I would recommend work the world for any student/ qualified healthcare professional. It changed my views around medicine and patients care for the better. It’s opened my eyes in so many ways in we... See more
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I was nervous about going overseas but I jumped in with two feet and it was the best possible thing I've ever done. Work the World organised a trip that meant I spent two weeks at the general teaching... See more
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For my fourth year medical elective I came to Kathmandu and was super anxious as I was travelling alone. As soon as I set foot in kathmandu airport I was greeted by a work the world employee and from... See more
Company replied
Before the trip work the world were amazing, so supportive and answered all my questions/concerns. Whilst out there the Tanzania team made me feel like I was at home and couldn't do enough! The whole... See more
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Company details
Written by the company
Work the World specialises in creating customised overseas healthcare placements throughout Asia and Africa. Our destinations provide unique learning experiences in healthcare systems across the developing world. Established in 2005, we offer amazing opportunities to work in our partner hospitals learning unique approaches to low-resource healthcare. Since we started, we’ve proudly tailored more than 20,000 placements in low-resource healthcare settings all over the world. Encounter everything from unusually late-stage conditions, to tropical diseases. You'll also use, develop, and acquire skills when adjusting to new practices. You can be highly specific with your specialism, whether it's in Paediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, Neonatal Intensive Care, or HIV counselling. Work the World’s placement planning and support service helps you avoid the pitfalls of trying to organise a placement by yourself. This gives you the safety, security, and peace of mind that comes with 24/7 support, and expert clinical supervision. While overseas, you’ll live in one of Work the World’s spacious, social, and secure private houses. Living with other students from a range of countries and healthcare backgrounds creates an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie like nowhere else. You’ll enjoy meals freshly prepared each day by in-house chefs, as well as the now-famous weekly barbecues. Free language lessons in the house will help you communicate and interact with patients more effectively to get the most out of your placement. Your clinical experience runs from Monday to Friday, leaving your evenings and weekends free for exploration and adventure. Work the World’s expert in-country teams will offer tips for sightseeing and trips that you can take whilst you’re away. You could go on safari in the Serengeti, trek to Everest Base Camp, sunbathe on tropical beaches, and explore ancient mountaintop temples.
Contact info
Nile House, Nile Street , BN1 1HW, Brighton, United Kingdom
- +44 (0)1273 974634
- info@worktheworld.com
- www.worktheworld.co.uk
4.9
Excellent
191 reviews
No history of asking for reviews
This company hasn't invited their customers, so reviews may not be representative
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They don’t deserve any ratings - giving a one star is generous.
They don’t deserve any ratings. Absolutely disgusted at how they have treated us this year. They have robbed us of our money - forgetting we are students. We were due to go on our elective in March and they cancelled it due to COVID-19 and now they are refusing to give us a refund. Please tell me how a postponement will help us. And how can they guarantee we will find the time to travel with our work commitments.They should reflect and consider what they are putting us through. Additionally the letter they provided for the insurance company, is worded in such a way that makes insurance companies reject our claim. Thus, closing all opportunities for us to obtain a refund.
Don’t book with this company !
May 4, 2020
Unprompted review
Please avoid.
Along with many other students of the medical and healthcare profession, I placed my trust in Work the World and paid thousands of pounds to them for my 6 week medical elective to Mexico. I also trusted their recommendation of an insurance company.
I received an email from Work the Work to say that due to COVID-19 my trip could no longer go ahead. I was informed that because this was beyond their control I could not receive a refund. They did offer a postponement of the trip to be used within 18 months, however I was unable to accept this as I am due to starting working.
The 1 star is justified, not only because of their unwillingness to offer even a partial refund, but because how they attempted to handle the situation was unacceptable. It became very evident that this company have little sympathy with their customers and only care about taking your money.
May 4, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Sam,
We have tried to contact you several times and we hope to speak to you in the next day or so to discuss your points directly.
As an educational organisation, our commitment to the safety of the student healthcare community and their ability to complete electives remains our prime concern. Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, we have worked hard to liaise with all students, their universities and our partner hospitals, and have successfully assisted more than 1200 students who were either completing placements abroad, or were due to travel imminently.
Our first priority was to support the safe return home of those students who were overseas, in accordance with guidance of governments in the 11 countries across which we operate. We then offered each student due to begin a clinical placement the option to postpone with Work the World for up to 18 months, in any available location. This will go some way to ensuring that degree courses are not negatively impacted due to incomplete elective components. After speaking with many students, we extended this to 24 months for cases where work commitments prevent travel for the foreseeable few months. Hundreds of students have already accepted this offer and are planning to travel as soon as it is safe to do so. We have also been engaging with our university partners globally. Many of whom have already committed to curriculum changes in support of our approach, ensuring students can undertake their electives at a later date.
