My trip to Dar Es Salaam Tanzania
Ashleigh Robinson (Medicine)

I knew I wanted an elective placement that enabled me to see the health care system in a completely different way from the UK, so I chose Africa.  I also wanted to find a place that was different and challenging and I am so happy that I ended up in Dar as I may never have had the opportunity to experience African cultures or faced the challenges I did had  I gone elsewhere.

Originally, I chose Zanzibar for my elective and was disappointed when Work the World got in touch to say they were moving the programme to Dar es Salaam. They explained their reasons were due to the opportunities available for students, and that the Zanzibar hospital was not a good option anymore for electives. I'm so glad I decided to stick with the programme as my experience in Dar was brilliant and I still had the chance to spend a weekend and one week in Zanzibar anyway - it's only a couple of hours away by boat.

I remember the very first day I arrived and just thinking 'how am I going to cope doing this experience on my own'? As soon as I was introduced to the staff and housemates though it all changed. I didn't feel like I was doing this on my own anymore at all. They were all incredibly supportive - it felt like I had known them all for ages. Over my time in Dar I had the opportunity to really get to know everybody and they are now good friends.

The house itself was gorgeous! It was comfortable and big with our very own private pool. The pool was a great addition to the house, especially due to the hot weather. It was nice to come back from a shift at the hospital and cool down in the pool. Thanks to the previous housemates there was always plenty of books to read and spare toiletries, and if you needed scrubs then there was also a supply of those.

Safety in Dar was a worry of mine, but it was fine. In the house you always felt really safe. There is a security guard 24hrs a day and there were always staff around the house. You don't need to worry about finding your way around either. On my second day, I was taken to the hospital with Majenda who organises, introduces you to the ward, and orientates you to the hospital. He also gives you useful tips on nearest internet cafes, changing money, and how to be safe around the city.

Living in Dar itself was a great experience. Just travelling to and from the hospital on the Dala Dala was enough to enhance your confidence. The bus journey was dependent on the traffic, but took roughly 35 minutes and is the cheapest way of travelling. To get to the hospital cost 12.5p one way!

Muhimbili hospital is an international hospital, which caters for a huge number of Tanzania's population. It is a government funded teaching hospital, with a university attached. It is far more advanced than the hospital in Zanzibar particularly, the A & E department and theatres as they have been charity funded.

Whilst at the hospital I spent two weeks in internal medicine and one week on the gynaecology ward. Whilst working on Internal medicine I observed cases involving HIV/AIDS, Malaria, CVA, Diabetes, Renal impairments and MI's.

It is hard not to compare African healthcare to practice in the UK. The  environment is so very different - it is not rare to see patient's sleeping on floors, sometimes two to a mattress, cockroaches running around  and big ants roaming the wards. Resources are also very limited, which I found shocking and frustrating considering its services are for a vast population area.

Weekends and evenings are free time so you get plenty of opportunities to organise trips or just relax. Whilst in Dar we took a tour of the city, which has plenty of places to eat and go shopping. The city is very busy, with locals harassing you to buy things - it's all part of the experience though!  We also spent many days at a place called Slipway, which is a tranquil harbour that has nice coffee shops, bars, and gift shops. The sunsets from there are amazing - a big  recommendation. We also spent a lot of the time at a hotel called white sands, which has its own beach.

I recommend that if you choose Dar for your elective, you arrange a safari. The nearest park is a four-hour drive away but it is worth it when you get there. We got to see elephants, zebras, giraffes and buffalos, which was great. There was unfortunately no lions but the park itself is so beautiful.

Weekend trips to Zanzibar are a MUST. You can stay at many of the hotels relatively cheaply and visit Stone Town and Kendwa Rocks, an amazing beach that is apparently one of the top 5 beaches in the world. I also did my scuba diving and swam with dolphins in Zanzibar, which was a great fun.

I had a fantastic experience and I am so glad I went on my own. I have learnt a great deal about myself over the past month, which will benefit my future as a nurse. I would also recommend Work the World to anyone who decides to do an elective placement. I could not fault them.

Have fun you will love it :) !