The Weekly Question – why did you choose to do your elective placement with Work the World?

Friday, April 6th, 2012

It’s a fact of life; everyone likes to ‘big themselves up’ from time to time! And while we can go on until we’re blue in the face about why you should choose to do your overseas placement with Work the World, the best people to ask are those who did choose us and are on placement right now.

This week we asked students in each of our destinations “why did you choose to do your elective placement with Work the World?” Here are some of the responses…

dental students argentina 150x150 The Weekly Question why did you choose to do your elective placement with Work the World?

Students on placement in Mendoza, Argentina

In Argentina the leading answer was the opportunity for students to brush up on their Spanish with our fantastic week-long Intensive Spanish Course. Amanda Woods, a medical student from Alabama said “interacting with patients in a Spanish speaking company is definitely the best way to improve my Spanish…the programme has everything I was looking for.” Amanda also found us to be one of the only companies she researched offering placements in South America and to include the placement, accommodation, food and in-country support in the total cost.

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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?”

drinking blood1 150x150 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?

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.”

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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?”

SDC14889 150x150 The weekly question 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.

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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…

blog1 150x150 Seven ways to say “Cool” in Swahili!

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.

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Ali learns Tango dancing from two masters in Mendoza

Monday, July 18th, 2011

A trip to Argentina is not complete without witnessing at least one Tango show or even taking part in some lessons to learn about this elegant, fiery and seductive dance form. What makes Argentinean Tango so mesmerising is its intensely passionate, organic choreography and the sultry and portentous music, which absorbs you right into that moment.

Ali June 11 101 150x150 Ali learns Tango dancing from two masters in Mendoza

Luis shows off his moves

During my last trip to Mendoza, I met Anna and Luis, our Tango teachers at the Work the World house. They make a special appearance at the house for private lessons, whenever there are students taking the Intensive Spanish Course. As a fan of all types of dance, I was delighted to meet this gorgeous couple, who are partners on the dance floor and in real life. It’s a luxury to have two such experienced dancers teaching a class together as each student (up to four per class) gets some individual attention to work on their swirly, swinging Tango steps!

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TIA… Simon finds out what “this is Africa” really means!

Thursday, June 9th, 2011

Anyone who visits Africa will certainly hear someone say ”TIA” during his or her stay. The phrase got worldwide attention in the movie “Blood Diamond” and it seems now to be used widespread by all our students who stay in our African destinations. If you check out Wikipedia, it’s even mentioned there:

Simon 2 150x150 TIA… Simon finds out what “this is Africa” really means!

Meeting the newest family member!

Wiki Def: “This is Africa”, – meaning go with the flow/ don’t expect anything to run on schedule/ enjoy life. Slang phrase

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Ali enjoys language lessons and disco naps in Mendoza!

Monday, June 6th, 2011

I am currently in Mendoza on a routine visit to catch up with our wonderful team and students in Argentina. My flight was long, but I was met by our Programme Manager Natalia with a big smile and a hug at Mendoza airport, followed by more kisses and hugs upon arrival at the Work the World house from students! I must say, never before have I entered a Work the World house to be greeted by so much love and affection, but I can understand why. It’s because Argentina really is full of passion, elegance, pride and affection, that it’s easy to get consumed by this infectious atmosphere. The students were telling me how ordinary it is to see nurses on the wards greeting consultants with a kiss on a cheek and for consultants to address our students as if they’ve been friends for years.

SDC14744 150x150 Ali enjoys language lessons and disco naps in Mendoza!

Making empanadas

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Electives and Work Placements – Your Home in Kandy

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
The Kandy WTW Palace 150x150 Electives and Work Placements – Your Home in Kandy

The Kandy WTW Palace!

Hi all, my name is Kavinda and I am the Programme Manager in Sri Lanka. I thought I’ll give a little insight about our Accommodation in Kandy.

2011 – New Year – New House. We have managed to expand our student Accommodation in Kandy with a brand new house and new location which is a great location for the Kandy General Hospital.

It’s a New Modern House and it is getting cozier and very homely each day.

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Ghana – the gateway to Africa

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

Wow, where do I start? Unlike when I was writing an essay at university, I think I could easily write 10,000 words about my trip to Ghana in record time. As not to bore you all I will summarise my trip below but please do not hesitate to get in touch should you have more any questions.

I took the evening KLM flight to Accra via Amsterdam. As with all great trips I thought I was never going to make it when my first flight was delayed leaving London and I had to run through Amsterdam airport at record spe

Team Ghana 150x150 Ghana – the gateway to Africa

Team Ghana

ed to make my on-going flight. I made it though and was then on a nonstop flight to Ghana. This was my first trip to Africa and I was extremely excited, I think everyone is warned that your arrival may be a little intimidating with all the hustle and bustle and the locals keen to get you into their taxi or to book into their hotel but I was pleasantly surprised. I walked through the airport arrivals with ease and Joe, the Programme Manger was the first person to try and get my attention.

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The weekly question – What is your favourite in-country fact?

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
Natalie Wood Arusha 3 150x150 The weekly question What is your favourite in country fact?

Students on safari

As much as we try and prepare you for your time overseas, there are some things that you simply won’t know until you get there.  As well as the immediate contrast in clinical practice, each destination we offer provides a fascinating cultural experience so this week we asked the students what they have learnt.  We asked them “What is your favourite in-country fact?!”

In Arusha, Lucy learnt that “Fluoride in the water here causes the yellow stains on the teeth.  Before coming to Africa I thought this was caused by tobacco”

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