We are sensitive to the need to balance our current students’ requirements with ensuring we are able to continue providing these experiences in the future, while also doing our best to protect the livelihoods of the hundreds of people that rely on Work the World, including our valued hospital partners and the local communities in which we operate. We truly understand and share the frustration and disappointment caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in relation to the disruption of your overseas placement. We are doing everything in our power to ensure that as soon as it is safe to do so, students can get back to completing their education whilst helping the healthcare communities within which we work.
We look forward to speaking with you.
Best wishes,
Work the World
3rd Year Nursing Elective Placement
Great experience had the best time of life and will definitely be coming back to the Philippines. The people, the culture a completely new way of life that I have to come love and respect so much!!
April 27, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Debbie,
It's great to hear you had such an amazing experience in The Philippines. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us.
All the best,
Work the World
Don't book with this company
I was meant to go on elective placements abroad in June but it has been cancelled due to COVID. Work the world are refusing to give students full refunds which i think is out of order. They are refusing to cancel the trip because ‘as long as the hospitals abroad are open then the trip still goes ahead’ despite the fact it goes against government travel advice and isn't safe. They have pressurised students into cancelling the trip themselves so they are not liable to give refunds. I put all my savings into this trip and it's a lot of money to lose. In addition, the travel insurance recommended by Work the World has now announced they do not provide cover for pandemics. This is not in their policy and they refuse to provide proof of this; making it impossible to get money back. This is money that we are rightly owed and it's completely unacceptable. I would advise against anyone using this company as they are so money orientated and are taking advantage of students at a time when we should all be pulling together
April 23, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Victoria,
It was great to speak with you last week, thank you for your time.
As an educational organisation, our commitment to the safety of the student healthcare community and their ability to complete electives remains our prime concern. Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, we have worked hard to liaise with all students, their universities and our partner hospitals, and have successfully assisted more than 1200 students who were either completing placements abroad, or were due to travel imminently.
As you know, we have offered each student due to begin a clinical placement the option to postpone with Work the World for up to 18 months, in any available location. This will go some way to ensuring that degree courses are not negatively impacted due to incomplete elective components. As confirmed, this offer is also available to qualified graduates as Work the World does arrange professional placement as well. After speaking directly with you, we have extended this for cases like yours, where work commitments prevent travel for the foreseeable few months. Hundreds of students have already taken up the postponement option and are planning to travel as soon as it is safe to do so. We have also been engaging with our university partners globally. Many of whom have already committed to curriculum changes in support of our approach, ensuring students can undertake their electives at a later date.
As I know you understand, we are sensitive to the need to balance our current students’ requirements with ensuring we are able to continue providing these experiences in the future, while also doing our best to protect the livelihoods of the hundreds of people that rely on Work the World, including our valued hospital partners and the local communities in which we operate. We truly understand and share the frustration and disappointment caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in relation to the disruption of your overseas placement.
We are doing everything in our power to ensure that as soon as it is safe to do so, students can get back to completing their education whilst helping the healthcare communities within which we work.
As discussed on our call, we hope to welcome you to one of our programmes in the near future.
Best wishes,
Work the World
REFUSED TO GIVE REFUNDS FOR UNFINISHED MEDICAL ELECTIVES FOR HEALTHCARE STUDENTS DURING THE HORRIFIC COVID-19 CRISIS
This company is nothing but a money-maker who will screw healthcare students over when push comes to shove.
I recently flew out to Merida with Work the World for my medical elective but had to cut my trip short by 3 and a half weeks due to Covid-19. I paid £2400 (not including flights) for a 6-week trip, only to have less than half of this fulfilled. I paid for a service which consisted of accommodation, food (all meals included, except for some weekend meals), housekeeping and 24/7 security.
When it came to needing to fly home, under the strong encouragement of my medical school and the UK government, Work the World did not offer any support - in fact, they gave quite the opposite. The manager of the Mexico branch sat me down and wanted to clarify with me that it was my choice to leave the WTW house, despite my hospital placement being cancelled (we were told that they were no longer accepting medical students) and that it was not the company cancelling. When I questioned this further by asking whether I could choose to self-isolate in the Merida house instead of flying home, given that I had paid for 3.5 more weeks, the manager said that I technically could stay but that there would be no staff members staying with us as they had been advised by the Mexican government to stay at home and social distance. This meant that no food, security or housekeeping would be provided if I chose to stay. Given that these were the services I PAID FOR, I felt like I was at least due a partial refund for these unused services. When I raised this with them, they encouraged me to fill out a claims form with my insurer, despite me telling them that Wesleyan (my travel insurer) do not cover pandemics.
Work the World have told me that any unused parts of the trip can be carried forward to a trip with them at any of their locations at a later date. However, given that I was a final year medical student who was encouraged to graduate early (which I have now done), Work the World will no longer be able to fulfil this offer as they only cater to students - meaning that any healthcare student who has graduated early to help out in the worldwide crisis has been further screwed over by them. Now that I am a doctor, I will no longer be allowed to go on a trip with them.
