I spent ten weeks in Tanzania this year for my elective rotation in my final year of medical school. I spent two weeks at Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar Es Salaam, four weeks at West Meru Hospital in Arusha, and four weeks at Endulen Hospital inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
As a sixth year medical student I was able to have a very hands on experience. This included ward rounds with doctors, working patients up for admission, seeing patients in the emergency department, practical work such as taking vital signs (blood pressure, pulse etc), antenatal care and assisting in labour in maternity, wound care and dressing, setting and casting fractures, and more! I also was able to observe different surgeries, including Caesarean sections. The extent of your involvement depends on your past experience and abilities, as well as your willingness to put yourself out there and ask questions and ask for opportunities!
With Projects Abroad, volunteers stay with host families, normally with other volunteers at the same house at the same time. I absolutely loved this. All the families were so welcoming and willing to make me a part of their home. I think this let me see Tanzania like a local as much as possible. Eating their food, using their public transport, meeting their neighbours and friends and getting personal recommendations on what to do in the area. Plus it was so lovely to come home at the end of the day at work to your host Mama giving you a big hug and a cup of chai tea to ask about your day.
I met volunteers from every continent during my projects, and formed fast friendships that have so far lasted the distance! The social aspect of volunteering with Projects Abroad can't be overstated, and local staff are great for recommendations and to help organise activities. Some examples of what volunteers get up to in their time off: Swahili lessons, cooking classes, dance classes, coffee plantation tours, exploring the area like waterholes/waterfalls and hikes, visiting markets, cultural trips to Maasai villages, trips to nearby beaches and islands (Zanzibar!) and of course safari!!!
Projects Abroad has local offices in each of their locations, with local staff available in person everyday during the week, and 24/7 via text or WhatsApp or phone call. I felt the staff were all really invested in us volunteers and in making sure we got the most out of our placements, and the social and cultural aspect as well.
Overall, I can't recommend the medicine elective enough. Particularly for students with some experience (medical, nursing, physiotherapy etc), to really get the most out of your project. The Projects Abroad staff (local and international) are truly amazing, so if you're interested or have questions, get on the website and get in touch!
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