Public Health Internships Abroad
Go-Elective Public Health Internships Abroad
Go-Elective’s Public Health internships abroad offer a unique opportunity for Public Health students, graduates, and volunteers to engage in supervised hands-on clinical experience in underserved communities in East Africa.
You will have the chance to witness unconventional disease prevention methods uncommon in your home country and observe firsthand the resourceful care provided by healthcare providers to large populations. At Go-Elective, we believe in learning by doing and making a lasting impact on the communities we operate in.
Program Duration & Schedule
The duration of our public health placements abroad is flexible, ranging from 2 to 12 weeks. You can choose the start and end dates that suit your schedule and align with your school’s requirements.
Weekdays include hospital rotations from 8 am to 1 pm, leaving afternoons for exploring, attending global health seminars, language lessons, or relaxing at the residence. You can also choose to extend clinical hours with additional hospital shifts.
Weekends offer relaxation, embarking on safaris, spending time with kids at local schools or participating in our volunteer work such as providing preventive health education,
What’s Included in the Program
Go Elective offers a comprehensive Public Health Internship abroad 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.
Program Highlights & Benefits
In today's interconnected world, gaining a global healthcare perspective is essential. International experiences enable cultural interaction, skill adaptation, and practical, hands-on learning beyond the classroom. You will get to experience:
- Real-world Challenges:
Our internships offer a holistic experience, allowing participants to actively contribute to healthcare improvement, understand the impact of poverty on healthcare, and gain insights into disease prevention in different contexts. - Professional Growth:
Undertaking an international internship demonstrates a dedicated and self-motivated commitment to a career in public health. It also opens up a world of personal and professional growth opportunities including connecting with fellow public health students from around the world. - Cultural Awareness:
Develop greater cultural awareness and learn how different cultures approach healthcare through observation of local doctors and nurses.
Besides, our public health placements abroad come with distinct advantages including:
Flexible Year-Round Opportunities
Our public health internships abroad are available year-round with flexible schedules, allowing you to join one at any time.
Tailored Experiences
We acknowledge each student's unique interests and career aspirations. We actively consult our applicants to meet their individual needs, whether you're a senior in your final years or a junior in the preclinical stage.
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 & Adventure
Immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the natural wonders of your destination, including breathtaking wildlife, enchanting landscapes like Kilimanjaro, and rich cultures.
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. 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.
Throughout your internship program, you'll be stationed in a remote town abroad, actively engaging in community outreach, research, and public health initiatives. This provides you with the opportunity to collaborate closely with local health authorities, healthcare professionals, and NGOs, addressing a wide spectrum of health issues. These include hygiene, mental health, maternal health, nutrition, physical health, gender-based violence, chronic diseases, human rights, and HIV/AIDS.
Public Health Hospital’s Profile
The Musanda Medical Centre, located in Western Kenya, is a Level 3A facility with over 30 beds, providing comprehensive healthcare services. In the past year, it treated 21,613 patients, immunized 3,231 babies, delivered 542 babies, and enrolled 2,175 individuals in the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). The services offered include maternity care, child welfare clinics, antenatal clinics, immunization, HIV and AIDS testing, family planning, health records management, nutrition, and cervical cancer screening.
St. Mary's Hospital in Kakamega County, is a Level 4 facility with its teaching college, offering a diverse medical experience. The hospital focuses on rural healthcare, engaging in community outreach initiatives like Jigger Campaigns, malnutrition prevention, and malaria awareness. Collaborating with Musanda Medical Centre, Kakamega Referral Hospital, and Red Cross, participants contribute to meaningful projects, gaining insights into regional healthcare challenges.
Kisumu, the third-largest city in Kenya and the closest urban center is renowned for its port on Lake Victoria. The city offers stunning sunsets, and delicious tilapia, and is a gateway to experiencing Lake Victoria's splendor. However, it grapples with public health challenges such as malaria and HIV/AIDS infections, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
Elective Supervision & Mentorship While Abroad
Upon your arrival, our designated representative will greet you at the airport and drive you to the residence, allowing you to relax after your journey. The following day, you will receive a thorough 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 Public Health Programs Health & Safety
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.
The residences are equipped with a TV, Wi-Fi, kitchen, dining area, and access to a swimming pool. Additionally, we offer private transportation in the destinations.
Scope, Task & Responsibilities of Public Health Volunteers Abroad
Interns engage with healthcare workers, NGOs, and grassroots projects, addressing various health challenges. Activities include shadowing professionals, working in hospitals and clinics, conducting education campaigns, and collaborating with local organizations.
Kindly note that student assignments are at the discretion of your supervisor after adequate orientation and evaluation.
Medical Treatment:
- Conduct health checks, treat wounds, and test for diseases like malaria.
- Screen for non-communicable diseases, providing vital intervention when needed.
Child Welfare Clinics:
- Weigh and measure infants, and provide advice on maternal and child nutrition.
- Work alongside local public health department staff.
Healthcare Awareness:
- Educate communities on lifestyle choices, hygiene, and disease prevention.
- Conduct presentations at schools or community centers.
- Actively engage with public health officials, contributing to disease prevention and community health assessment projects.
Community Outreach Initiatives:
- Participate in preventive healthcare initiatives, including Jigger Campaigns, providing essential services to communities.
- Collaborate with governmental bodies like the Ministry of Health to address malnutrition, malaria, and other healthcare challenges.
Additionally, participants can undertake various volunteering activities, such as visiting children's
homes and local schools and contributing to cultural immersion and community support.
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 International Public Health Internship
Before embarking on your public health program, we recommend familiarizing yourself with your designated placement location. Learning about the language, climate, local customs, and culture will enrich your experience and help you adapt more easily. We will cover this 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 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 Public Health internships 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.
Join Go-Elective today and gain a deep understanding of public health in rural Africa. Expand your skills, enhance cultural awareness, and contribute to sustainable healthcare solutions. It's your chance to scrub up and hit the ground running.
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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