Alongside all of this, I would like to also point out that for any concerns that I have emailed them regarding this whole situation, they have only ever chosen to respond by phone call rather than email back. My impression is that they do this so that there is no paper trail leading back to them.
It a shame that I have had to write this as, up until my last week of my stay in Merida, I had no complaints about them and found the staff and treatment I received in Mexico to be really good. However, when things started to go badly, they left us high and dry and have refused to offer any sort of refund to a demographic of people who arguably need it the most - healthcare students.
April 23, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Hannah,
It was great to speak with you earlier this week and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming you back to one of our programmes in the near future.
As an educational organisation, our commitment to the safety of the student healthcare community and their ability to complete electives remains our prime concern. Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, we have worked hard to liaise with all students, their universities and our partner hospitals, and have successfully assisted more than 1200 students who were either completing placements abroad, or were due to travel imminently.
As you know, we have offered each student due to begin a clinical placement the option to postpone with Work the World for up to 18 months, in any available location. This will go some way to ensuring that degree courses are not negatively impacted due to incomplete elective components. As confirmed, this offer is also available to qualified graduates as Work the World does arrange professional placement as well. After speaking directly with you, we have extended this for cases like yours, where work commitments prevent travel for the foreseeable few months. Hundreds of students have already taken up the postponement option and are planning to travel as soon as it is safe to do so. We have also been engaging with our university partners globally. Many of whom have already committed to curriculum changes in support of our approach, ensuring students can undertake their electives at a later date.
As I know you understand, we are sensitive to the need to balance our current students’ requirements with ensuring we are able to continue providing these experiences in the future, while also doing our best to protect the livelihoods of the hundreds of people that rely on Work the World, including our valued hospital partners and the local communities in which we operate. We truly understand and share the frustration and disappointment caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in relation to the disruption of your overseas placement.
We are doing everything in our power to ensure that as soon as it is safe to do so, students can get back to completing their education whilst helping the healthcare communities within which we work.
We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed your 3 week placement in Mexico and we’re very much looking forward to seeing you again soon. All the best with your current placement Hannah.
Best wishes,
Work the World
CANCELLED PLACEMENT AND NO REFUND
CANCELLED PLACEMENT AND NO REFUND. Me and many students in my cohort were due to travel with WTW in June to carry out an elective placement abroad. Due to circumstances with COVID-19 we are not allowed to go and our placements have been cancelled. WTW are taking advantage of this and not refunding is the full amount meaning we are losing over £1000. We are working on the front line for free. WTW have exploited us for our money. They won’t even tell us where our money is being spent seems as though we are not going. Awful company, awful customer service. Do not book through them
April 22, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Bethany,
It was great to speak with you last week, thank you for your time.
As an educational organisation, our commitment to the safety of the student healthcare community and their ability to complete electives remains our prime concern. Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, we have worked hard to liaise with all students, their universities and our partner hospitals, and have successfully assisted more than 1200 students who were either completing placements abroad, or were due to travel imminently.
Our first priority was to support the safe return home of those students who were overseas, in accordance with guidance of governments in the 11 countries across which we operate. We then offered each student due to begin a clinical placement the option to postpone with Work the World for up to 18 months, in any available location. This will go some way to ensuring that degree courses are not negatively impacted due to incomplete elective components. After speaking with many students, we extended this to 24 months for cases where work commitments prevent travel for the foreseeable few months. Hundreds of students have already accepted this offer and are planning to travel as soon as it is safe to do so. We have also been engaging with our university partners globally. Many of whom have already committed to curriculum changes in support of our approach, ensuring students can undertake their electives at a later date.
We are sensitive to the need to balance our current students’ requirements with ensuring we are able to continue providing these experiences in the future, while also doing our best to protect the livelihoods of the hundreds of people that rely on Work the World, including our valued hospital partners and the local communities in which we operate. We truly understand and share the frustration and disappointment caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in relation to the disruption of your overseas placement. We are doing everything in our power to ensure that as soon as it is safe to do so, students can get back to completing their education whilst helping the healthcare communities within which we work.
As discussed on our call, we hope to welcome you to one of our programmes in the near future.
Best wishes,
Work the World
I spent 6 weeks in Nepal on my medical…
I spent 6 weeks in Nepal on my medical elective in a variety of departments - A&E, general surgery and internal medicine. The hospital staff were what made my placement. The team were so friendly and involved me from the start, all spoke good English, however learning a bit of Nepali in the house helped. This was truly one of the best experiences I’ve had, the atmosphere in the house was great fun and weekend trips were out of this word. Nepal is a stunning country and the people are so welcoming. Thank you Work the World.
