Ever wanted to work or study abroad? Students on many of our health and science courses can engage in international experiences through opportunities like our summer abroad programme, volunteering, work placements, and health electives.
This year, many of our students studying on courses such as nursing, radiography and dietetics, took part in various mobility programmes, exploring countries such as the USA, Vietnam, Malaysia, Spain, Tanzania, Brazil, and Chile.
Hear about their experiences below…
Stacey Rankin, BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Learning Disabilities) student
Destination: Health elective in Sri Lanka
Why did you decide to study/work abroad? I wanted to improve my self-confidence, communication and cultural competence skills, and learn about healthcare in Sri Lanka, and how it differs from in England, especially ayurvedic medicine and the diagnosis/management of individuals with learning disabilities.
Zoe Ross, BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography student
Destination: Health elective in Vietnam
Describe your time abroad in 3 words: Truly life-changing.
What did you learn? I improved my knowledge of all radiographic modalities, especially ultrasound. I also learnt good hand and facial expressions when communicating with a language barrier.
Kieran Taylor, BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult) student
Destination: Health elective in Tanzania
Why did you decide to study/work abroad? When I first heard of the opportunity to train abroad in a clinical placement programme through Knowledge for Change, I was thrilled about the possibilities for personal and professional growth. As a student nurse, gaining on-the-ground practical experience in a new cultural healthcare setting seemed incredibly valuable – a chance to push myself out my comfort zone while building knowledge with talented international nursing mentors.
Charlie Turner, BSc (Hons) Crime Scene Science student
Destination: Summer abroad programme in Prague (Czechia)
Describe your time abroad in 3 words: Fun, educational and crazy.
What did you learn? To be patient and give myself a chance – nobody gets everything right the first try.
Emma Hunt, BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult) student
Destination: Volunteering with Transform Healthcare Cambodia
Why did you decide to study/work abroad? I wanted to see how other hospitals worked around the world, outside of the NHS.
Share your best memory while abroad: Being able to go into the villages to meet the local people.
Susan Wheatley, BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Mental Health) student
Destination: Health elective in Tanzania
Share your best memory while abroad: Our last day was a spoke day and we got to go onto the maternity ward, watching two beautiful babies being born.
What did you learn? I’m a stronger person than I thought I was.
Muktar Ahmed, BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies student
Destination: Health elective in Ghana
Describe your time abroad in 3 words: Fantastic, memorable and unforgettable.
Share your best memory while abroad: Being treated with respect by staff. I was included in several vital meetings with the former mental health chief of Ghana.
Rakib Bhuiyan, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science student
Destination: Summer abroad programme to Malaysia
Describe your time abroad in 3 words: Enriching, eye-opening and adventurous.
Share your best memory while abroad: Participating in a local cultural festival, where I had the chance to immerse myself in traditional music, dance, and cuisine.
Piotr Hipsz, MSc Dietetics (Pre-Registration) student
Destination: Summer abroad programme to Malaysia (UiTM)
Describe your time abroad in 3 words: Magnificent, majestic and mysterious.
Share your best memory while abroad: Walking around Kuala Lumpur and talking with the people I met along the way. Speaking in front of the Environmental Health and Safety student cohort at UiTM Puncak Alam.
Victoria Virot, BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult) student
Destination: Health elective in Tanzania
Describe your time abroad in 3 words: Humbling, eye-opening and grateful.
What is one tip you would like to share with future students who may study/work abroad? Speak up and be present. Try and learn basics of their language. Take a break if you need it and explore on your time off!
Adara Scollen, BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult) student
Destination: Health elective in the Philippines
Describe your time abroad in 3 words: Amazingly life changing.
What did you learn while abroad? I learnt lots which has made me more grateful towards the healthcare here.
Megan Roberts, BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography student
Destination: Summer abroad programme in Gran Canaria
Why did you decide to study/work abroad? I wanted to expand my language skills and become confident in meeting new people in social settings.
What did you learn? I learned to be a more empathetic person and that I love being around and meeting new people who are similar or different.
