Preparations for travel to Iloilo

Preparations for my travel to Iloilo started around Christmas of 2022, it began with securing my place. Due to university policies I had to achieve a 2.2 or above in my first year of nursing school, as well as show commitment and have good attendance levels. I also had to have written approval to go on my trip. This allowed me to pay for my deposit to secure my place through work the world (the organisation I used). The deposit for a space was £300 which was then taken off my final bill. I thought the application process was quite straight forward, once I was approved and had reserved my spot. I had access to a portal where I could start filling in all my personal details, flight details, emergency contacts, objectives and goals for my placement. I was also able to indicate what kind of placement I would like and what I’d already experienced in the UK. 

Work the world is the organisation I used to study aboard, it was highly recommended by my university and after reading through the websites material and other students testaments I knew it was for me. My university wanted me to show commitment to the country of choice I did this by researching the country regarding its political stance, religious status and environmental behaviour which allowed me to understand the difference between the Philippines and the UK. 

My university offered me a turning scheme programme which is a scheme to help all students with the cost of travel. It was a straight forward application which required a personal statement and pre departure session. I was very lucky with my pre departure session as normally it is a group session but it was only me that day. This allowed me to ask as many questions as I needed including more personal questions and requirements. The approval of my application allowed me to have access to additional funding which helped to pay for almost all of my trips requirement including my food, accommodation, transport to and from the airport in Iloilo and multiple other factors work the world provide. I am VERY grateful for this grant as without it, I wouldn’t of been able to have the experience I did in Iloilo. 

I will be realistic their are other factors to be considered whilst I prepared for my trip. My university required me to achieve all my academic work prior to my trip including my practical placements. I had to pay for my flights, vaccinations, clothing, PPE and spending money. To achieve this I worked as a Bank health care assistant at my local trust when able to not allow it to disturb my studies. I am very proud of myself that I was able to budget and save to achieve my goal. I have to thank my amazing fiancé with helping me to keep me on track because without him I would of never been able to save so well.