“It is so rewarding when a child achieves a goal, even if it is something as small as opening or straightening the fingers of their burnt hand.”
Vicky (physiotherapy elective)

Mwanza is the second largest city in Tanzania and has one of the largest tertiary hospitals in the country, catering to seven million people. It has much better facilities than the regional hospitals and people will travel here from across the country for surgery or specialist care. This is a great opportunity to use your elective to get involved in dedicated areas like orthopaedics and oncology, areas that simply don’t exist in the regional hospitals. If you want to arrange a split placement to see different hospitals or clinics, we are happy to help.

We have developed strong relationships with Sekou Toure Regional Hospital as well as other government regional and community hospitals, private and charity clinics to provide some exceptional clinical placements. Our dedicated in-country staff there to support you and ensure you have a structured placement in an area that matches your interest. We have also developed a village healthcare experience that will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in village life.

“The Work the World house is amazing. It’s built into the rock and has gorgeous views over the lake. It’s lovely and big too – the students get masses of space”
Alison (UK overseas manager for Lake Victoria)

Our brand new Work the World house in Mwanza is built up on the hillside overlooking the lake. It has the best view of all our houses and accommodates up to 27 people in rooms of 4, 5 or 6. There is lots of space to relax or brush up on your Swahili lessons and you are just a short dala-dala ride away from most placements.

All meals are included during your healthcare placement and Diana, our Caterer, will cook up mouth-watering treats as well as keeping the fridge stocked with snacks and purified drinking water. The Mwanza team want this to be a home away from home and are on hand at all times to help you quickly settle into Tanzanian life.

“I went on a four day safari; visiting Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti Plains…You will see loads of animals close up, and will definitely go away seeing most of, if not all, of the big five plus tonnes of others along the way.”
Deanne (nursing elective)

Mwanza is a big city with a likeable and lively atmosphere, offering plenty of evening activities and places to chill out with a beer after a hard day working on your elective placement.

Mwanza is a travel hub and getting out and about at weekends is easy. Lots of students group together to head to the safari parks, particularly the Serengeti, or take relaxing trips out into the lake to visit Ukerewe Island, known locally as “Little Zanzibar”. You can also take a short flight to Arusha or the real Zanzibar for some tourist interaction, or head further into the wilderness with a trip to Uganda and the chance to trek with gorillas.