In July 2019, Mette completed an internship with Try Medics in Africa on the island of Zanzibar. She had just finished her Bachelor’s degree in nursing at the Copenhagen School of Health Sciences. Over the 3 1/2 year educational period, Mette and her fellow students underwent several internships in Denmark. Additionally, she chose to travel with one of her classmates for a 4-week hospital internship in Africa during her summer break. The stay served as an extra internship period in a foreign country. As Mette explains, the experience enhanced her understanding of global nursing and provided insight into working in a developing country.
Mette chose to go during her summer break, but as a nursing student, there are also great opportunities to go abroad as part of a study program. For instance, you can combine your 4th semester with an internship in Africa through Try Medics. The internship is recognized by the institution and therefore provides credit similarly to being on placement in Denmark during the semester.
The hospitals in the destinations have extensive experience in teaching nursing students. Similar to clinical practice in Denmark, you’ll be assigned a skilled mentor who ensures you receive relevant clinical training and feel comfortable in the hospital setting.
Interning with Other Nursing Students
Try Medics has previously sent nursing students from institutions such as the Copenhagen School of Health Sciences, University College Lillebælt, VIA University College, UC South, and UCN University College.
At the partner hospitals in these destinations, several departments are involved in the clinical practice. During the internship, you’ll apply your nursing knowledge and reflect on various scenarios encountered in the hospitals. In clinical training, you’ll be part of the professional community, assisting experienced nurses in their daily routines. The structure resembles internships in Denmark, although it’s important to note that the operation in a developing country may differ due to fewer resources. The clinical supervisors are highly experienced in their field and adept at guiding nursing students, ensuring a valuable learning experience during the stay.
Hospital Internship in Africa
Try Medics offers two destinations for nursing students to undertake clinical practice abroad. You can intern in either Uganda or on the tropical island of Zanzibar, which belongs to Tanzania. Both destinations are located in East Africa. The practical experiences in the hospitals are relatively similar across both locations. However, the culture and surroundings differ between the two. Both places are unique and captivating in their own ways. Zanzibar is renowned for its beautiful beaches surrounding the island, while Uganda is often referred to as the Pearl of Africa and is particularly known for its lush nature and the Nile River running through the country.
In both countries, you’ll encounter friendly and welcoming people.
It’s possible to have a combined internship, starting in Uganda and subsequently moving to Zanzibar. This combination is particularly popular during the 4th semester of nursing studies. Typically, the duration of the 4th semester program is 6-8 weeks, depending on the requirements set by the educational institution.
Advantages of Taking an Internship Abroad with Try Medics as a Nursing Student
Both in Uganda and Zanzibar, Try Medics has dedicated staff who will assist you throughout your journey. This includes a supervisor who ensures you are properly introduced to your internship site and the hospital staff you’ll be working with. The supervisor will be there throughout your journey, providing daily follow-ups on your experiences to ensure you gain the most from the internship. Besides the internship, the supervisor will also organize various leisure activities for you and your fellow travelers, allowing you to experience the cultural richness of your chosen destination.
You’ll stay in the Try Medics house at the destination along with your fellow travelers. Transportation to and from the internship site will be provided daily. Try Medics notices a strong sense of community among travelers, fostering joy in sharing experiences with others who share an interest in the healthcare field. At the house, three meals will be prepared daily.
Upon arrival at the destination, you’ll be received by Try Medics staff, ensuring you have individuals with in-depth local knowledge around you throughout the journey, ensuring a safe and secure experience.
Overall, you’ll encounter a structured program that allows you to focus on your learning and experience during the journey.
Try Medics will also ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for the trip, assisting with preparations such as visas, flight routes, packing lists, travel vaccinations, and more.
A Future Career at Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital)
Mette has been hired as a nurse at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, where she’ll start on August 1st in the Children and Youth Department. Here, Mette becomes an integral part of the Young Surgical Department. We congratulate Mette on completing her nursing education and wish her the best of luck in her future work at Rigshospitalet.
If you want to know more about Try Medics’ internship programs abroad for nursing students, you can read more about the program on our website.
Try Medics generally sends travelers throughout the year. You can stay updated on travelers’ experiences through Instagram here.
Apply now and look forward to get unique firsthand exposure within the field of healthcare
