My trip to Arusha Tanzania
Colin Rowe (Nursing)

As an adult nurse studying at the University of the West of England, we have the chance to study an elective for four weeks in the third year of training. My interests lie in tropical and infectious diseases mainly as well as a strong focus on health promotion. From the very beginning of my training as a nurse I knew I was interested in gaining experience working in developing countries and luckily discovering Work the World assisted in helping me achieve this goal. Provisionally I considered working in India, but after long chats with friends, family and the very helpful staff at Work the World, I decided that Tanzania would be the best place for me.

So, where do I start?! In four weeks how are you supposed to cram in all the ideas and aspirations you have for this exciting new adventure? (Planning before you go is essential but don't expect it to work out the way you wanted whilst there!) Plans change whichever way the moment takes you and that's what makes it so exciting!

So to begin, I was based at AruMeru Hospital in Tengeru, a small market town with the hospital covering a very large area of the district. On my first day I was welcomed by Sister Copaza, one of the most welcome and kindest Sister's I've ever met! She gave a lengthy tour of the hospital, made you meet everyone and discussed with you your learning outcomes of your stay.

I was based mostly in the female ward, working with cases such as malaria (never realised just how common this was), HIV, miscarriages, CCF and more. Working with the doctors mainly, the nurses were also there to lend support to you when needed. My unofficial mentor was Sister Sara Moshi who welcomed me with very sweet chai and a wanted play of your mobile phone!! The ward is hard work, very hot and sometimes upsetting but don't let it deter you, this is Africa now and this is how they do it. Make sure you work your way around the hospital to each department. The staff were happy to help you and show you their way of work!

The house in Arusha is a clean, friendly and relaxed place to be with the fantastic staff helping you out in every way they can. Baptista is king! Witness the fabulous cook is definitely queen...her food is just the best! Freddie and Ema are there at your beckon call and Fabian the security guard is there to protect and to have a good laugh with!!! Again, they make you feel so welcome in the house telling you that it is your home for however long you need it! With weekly Swahili lessons and BBQ's, it's a buzzing place with lots to keep you occupied.

You can't go to Tanzania and not go on safari. A group of us went on a three day trip to Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro Crater and the Serengeti National park. This has to be the best thing I have ever done...you will have an excellent time with fixed smiles and a warn-out camera by the end of the three days!! I also took a trip to the delicious island of Zanzibar. We flew there for 5 days, spent mostly on the beach as activities on the island are expensive. But, on such a warm, sandy, paradise island what more would you want to do than kick back and soak up the atmosphere!

The experience with the Work the Word really was an unforgettable one, making good friends and creating new experiences from the beginning to the end of your elective. The people, country and atmosphere have certainly inspired me to work harder, achieve more and look and appreciate health care in a completely different way, an invaluable experience that everyone should try. Thank you to the staff at Work the World (UK and Tanzania) for an incredible four weeks!