Gap Medics Ltd www.gapmedics.co.uk

I went to Morogoro, Tanzania with Gap Medics in August 2014 to do a midwifery work experience placement. The things I did there and people I met are absolutely incredible.I saw 11 natural births and 3 C-Sections during my time there and it was hands down the best thing I've ever done.

Although not everyone was used to the heat or the culture for the first few days, we soon got used to it and began to fall in love with our surroundings. Morogoro town itself is a really safe environment for an under-18 camp. Just a 20 minute walk away from the Gap Medics house (or a £1.50 taxi ride), we could go shopping after Placement and have the independence to enjoy the local goods, eat traditional cuisine, and even have a go a bartering.

The house itself was lovely and the food was incredible. The staff were like family during the stay and just acted like our older siblings! Although the wifi was basically non-existent, we didn't even miss it while we were making new friends and learning the traditional language and dances of Tanzania.

Work placement itself was great to observe. The midwives working there full time would test us on our knowledge so we were really learning the techniques and facts rather than just standing in the way trying to see a birth. Everyone was so nice and I only wish I had gone for longer!

All in all, a fantastic experience and I would encourage anyone thinking about a career in the Medical field to consider taking part in Gap medics, as it is a great opportunity to see what you are getting into and you can make lots of new friends along the way!

The placements were so amazing. I saw 20 babies being born and so many c-sections and then spent the evenings in exploring the most amazing city I've ever been to. Made some incredible friends I am still in touch with and have the best memories. Chiang Mai has everything. Culture, music, shopping and the gap medics house has plenty to do. Only wish I had saved enough money to go to Phuket. The team were so nice and if you can't sleep, they are always up for a chat. The rooms were simple but comfortable and the food was incredible... don't be afraid to ask for a lesson in making Thai food. Would also recommend a cooking class in town. Only wish I hadn't booked my return flights and gone travelling longer. You will not regret this trip.

I completed a 3 week placement with Gap Medics in Chiang Mai in January 2014. I spent time in 3 areas; neurology, OB/GYN and paediatrics. It was an incredible experience that reaffirmed my desire to study Medicine.

As an undergraduate science student the Gap Medics program allowed me to gain an insight into clinically applying my knowledge. The doctors, nurses and other health professionals were helpful, encouraging and welcoming which made for a positive learning environment. I was incredibly fortunate to be able to witness both natural and caesarean childbirth, watch a spinal surgery, and attended a home visit to an unwell paediatric patient. These opportunities were eye-opening and unlike anything is ever seen in Australia.

In addition to the educational aspects of the program I was able to spend my weekends and Monday afternoons exploring the beautiful Northern Thailand. I spent an afternoon learning Muay Thai, one day going white water rafting and elephant trekking, another day I visited an orphanage, and most evenings a group of students would go into the Night Markets.

I would recommend the Gap Medics program for anyone who's interested in a career in the health industry as it provides a practical understanding of what these professions entail and allows you to meet like-minded individuals and develop life-long friendships. A wonderful experience full of incredible opportunities and amazing memories! Thank you Gap Medics!

I highly recommend Gap Medics to anyone interested in/studying in the health field. I went to Iringa for a month earlier this year and had placements in obstetrics/gynaecology, paediatrics, surgery and also general medicine at the local health clinic. I enjoyed every week so much and learnt a phenomenal amount about clinical skills, communication and particularly about infectious diseases in Africa. My stay at the Rock House was incredible! The staff were very friendly and helpful, the facilities are fantastic, and most importantly I met the most amazing people from all over the world. I will cherish my time with them forever. Probably the best month of my life!

I had an incredible time with Gap Medics in Chiang Mai in February this year. I gained more insight and understanding of what is required to study nursing, and I learnt so much. I got to observe medical procedures in a variety of wards, as well as a grand total of 20 surgeries! The Thai nurses and doctors were very obliging too, and were happy to answer my questions. The thing that really made the trip amazing was the chance I got to meet some great people, from all over the world, who were as keen as I was to get out and see Thailand as well as being enthusiastic about placements! The hill tribe weekend was unforgettable, and I would recommend it to anyone who's considering doing their placement in Thailand! All in all, Gap Medics is an undeniably great experience, and will help give anyone considering a career in nursing or medicine more perspective and assurance.

It was really fun and interesting, I made life long friends and learnt new things everyday of my placement! :)

I chose to go to Chiang Mai in Thailand early this year for 2 weeks, i was luckily to be able to get my 2 preferences, neurology and general surgery.

Seeing as i am a neuroscience and pharmacology major, the neurological hospital was amazing. I learnt a lot about the neurological assessment, the drugs they used, and the highlight of the week was witnessing a neurosurgeon remove a large tumour in the brain. In the general surgery week, i observed many surgeries, ranging from orthopaedics, many general surgeries, endoscopy and many more.

Although, it was difficult to communicate with some of the medical practitioner with the communication barrier. The chiang mai team teaches new comings some basic thai.

Overall, the trip was well spent, and i would recommend anyone thinking about medicine or nursing to complete this program. And if you would like to get out of the modern city life, be able to bargain for clothes or try some strange food, i definitely recommend Gap Medics Chiang Mai.

I didn't think going on this trip would change me so much! I got to learn so much about how hospitals work and got to see interesting surgeries and learn about what I was really interested in. It wasn't just a great experience to work in the hospital and see so many surgeries, but I also got to learn so much about myself. I found out more about so many other cultures after meeting people from all over the world. I learned how to get by in a new country and understand others. It truly was an incredible experience! I felt like after I returned, I was a lot more mature and understanding. I'm hoping to go on a trip with GapMedics again in the future.

I chose to go to Tanzania for my placement because I thought the culture would be different from anything else I've ever experienced. It certainly did not disappoint! I had my 17th birthday in the morogoro house and the staff were so caring, they even made me a cake :) because I was with 9 other people who were the same age as me we all because like brothers and sisters, and the staff became like our much older siblings! They were some of the most outgoing people I've ever met and you really feel like you are in safe hands when you are with them. Even though they're like your carers they certainly know how to have a good time :) there was always heaps of things to do together in the house, but I always liked going out for lunch and the shops after placement. The safari was absolutely brilliant and the mountain climb was definitely one of the highlights of the trip as I had always wanted to swim in a waterfall! The placement itself is highly valuable for anyone wanting to study medicine although I suggest super comfy shoes for when you walk around all day! Even though the African accents were sometimes hard to understand, you still learnt so much about the different conditions, and the feeling you get from holding the hand of a little boy whilst he has surgery is indescribable. The hands on approach was brilliant. The orphanage was just as touching as the hospital, you really feel like you are doing something good for someone. Before you go however make sure you are familiar with the culture as I had no clue you werent allowed to show your knees in public. Overall, best experience of my life, I really don't think anything else could top it

I spent a week in Morogoro in February and I can easily say it was one of the best weeks of my life. Having work experience in a hospital is an experience in itself let alone in Africa! The staff at the hospital were very friendly and welcoming, they explained everything about the procedures they were carrying out and answered any questions that I had. The gap medics team both at home and in Morogoro were so helpful and made sure I got the best experience out of my trip! I recommend Gap Medics to anyone!