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elective

Step beyond
the classroom

We offer short-term education placements in developing countries that deliver hands-on career exposure, personal growth and unforgettable cultural experiences.

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Students
Placed

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Hospital
Partners

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Years
Experience

However conquering the bureaucratic maze in unfamiliar territory on a daily basis can be quite daunting if undertaking it alone.

At the highest level of organization, we are located in your program destination abroad hence able to give you a meaningful learning experience.

We take of everything so that you can enjoy the experience and a successful trip abroad.

Elective Africa is a leading organizer of educational and expedition travel programs to Africa. Our mission is to provide unique experiential learning trips with a global perspective.

A-Z
Elective Africa Map
LF

Lillian F. Mugonyi

Chief Executive Officer

🇺🇸 United States of America

MA

Millicent A. Otieno

Digital Marketing Lead

🇰🇪 Nairobi, Kenya

SM

Simon M. Waweru

Digital Marketing Assistant

🇰🇪 Nairobi, Kenya

LM

Lewis Maribe

Program Assistant

🇰🇪 Nairobi, Kenya

SK

Sandra Karimi

Assistant Placement Advisor

🇰🇪 Nairobi, Kenya

Our Story

2001

Elective Africa began in 2001 in Mombasa, Kenya, when a visiting doctor sought meaningful elective opportunities for his medical students in a developing country.

2001

Our first students were placed at Coast Provincial General Hospital Kenya's second-largest public hospital marking our very first elective placement base.

2002

We expanded our network across Nairobi, bringing new clinical partnerships and growing our roster of placement hospitals.

2003

Elective Africa introduced its first structured mentorship program, pairing international students with local healthcare professionals.

2004

A new community health initiative launched, giving students exposure to rural healthcare settings beyond city hospitals.

2005

We crossed the milestone of 500 students placed, cementing our reputation as a leader in medical electives across Africa.

2010

Expanded programs to Tanzania and Uganda, broadening our footprint across East Africa.

2015

Launched our Gap Year Volunteer program, welcoming non-medical students into community health projects.

2020

Adapted fully to virtual orientations and remote pre-departure support during the global pandemic.

2021

Resumed in-person placements and introduced new safety protocols across all host facilities.

2022

Introduced the Camp Migori program, embedding community service learning into our elective curriculum.

2023

Reached 5,000+ alumni worldwide and launched our student ambassador network across six continents.

2024

Opened new placement partnerships in Rwanda and Ethiopia, further expanding our East African reach.

2025

Celebrating 24 years of connecting global medical talent with meaningful African healthcare experiences.

Here’s some of the things our alumni are saying about us

Abby
Premedical Student

My name is Abby, a premedical student studying neuroscience, and I am pursuing a minor in global health and health policy.

Since I have been here, I have been rotating through different departments: surgery, emergency, OBGYN, pediatrics, and ENT. It has been a great experience. My mentors have been incredible and really helpful, answering any questions I have, allowing me to see procedures up close, and explaining various global health aspects.

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Frequently Asked Questions