Pre-nursing experience in Thailand

Ratings
Overall
2
Growth: 3
Support: 1
Fun: 2
Housing: 3
Safety: 4
Review

Shame on you gap medics!! Your company advertises well organised trips for young people to help them gain experience in a structured environment. Unfortunately after paying nearly £300 just to register and then £800 for flights and a further £1100 for the placement itself, and further costs for scrubs, goggles and face masks, I feel really let down.
The hospital was practically empty and I saw only a handful of patients all week. I spent most of the time sitting around doing nothing. There were other students who felt the same way. I could not complain to the programme manager as she was 'away in Malaysia' until later in the week. My father also rang headquarters on two occasions to voice our concerns about the poor experience / placement.
After discussing the situation with another member of staff who said I would be able to get a refund for the second week I decided to leave and spend the second week travelling. He even helped me to book internal flights to Bangkok.
On my return to England I contacted gap medics. They assured me they would look into my complaint and would ring me back. They failed to do this and I had to ring them many times to try and get a refund.
They now say they have fully investigated the matter and I am totally at fault as their staff were not informed I was unhappy with the placement and I've been called a liar for saying I was told I would get a refund.
I saved so hard to be able to go to Thailand with gap medics and despite not delivering what they promised, they refuse to give me a refund. So I repeat - shame on you gap medics for not having the decency to hold up your hands and admit you got it wrong

Would you recommend this program?
No, I would not
Year Completed
2015