The Experience Was Everything I Could Have Asked For and More.

I learned and had so much fun during my internship with Elective Africa. Coast General Hospital in Mombasa is a phenomenal teaching hospital. There are a lot of students there to learn and the doctors are great teachers happy to answer questions and give you the best learning experience possible. While I rotated in internal medicine and surgery, I spent most of my time in the emergency department because it was fast-paced and there was always something to do or learn. I was also able to connect with other interns there and hang out with them outside the hospital.

 My program coordinator, Carol, was so supportive with anything I may need and planned fun activities. We went snorkeling, visited tourist sites, volunteered at a local orphanage, went to the beach, and ate at local restaurants. I contracted COVID during the end of my trip which caused me to stay in Mombasa longer than planned. But the staff were so helpful in making sure I had all the support I needed.

 Elective Africa’s program enables a lot of flexibility and freedom with your experience. You decide when and for how long you want to work at the hospital. If you wanted to change your rotations, you could. You have the freedom for the kinds of activities and trips you want to do. I particularly appreciated being educated about how to stay safe but could do and go wherever I wanted. No strict schedule or hovering.

The residence I stayed at was also excellent. It was very safe with a gated entrance, 24/7 security, and in a very safe area in Mombasa. I always felt safe in the residence and in the immediate area.

Overall, the experience was everything I could have asked for and more. I learned so much in a hospital that fostered an environment for learning, participated in many fun activities, felt safe while enjoying the freedom and flexibility with my experience, and had great support from the Elective Africa staff. 

Camilla Hanson

San Jose State University