Gap Medics Launching medical careers

Where you'll be living

We have two houses in Iringa to ensure this hugely popular programme doesn’t lose the friendly, family feel that everyone loves about it. Both are in very safe areas (although you might have to dodge the odd mango skin thrown by the Colobus monkeys that live in the trees around here!).

The Rock House is unique among Gap Medics houses, as it was built from the ground up to our own specification. The main building is a vast open-plan space incorporating lounge, dining and kitchen areas, designed to generate a buzzing social atmosphere without everyone stepping on each other’s toes!

Seven huge bedrooms (each sleeping 4 or 5 students) are arranged in three separate cottages around a large garden, all with en-suite bathrooms and solar water heating. The ‘Shamba’ is our rugged barbecue area, set back from the house among massive rocks to give a real African feel to sitting out under the stars.

The Town House is smaller, more intimate and has the advantage of being just a few minutes walk from the Regional Hospital. Set on a leafy hillside above the Ruaha Valley, it sleeps up to 14 students in four bedrooms set around a homely circular living room. The lush garden is perfect for sunbathing among the banana trees! The Town House is also available for private use by school and university groups.

Iringa is very safe, but for total peace of mind both houses have 24-hour security guards, keypad entry locks and window security bars. Our two Caterers, Akiba and Hassan, try to out-do each other with spectacular Swahili meals and epic barbecues, and each house has a full-time housekeeper.

“The staff were amazing! They ate with use, came into Iringa with us, laughed with us… The house was like one big family. Before arriving, I was constantly worrying about whether or not I would get along with my fellow students, but as soon as I arrived at the house I knew that making new friends was not going to be a problem!”
- Alice Costain, 17, pre-med placement August 2011.