Amber Rollier

I have always been curious about how healthcare is delivered in different parts of the world. My university didn’t offer placements in Africa, so I arranged a voluntary placement during my time off to gain the experience I was looking for. I wanted to challenge myself by stepping out of my comfort zone and gaining clinical experience in a completely different environment. Tanzania offered me the chance to learn from resourceful healthcare professionals, broaden my cultural perspective and grow both personally and professionally.

Work the World made my whole experience and trip incredibly smooth. From organising my hospital placement and so much more. They took care of all the logistics to make sure I could learn and enjoy my stay. They also helped me make the most out of my free time by informing me about the arrangements of safari and Pugu Hills, bike tour, Mbudya Island, Zanzibar and more. 

I would have never been able to have such an amazing, smooth and carefree experience if it weren’t for the support and help of the Work the World staff in the UK and Tanzania. Asante sana.

The Work the World house is like a home away from home. The staff are so warm and welcoming, the food was amazing, and the whole house felt very cosy. It’s located in a really safe neighbourhood with a lot of nice cafes, restaurants and shops. You have a room with a few people, and every room has its own bathroom and air conditioning. We even had a balcony, where I loved to read after placement. The living area, pool and upper terrace are the lively areas in the house, so that’s where you could find me most of the time. I love the house, it had everything you could need and was perfect for big groups and socialising.

It was inspiring to have the experience with other students from around the world. We exchanged stories about our lives and studies, supported each other during our placement and shared unforgettable adventures after placement and on the weekends. Every Wednesday, for example, we went out for dinner and went to Karaoke afterwards and on Thursdays, we danced after the BBQ and went out to get waffles. The friendships I made here made the whole experience even better and richer.

Agita was like my mom in the house, always so sweet and supportive and making sure everyone was happy. She gave us some tips on how to communicate with the locals and was always there on the first day at a new department to help me feel safe and comfortable. Mo and Jackson were always a text message away and so welcoming. They gave me advice on what to see and where to go, from a taxi after a night shift to activities in our free time. The cooks and housekeeping staff always welcomed you with the biggest smile and helped me with my Swahili. The guards always looked after us and welcomed us with the biggest smiles.

The biggest difference I noticed between Tanzania’s healthcare system and my own was the availability of resources. In Belgium, we have easy access to modern equipment, medication and technology, while in Tanzania, the healthcare professionals often work with very few supplies. A lot of patients do not have enough money for treatment, so they don’t get it because you have to pay for it beforehand. At home, the financial aspect is a worry for when you are better/healthier. Despite these challenges, I was deeply impressed by the dedication and resilience of the local staff. It showed me that good healthcare is not only about resources and modern technology but also about skills and teamwork.

During the evenings and weekends, outside of placement, we’d get up to so much: karaoke, hang out for dinner or drinks, go to the shops, hike at Pugu Hills, chill by the pool, watch movies, play games, go on safari, bike tour of Dar-es-salaam, Mbudya Island, Zanzibar. Sometimes we all just sat in the living room and just talked and laughed about silly things, but it was the best time. Going to the football game was also a nice experience.

One thing about my experience that will stick in my mind forever is witnessing my first C-section and normal birth - it’s just so special to be a part of that. It made me quite emotional, also the kids at the paediatric oncology ward who were so happy and carefree despite being in palliative care. It made me change the way I think about stuff and where my priorities lie. Tanzania made me more compassionate and grateful for the opportunities I had at home.

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