Medical Elective in Tanzania - Zanzibar

Accommodation is offered with host families in the safe area of Mbwemi and Chukwani just outside Stone Town and close to the airport. You can expect to share a room with other participants. Mostly 2-3 participants share a room together.

When we receive larger groups of volunteers or during busy months of summer volunteers are also accommodated in volunteer/intern housing. The house would be usually a fairly large Zanzibar home with a living room/dining room, as well as the kitchen. It can usually accommodates up to 8 -12 volunteers in different rooms.

All three meals a day are provided to the interns.

Yes –  please do ensure that you inform the local team about your food preference and they can ensure that you are able to order the best food! Also, please do mention your specific food preference in the application form as well.

Interns must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program. Pre Medical students, Medical and Nursing students can apply for this internship/elective. Participants joining the Medical internship program need to provide additional documents such as Resume/CV, Passport copy etc, details of which will be provided. You must be physically fit and in good health at the time of joining the program. 

Yes, students should consult their doctor or travel clinic for recommended vaccinations before travel.

Some major benefits include:

• Meeting other interns and participants from all around the world
• Get international exposure by observing and shadowing in major hospitals of Zanzibar
• Being able to work with patients of different cultures and understand cultural dynamics of a new city or country
• Being able to travel during weekends and in the evenings to explore your destination

Placements are primarily observation-based but tailored to student level (pre-med, nursing, or medical). Students shadow professionals in departments such as surgery, pediatrics, emergency, physiotherapy, OBGYN, and more. All students need to give preference of 3-4 departments of their choice. Depending on the preference and internship/elective duration department allocation shall be done.

Due to local regulations and ethical standards, students will not perform hands-on procedures. However, they will observe, learn, and gain insight into patient care, local health systems, and medical practices. Depending on level of experience and skills, students in Zanzibar do basic assisting work with the doctors depending on the department allocated.

Zanzibar thrives on tourism. Stone town attracts many tourists from around the world. The beach area is crowded with tourists and is safe. However, during the evening avoid going out alone. Consult your in-country coordinator for information on nightlife and where all to go in the evening. Since Zanzibar is a Muslim country, it is advisable for all to dress decently and wear full trousers and full sleeved casual shirts. Beachwear can be worn when on the beaches. 

You’ll have full in-country support from our local coordinator in Zanzibar. In case of any emergencies or problems, the staff will be there to support you and assist you always.

We partner with modern hospitals where English-speaking staff are available. All students are required to have travel insurance that covers medical care abroad.In case of any emergency, the local team will provide all necessary support and assistance to you.

Recommended airlines to fly into Zanzibar are Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airways, Fly Dubai, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and KLM. There are good connections from European and Middle Eastern countries to fly into Zanzibar.

Interns are picked up from the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport located in the Unguja Island by the in-country coordinator or representative. Those coming via the sea route would be picked up from their docking station. Upon arrival at either the airport or ferry terminus, you will be welcomed by one of the coordinators who will show you around and take you to your accommodation. 

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination. We provide guidance during the pre-departure process.

Interns in Zanzibar use local public transport such as buses for commuting between the accommodation and hospital placement. You will be given guidance by the local coordinator as to how to use public transport for commuting to the hospital placement.