Medical and Nursing Elective in Tanzania - Arusha

Overview

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.

Intern Work Schedule

As an intern in the medical placement, your general schedule would be:

Sunday - Arrival at the destination (Arusha)
Monday - An orientation session will be conducted by the local coordinator, covering the major topics such as safety, culture, language, places to visit, behavior, food, and other suggestions for things to do in Tanzania
Tuesday to Friday - Placement at Hospital/Clinics
Weekends - Explore the city / Head out for wildlife safaris and much more
Breakfast - 07:30 am onwards
Working hours at the placement - 08:30 am to 12:30 pm and 02:00 pm to 03:00 pm
Lunch - 12:30 pm onwards
Dinner - 06:30 pm onwards

The same work schedule continues from the second week onwards (Monday - Friday)

Note: Please note, the schedule may vary depending on the particular project the participant is participating on.

Intern Roles & Responsibilities

Depending on your knowledge, experience, and academic background, you may be involved in the following tasks during your placement:

Shadow and observe doctors, nurses, and other medical staff in your assigned department.
For advanced students: assist with tasks such as wound dressing, taking vitals, or supporting minor procedures (e.g., suturing, vaccinations) — depending on your skills and supervisor approval.
Assist patients with non-clinical needs, such as moving between wards or service points.
Support any medical outreach events organized by the local team in surrounding communities.

As a medical intern in Tanzania, you’ll work closely with experienced healthcare professionals in hospital placements.

If you are a pre-med, pre-nursing, or junior medical student, your role will primarily be observational, giving you the chance to learn directly from the experts.

If you are a senior medical, nursing, or healthcare student, you may be allowed more hands-on involvement, depending on your experience and the guidance of local doctors and nurses.Please note that hands on involvement is not guaranteed and it depends on your skill, confidence level as well as consent of the supervisor and patient.

During your internship, you’ll likely encounter a range of cases not commonly seen back home, including tropical and infectious diseases such as malaria, as well as accident-related injuries (particularly common in Arusha).

Overall, this internship is primarily an educational experience, offering deep insights into the healthcare system of Tanzania. You’ll learn about the challenges of providing care in resource-limited settings, observe differences in medical practices, and gain exposure to regional health issues and how they are managed.

Placement Requirements

Interns must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the placement. Participants should have an open mind, flexible attitude, and enthusiasm for working in a new environment. A clean criminal background check, CV/resume, passport copy, and relevant academic documents/credentials must be provided prior to joining.Eligible participants include pre-med, medical, nursing, midwifery, dental students, and CNAs. All interns are required to bring their own scrubs or lab coats to wear during their placement.

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Living

Airport Transfer

You will be met by our representative at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your intern accommodation in Arusha.

Interns may also arrive in Nairobi, from where a direct shuttle or bus to Arusha is available — pickup will be arranged at the bus station. For those arriving from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, transfers can also be arranged from Arusha Airport, which currently serves only domestic flights.

Accommodation

Interns are accommodated in a dedicated intern house in Arusha. Housing is in shared rooms (private room upgrades may be available on request).

The intern house features:

Comfortable shared rooms with options for private upgrades
A staffed kitchen with freshly prepared meals
A spacious common area for relaxation and socializing
Games such as snooker and table tennis
Wi-Fi access throughout the house
CCTV surveillance and a security guard on duty

Located around 25 minutes on foot from Arusha’s main clock tower, the accommodation offers a safe and convenient base for interns. Laundry can be done by hand in the designated washing area or provided to helpers at an additional cost.

The intern house has the capacity to accommodate more than 50 participants, creating a vibrant and social environment.

Orientation

All interns receive a comprehensive orientation session led by the local coordinator. The session covers:

Safety guidelines
Local area and transportation
Cultural tips
Things to see and do in Arusha

Following orientation, interns are introduced to their placement and given a guided tour of the town.

Meals

Interns are provided with three meals daily, offering a mix of Western and Tanzanian cuisine.

Sample meals include:

Breakfast: Tea or coffee, toast with butter and jam, seasonal fruits, and eggs.
Lunch & Dinner: Rice, spaghetti, chapati, mashed potatoes, French fries, salads, Tanzanian stews, and fruits.

