Iona Rodger

As a second year adult nursing student, I had concerns regarding travelling on my own for five weeks.

My concerns vanished when I arrived at the airport in the Philippines.

One of the Work the World Iloilo team was there waiting to meet me at the airport. More than could be said for my suitcase.

We arrived at the Work the World house. The other students I was sharing the house with were incredibly friendly.They all put me at ease.

Because the airline had lost my suitcase, I had no scrubs, gloves or clothing.

We had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in local culture, getting a feel for how Filipino people lived.

Without a second thought, my housemates donated items that kept me going until my luggage arrived.

The following morning, the team took us on orientations of our placement hospital and Iloilo City.

It was a great day.

I got to know everyone better, including the wonderful Work the World staff.

We had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in local culture, getting a feel for how Filipino people lived.

I had previously spent time travelling Southeast Asia with an accident-prone friend.

I did however find myself in great admiration of the hospital staff and patients’ families.

This meant I’d had already visited a few hospitals, so I already had some idea of what to expect from the clinical setting in Iloilo.

I wasn’t shocked by the number of patients, conditions or occasional lack of resources.

I did however find myself in great admiration of the hospital staff and patients’ families.

Hospital staff worked to the highest standard of care with compassion and professionalism. It was commendable given the lack of resources.

Families took on all aspects of personal care for their loved ones, freeing up valuable time for medical staff.

Staff were incredibly helpful, and eager to aid my learning.

There were few complaints.

I spent time in minor OR, MICU, SICU, female & male wards, and OBG delivery.

Staff were incredibly helpful, and eager to aid my learning. This was true in all departments.

I practiced the basics of Hiligaynon — the local language — when talking to staff, patients and their families.

This enhanced my experience, as they were more receptive to discussion this way.

My placement ran smoothly. A timetable went up on the noticeboard with a day or so leeway to adjust shift times.

Work the World staff were always on hand to support us, and the house really did feel like a home from home.

The staff went above and beyond, always making sure we were happy (and fed).

Within days, bonds with both staff and housemates started forming.

I was sorry to leave the house after three weeks

During the week, after placement, we caught up on our day together, or went to the local swimming pool, or shopping, or get massages.

On the weekends we went on trips further afield as there was so much to see and do.

There was a wealth of information in the house on where to go, as well as feedback from others who had travelled the weekend previous which was very helpful.

Being with other healthcare students meant I always had someone to speak to who could relate. There was always moral support available if needed.

I couldn’t fault any of the Work the World staff. From the catering team to the security, they all played a hand in making my trip special.

I was sorry to leave the house after three weeks, but knew I would keep in touch with everyone.

We island hopped and did a lot of scuba diving, it was amazing.

After leaving the house, I went travelling through The Philippines for two weeks.

I met a physio student in the house who had a similar idea, so we went exploring together.

We island hopped and did a lot of scuba diving, it was amazing.

I think it’s safe to say we will be friends for a long time. The same can be said of others I met throughout the journey.

In fact, my old Work the World housemates and I intend on having a reunion next year.

What will stick in my mind forever are the people. Especially the Filipino people who were such beautiful, kind, happy and caring individuals.