A Homestay Model for Global Health and Medical Education in Resource-Limited Settings

International health electives often overlook important aspects of cultural competency, psychosocial support, and bidirectional exchange. In order to address these shortcomings, we adapted the homestay model to an elective in Kampala, Uganda. Host families consist of local faculty selected based on experience with international students and involvement in medical education. Host families provide accommodations, meals, psychosocial support, counseling, and an informal curriculum of local language, culture, and politics. Participants are encouraged to find ways to give back to their host communities. This well-structured model enhances the experience of all involved by focusing on cultural immersion, social support, and mutual partnership.