April 22, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Rob,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your medical elective experience in Nepal with us.
All the best,
Work the World
Placement in Tanzania
I cannot begin to tell you how fortunate I feel to have had the opportunity to go overseas for my physiotherapy elective module. My 4 week placement in Tanzania changed my life. I was able to observe a variety of cases which I'd never have seen in the UK. I would absolutely recommend the Work the World experience.
April 21, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Jon,
We're glad you had such a great time in Tanzania. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
All the best,
Work the World
Recommended!
Such a great company to go with. Really puts your mind at ease when planning something that can seem quite daunting at first!
Great staff that are all really helpful.
Would definitely recommend!
April 18, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Rachel,
It's great to hear you enjoyed your time in Nepal. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!
All the best,
Work the World
A life changing experience I will never forget
My nursing placement in Zambia changed my life. It not only made me a better nurse but a better person. I would definitely recommend Work the World!
April 18, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us Marian!
All the best,
Work the World
Deciding to spend 4 weeks in Nepal for…
Deciding to spend 4 weeks in Nepal for my nursing placement was an easy decision to make. I've always wanted to see the Himalayas and knew this would be my one (and probably only) opportunity to go abroad in relation to nursing. The hospital placement was challenging, no doubt about it but the team were so friendly and helpful and my supervising team were incredible. Weekend trips were mind-blowing. From trekking, white-water rafting, safari, through to exploring the amazing city of Kathmandu. I only wish I could have stayed longer.
April 16, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
It sounds like you had a fantastic time in Nepal Sophie! Thank you for taking the time to leave such a great review of your time overseas with us.
All the best,
Work the World
The best experience!
I wasn't sure about using an organisation but everything I researched about Work the World looked great. I spent 4 weeks in Mexico and it was amazing!! Everything was taken care of which really let me focus on my placement. The local staff were so kind and went above and beyond, especially helping me with my Spanish which has improved 100%. Thank you so much! I really hope I can go back one day.
April 15, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Sophie,
It's great to hear you had such an amazing experience in Mexico! Thank you for taking the time to share your review with us.
All the best,
Work the World
Physiotherapy in Ghana
I was able to experience physiotherapy in an entirely different environment, I am so glad I decided to go abroad for my elective module. The staff in Takoradi were incredible and were always happy to help with anything. Thank you Work The World. Ghana you were amazing!
April 14, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
It sounds like you had a fantastic time on your elective placement in Ghana, Lucy. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review about your trip.
All the best,
Work the World
Once in a lifetime...
To anyone considering whether to go overseas for your nursing placement - do it! I shall remember the memories I made in The Philippines for as along as I live! Thanks Work the world.
April 14, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Sandra,
Thank you for leaving a review, we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
All the best,
Work the World
Amazing Ghana with fantastic Work the World
I spent 4 weeks in Takoradi in Ghana and I had the time of my life! The Work the World team at the house were so friendly and their door was always open. The team in the hospital were supportive and eager to get me involved. This trip increased my self-confidence enormously and for anyone considering an elective abroad, I would recommend this company without hesitation.
April 10, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Daryl
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with others!
All the best,
Work the World
Ghana with WTW
It was really nice going to Ghana with Work The World, nearly everything went as planned and all the support I had was astonishing.
April 9, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Ana,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're thrilled you had a great time in Takoradi with us.
All the best,
Work the World
Brilliant exprience in Zambia
Brilliant exprience in Zambia . Thank you to all the team there.
April 9, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Laura,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review - it sounds like you had a great time in Lusaka!
All the best,
Work the World
I would definitely recommend Work The…
I would definitely recommend Work The World to anyone that is looking to go abroad for an elective placement! It saved so much stress knowing that everything was organised for you which was helpful when you are visiting a country that you have never been to before. Everyone was so helpful and made sure that we had everything that we needed, the accommodation was amazing, secure and welcoming. I wish I could do it all over again! Thank you!
April 9, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Sonia,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with others!
All the best,
Work the World
I had the time of my life
I had the time of my life, thank you Work the World!
April 9, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Samuel,
Thank you for your review!
All the best,
Work the World
My friends and I were scheduled to…
My friends and I were scheduled to travel to Kathmandu for my 6 week medical elective in June this year. Due to the Covid-19 situation and my university not allowing me to travel for a while, I can no longer go. Work the world has just agreed for me to postpone my trip and travel any time in the next 18 months - I can't believe it! We are now hoping to travel later this summer. I am so so grateful to them for helping us out so much and can't recommend this company enough right now. We can't wait to travel with you work the world :)
April 6, 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Work the World
Hi Hannah,
Thank you for your review.
We are thrilled you are able to postpone your placement and travel with us at a later date. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to our Kathmandu programme for your medical elective.
See you soon!
All the best,
Work the World
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