At a glance
- A tailor-made internship that balances learning, impact, and adventure
- Shadow medical professionals to gain valuable insights
- Complete 40 hours of direct observation in an East African hospital setting
- Contribute to the community through 18 hours of impactful medical outreach
- Plus, join medical-based workshops and lectures
- Rotate through different hospital departments to discover your area of interest
- Live and work with local people and meet other medical students from around the world
- Join a safari in Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephants, birdwatching, baobab trees, and wildlife migrations
- Download a sample itinerary for this project
Is an Undergrad Medical Internship in Tanzania right for me?
Calling all future doctors! Are you ready to combine medical work experience with an unforgettable adventure? This medical internship in Tanzania is just what you’re looking for.
Use your summer holiday to elevate your academics. Shadow medical professionals, perform community outreach, and forge connections with passionate students who share your dream.
This internship has it all — medical learning, community impact, adventure, and friendship! Give yourself a head start and get set up for success in your postgraduate training and beyond!
This internship is all about:
- Experience: Shadow medical professionals and participate in community outreach programmes, putting your classroom knowledge into action.
- Exposure: Discover your passion as you rotate between departments and learn if you would like to specialise or go into general practice.
- Access: Our curated itineraries give you structured access to the daily realities of a medical professional.
- Skills: Develop valuable skills like cross-cultural communication, teamwork, and problem-solving — essential for your medical future.
This trip is perfect for you if:
- You want to make a real difference, contributing to the wellbeing of local communities while getting practical experience.
- You believe you should experience a range of medical departments to uncover your calling.
- You want to showcase your adaptability and resilience by challenging yourself in an East African healthcare environment.
- You want to discover Tanzanian culture, living and working alongside local people.
Please note that this internship rotates between different departments on fixed dates. As such, it may not fulfil the requirements of your medical elective.
What will I do on a Medical Internship for undergraduate students?
This Undergrad Medical Internship provides unmatched opportunities to take your medical knowledge to the next level!
On this internship, you will:
- Dive deep into Tanzanian healthcare: Immerse yourself in a real-world hospital setting and see how doctors handle challenges in a developing country.
- Learn from the best: Shadow experienced doctors, observe their patient interactions, and witness medicine in action.
- Develop your bedside manner: Hone your communication skills by talking with patients and participating in community outreach programmes.
- Unlock hidden knowledge: Attend workshops and lectures on Tanzanian healthcare issues, gaining insights beyond your textbooks.
- Build your medical arsenal: Explore diverse healthcare practices and build a strong foundation for your future medical career.
But wait, there's more! This internship isn't just about medicine. Live with a host family, meet the Maasai people, embark on a safari adventure, and immerse yourself in a vibrant new culture.
Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Where in Tanzania will I work?
Arusha
You’ll be based in Arusha, a lively city set in stunning surroundings, located at the base of Mount Meru. Arusha is home to some of Tanzania’s best hospitals, but these may lack the facilities and infrastructure you’re used to. This is a good chance to observe how medical professionals work with limited resources.
While the city centre is thriving, other areas of Arusha remain underdeveloped. You’ll work with remote groups where you can make a real difference by conducting basic health checks.
In Tanzania, you can perform tasks such as:
- Blood pressure checks
- Malaria tests
- First aid
- Discussing preventative steps patients can take
You will work in hospitals and clinics. These will be busy and often understaffed, giving you optimal exposure to real-time medical decision-making and patient problems.
Outside of your internship, prepare to marvel at East Africa’s iconic wildlife and rich culture. You’ll join a day trip to the spectacular Tarangire National Park for the safari of a lifetime!
Plus, get ready for a scenic hike to Materuni Waterfall and a visit to a coffee plantation.
What are the aims and impact of this Undergrad Medical Internship in Tanzania?
The aims of this internship for undergraduate students are to:
- Facilitate first-class medical experience, setting you up for your postgraduate training and beyond.
- Complement your academic studies with real-world medical experience.
- Develop your bedside manner as you interact with patients and learn to communicate across cultures.
- Exposure to how healthcare is managed and delivered in a low-resource environment.
Beyond this, you’ll make a positive impact while in Tanzania. Around 25% of people in Tanzania are in poverty, while many more lack the finances to afford adequate healthcare. Our internships and volunteer programmes aim to alleviate health inequality.
The health challenges facing Tanzania include:
- HIV
- Malaria
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Malnutrition
Encountering these diseases will expose you to new conditions and treatments that will no doubt benefit your medical career. You’ll also become part of our long-term goal of addressing global health needs.
Food and accommodation
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay: Staying with a local host family in Arusha, you’ll be immersed in the culture of Tanzania. Your accommodation will be close to the hospital or clinic where you’ll work. Our staff will show you how to get to your placement during your induction.
Comfort level: Your home in Arusha will be modest, but comfortable and clean. You’ll be in a safe neighbourhood with access to basic comforts. You may not have Wi-Fi but with a local SIM card, you'll remain connected to your friends and family back home.
Who you’ll live with: We’ll try to ensure you share a room with at least one other volunteer or intern, who may even be a medical student themselves. They’ll become a friend to join you as you explore the spectacular scenery of Tanzania. The number of people you live with depends on when you travel.
Learn more about our accommodation.
Food
Daily meals: Three meals a day are included in the fee. You’ll have a mix of local and international cuisine, giving you the energy you need to complete your Medical Internship. It’s important to stay hydrated in Tanzania, so you’ll also be provided with unlimited clean drinking water.
Dietary requirements: Our projects cater to a range of dietary preferences. We can provide vegetarian, vegan, and halal food. You’ll have access to a variety of delicious food, no matter what diet you follow.
Tanzanian cuisine: Part of your cultural immersion in Tanzania includes tasting the incredible food that exists there. Popular dishes include mshikaki (marinated meat skewers), chipsi mayai (chips and eggs), maandazi (fried doughnuts), and biryani (spiced rice). There’s something for everyone!
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
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