Medical Internship with Projects Abroad

My medical internship in Peru was a unique experience that not only enhanced my professional knowledge but also contributed significantly to my personal growth. The host family that welcomed me during my stay was incredibly warm, providing me with profound insights into Peruvian culture. The support from the friendly staff at ProjectsAbroad was outstanding, and they were always there for me. The opportunity to actively participate in various medical activities, including surgeries and treatments, broadened my horizons and offered practical insights into the healthcare system. The weekly medical workshops were particularly enlightening, imparting knowledge that is typically gained in more advanced study semesters in Germany. The variety of social workshops not only strengthened my teamwork skills but also led to new friendships. Exploring the breathtaking landscapes and culture during my free time was an additional highlight, especially the visit to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain or the Sacred Valley. One aspect that was less favorable was the relatively independent nature of the internship, occasionally leaving me feeling somewhat isolated due to limited contact with my host family. Regrettably, I had to visit the hospital twice due to health issues related to food on tours. Additionally, my phone was stolen on the bus, adding further inconvenience to the challenges faced. Another area for improvement could be the supervision and communication within the hospitals. There were instances where I felt uncertain and bored as no one seemed to know how best to utilize my time.

I volunteered in Ghana on the High School Special Medical Internship Programme in July 2022 with Projects Abroad. It was the most amazing, incredible experience of my life, and Projects Abroad were fantastic, from pre-departure to the very end. The medical experience provided by Projects Abroad was beyond anything I could have imagined and provided absolutely life-changing and invaluable experiences and access I don't think I could really get anywhere else. It 100% confirmed my passion for medicine and desire to pursue this in the future. I was there with 10 other volunteers, we all stayed together with our amazing host family, which was such a brilliant part of the experience, being able to live and share so many things with other people of the same age and interests as you from all around the world. We all built life-long friendships and a love for our host mother’s delicious food! The Projects Abroad co-ordinators who looked after us were extremely friendly, welcoming and supportive in every way and we built such an amazing relationship in the short time we were there. Meda w'ase!! It was certainly all the people that made it the experience it was. Not only that, but I was extremely impressed with the number of cultural activities and trips Projects Abroad fitted in alongside the medical experience in just the short two weeks I was there. We were able to properly experience a lot of the Ghanian lifestyle too. I can't have asked for anything more, and highly recommend Projects Abroad to anyone looking for an experience of a lifetime whilst also being able to make a real difference by giving back through volunteering!

Travelling abroad by myself at the age of 16 was terrifying to say the least, but projects abroad made the whole experience smooth and easy. They offered so much guidance and support before, during and after the trip which made me so much more comfortable. We had the opportunity to live with a host family so that we could really be immersed in the culture and get the most out of the trip. We felt like a part of the community which helped us feel we could make a real difference. We ran community outreach programmes measuring blood pressure, blood glucose and providing medication to those who required it. It cemented my passion for medicine, and I made true friends whilst doing it. I wish I could go back!!!