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From the
Field.

Stories, insights and updates from our programs across Africa.

How Long Should a Medical Elective Be? A Complete Guide for 2026

Wondering how long a medical elective should be? Most medical schools require 4–8 weeks, with six being the sweet spot. Here's what Oxford, UCL, NHS Health Careers, and the BMA actually recommend — plus how to pick the right length for your Kenya or East Africa placement.

Is It Safe to Do a Medical Elective in Kenya? Your Safety Questions, Answered

It's the question every student asks before they book flights, and every advisor asks before they sign off: is it actually safe to do a medical elective in Kenya? The honest answer is — it depends far more on how the elective is structured than on the country itself.

Why Top Medical Schools Choose African Electives Over Europe

Every year, medical advisors ask the same question: where should our students go for their international elective? For decades, the default answer pointed toward Western Europe or North America. That default is changing — and peer-reviewed evidence, along with a growing list of top-tier institutional partnerships, tells you exactly why.

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Our Partners

We work with the best partners

University of South Alabama
Naahp
Texas Tech University
Sacred heart
Nursing council of kenya
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Go Overseas
Princeton University
Wayne State University
Mbagathi County Hospital
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital
Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital
Mt Meru Hospital
Abroad
AMSA – American Medical Students Association
University of South Alabama
Naahp
Texas Tech University
Sacred heart
Nursing council of kenya
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Go Overseas
Princeton University
Wayne State University
Mbagathi County Hospital
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital
Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital
Mt Meru Hospital
Abroad
AMSA – American Medical Students Association

Frequently Asked Questions

We have answered 32 of the most common questions about our programs.

Beyond the clinic

Explore Africa on a Safari

Extend your elective with an unforgettable wildlife safari. From the Maasai Mara to Amboseli, experience Africa beyond the hospital walls.