Life changing experience

The past May I was fortunate enough to travel to Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania and volunteer in a local hospital there for 4 weeks. It was one of the most amazing experiences, I learnt so much in the hospital (stitched up a patient’s ear on my third week), and I feel like I have come away from this experience with skills that I couldn’t have acquired any other way. The doctors always wanted to help, they were happy when you had questions, and even happier when you asked if you could perform a simple procedure. When leaving the hospital I truly felt as if I would be missed, as I had made some strong relationships with some of the doctors and nurses at the hospital. The host family that I lived with were beyond amazing, within a day of being there I already felt like their house was my new home. The staff planned events for the volunteers at least twice a week, anything from beach volleyball to medical outreach to Swahili lessons or trips to another city! Whenever I had questions or concerns, I knew I was able to contact them and that they would gladly assist me. Their support definitely allowed me to feel more comfortable and explore a little more while I was there. I immersed myself completely in the culture of Tanzania and it changed the way I look at life, I came home a different person and I am so glad for it. If anyone has the opportunity to do a trip like this then they 100% should do it, because they won’t regret it.