Congratulations on your acceptance to International Medical Aid’s (IMA) Internship in Kenya! This guide outlines key details about your placement, program requirements, and travel preparations.
Internship Placement
You will complete your internship at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH), Kenya’s second-largest public hospital with 750 beds and serving more than six million people in the Coastal Region.
The hospital has all major departments, including an Emergency/Casualty Ward, an ICU, a Main Operating Room, a Minor Operating Room, and a Maternity Operating Room, mostly used for Cesarean Sections.
Your specific department assignment will be confirmed in your acceptance email. Expect a busy, under-resourced setting that provides a valuable and immersive learning environment. Flexibility and proactiveness will be key. Throughout your program, IMA mentors will be available to provide guidance and support.
Program Dates & Fees
Your official internship dates and department assignment will be confirmed in your acceptance email. The program fee is due before your start date, with flexible payment plans available to assist with budgeting.
Pre-Departure Preparation
To help you get ready for your upcoming internship, please take time to review the following important materials. These resources outline what to pack, what to expect, and how to stay safe during your program.
Flights
Booking your flights early will help you secure the best fares and ensure a smooth arrival for your internship. Please keep the following tips in mind:
Book Early: We recommend booking your flights as soon as possible.
Best Resources: Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo are good options to compare fares.
Lower Fare Tip: Use a private/incognito browser (CTRL + SHIFT + N in Chrome) to avoid higher fares caused by cookie tracking.
Need Help? Contact your Program Mentor with your departure city and date ranges for assistance.
Note: After Booking, upload your full inbound and outbound flight itinerary using this link.
Entry Visa Requirements
All interns are required to obtain a Kenya entry visa prior to arrival. To ensure a smooth process, please follow the steps below:
Complete the Kenya Visa Intake Form once your flights are booked.
Provide all required details, including a passport-style photo.
Once approved, IMA will send your approved visa directly to your email
Program Schedule
After submitting your flight details, you will receive a Comprehensive Program Schedule. This includes:
Daily clinical rotations
Medical/community outreach activities
Lectures and cultural treks
Details of any safaris or adventure treks (If you have planned any safaris or adventure treks with IMA),
Emergency contacts, Program Residence information, and Pre-Departure Information
Note: Share this schedule with your family or loved ones before departure.
Arrival and Program Residence
Airport Pickup: Upon arrival at Moi International Airport (Mombasa), a uniformed IMA staff member will meet you at the terminal. They will hold a tablet clearly displaying your name, assist with your luggage, and accompany you to the Program Residence.
Program Residence:
Located in the safest neighborhoods of the cities where we operate
Secure, gated communities with 24/7 security staff
Shared rooms (2–3 interns per room)
Common areas include WiFi, kitchen, dining area, television, and pool
Housekeeping and Laundry: Our staff will provide housekeeping services and assist with your laundry during the program.
Note : Interns are not allotted to travel outside Mombasa, Kenya during their internship unless it is part of an IMA-organized trek.
Vaccinations
For detailed guidance on required and recommended vaccinations, please review the CDC’s Vaccinations/Health Information for Travelers to Kenya.
Yellow Fever
This is the most common question we receive. Generally not required for entry into Kenya unless you are traveling from a country with Yellow Fever risk (see CDC list). Required if you plan to travel to Tanzania.
We recommend discussing your vaccination needs with your primary care physician or a travel medicine doctor. If you have any additional questions, please contact your Program Mentor.
Hospital Uniform Requirements
All interns are required to wear IMA-branded scrubs during clinical rotations and outreach activities
If you haven’t already, please purchase your IMA-branded scrubs using this link. Your scrubs will be ready for you upon arrival in Kenya.
Laundry Service
A laundry service is available for personal clothing:
$155 for the first two weeks (*Subject to Change)
$55 for each additional week (*Subject to Change)
Includes washing, folding, optional ironing, and room delivery
If opted in, the service is required for your full internship. Alternatively, pack sufficient clothing for your stay. If you plan to use the laundry service, kindly submit the Laundry Sign-Up Form ahead of your arrival in Kenya.
Currency and Credit Card Use
Cash
Most transactions are cash-based. We recommend bringing newer bills (2009+) as older bills will have a lower exchange rate
Cards
Credit/debit cards are becoming more accepted in malls and larger establishments. Notify your bank of your travel plans before departure.
Access to banks/ATMs
There are several banks/ATMs near the Program Residence in Mombasa, and staff will guide you to those with the best exchange rates.
Optional Safaris & Adventure Treks
In addition to your internship, IMA can help organize excursions during your stay in Kenya. Local activities such as visits to Old Town/Fort Jesus and Haller Park in Mombasa are included in your Program Fee.
For extended treks, we partner with reputable guides and lodges that meet ethical standards, ensuring safe, reliable, and high-quality experiences. Independent travel and public transportation are not recommended due to safety and service concerns.
Featured Treks
Masai Mara Safari – Our most popular option, starting from $3,595. Includes:
4-star lodge accommodations (e.g., Simba Oryx Nature Camp)
Overnight stay in Nairobi
Round-trip airfare (Mombasa–Nairobi)
Ground transportation, park fees, and professional guides
Selected meals (Sample Itinerary Available Here)
Watamu Marine National Park Safari (Malindi) – Beach safari experience starting from $1,250 (Sample Itinerary Available Here).
Because treks require advance planning, please let us know early if you’d like to participate. Our teams in Kenya and the U.S. are available to assist before, during, and after your trip.
Questions or Support
If you have any questions or need clarification, you can:
Reach out directly to your Program Mentor