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Tanzania

Medical Elective in Tanzania - Zanzibar

Highlights

  • Participate in a medical internship in Zanzibar, gaining international hospital exposure
  • Shadow and learn from experienced doctors and nurses across multiple departments
  • Open to pre-med, medical, nursing, midwifery, and dental students, as well as healthcare professionals
  • Build professional skills and confidence while understanding healthcare delivery in a resource-limited setting
  • Experience Zanzibar’s unique culture — from historic Stone Town to stunning beaches and spice farms — during weekends and free time
Medizinische Praxis in Sansibar, Tansania, met Med Trips

Overview

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 Work Schedule

Intern Work Schedule

  • 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.


Intern Roles & Responsibilities

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.


Placement Requirements

Placement Requirements

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. 

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Living

Living

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.


Dates

Dates

January

04

11

18

25

February

01

08

15

22

March

01

08

15

22

29

April

05

12

19

26

May

03

10

17

24

June

07

14

21

28

July

05

12

19

26

August

02

09

16

23

30

September

06

13

20

27

October

04

11

18

25

November

01

08

15

22

29

December

06

13

20

27


Costs

Duration
Program Fee
Choose your currency
2 Weeks $1194
3 Weeks $1690
4 Weeks $2162
5 Weeks $2674
6 Weeks $3185
7 Weeks $3697
8 Weeks $4208
Extra Week $512

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. A 5% international banking fee is charged for credit card payments of program fee in USD/AUD.

What are you 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)

What's NOT included?

  • Flights
  • Personal Expenses
  • Local Transportation
  • Visa Fee

FAQ's

Accommodation and Living

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Eligibility and Preperation

Who can apply for the program?

Are vaccinations or health checks required?

Program and Learning Experience

What are the benefits of doing a Medical internship with Med Trips?

What kind of hospital/clinical experience will I get?

Can I perform medical procedures?

Safety and Support

How safe is Zanzibar in general?

What kind of support will I have?

What about medical facilities in case of an emergency?

Travel and Logistics

What are the recommended inexpensive airline options to fly to Zanzibar?

Is airport transfer included?

Do I need a visa?

How do I get around during the program?


Reviews

Reviews

Other placements in Africa

Nairobi, Kenya

Medical Elective in Kenya

Midwifery, Pre Medical, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Dentistry, Medical
18 years+

The Medical and Healthcare Elective in Kenya is designed to offer enthusiastic interns the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of underserved communities. Interns in this program work in a variety of healthcare settings, primarily medical clinics and hospitals located in and around suburban Nairobi. Whether you're a medical professional, a student, or an aspiring healthcare worker, this program is an excellent chance to contribute to the improvement of public health in one of East Africa's most vibrant cities.

During your program you will get the chance to help in a range of different departments as well as encountering different illnesses that you may not necessarily come in contact with back home.

Some of the major departments where you can get involved in the hospital placement include –

  • Dental

  • Burns Unit for Children

  • Accident and Emergency

  • Outpatient

  • Maternity

  • Gynecology and Obstetrics

  • Maternal and Child Health

  • Surgery - 3 times a week

  • General Wards

  • Internal Medicine

  • Critical Care Unit (CCU for HIV/Aids and TB Patients)

  • Counselling Unit

  • Pharmacy

  • Laboratory

Where will I be doing the Elective ?

We place medical and nursing interns for placements in Nairobi, facilitating opportunities for students and qualified professionals from around the world at different hospitals and clinic projects throughout the city. Majority of the placements are located in suburban Nairobi or in slum communities of Nairobi. The placements are a mixture of smaller hospitals and Level 3 and Level 4 District hospitals.

Your placement location will be assigned based on the availability and logistical factors at the time. Please note that transport to and from the project is not included in the program fee. Your local coordinator will assist you in suggesting the most convenient travel options. Generally interns take Uber taxis to the placement, the cost of which can be shared among the interns. We recommend budgeting around $5-$7 per day for transportation expenses.

Sample Placement Profile - Tigoni District Hospital

Tigoni Hospital is a Level 4 District Hospital located at Kiambu West district within the Limuru constituency. The hospital has a total of over 200 beds and cots for the inpatient and outpatient departments. Services offered at the hospital include antenatal services, caesarean section, immunisation, tuberculosis diagnosis and treatments, family planning, radiology services and antiretroviral therapy to mention just a few. The number of patients visiting the hospital can vary on a daily basis.

