My trip to Arusha Tanzania
Danielle Papouchado (Nursing)

I knew I wanted to go to Africa - it was the perfect place to test myself - and  as soon as I found out about Work the World it made everything so much easier. I originally was unsure about which part of Africa to go to, so talking to Abby really helped me make up my mind which was best.

I settled with Arusha, and am so glad in that final decision. From the moment  Freddie picked me up at the airport, to meeting the rest of the staff at the house, I knew I had made the right choice.

My housemates were all so incredible! They all made me feel so welcome and everyone got on really well, I still really miss them all now! The house was amazing, so comfortable- and really big! And as for the food, Diana and Witness are absolute Gods in the kitchen! 

On your first day orientation really helps you settle in and learn about where's safe to go, how to get around and where to do things like change up money and buy a pay as you go phone. You get shown how to get to placement and how to use the crazy buses (dala-dalas)

Placement at Mount Meru Hospital was also an amazing experience. Shocking isn't the word. Every single thing you see, you cant help but compare to home. It really makes you appreciate the western life we are so lucky to have.

As a student nurse, I was able to make a lot of comparisons as well. The role of the nurse is completely different to home - be prepared to be asked to do a lot of cleaning! There is also a huge lack of supplies and equipment, so it can get very frustrating.

I did some amazing things I never expected. Delivering a baby was the most fantastic experience I have ever had! Going to donate my own blood for patients as there are no blood banks (make sure you take your own needles and equipment) resuscitating neo-nates, and caring for so many seriously sick patients really makes you realise how lucky and easy we have things.

Weekends and evenings are free time and there is so much to do! I would definitely recommend visiting the orphanages. And take PLENTY! The children are adorable, you never want to leave them. Those memories will stay with you forever.

After work you have the Maasai market for shopping (just keep a strong head when walking through "rafiki rafiki best"!), the snake park where you can ride a camel for 50p, swimming in the local hotel pools and the cinema and circus. You should make the effort to make friends with the locals too - the Maasai are such friendly people.

The nightlife in Arusha is amazing (Via Via on a Thursday and Maasai Camp on a Saturday!) cannot be recommended enough, just go easy on the konyagi ;). Even the nights when the power would go, lying on the balcony watching the shooting stars over Mount Meru was something I will remember forever.

For weekends, safari is a MUST! I only ended up doing a one night safari (up to 6 is possible) and we covered Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro crater. The pictures don't do it enough justice. Incredible. 

Zanzibar is simply obligatory. Nothing else compares. It is possibly the most beautiful place in the world. From swimming with dolphins to renting bikes and exploring the island, there is so much to do. Make sure you spend a good few days in Kendwa and then travel down to Stone Town. The full moon parties are a night you will never forget!

I had the most AMAZING experience in Arusha. It was literally the best thing I have ever done. I cannot recommend Work the World and Arusha enough, I would easily go back tomorrow!