University of Lincoln 2018
A friend and I decided to go to Kandy, Sri Lanka for our nursing placements. We looked at the different destinations Work the World had on offer and Kandy seemed to cater to both our needs.
I wanted to spend four weeks on the mental health ward in the hospital in Kandy. It was very different to back in the UK as they had neither the funds nor the resources we had at home. But they went out of their way to deliver the best care with the resources they did have.
I observed in ECT, went on ward rounds, and participated in the day centre where we helped patients make things like woven baskets.
The patients and staff were all very friendly. They wanted to speak to us in English to help them practice it.
I saw six c-sections, two natural births, and held a baby that was only ten minutes old!
During the last week, I went to a children’s hospital. It was more modern with up to date equipment. I observed different surgeries, one on a two-day old baby!
If I had stayed in the UK for my nursing elective I wouldn’t have had this opportunity to see these things and meet the people I did.
The staff at the Work the World house were amazing and more than happy to help with anything we might need. After my first week in the hospital, I asked the staff at the house if it was possible for me to change my placement for the third and fourth week.
We spoke about the options that were available and spoke to the hospital to change things around for me.
At the weekend, we made the most of our time in the beautiful country of Sri Lanka. We went exploring to places like the cultural triangle. We went on an elephant safari while we were there, and saw many temples (the golden Buddha was amazing). We cycled around the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and stopped off at a spice garden and enjoyed a wonderful massage.
On our second weekend, we went to Ella where we walked up ‘Little Adams Peak’, paddled in a waterfall, and went to the famous nine arch railway bridge. We took the train back to Kandy which was a seven-and-a-half-hour train journey, but the scenery out of the windows was breathtaking.
On our last weekend, we took it easy and went to the beach. Again, the scenery was beautiful, and we saw some amazing tropical fish.
Being a mature student, leaving my family at home was a big deal. But I’m so glad I did!
The whole trip was so special. I met lots of different people from other countries and professions. My family were really proud of me and supported me in doing this.
If you’re considering travelling with Work the World, go for it! When are you going to have this opportunity again?
