University of Manchester 2024
Having lived in Asia all my life, I always knew I wanted to undertake an overseas nursing placement. Growing up, I was constantly immersed in diverse cultures and exposed to various religions, beliefs, and values. This background fueled my decision to pursue a placement in Sri Lanka, where I could combine my passion for travel with my nursing career.
This opportunity allowed me to gain insights into different healthcare systems and practices, and understand how religion and traditional beliefs can shape and influence healthcare.
I chose Sri Lanka for my overseas nursing placement due to a few reasons. First, my family and I have always wanted to go to Sri Lanka whilst living in Asia but never had the opportunity to. Choosing Sri Lanka allowed me to explore a new part of the continent while building on my existing knowledge and appreciation of Asian cultures.
Secondly, I believe Sri Lanka has a unique healthcare environment where medical care is deeply influenced by cultural and religious beliefs. Understanding and seeing these influences in practice intrigued and interested me.
Thirdly, Sri Lanka is a beautiful country that offers a variety of activities, from safaris and beaches to historical landmarks and cultural sites. This ensured I never ran out of things to do during my 7-week placement!
When I arrived in Sri Lanka, I was surprised by the sense of warmth and welcome among the people. Although I expected the country to be friendly, the genuine hospitality and kindness I encountered surpassed my expectations. The locals were very eager to share their culture and traditions and always said hello.
Furthermore, I anticipated encountering resource limitations and a lack of order/organisation in the hospitals in Sri Lanka. However, I was very impressed with the innovative solutions and high level of care provided, especially in departments such as the ICU. The Children’s Hospital was extremely organised and looked very modern which surpassed my expectations too.
Initially, I thought communication would be challenging as I can not speak Sinhalese (the native language spoken in Sri Lanka). However, a majority of the nurses and almost all of the clinicians spoke very good English and would explain procedures to me which was extremely helpful.
Over the 7 weeks that I was in Sri Lanka, I made sure to visit a new place every weekend. Our weekends included a trip to Sigirya where we hiked the Pidurangala Rock at sunrise looking out onto Lions Rock.
We visited Trincomalee, Arugam Bay and Marissa where we snorkelled with turtles, learnt how to surf and ate smoothie bowls with views of the sea. Yala National Park was a special weekend packed with a range of animals such as wild elephants, crocodiles, buffalos, bears and even a leopard! Seeing the Nine Arch Bridge and experiencing the Ella to Kandy train ride through the tea plantations was an amazing experience that I will never forget.
Additionally, immersing ourselves in the local culture by visiting the White Buddha in Kandy, attending cultural dance shows, participating in cooking classes, and sampling authentic Sri Lankan cuisine were truly memorable experiences. Overall, Sri Lanka offers a vast range of landscapes, activities and unique experiences which ensures you will never be bored and constantly see something new!
Undertaking an overseas placement has provided me with invaluable exposure to unique tropical diseases rarely encountered in the UK, such as dengue, rabies, and leptospirosis.
Working within another healthcare system with different medical needs and technologies has significantly broadened my clinical skills and knowledge, enhancing my adaptability and preparing me for future challenges in nursing. Additionally, experiencing a new country provides insights into different cultures, beliefs, and practices. This has allowed me to become more open-minded and look at healthcare from a different perspective.
Over my 7 weeks in Sri Lanka, I was challenged to adapt to unfamiliar situations, both medical and social. This not only enhances and tests my resilience but also builds confidence in the long run.
Lastly, the memories made through exploring new places and meeting new people will never be forgotten and I have made friends with people from all around the world and hope to continue these friendships.
Living and travelling with my housemates during my trip to Sri Lanka was a unique and rare social experience. Being part of a group of students from a range of healthcare disciplines created an atmosphere with a shared purpose.
Living in the same accommodation, eating together, and spending placement and downtime together fostered a close-knit atmosphere where we got to know each other and formed long-lasting friendships. Travelling together on weekends allowed us to explore Sri Lanka in a stress-free (and cheap) way and we were able to push each other out of our comfort zones.
If you're considering a Work the World placement, I would 100% do it and push yourself out of your comfort zone. The opportunity is rare and so rewarding. I have made long-lasting friendships and had many unique opportunities I wouldn’t have had in the UK.
Overall, my elective placement in Sri Lanka was an unforgettable travel and clinical experience and I recommend anyone interested to do it! Thank you Work the World!
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