At a glance
- Your chance to stand out above other medical school applicants
- Complete 40+ physician shadowing hours in an international clinical setting
- Help vulnerable Maasai communities with 15+ community volunteer service hours
- Learn from top medical professionals in the vibrant city of Arusha
- Explore medical specialties to find the best path for you
- Join a fixed itinerary trip that balances medical exposure, community service, and social time with like-minded students
- Plus, join the safari of a lifetime, spotting Africa’s most amazing animals in Tarangire National Park
- Download a sample itinerary for this project
Start Dates:
June and July
See DatesMinimum Duration:
Two Weeks
Ages:
College student or recent graduate
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Is a Pre-Med Program in Tanzania right for me?
Take your pre-med journey to the next level with real-world experience in Tanzania!
Imagine spending your days learning from top doctors, volunteering in communities, and forging connections with passionate students who share your dream.
This program is all about:
- Boosting your medical school application: Gain valuable clinical exposure through diverse medical settings. Shadow doctors and witness a variety of challenges faced by underprivileged communities in Tanzania.
- Building a strong skill set: Our curated itineraries guarantee the physician shadowing and community service hours you need.
- Plus, you'll develop essential skills and AAMC competencies such as life experience, communication, and empathy – crucial for future medical professionals.
Expanding your horizons: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Tanzania. Gain a broader perspective and understand the importance of cultural awareness in healthcare.
This trip is perfect for you if:
- You crave real-world medical experience beyond textbooks.
- You believe cultural competency is vital for a successful medical career.
- You want to explore the stunning landscapes of East Africa alongside like-minded pre-med students.
“Each applicant needs to be as sure as possible that this is what they want to do with their life. That motivation can be demonstrated through academic achievement and also through exposure to clinical medicine and community service.
MCAT scores do not guarantee that an applicant will be invited to interview. Just as important are extracurricular activities and life experiences.”
- Mickey Foxwell MD, University of Maryland School of Medicine
What will I do on a Medicine Program for pre-med students?
The Pre-Med program provides unmatched opportunities to elevate your medical school application.
On this program, you will:
- Become immersed in the healthcare system of Tanzania, learning about the challenges of busy hospitals in a developing country.
- Shadow physicians, observing how they operate with limited resources and interact with patients in a culture different from your own.
- Cultivate crucial AAMC competencies, like empathy, communication, and cultural awareness.
- Travel to disadvantaged Maasai communities to gain community service hours as you provide free health checks to people who can’t afford to pay for medical care.
- Attend lectures and workshops to learn about the healthcare challenges of Tanzania – something your college course likely doesn’t cover.
- Study a broad range of healthcare challenges and practices, building a bank of knowledge to bring up at your medical school interview.
- Explore everything that Tanzania has to offer, from dancing with the Maasai to joining a safari to spot the lions and the elephants that roam the spectacular steppe.
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 deal with limited resources.
While the city center is thriving, other areas of Arusha remain underdeveloped. You’ll encounter vulnerable groups where you can make a real difference by completing 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 can work in hospitals and clinics. These will be busy and understaffed, which is ideal for students seeking a fast-paced environment where they can learn quickly.
Outside of your program, 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 Pre-Med Program in Tanzania?
The aims of this program for pre-med students are to:
- Facilitate first-class medical exposure, broadening your knowledge.
- Provide extra-curricular service hours, freeing your college time to focus on your GPA and MCAT grades.
- Build AAMC competencies, including cultural awareness, communication, and compassion.
- Ensure you stand out from other medical school applicants.
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. All our programs aim to alleviate health inequality.
The health challenges facing Tanzania include:
- HIV
- Malaria
- Diarrhea
- Malnutrition
Encountering these diseases will expose you to a broader range of conditions that will no doubt benefit your medical career. You’ll become part of our long-term goal of addressing global health needs.
Food and accommodation
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay: Staying in a guesthouse or with a local host family, 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 neighborhood 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 pre-med 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 Program. 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 wide range of dietary preferences. We can provide vegetarian, vegan, and halal food. You’ll have access to a wide 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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