FAQ

This is a program in which healthcare professionals and students from Japan work alongside local healthcare staff at hospitals in Arusha, Tanzania. It is not just an observation tour: you take part in real clinical activities and experience global health care first-hand.

Study tour: 1 week
Short-term plan: 2 weeks
Mid-term plan: 4 weeks
Long-term plan: more than 4 weeks

The length of stay is flexible, so please feel free to contact us to discuss what works for you.

The program runs all year round, with intensive programs held in the following periods:

Summer: July–September (Japanese students’ summer break)
Winter: November–January (students’ winter break)
Spring: February–March (students’ spring break)
Year-round: you can join at any time by individual arrangement

Study tour (1 week): ¥60,000
2 weeks: ¥112,000
4 weeks: ¥224,000
More than 4 weeks: please contact us

* Airfare is not included (approx. ¥150,000–200,000 from Japan)
* Includes accommodation, meals, local transportation and program fees

• Accommodation in Arusha (with security and a cook)
• Two meals a day (breakfast and dinner)
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Support from our local manager
• Wi-Fi
• Local transportation (for program activities)
• Certificate of completion

Yes. Please contact us to discuss the details.

We can offer students individual support depending on their circumstances. Please feel free to ask.

Yes. Medical students in their 3rd year or above and nursing students in their 2nd year or above, aged 20 or older, are eligible.
Students from all over the world come to the hospitals in Arusha.

Yes, junior residents are very welcome. By obtaining a permit from the Tanzanian government before travelling, you can take part in clinical work as a physician.

Conversational English is required (around TOEIC 600). Studying medical English beforehand is recommended. Our local staff can also provide support in Japanese.

Yes, other healthcare professionals are welcome too. After obtaining a government permit in advance, you will join a program that makes use of your own professional expertise.

Arusha is less safe than Japan, but you can stay there safely as long as you follow the house rules and local guidance. We provide accommodation with 24-hour security, and a local coordinator is on site to support you. We also have an emergency contact system in place.

Required: yellow fever
Recommended: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningococcal disease, rabies

Vaccinations take time, so we recommend starting as soon as you decide to join.
GMC-Africa can help you plan your vaccinations from the consultation stage.

Depending on severity, you can be treated at one of our partner hospitals. Travel insurance is mandatory, and in serious cases medical evacuation to a neighboring country or back to your home country can be arranged.

We recommend taking prophylactic medication and protecting yourself against mosquito bites. We hold a briefing on prevention in detail once your participation is confirmed.

• Observing and assisting in outpatient clinics
• Joining ward rounds
• Participating in surgery
• Community health activities (outreach, health education, vaccination)
• Supporting medical equipment maintenance
• Case discussions with local healthcare staff
• Medical education (lectures, talks, BLS training, etc.)

Under the supervision of a local supervisor, you can take part in clinical activities appropriate to your level. Activities are decided in accordance with Tanzanian medical regulations, with patient safety as the top priority.
Licensed professionals such as physicians must obtain a permit in advance.

Swahili and English are used locally, and English is generally understood. We also plan to offer a basic Swahili course.

We hope to start research activities in the future, in consultation with our partner hospitals and with appropriate ethical review.

It is our own house in a safe residential area of Arusha, with private or shared rooms, Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, breakfast and dinner prepared by our cook, and daily housekeeping.

We serve dishes made with rice, pasta, bread, chapati, ugali and more, as well as local Tanzanian food.
If you would like to cook for yourself, you can use the kitchen after checking with us in advance.

Yes, the house has Wi-Fi. You can stay in touch with home and post on social media without problems.

You will do your own laundry, but a laundry service is also available if needed.

To allow time for vaccinations, we recommend applying 1–3 months before your preferred dates. Please apply especially early for the summer and spring intensive programs.

Our cancellation policy is as follows:

Up to 30 days before departure: 50% of the fee refunded
Up to 14 days before departure: 25% of the fee refunded
Within 14 days of departure: no refund

* In unavoidable circumstances, we will discuss your case individually

Yes. You need a passport valid for at least 6 more months. We can also help you obtain a Tanzanian visa.

• Basic clothing, towels, hand sanitizer, sandals, etc.
• Personal medical equipment (stethoscope, etc.)
• Medical textbooks and reference materials
• Personal medications
• Appropriate clothing (including a white coat)

A detailed packing list will be provided once your participation is confirmed.

• Post-program debriefing sessions
• Membership of Global Healers Salon (our alumni network)
• Opportunities to present your experience
• Ongoing career advice
• Benefits when you join again

Yes. An official certificate of completion is issued at the end of the program, which you can use for your CV and interviews.

Experience in global health is highly valued by healthcare institutions and will be a real asset when applying for positions at hospitals and medical institutions in Japan and abroad.