iX PRE-MED: BEST EXPERIENCE EVER

I truly cannot emphasize enough how transformative this pre-med program was—it was genuinely the experience of a lifetime. Having completed some clinical shadowing in the U.S. beforehand, I can confidently say that opportunities like the ones iX offers are incredibly rare. Through mobile clinics, emergency departments, operating rooms, and even exposure to biotech startups, I logged over 70 verified clinical hours and returned with not just experience, but meaningful stories and perspective.

What sets this program apart is its authenticity. This was not “voluntourism.” The physicians we worked with were volunteering their own time to teach us, walk us through procedures, and ensure that every patient gave informed consent for our presence. In some cases, patients even allowed us to practice using ultrasound equipment and perform guided physical exams, hands-on experiences that are almost unheard of at this stage in the pre-med journey.

Beyond the clinical exposure, the sense of community was just as impactful. I grew incredibly close with my cohort, and living together made the entire experience even more memorable. Cape Town itself is absolutely stunning. Whether we were going on safaris, attending rugby games, surfing, taking pilates classes, or exploring the city’s food scene, there was always something incredible to do.

This program didn’t just shape me academically; it was deeply personal and formative. I built lasting relationships with driven, like-minded peers who I fully expect to stay in touch with throughout my journey to medicine. I also felt consistently safe and supported, with attentive staff regularly checking in, and the added bonus of living right by the ocean made it all the more special.

I cannot recommend this program highly enough, and I know I’ll be returning to Cape Town one day! This was truly the most unforgettable experience!