University of Manchester 2024
I was inspired to undertake an overseas placement in Sri Lanka largely due to my chosen career path. As I aspire to join the military as a nursing officer, I was keen to gain experience in working in developing countries where you need to adapt your care due to limited resources.
The challenge of achieving similar outcomes with less equipment excites me and I saw this as a valuable opportunity to develop those skills. Additionally, I hadn't had much opportunity to travel before, so this placement offered a chance to develop my knowledge, broaden my perspective and experience a different culture.
There was also a personal connection, as my parents got married in Negombo, making Sri Lanka significant for me. Finally, I welcomed the change of scenery from the bustling life of Manchester, to the much greener, calmer and serene Sri Lanka!
During my overseas placement, I observed several key differences between the local healthcare system in Sri Lanka and that of my home country. One notable difference is the hierarchical structure, with a strong emphasis on respect for consultants, which I believe we in the UK could learn from.
The sense of cooperation among the nurses was particularly strong; they seemed exceptionally well-bonded, fostering a supportive work environment. Another significant difference was in the emergency treatment unit, the waiting times were impressively short, with a maximum of four hours. This efficiency was largely due to their highly effective triage system, allowing the same number of patients to be seen in a much shorter time compared to the UK.
However, there was a clear lack of resources, which was evident in practices such as using suction tubing as tourniquets and reusing equipment like oxygen masks, which are considered single-use in the UK.
Additionally, there is much less emphasis on patient dignity; for instance, I witnessed CPR being performed in the same room where ultrasound scans were taking place, and no curtains drawn to ensure privacy.
I had the opportunity to perform CPR on a patient during my time in the Emergency Treatment Unit. My performance during this crisis was recognised and praised by both the registrar and a staff nurse, who praised my correct technique and composure under pressure.
Their acknowledgement of my skills and professionalism was extremely encouraging. Following this, I was invited to teach basic life support skills to first-year Sri Lankan student nurses, which included a demonstration of CPR on a dummy.
This experience as a whole will stick with me forever, I felt like I had really made a difference.
Work the World made it significantly easier for me to undertake a trip like this by providing exceptional organisation and support from the very beginning.
They offered clear and comprehensive information on all aspects of the placement, ensuring I knew exactly what to expect from each of my practice areas. The helpful documents they provided covered everything from flights to visas, making the logistical aspects of the trip straightforward and manageable. 
Their communication was excellent, with consistent and supportive contact from pre-departure all the way through to the end of the placement. This level of support and clarity helped to lessen any potential stress and allowed me to focus on making the most of this priceless experience.
Living in the Work the World house has been an incredibly positive experience. The staff were some of the friendliest people I've ever met, always ready to help with anything we might need.
They catered to every possible necessity, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. The food was a particular highlight, with a large variety of delicious options that included both Sri Lankan and Western cuisine. This variety allowed us to enjoy local flavours while having familiar dishes available too.
The house itself had numerous communal spaces where we could get to know our new housemates, fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie.
Additionally, the security measures were excellent, with staff always present to make us feel safe and secure. Overall, living in the house was a welcoming and enjoyable experience, providing everything needed for a memorable stay.
My interactions with the in-country team have left me with many positive memories. One of the highlights was the language lessons they provided, which gave us a basic understanding of common words and phrases. This made it significantly easier for us to adapt to the hospital setting and communicate more effectively with patients and staff.
The team genuinely wanted us to learn and enjoy our experience, always going the extra mile to support us. Their enthusiasm and dedication were evident in everything they did. If we ever wanted to experience another placement area, they quickly and efficiently made arrangements for us to change departments, ensuring we had the best possible experience.
Their responsiveness and willingness to accommodate my needs were greatly appreciated and this made a significant difference in my overall satisfaction. The team’s commitment to our learning and enjoyment created a supportive and enriching environment, making my time in Sri Lanka truly memorable.
During the weekends, my housemates and I made the most of our time in Sri Lanka by engaging in various exciting activities in different parts of the country.
We snorkelled with turtles in Trincomalee, which was an unforgettable experience.
We also visited Yala National Park, where we were incredibly lucky to see elephants, leopards, and bears in their natural habitat.
One of the highlights was watching the India VS Sri Lanka final game of the T20 series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, which was an exhilarating event. The sense of community was so strong!
In the evenings after placement, we enjoyed leisurely walks around Kandy Lake, exploring the vibrant local markets, and indulged in delicious street food snacks, fully immersing ourselves in the local culture.
