University of Central Lancashire 2018
Having never travelled on my own, undertaking my overseas nursing placement with Work the World gave me a sense of security and peace of mind. They helped me completely organise and plan the trip from the ground up.
I chose to go on an overseas placement so that I could see and experience a healthcare system different from what I was used to back home. Work the World helped tailored my placement so that I could fit as much in as possible. They were amazing from day one, and even now that the experience is over they continue to support me.
The destination I chose was Takoradi in Ghana, and believe me I have no regrets.
When we arrived at the airport, a member of the Work the World team met us at arrivals. We stayed overnight in a hotel in Ghana's capital, Accra, and the following morning, we travelled together to the Work the World house in Takoradi. We received a warm welcome into the house, both from the students who were already there and the house staff. The house itself was beautiful and the swimming pool was a great addition to a perfect home. After settling in, the Programme Manager took us on an orientation of the town, which was everything I expected and more. The Work the World team in Ghana were awesome!
In the house, we had language lessons every week and a BBQ every Thursday at the house. The latter were great for bonding with the other students and getting to know the local language, too. The BBQ evening was a personal favourite— great food, socialising with my housemates and of course lots of dancing.
With regards to my clinical placement, I spent two weeks in NICU and one week in Emergency. Work the World staff were always happy to help. They introduced me to my supervisor at the beginning of each placement and after each day they would ask me how it went, which I found very comforting particularly after a bad day. I learned a lot from my experience, and I can tell you that if you keep an open mind, embrace the culture, watch how they deliver care, and get involved, you'll have an amazing time.
For my last days in Ghana, I chose to undertake Work the World's Village Healthcare Week (ask about this when you speak to them). With the Work the World guide and translator, I travelled out of Takoradi and to a rural village where I lived within the community. This was a priceless experience and added to my understanding of life in Ghana. In the mornings, I worked in a small local clinic with two awesome nurses, and spent each afternoon both exploring the village and joining in with different activities. Everyone undertaking an overseas placement should absolutely do the village experience as it's the only way you will truly get to experience rural Ghanaian culture.
I spent the weekends travelling around Ghana and making memories and friendships that will last forever!
I cannot begin to tell you how lucky I feel to have had this experience. From my first phone call with Work the World, they were amazing and I will be forever grateful to them for making every moment of my experience perfect in every way.
