English ▾
Nederlands
Deutsch
Italiano
Português
Español
Português
Français
日本語
한국어
Med Trips offers rewarding Medical Elective Program in Zanzibar, giving students and professionals the chance to gain international healthcare exposure while experiencing the rich culture and history of this stunning island destination.
Students are placed in hospitals across Zanzibar and can observe or assist in a variety of departments, including:
- Maternity & Obstetrics
- Gynecology
- Pediatrics & Neonatology
- Internal Medicine
- General Surgery & Operating Theaters
- Orthopedics
- ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)
- Dentistry
- Ophthalmology (Eye Clinic)
- Physiotherapy
- Radiology & X-Ray
- Laboratory & Research
- First Aid & Emergency Medicine
- Renal Care & Dialysis
- Dermatology
- Pharmacy
This program is open to pre-med, medical, nursing, dental, and healthcare students, as well as qualified professionals seeking meaningful international experience.
Intern Roles & Responsibilities
The Medical Internship in Zanzibar is primarily observation-based, allowing students to shadow doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals as they go about their daily routines.
Pre-med and junior medical/nursing students will mainly shadow, learn, and assist with non-clinical tasks.
Senior medical and nursing students may have the chance to assist with more hands-on tasks — such as monitoring vital signs, changing dressings, helping with patient rounds, or supporting minor procedures — depending on experience, skill level, and the consent of supervisors.
Past interns have observed surgeries, assisted with maternity care, measured vital signs, and supported both routine and emergency cases.
Note: This is primarily an educational, observational internship. Direct patient care is limited and always subject to hospital policy and supervisor approval.
Requirements & eligibility
Interns must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. All students must provide a clean criminal background check report, CV, Passport Copy as well as other documents and credentials pertaining to their qualifications prior to joining the program. Pre Med, Medical, Nursing students, CNA’s, midwifery and dental students can join the program. Further details on additional documents shall be provided at the time of joining the program.
A typical day
- Sunday – Arrival in Zanzibar, airport pickup & transfer to accommodation
- Monday – Orientation session with the local coordinator (covering safety, culture, transportation, and Zanzibar highlights)
- Tuesday – Friday – Internship placement at local hospitals and clinics
- Weekends – Free time to explore Zanzibar’s beaches, Stone Town, spice farms, and cultural heritage sites
Typical daily schedule:
- Breakfast: 07:00 am onwards
- Placement: 08:30 am – 01:00 pm
- Lunch: 01:00 pm – 02:45 pm (afternoon work may be possible, depending on hospital needs)
- Dinner: 07:00 pm onwards
The same schedule continues weekly (Monday – Friday).
Cultural Note: Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, and the rhythm of daily life — including hospital schedules — may shift during Ramadan. Interns joining during this time should expect some variations.
Life on the programme
Accommodation & meals
Airport Transfer
As Zanzibar is semi-autonomous and part of Tanzania you can fly straight to Zanzibar (over Nairobi, Kilimanjaro or other international airports) or fly to Dar es Salaam. If you fly to Dar es Salaam you need to take a cab to the ferry to Zanzibar, where you can buy a ticket for the relaxing 40-minute boat ride to the island. It is very important that we know about your travel arrangements so the coordinators can be ready for you to arrive. Upon arrival at either the airport or ferry terminus, you will be welcomed by the coordinator who will show you around and take you to your accommodation.
Daily Transport
Most interns use the daladalas or buses, which have specific routes from your accommodation to Stone Town and onto other destinations. There are direct buses to Stone Town from Mbweni and Chukwani where the accommodations are located.
Orientation
All interns are given an orientation about their project and the location by the local coordinator.
Accommodation
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 volunteers. Mostly 2-3 volunteers share a room together.
When we receive larger groups of volunteers or during busy months of summer volunteers are also accommodated in shared 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.
Bedding is provided in the form of sheets, but you need to bring a towel for personal use. Mosquito nets are not provided so you can bring one if you choose to. If you don’t have enough space in your suitcase; it is cheap to buy things locally.
The accommodation can be basic, standards are very different in Zanzibar then back home most probably, and showers do not have hot water, but the weather is hot enough to shower cold!
Zanzibar has the most amazing fruit selection and you will find yourself spoiled with the availability and affordability of fruit on the island.