Breakfast and dinner are served at the intern house, while lunch is usually packed to take to your placement (or enjoyed back at the house if you return earlier).

Free Time

During your free time in Arusha, you’ll have countless opportunities to explore Tanzania’s culture and natural wonders. Popular options include:

Safari trips to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Park – a must-do experience during your stay.
Visiting Maasai villages to learn about their traditions and lifestyle.
Exploring local attractions such as the Snake Park, Arusha National Park, Lake Duluti, Chemka Hot Springs, and Materuni Waterfalls.

Weekends are the perfect time to travel with fellow interns, whether it’s heading out on safari or exploring nearby cultural and natural sites.

Dates

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

Costs

Duration	Program Fee Choose your currency
1 Week	$630
2 Weeks	$855
3 Weeks	$1066
4 Weeks	$1374
5 Weeks	$1702
6 Weeks	$2071
7 Weeks	$2419
8 Weeks	$2768
Extra Week	$350

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
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information and support from Med Trips team
Airport Pickup from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport
Orientation
Food
Accommodation at Intern House
Assistance in booking weekend safari trips and other tours
Medical Insurance
Certificate of Participation(On Request)

What's NOT included?

Airfare
Visa and Work Permit Fee (Work Permit charges payable in country)
Return Airport Drop(Can be arranged at extra cost)
Local Transportation
Vaccinations

FAQ's

Accommodation and Living

Can I know more about the accommodation and food arrangements?: Interns are accommodated in a dedicated intern house in Arusha. Housing is in shared rooms (private room upgrades may be available on request).
The intern house features:
Comfortable shared rooms with options for private upgrades
A staffed kitchen with freshly prepared meals
A spacious common area for relaxation and socializing
Games such as snooker and table tennis
Wi-Fi access throughout the house
CCTV surveillance and a security guard on duty
Located around 25 minutes on foot from Arusha’s main clock tower, the accommodation offers a safe and convenient base for interns. Laundry can be done by hand in the designated washing area or provided to helpers at an additional cost.
The intern house has the capacity to accommodate more than 50 participants, creating a vibrant and social environment.
All meals are provided to the participants at the accommodation.
Can vegetarians be accommodated?: 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.

Eligibility and Preperation

Who can apply for the program?: 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.
Are vaccinations or health checks required?

Program and Learning Experience

What kind of hospital/clinical experience will I get?: 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.
Can I perform medical procedures?: 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 Tanzania do sometimes do basic assisting work with the doctors depending on the department allocated.

Safety and Support

What kind of support will I have?: You’ll have full in-country support from our local team in Arusha. In case of any emergencies or problems, the staff will be there to support you and assist you always.
What about medical facilities in case of an emergency?: We partner with modern hospitals where English-speaking staff are available.In case of any emergency, the local team will provide all necessary support and assistance to you.
How safe is Tanzania, and Arusha in particular?: Tanzania is one of East Africa’s most popular destinations thanks to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar, and Kilimanjaro. Millions of tourists visit every year without serious incident. Violent crime is rare, though like in any large city, petty theft can occur in busy areas, so normal travel precautions are encouraged. Students are supported with in-country staff, airport transfer, and a full safety orientation to ensure a secure and comfortable stay.

Travel and Logistics

What are the recommended inexpensive airline options to fly to Tanzania?: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) has flight connections from Europe and other African destinations. KLM Dutch Airlines, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, Condor Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Precision Air and Ethiopian Airlines are the major airlines flying in directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Do I need a visa ?: Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination. We provide guidance during the pre-departure process.
Is airport transfer included?: All interns need to arrive in Tanzania on the mentioned program starting dates.Interns are picked up from the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by the in-country representative. Kilimanjaro International Airport is around 50 km drive from Arusha city and it takes around 45 minutes to reach. Interns also have an option of arriving in Nairobi and then taking a shuttle bus to Arusha. Pickup will be provided from the bus station. Drive from Nairobi to Arusha takes around 5 hours. This option is chosen by many participants. Please note that airport pickup is not provided from Nairobi airport. Participants choosing to arrive via Nairobi would also need to take Kenya visa.
How do I get around during the program?: Interns in Arusha use local public transport such as taxis for commuting between the accommodation and hospital placement. The local team also arranges daily local transport for the participants at an extra weekly cost.

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