Nikki Hayes

The Philippines was amazing. I enjoyed every single minute of my time there.

I would recommend the experience to everyone.

But first, back to the beginning.

relaxing on the islands’ tropical beaches appealed to me

I wanted to travel to a destination that provided a taste of a different culture and a different  lifestyle.

I had a look on Work the World’s nursing page, and their Iloilo programme jumped out.

The thought of relaxing on the islands’ tropical beaches appealed to me.

Placement

As a student nurse, I wanted to get as much insight into as many situations as possible. This placement helped me achieve just that.

I spent time in minor OR, surgical ICU and A&E.

I saw different operations and many complications you don’t see in the UK.

It was immediately apparent that the hospitals in Iloilo didn’t have as much funding as the hospitals in the UK.

During some procedures, nurses and doctors couldn’t wear the correct PPE.

They had low stocks of gloves, face masks and sterile equipment. During some procedures, nurses and doctors couldn’t wear the correct PPE.

It was fascinating to see how little pain medication was given out and how things were only given if absolutely necessary.

That said, the local nurses were so professional and resourceful. Their resolve in the face of adversity was inspiring.

House

The Work the World house was amazing and the staff were really welcoming.

Coming home to a freshly made bed each night was perfect. And we had some amazing meals thanks to the house catering team.

I was sad to be leave the people who had become my family.

It was more of a home than it was house by the end of my seven weeks in Iloilo. I was sad to be leave the people who had become my family.

By the way, the weekly BBQ nights are so much fun. Get the catering team to make you some of their famous mango float when you can — it's delicious!

Travel

We had loads of free time in the afternoons and at the weekends to travel around the Philippines. We went everywhere. Palawan, Cebu, Antique, Isla Gigantes, and Lakawon.

We were in the Philippines during monsoon season, but both the weather and beaches were beautiful.

We went swimming with whale sharks.

We saw one of the seven wonders of the world and went island hopping in Palawan.

We went swimming with whale sharks, and canyoneering in Cebu.

We relaxed in Lakawon, did some more island hopping in Isla Gigantes, and sat in a ‘Kawa Hot Bath’ by a river in Antique.

Filipino people were so friendly, and I didn't have a single bad experience during my trip.

Final Thoughts

I’ll never forget my experience in the Philippines.

go for it!

My time there helped me appreciate the small luxuries I take for granted in life. It also made me infinitely more appreciative of the NHS.

If you're considering a trip with Work the World, go for it!

This organisation made my experience exactly what I imagined it to be. The whole process was stress free, and a lot of fun when I got there!