Meals
Meals are provided 3 times a day by your host. Meals are based on local ingredients and will include meat, chicken and vegetarian dishes, as well as most favorite Tanzanian dishes. Breakfast will generally consist of tea and coffee, toast, jam and peanut butter with some fruit while lunches and dinners are cooked meals which you can eat after work and at your own preferred time.
During your Free Time
Interns will have a lot of free time during the weekend. During weekdays too, your evenings would be free. Some of the activities that you can get involved in during your free time in Zanzibar.
- Visit the old forts, museums and beautiful streets of Stone Town
- Eat all the seafood you can at Forodhani Gardens in the evening
- Go on a spice tour to see how cloves, nutmeg and much more are grown
- Go swimming in crystal clear water
- Snorkel or dive to some of the most beautiful reefs of the world.
- Relax and live the island lifestyle!
All free time activities are at the participant’s own expense.
Start dates
Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.
Program fees by duration
A one-off application fee ($249 / £179 / €229 / AU$350) is charged in addition to the program fee — valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.
| Duration | Program fee | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $1,194 | |
| 3 weeks | $1,690 | |
| 4 weeks | $2,162 | |
| 5 weeks | $2,674 | |
| 6 weeks | $3,185 | |
| 7 weeks | $3,697 | |
| 8 weeks | $4,208 | |
| Each additional week | +$512 / week |
Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.
✓ What you're paying for
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
- Personal collection upon arrival at Zanzibar airport or ferry terminal
- First day introduction at the project and surroundings
- Accommodation in host family or shared housing with other volunteers
- Meals (3 meals a day)
- Guidance and supervision during your stay
- Medical Insurance
- Certificate of Participation(On Request)
Not included
- Flights
- Personal Expenses
- Local Transportation
- Visa Fee
Frequently asked questions
What does the Medical Elective in Tanzania – Zanzibar cost, and what is included?
The exact price for each duration is shown in the Dates & costs section above, in your local currency. Your fee covers the project placement, accommodation, meals as listed, airport pick-up and 24/7 in-country support in Tanzania — international flights, travel insurance and visa costs are separate.
When should I apply?
Apply as early as you can — places on the Medical Elective in Tanzania – Zanzibar are limited and confirmed in the order they come in. Your application fee stays valid for a full year, and the balance can be paid in instalments up to 45 days before you start.
Who can take part, and is there an age limit?
The minimum age is 18 years. Most nationalities are welcome — you just need an open mind, reasonable fitness and respect for local customs in Tanzania. A clear background check is required for any role working with children.
Where will I stay in Tanzania?
You stay in a shared student house or with a vetted host family in Tanzania, with meals provided as listed for your programme. Private-room and upgraded-accommodation options are usually available on request.
How long can I do my elective for?
This programme runs for 2-12 Weeks. If you would like to stay longer or combine it with another project in Tanzania, our team can tailor your itinerary.
Is it safe to do an elective in Tanzania?
Yes. Our local coordinators in Tanzania meet you on arrival, run a full orientation and are reachable 24/7 throughout your stay. We only place students in areas our in-country team knows well and visits regularly.
Do I need a visa or vaccinations for Tanzania?
Most students travel to Tanzania on a standard tourist visa; you will receive full visa guidance and a recommended-vaccination checklist in your pre-departure manual. Valid travel-medical insurance is required and can be arranged through us at a nominal cost.
From students in Tanzania
Schedule a meeting with a programme advisor
We're here to help — a 20-minute one-on-one with detailed info, expert advice and application guidance.
Book a free meetingMore electives you can explore
Tanzania Group Medical Experience – Custom Groups Only
Gain medical experience, make an impact, and explore Tanzania’s wild beauty — all in one unforgettable trip with…
Medical and Nursing Elective in Tanzania – Arusha
Interning in the Medical and Nursing Elective in Tanzania – Arusha is a great opportunity for all pre-med,…
Medical and Nursing Elective in Delhi – India
Join the Medical and Nursing Elective in Delhi - India to get valuable experience as a medical student…
Medical Elective Placement in Morocco
Rabat, Morocco, is home to numerous multidisciplinary hospitals and clinics offering comprehensive medical and surgical care. These facilities…