Teesside University 2019
During the second year of my midwifery degree I was asked to organise my two-week elective placement.
After much thought (and lots of research) I decided to go overseas. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity so I embraced this adventure.
Someone from the Work the World team in the UK spoke at our university. I was so impressed by their honesty and professionalism.
A glowing recommendation from a third-year student at my university helped me to make the final decision to undertake my elective placement with Work the World.
Choosing my destination was easy — Kandy in Sri Lanka just stood out.
As a midwifery student I had to stick to obstetrics and this was no problem for Work the World. They tailor your placement to suit you and nothing is too much trouble, even when you’re on your placement.
On our first day in the hospital, the Work the World team gave us a very thorough hospital induction and a timetable for our placement.
As amazing as the Work the World staff were, nothing could have truly prepared me for that first day.
The cultural differences between Sri Lanka and the UK were many. Some were difficult to witness, but I respected that I was in another country and the local hospital staff were allowing me to observe. It was a privilege.
I was immediately in awe of the sheer strength of Sri Lankan women and the dedication of the medical team.
The number of women attending clinics was like nothing I had ever experienced. The team saw upwards of 50 women in one morning clinic!
One particular high note of my placement was the time I spent in the Lactation Centre. I absolutely loved it.
The staff were so welcoming, and I picked up so many tips that will influence my practice as a qualified midwife back home.
I was only in Sri Lanka for two weeks, so I made the most of the weekend in the middle. We travelled to Trincomalee as the weather was beautiful. It really was a paradise!
In that one weekend I managed to climb Pidurangala (the sister rock to Sigiriya), snorkelled around Pidgeon Island, sunbathed on paradise beaches and did an elephant safari on the way back to Kandy. I did all this for about £120 inc hotels!
My advice for students thinking of going to Kandy is do it! You won’t regret it. Work the World make it so easy and the take the stress out of the planning.
Sri Lanka is simply stunning, I have made memories and friends that will last a lifetime. I will honestly never forget my time there.
