Rachel Stoker

I was keen to make the most of the time I had allocated for my elective. Travelling overseas would be the perfect chance to do this. It would allow me to experience a different healthcare system while travelling on weekends. 

I’d spent time researching how to organise an overseas placement independently, but felt that the security and organisation offered by travelling with a medical elective company would be better.

After researching several organisations, I found that Work the World offered the most support and a better medical experience. The timeline on my personal MyTrip portal allowed me to prepare for my elective easily and provided some helpful tips and advice! 

I had a video call before my departure, during which I had the chance to select my departments in the hospital. Work the World’s UK team was very knowledgeable and talked me through each department, allowing me to choose the departments I felt would be most beneficial. 

The Work the World house is in an excellent location in Kandy, just up the hill from the lake. There was always a friendly security guard at the front door, which added to the feeling of safety (although the area already felt very safe)!

There was space for relaxing, with a TV, darts board, and carom table (a popular game in Sri Lanka). I ate my breakfast and dinner together with my fellow housemates. The food was always excellent and prepared by two experienced chefs, creating a really lovely and sociable atmosphere. 

The bedrooms were large, with plenty of space for four people and their belongings. The house was a lovely, relaxed place to stay – it felt like a home away from home!

From start to finish, every member of the Work the World team was terrific. From the airport pick-up and city orientation, which introduced us to Sri Lanka, to the lovely food and friendly chefs who ensured we enjoyed the food and had a diverse menu. I was in the house for five weeks, and the food varied. I particularly enjoyed the cookery demonstration evening. 

The Work the World team in Kandy was amazing and helped me make the most of my hospital experience. They introduced me to the consultant on the first day of placement and would regularly drop in to the hospital to ensure I was having a good time. 

When I arrived back at the house, they were eager to hear about my day, including the cases I had observed and the staff I met. They both helped me become comfortable with working in a different healthcare system. 

The team constantly helped me feel comfortable in the house and provided a friendly face. They took an interest in my day and proved formidable carrom opponents!

The Sri Lankan health care system was more similar to the NHS than I had anticipated; both provided universal healthcare. However, there was a noticeable difference regarding resources. The wards looked dated, and some equipment frequently did not function. 

However, the level of care provided was very similar, with the same algorithms and treatment choices being used. The wards, on the other hand, were the busiest I’ve seen, with more pressure on staff. I did find that the consultants provided more teaching than I would expect back home, which was great for my learning.

Some evenings were chilled, especially when we were tired! There was a nearby pool and gym at a hotel, which my housemates and I used frequently. We also went out to a nearby bar, which had live music. We’d visit coffee shops around Kandy on our way back from placement. 

In the evenings, we also visited sites around Kandy, including the White Buddha and watched the Kandyan dancing. 

During the weekends, I travelled around Sri Lanka. In the Work the World house, there was a book with useful ideas for weekend trips that past students had recommended. 

Along with my housemates, I visited the cultural triangle, went snorkeling in Trincomalee, and visited Ella. These weekends were amazing and helped me make the most of my time in Sri Lanka.

One thing about my experience that will stay with me forever is seeing elephants in the wild on safari or snorkeling with turtles in Trincomalee. The friendliness of the Sri Lankan people will also stay with me. I felt so welcomed while in Sri Lanka.

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