Marissa Hussein

I took a placement with Work the World to broaden my clinical perspective and develop a deeper appreciation for the healthcare system beyond my own as a nurse/midwife. I wanted to challenge myself in a low-resource setting and learn from professionals who deliver compassionate care, despite the limited resources available. I also believed placement would strengthen my sense of personal and professional gratitude, to which it certainly did. 

Work the World made the process extremely smooth from booking to returning home, with clear communication from staff and an easy-to-navigate website that outlines requirements and answers lots of questions. The friendly staff before/during the trip are always happy to answer questions or calls. There was also an option to pay for an organised Safari trip, which was amazing because I would otherwise have to organise my own - it offered great value for money.

Living in the Work the World house, there were program directors who looked after you through your stay, an amazing chef who provided breakfast and dinner, and an outdoor pool. There was seating on the balcony/veranda, and multiple rooms with bunk beds to sleep up to six people. 

I stayed in a room with four others, with an en-suite and a cupboard for storage. There’s access to fresh drinking water, a sizable dining room that accommodates approximately 20 people and 24-hour security. I felt very comfortable and made myself at home within two days of arriving. I loved interacting with the staff, too.

I thought the social aspect of the trip, living with other healthcare students, was absolutely amazing. It was evident that everyone was there for similar purposes, which made it extremely easy to form friendships and have meaningful conversations - from this, we planned trips together, whether it was a day trip to the market or weekends away to Zanzibar. I know that I made friendships all over the world that will last a lifetime. 

One of my most positive Work the World memories was the support I received from the moment I arrived - the team made me feel instantly at home, providing constant support and encouragement throughout my placement. They took the time to learn about my goals and help tailor my experience to suit my learning needs. 

Their enthusiasm and local knowledge enriched my stay from insightful hospital orientation to local restaurants, cafés and places to explore. Their kindness, professionalism, and genuine care created a safe and supportive environment that made my placement both rewarding and unforgettable.

The healthcare system differs significantly from Australia - in Tanzania, resources are limited. With a shortage of equipment, medication and staff leading to heavier reliance on clinical judgment and basic care, in contrast, Australia has greater access to advanced technology, consistent protocols and universal healthcare; however, in some circumstances, this led to medicalisation, especially in birth. Despite the differences, Tanzania healthcare workers display incredible resilience, skill, and compassion in challenging circumstances.

Outside of placement, in the evenings, I’d visit the gym and go for dinners out. We had some Swahili lessons with Mowalimu Jacob, as well as a traditional African/barbecue with dance night. 

There was a lot of relaxing by the pool or hanging out on the balcony, and Samaki Samaki, a nearby restaurant, on Wednesday night. During the weekends, we’d travel further, including the safari trip to Mikumi, exploring Zanzibar, and going on tours.

Delivering two babies in the space of 30 minutes is an experience on placement that will stay with me forever. It was incredible being able to communicate these special moments with both mothers during the moment and the days following.

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