Medical Elective Placements

Med Trips provides a variety of elective placements tailored to the specific needs of students training in the medical field. These include:

  • Medical Electives for aspiring doctors and medical students

  • Nursing Electives for future nurses and healthcare practitioners

  • Midwifery Electives for students specializing in maternal and newborn care

  • Dental Electives for dental students looking to gain experience in dental department in hospital

These electives are specifically designed to meet the learning objectives of students in the medical field. Whether you are still in training or a recent graduate looking to broaden your skills, this program offers valuable hands-on experience in a real-world setting.

Med Trips team in the UK as well as the in-country team in Kenya can help complete any paperwork required, provide risk assessments and sign off on hours to ensure the placement complies with your university requirements.

By joining the Medical Elective Project in Kenya, you’ll not only help improve healthcare outcomes in underserved areas, but you'll also gain invaluable work experience that will enhance your professional development.

Arusha, Tanzania

Medical and Nursing Elective in Tanzania - Arusha

Midwifery, Pre Medical, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Dentistry, Medical, Radiology
18 years+

Interning in the Medical and Nursing Elective in Tanzania - Arusha is a great opportunity for all pre-med, medical, and nursing students to learn about the healthcare systems in Tanzania and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of local communities.

Placements are provided in hospitals located in and around the city of Arusha. This program is particularly suited for those interns looking for international hands-on experience and overseas medical exposure. Medical professionals are also welcome to be part of this project and contribute as much as they can. Work will vary depending on the experiences and skills of individual interns.

Med Trips’ medical elective provides an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking to enhance their careers through a meaningful internship experience. Participants will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, including emergency medicine, pediatrics, and general medicine, allowing them to gain diverse exposure that deepens their medical knowledge and hones their practical skills.

Throughout the elective, students collaborate closely with experienced healthcare professionals, participating in daily routines and gaining firsthand insight into the challenges and rewards of working in a medical setting. This hands-on experience is invaluable for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in healthcare.

We also arrange Dentistry Elective placements in Tanzania. Dentistry interns work in the dental department of hospital placements in Arusha. The placements are suitable for dental students looking to do a Dental Elective Program in Africa and gain valuable knowledge and experience by working under the supervision of dentists and dental assistants.

The local team in Arusha also organizes community outreach events in local communities, providing healthcare services to those who lack access to proper medical assistance. Most of these outreach events are conducted in village communities when there are a sufficient number of medical interns in the program. A minimum number of participants is required to carry out community outreach activities.

In addition to professional growth opportunities, participants will also have the chance to explore one of the world’s most captivating countries. From breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage to vibrant communities, this program offers a unique blend of personal enrichment and professional development.

Sample Placement Profile – St. Elizabeth Hospital, Arusha

St. Elizabeth Hospital, commonly referred to as "Kwa Father Babu" in Arusha, is situated in the Ngarenaro suburb. As a Council Designated Hospital, St. Elizabeth serves as a referral center for local dispensaries and health centers within the Arusha municipality. Other hospitals also direct patients to St. Elizabeth for specialized services that they may not provide.

St. Elizabeth is one of the three largest hospitals in Arusha, offering both inpatient and outpatient services.

Departments at St. Elizabeth Hospital

  • Outpatient and Emergency Medicine

  • Internal Medicine Ward

  • Surgical Ward

  • Ophthalmology

  • Pediatrics and Neonatology

  • Intensive Care Unit

  • Pharmacy

  • Radiology Department

  • Theatre

  • Dental

  • Physiotherapy

  • Laboratory

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Interns will work alongside hospital staff, assisting during ward rounds and in the theater, and shadowing nurses and doctors in various clinics. Depending on your goals, you can rotate through different departments and clinics. Each participant is paired with an experienced supervisor who can provide guidance. Being part of the healthcare network in Arusha allows us to connect you with knowledgeable mentors in your field of interest.

Please note that this is a sample placement, and interns may be placed in other hospitals as well in Arusha. Our interns work in multiple hospital placements in and around the city.

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