Anglia Ruskin University 2024
Keira, a second-year midwifery student from Anglia Ruskin University, travelled to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to complete her three-week midwifery placement.
I undertook an overseas midwifery placement to explore maternity care outside the UK. I also wanted to explore the world and experience new cultures.
When I first visited my placement hospital in Dar es Salaam, there was a lot to take in. However, I couldn’t wait to get started. It was so eye-opening to see and experience all the different wards within maternity.
All the staff at the hospital were so welcoming, and the local medical students were so helpful and lovely. I loved that the doctors within the hospital took the time to speak to us, include us in their ward rounds, and teach us so many new things.
Before travelling to Tanzania, the group I travelled with raised money to buy supplies in Dar es Salaam to donate to the hospital and women. We brought sanitary products for the women and nappies for the babies and donated lots of PPE to the hospital.
We also had the opportunity to visit a local school where we donated some school supplies and taught a lesson.
There were plenty of differences between the local healthcare system and my home country. It was hard to see women having to pay for all their labour supplies.
The main difference was the lack of resources they have in Tanzania compared to the UK. Also, there aren’t many midwives in Tanzania, so I mainly saw doctors providing the care.
During the evenings after placement, my housemates and I would explore local restaurants and enjoy movie nights together at the house. On Wednesdays, we’d sing karaoke at Samaki Samaki!
I also took a weekend trip to Zanzibar, where I swam with turtles and dolphins and sunbathed on beautiful beaches! I was also fortunate enough to go on a safari weekend – it was an amazing experience, and I would definitely recommend it.
After my placement in Tanzania, I felt privileged to have the NHS and other healthcare services in the UK. Coming away from this trip I feel incredibly grateful for all the resources we have at home.
If you’re considering undertaking a Work the World placement, go for it! My Work the World placement was an experience of a lifetime. I would recommend it to any healthcare student. I experienced many things I never thought I would during my time overseas.
My placement opened up many opportunities and pushed me out of my comfort zone! Don’t be scared to travel on your own — you’ll make many new friends who will last a lifetime.
