About this Program

Country: Tanzania

Arrival Date: 09/07/2026

Departure Date: 09/20/2026

Duration: 14 days

Arrival City: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Departure City: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Cost: $2995.00

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About Gap Year

A gap year for premed students is the period between completing an undergraduate degree and the official start of medical school. Rather than being a “break,” it is typically a strategic “bridge” year used to strengthen a medical school application, gain professional experience, or recharge mentally before the rigors of medical education.

Taking at least one gap year has become the standard path, with recent AAMC data showing that approximately 64% to 75% of medical school matriculants take one or more years off before enrolling.
Why Premeds Take Gap Years
  • Strengthen Candidacy: Students often use the time to address “gaps” in their profile, such as boosting a low GPA through a Master’s or Post-Baccalaureate program or improving an MCAT score.
  • Gain Experience: It provides more time to accumulate significant clinical hours (e.g., as a scribe, EMT, or medical assistant) or conduct long-term research.
  • Reduce Burnout: Many students feel exhausted after four years of rigorous science coursework and use the gap year to reset and recharge before starting the next intense phase of their education.
  • Financial Preparation: Some students work full-time to save money for tuition or to pay down undergraduate debt.
  • Personal Growth: It allows time for travel, volunteer service (like AmeriCorps or Teach for America), or pursuing hobbies that might be difficult to maintain during medical school.
Typical Timeline
  • Applying for 1 Gap Year: You apply at the end of your senior year. You spend your post-grad year completing the application cycle (interviews) and working/volunteering before starting med school.
  • Applying for 2+ Gap Years: You wait until at least one year after graduation to apply. This gives you a full year of additional experiences to actually include on your initial application before the cycle begins.
Common Gap Year Activities
Category Examples of Activities
Clinical Working as a Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, or ER Technician.
Academic Completing a Special Master’s Program (SMP) or a Master’s in Public Health (MPH).
Research Serving as a Clinical Research Coordinator or Laboratory Assistant.
Service Participating in AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, local community volunteering, or short-term and/or long-term international service opportunities.
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About Tanzania

One of the most diverse countries in Africa, Tanzania is full of natural riches and cultural wealth. Located on the eastern side of the continent, Tanzania is home to Africa’s highest mountain, deepest lake, largest game preserve, most famous national park, and most abundant movement of wildlife. In addition to its many geographical gems, Tanzania is home to a cultural mosaic of more than 120 distinct ethnic groups.

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