mentorship
Upon your arrival, a dedicated representative will meet you at the airport and provide transportation to your residence. This ensures a smooth transition after your journey. Subsequently, you will receive a comprehensive local area orientation, followed by a hospital induction the next day.
Your assigned doctor mentor, who will guide you throughout the program, will assume an essential role in your journey. Their mentorship extends beyond teaching clinical skills; they also provide valuable personal insights about the medical profession, aiding you in making informed decisions about your future career.
Our Pre-PA internships abroad strictly adhere to the AAMC's guidelines for premedical and medical students providing patient care during clinical experiences abroad. We maintain regular communication with your supervisor to ensure that your learning experience aligns with your goals.
Health & Safety
Your safety is our top priority. Our program residences are strategically located in the safest areas of the cities where we operate, often within gated communities with 24/7 security. Accommodations might involve sharing a room with one other participant, and common areas are equipped with essential amenities. Private transportation is provided to ensure your safety and convenience.
Applying for a Pre-PA Shadowing Internship Abroad
Applying for a pre-PA shadowing internship abroad is a straightforward process. After submitting your application and being accepted into the program, we provide personalized pre-departure support. This support includes assistance with securing visas, vaccinations, and resources for cultural acclimation.
Upon your arrival, our staff will be available to offer round-the-clock support until your departure. Additional application requirements, such as uploading your CV, transcripts, or a letter from your school, may also apply.
Tasks and Scope of Activities During Your Pre-PA Internship Abroad
We often receive questions about the scope of activities you can expect during your Pre-PA internship at the hospital abroad. While you won't be directly involved in surgeries due to ethical standards, some destinations may offer more opportunities for surgical observation. You will, however, learn to take patients' medical histories, record their symptoms, and engage in various aspects of healthcare delivery under the direct supervision of registered healthcare professionals.
Pre-health programs predominantly involve observation, but for senior medical students and residents, there are opportunities to perform essential tasks, under supervision, like vital sign measurements, suture removal, administering shots and vaccinations, IV application, assisting in childbirth and operations, and more. These practical experiences are of great importance to
aspiring medical students, as opportunities to perform such tasks are rare.
Adventure Beyond Medicine
We understand that exploring the local culture and attractions is an integral part of your experience. In your free time, you can embark on safaris, join excursions, or take part in adventurous activities like hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain. These optional add-on activities provide you with a holistic cultural immersion.
Preparing for Your Trip: Cultural Appropriateness
Before you embark on your Pre-PA internship overseas, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the culture, customs, language, and local norms of your placement location. This preparation enhances your experience and helps you adapt more easily.
When it comes to clothing, we suggest conservative and comfortable attire that considers the local climate. You can expect warm weather in some areas during clinical rotations, so lightweight clothing is recommended. However, packing a warm jumper or jacket for cooler evenings is advisable, especially during the middle months of the year.
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.
Apply for 2026 & Summer 2027 Pre-PA Internships
Are you eager to kickstart your pre-PA journey? Applications for our 2026 and summer 2027 Pre-PA internships are currently open. If you have specific questions or need more information before applying, please don't hesitate to email us or schedule a virtual meeting or call.
Healthcare is both a rapidly changing field and an increasingly global one, so it is important to gain an international perspective while building a powerful résumé. Our internship allows you to observe actual doctors and gain direct clinical experience, giving you a real taste of the profession. This thorough program aids you in making an informed choice about your future studies.
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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