Parent Guide

Supporting your student's safety and experience abroad

Our Commitment
What Your Child Gains
Program Structure
Safety & Security
Family Involvement
Financial Information
Supporting From Home
Crisis Response
FAQ

Our Commitment to Your Student's Safety

Every clinical site, residence, and excursion partner is carefully vetted and continuously monitored. Whether your student is on a hospital ward, at a rural clinic, or on a cultural excursion, they are supported by trained local teams, private transportation, and a 24/7 emergency response system.

As a parent or guardian, your involvement is essential. This guide walks you through what to expect — from pre-departure prep to staying connected once your student is abroad — and explains exactly how we keep them safe.

Go Far. Go Safe. Go Elective.

Our mission is to empower aspiring healthcare professionals through immersive clinical experiences that:

Develop core clinical competencies in real hospital and clinic settings
Cultivate cultural competence and global awareness
Offer structured mentorship by licensed physicians and healthcare providers
Provide ethical, compliant exposure (AAMC-guided, OSHA-aligned)
Enhance professional development, leadership, and adaptability

Mentored placements with licensed physicians across East Africa.

What Your Student Will Gain

1. Clinical Experience

Students shadow licensed doctors and nurses in vetted public and private hospitals. Depending on placement and level of training, after orientation they may:

Observe patient care and surgical procedures
Record patient histories and vitals
Rotate through multiple departments (pediatrics, surgery, OB/GYN, and more)

2. Cultural Immersion

Interns live in secure residences, complete language and cultural orientation, and engage with local communities in respectful, meaningful ways.

3. Global Health Perspective

Students see firsthand how healthcare is practiced in resource-limited settings — learning to think creatively, compassionately, and collaboratively.

4. Professional & Personal Growth

Interns build confidence, develop cross-cultural communication, and learn to navigate independent international travel. They cultivate teamwork, adaptability, and resilience — critical attributes for any healthcare career.

Program Structure

Duration: 2 to 12 weeks
Customization: clinical, public health, interdisciplinary tracks, or camps / volunteering
Daily schedule: clinical hours, mentorship sessions, and cultural activities
Free time: students have time off to relax, explore, or join organized excursions

Safety & Security

100% safety record — zero reported incidents since founding.

Your student's safety is our top priority. Every element of the program — from secure housing and reliable transport to round-the-clock support — is designed with their well-being in mind.

Pre-Departure Orientation

Local customs and expectations
Clinical safety protocols (AAMC & OSHA aligned)
Health precautions and risk management

Secure Housing & Transportation

Residences in safe, gated communities with 24/7 private security
Daily transport to and from clinical placements provided exclusively by Go Elective
Public transportation is not permitted unless accompanied by local staff
Vetted drivers ensure safe, dependable transfers

Medical & Travel Insurance

We recommend comprehensive travel medical and accident insurance before joining the program
Most policies cover injuries, illness, and lost luggage
In case of exposure to infectious diseases, students have immediate access to Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and our in-country physician team

24/7 Local & U.S. Support

Parents and guardians can reach Go Elective staff at any time on a dedicated contact line
Local program coordinators, clinical supervisors, and residence managers are available around the clock

Proactive Risk Management

Frequent assessments of clinical sites and surrounding communities
All activities and environments are continuously monitored
Clear crisis response protocols for natural disasters, health emergencies, and regional advisories

24/7 in-country teams. Vetted drivers. Always within reach.

Family Involvement

Parents are welcome to join during the first or last week for a safari — we'll help arrange accommodation
Clinical participation is reserved for enrolled students, but we coordinate safe travel for visiting family

With these safeguards in place, you can be confident your student is not just safe but fully supported throughout the journey.

Financial Information

Go Elective offers transparent pricing and comprehensive inclusions.

What's Included

Housing in secure residential accommodations
Catered meals (dietary requirements accommodated)
Daily transportation to and from placements
Clinical rotations and mentorship
Cultural immersion activities and excursions
Pre-departure preparation and on-site support

Additional Costs

Airfare
Visa fees and vaccinations
Personal spending money
Optional safari excursions or add-ons

Payment plans are available, and many students fund their programs through scholarships, crowdfunding, or university grants. See our pricing page for details.

Supporting Your Student From Home

Stay Connected

Interns are provided with WiFi and, where useful, local SIM cards or phones. We recommend:

Weekly check-ins via WhatsApp or video call
Letting your student set the rhythm to foster independence

Encourage Self-Reflection

Help your student process their experience through journaling, blogging, or photo sharing — reflection deepens the impact of the journey.

Prepare for Reentry

Reverse culture shock is real. Support your student as they return home and integrate what they've learned into their personal and academic lives.

Crisis Response Plan

In the event of a natural disaster, health emergency, or regional advisory, our team monitors real-time alerts from local authorities, government agencies, the U.S. Department of State, and regional embassies — and responds immediately. Students are contacted directly and guided step-by-step; guardians are notified and kept informed throughout.

If an incident occurs during clinical hours, we coordinate immediate evacuation using Go Elective's private transport, returning students to our secure gated residences. Depending on the situation we may relocate students to safer areas or coordinate a full evacuation. Embassies and consulates are notified when applicable.

If medical attention is required, we help activate the student's travel insurance and ensure prompt care — including access to Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) when appropriate. Our 24/7 support teams stay in close contact with students and families until the situation is fully resolved.

Note for U.S. citizens: we strongly recommend enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that registers your trip abroad so the Department of State can contact you quickly in an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child be safe in Kenya or Tanzania?

Yes. Go Elective operates only in safe, vetted areas with 24/7 staff support and a 100% safety record. Housing, transport, and clinical placements are tightly managed to the highest standards.

What happens if my child gets sick or injured?

Comprehensive medical and evacuation insurance is recommended for every participant. Our team is trained to manage health issues swiftly, and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is available if needed.