Our elective students and their parents contact us with questions about the safety and security of the countries in which we operate. This is entirely understandable, as venturing to lands unknown can be daunting. That’s why we’re here to give you all the info, advice and guidance you need before you set off and while you’re away!
"Safety and security ARE, OF COURSE, key priorities for us too, which is why all of our destinations are in countries considered to be politically and economically stable by the Foreign Commonwealth Office."
The Programme Managers and staff teams in each destination are local to the area and ensure that the Work the World houses are in safe neighbourhoods. You will be given an orientation on your first day of placement so you feel comfortable and relaxed, making your way around the city, whichever destination you choose.
This week, we asked our teams in each destination to ask the students on placement how they feel about safety and security whilst they’re away. We were happy that almost everyone said they felt safer than expected!
Nathanial Williams, on placement in Tanzania, said:
“Before I came to Tanzania, I was concerned about safety during my trip. I was hopeful it wouldn’t be a barrier to enjoying my trip, and it’s not at all! On arrival, I asked Brian and Freddy where I could go jogging. On one of my first excursions, I met two other joggers who said they never had any problem, so my confidence grew, and I ventured further afield. I was rewarded everywhere with a smile. The further from town I was, the safer I felt, and the scenery was amazing.”
Lucy Clay, Hannah Charters and Lorna Filby were on placement in Dar es Salaam. They all mentioned the excellent location of the house and getting around Dar.
“The house is in a very safe location, close to shops, and it's easy to catch public transport nearby. Getting to the hospital is cheap, and taking the Dala Dala there is great fun, especially through the morning rush hour traffic! There are plenty of means of transport, and it’s safe to go out in the evenings. I felt very safe here in the house and outside of the house.”- Hannah Charters
“I feel very safe in the house. The house's location is also very excellent, as it is one of the safest areas in Dar. Going out, I feel safe, and I think doing my elective with Work the World is the safest way to do an elective. Work the World take safety very seriously which is a real comfort in a foreign country.” - Lorna Filby
In Mwanza, which is really off the tourist trail and much more rural than our other Tanzanian destinations, Nur Nabila Binti Abd Rahim said, “It’s a very safe and comfortable house with friendly staff”.
Sean Sutton said he felt “...very safe. Our manager Barny has supplied us with many reliable taxi numbers to use and two numbers to contact him, and he’s encouraged us to ring him at any time if required."
Megan Anderson, also in Mwanza, said she has found “Mwanza to be wonderfully friendly and welcoming”.
Joe, the Programme Manager in Ghana, said that happy faces and smiles welcomed the weekly question, which is always a good start! All students agreed to the famous saying that Ghana is the 'Gateway to Africa' - primarily because of the community's friendliness and security. Rachael said she was worried about how safe Takoradi would be before she arrived, but now it’s not a concern.
Joe said:
“It is safe to move around where the Work the World house is. Students have done night shifts and returned to the house around midnight without fear. They said my reassurance has helped”. Students added, “Even when we are away on the weekends, we have never felt unsafe. Everyone is willing to assist and make us feel at home everywhere we go. Taxi drivers are the friendliest, which is key to feeling safe in their cars”.
Students on placement in Nepal all said they feel very secure and haven’t had any concerns about safety since they arrived:
“I FEEL VERY SAFE AT THE WORK THE WORLD HOUSE COMPARED TO WHEN I HAVE STAYED OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE. I FEEL THAT MY BELONGINGS ARE SECURE, AND I FEEL I CAN RELAX THE INSTANT I GET "HOME" FROM THE HOSPITAL. IT IS A VERY FRIENDLY LOCATION!”- LAURA PORTER
“I FEEL SAFE HERE- NO WORRIES AT ALL. IT HAS A FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE, AND IT IS AN EASY PLACE TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH.” - ANDREW PEELING
The feedback from Argentina was also positive, and all the students on placement said the staff team and the doctors they worked with made them feel completely comfortable, safe, and secure in and around the city.
Aurore van Hoof said, “Getting around by public transport is fine, and the doctors are always looking after students and making them feel welcome, too”. Dannika Buckley also said, “The house is well situated, near a busy area with lots of people around the whole time. Walking back from the hospital is easy, and I feel safe”.
Of course, you should always be aware of staying safe when you are somewhere unfamiliar, but don’t forget that the unknown is one of the most exciting things about heading overseas! With the in-country support of our staff teams, the right attitude and some common sense, we’re sure you’ll feel safe and secure throughout your placement. And if there is anything you want to ask or are worried about (or your parents want to know!) before you start your adventure, give us a call.
You can read more about our electives abroad.
Start your journey
If you want to start your own Work the World adventure, get started by choosing your area of interest.
If you want to start your own Work the World adventure, get started by choosing your area of interest.
