The third area we focussed on is “introductions”:
Jina langu ni …(name) – my name is …
Ninatokea …(country) – I’m from …
Nina ishi …(address) – I live …
Nimefurahi kukufahamu – Please to meet you
Asante – thanks
Asante sana – thanks a lot
Rob’s Swahili lesson – introductions!
Monday, September 5th, 2011
The Weekly Question – What has been your clinical highlight this week?
Friday, September 2nd, 2011
Often students tell us of rare and tropical diseases that they’ve only read about in the past. Whether it be differences in the treatment of patients, unseen diseases or progressed pathologies, an overseas placement can provide a fascinating learning environment. We have asked this question a few times but we always get some really interesting answers… What has been your clinical highlight this week?
On the ward in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka after three weeks on the surgical ward Julie’s really built up the trust between herself and her local colleagues “I’m treated as a team member. I had my own patients for wound care management and contributed to a burns victim dressing. This was a new approach, which had a good effect on the staff and patient as dressing time became less dramatic.”
Rob’s Swahili lesson – manners!
Friday, September 2nd, 2011
Our second focus lesson was on manners!
Sawa – ok (used for agreement. In Mwanza the locals love to say “Sawa sawa”)
Mbaya – bad
Ndio – yes
Hapana – no
Tafadhali – please
Samahani – excuse me
Naomba – I would like…
Hakuna matata! – no problem!
Sije elewa – I don’t understand
Rob’s Swahili lesson – Greeting!
Thursday, September 1st, 2011
Jambo guys!
For this second Swahili language blog I have enlisted the help from Joe our fantastic Swahili teacher who teaches the students in the house twice a week.
Joe runs through a range of really useful words and phrases over the course of the short videos.
Below is an accompanying transcript of the language points Joe covers. We both hope this will really help you with pronunciation. Practice saying the words aloud as you listen, and in a few viewings you will be all set for your arrival in Tanzania!
Bahati Njema (good luck)!
Mambo – Hi, how are things?
Jambo – Hello
Poa – Cool (you know this one already from the last post!)
Safi – good
The weekly question – Why did you choose to do your placement in the destination you’re in?
Thursday, August 25th, 2011
We think that one of the hardest parts of organising an elective is actually deciding where to go. Whether you’re tempted by the tribes of Africa; the mountains of Asia or the flavour of South America, wherever you decide to go, your elective overseas will no doubt enrich both your professional and personal development in a safe, supported environment.
We currently work in seven locations around the world and like to talk to students in depth about each destination before they make a decision – this way they can work out which placement is most suited to them. So the question we chose to ask the houses this week is “Why did you choose to do your placement in the destination you’re in?”
A Sri Lankan beach
The Weekly Question – Were you nervous about travelling overseas for your placement? How did you conquer your fears and what advice can you give to future students?
Thursday, August 18th, 2011
Students are often slightly anxious about travelling overseas for their placements, particularly on their own. So this week we’re asking the students in Africa, Asia and South America, “Were you nervous about travelling overseas for your placement? How did you conquer your fears and what advice can you give to future students?”
Preparing the goat!
Arryl travelled to Arusha all the way from Canada “Before leaving for my elective, my circulating thoughts covered every emotion: excitement, fear, concern, and yearning. I was about to travel eighteen hours to the continent Africa. Needless to say, I settled in so quickly! The only advice I wish to leave you with is to go with an open (and un-judgemental mind) and literally jump, leap, and bound to these amazing opportunities that await you. This is more than a medical placement; this is a life changing opportunity and one that can forever impact your future. Do anything and everything you can, from climbing a mountain, to eating raw goat kidney. Your Tanzanian life awaits you. Have fun, play safe. And remember, this is Africa.”
The weekly question – What tips can you give for making the most out of your clinical experience?
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011
We always try to prepare students as much as possible before they head overseas for their placement. Past experience has shown us that the more committed, enthusiastic and pro-active they are, the more likely it is that they will get some fantastic hands-on experience. This week we have decided to ask the students in each destination “What tips can you give for making the most out of your clinical experience?”
Paediatrics in Argentina
When we asked the students in Mendoza they all agreed on one thing: don’t be afraid to ask questions! “Even if you don’t master the language, leave your shyness at home and ask everything you need to know” also, “make sure that you explain from the very beginning what you are capable of doing, what you want to do and the things that you are interested in seeing” said Kimberly.
The differences between Tanzania and Ghana.
Monday, August 1st, 2011
Work the World has programmes in two African countries and we often hear from students that are unsure how to choose between the two. I had already been out to Ghana earlier this year, and loved it, so I was pleased when the chance came to visit Tanzania so that I could see firsthand the differences, if any, between the east and the west. If you are a little unsure as to where to pick, maybe this brief insight will help. If not, there is always the option of a split destination placement to experience the best of both worlds. 
Amy and the Abura staff in Ghana
Surprisingly I found the two quite different. With a placement in Ghana you are instantly immersed into African life – the house is in a typical residential part of Takoradi and when out and about you will come across very few other westerners, even at the market circle. The locals cannot do enough to help you – in fact Ghanaians are known for their amazing hospitality. In Tanzania the houses are located in residential areas too, but you’ll find more expats and wealthier Tanzanians.
Tanzania’s hidden gem
Thursday, July 28th, 2011
Six months ago if you had asked me if we could set-up a village experience that was just as good and just as appealing as our Zanzibar village experience, I would have said I had my work cut out. How would we be able to top the attraction of going to one of the most alluring and captivating islands in the world? It would appear however that in the new village experience of Kidodi we have managed it!
Welcome to Kidodi!
Based on students’ feedback and our own enthusiasm to keep diversifying our range of experiences we offer, it was decided that we would create a completely new village experience for the Dar es Salaam Programme. We wanted to create something that would offer a truly unique opportunity to experience being part of a community in rural Tanzania that very few other tourists would ever have the chance to see.
Seven ways to say “Cool” in Swahili!
Wednesday, July 27th, 2011
Swahili is a fun and highly accessible language. Almost all students return from their trip wishing they had spent a little more time before arrival learning some basics. Of course learning a language takes time, so I would like to direct you to a range of really useful and fun words you can use from day one with our staff and locals.
Have fun with these words. Tanzanians are really patient and supportive of any foreigner trying to say a few words. I guarantee you that everyone you meet will love you for attempting even the most basic phrase in the local language…
People really appreciate your effort
So let’s start with the all-important ways to say cool, awesome, great, amazing etc. You can use these words interchangeably and they are all pretty simple, catchy words that will fit into many settings; from answering how you are, how a movie was, how your day was etc… you get the idea.