Good news for all those student radiographers that have been calling in to enquire about our placements overseas – we’ve finally launched radiography and radiotherapy options at all of our destinations.

Working together with the Society and College of Radiographers, these new opportunities give UK and International students the chance to use and build upon their skills in a completely different environment, gaining on the job experience whilst learning more about the delivery of healthcare in resource-poor countries.

Samantha Jewell, Professional Officer of Education & Students at The Society and College of Radiographers, commented that “radiography is your passport to the world. The opportunity to undertake an international elective placement is a great place to start learning about the issues influencing health all over the world. For student radiographers, this provides an exceptional opportunity to plan and organise a short period of work in a totally unique environment. It allows students to deepen their knowledge & understanding of a particular service or organisation in the context of inter-professional working, it broadens students’ experience of health care delivery in the context of their transition from student radiographer to qualified practitioner, and enables students to reflect upon, and evaluate, their experiences to other students and a wider audience.”

Taking a placement overseas can be hard work, but students will benefit from Work the World’s experience in overseas placements. Each programme includes predeparture support, visa advice, pick up from the airport, local orientation, accommodation and meals at the Work the World house and 24/7 support from a brilliant team. And although the challenging environment of an overseas hospital can be a huge learning curve, each student is also assigned a placement supervisor who will help them understand both the hospital environment and how patients are managed within the unit.  Radiography placements range from small departments within regional hospitals, offering x-rays and ultrasounds, to larger Government facilities or private clinics that have better CT and MRI equipment. Radiotherapy is still a relatively new area in the developing world, but options are available within some of the larger teaching hospitals and specialist cancer clinics.

Samantha continued to say that “Having spent a considerable time working internationally, I cannot recommend this experience more highly. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the culture, politics and economics, as well as the health, of a particular place, and begin to understand how these aspects influence each other”.

Destinations include Ghana, Tanzania, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Argentina.

Students should keep an eye on our website too – later this year we will be launching a competition for two lucky radiography students who may find themselves exploring a whole new whole new world of radiography!

If you are interested in planning  an elective in radiography or radiotherapy, get in touch with Work the World on 01273 573 863, or email on info@worktheworld.co.uk

Related posts:

1. Weekly questions: “What 3 words conjure up our destinations?”
2. What do the students do at weekends?
3. The weekly question: How does your overseas role differ in responsibilities to a placement at home?
4. The weekly blog: How do you keep in touch with home?
5. Stomachs are rumbling at the Work the World houses.