Testimonial #1
"I visited the following destinations as part of my travels;
- China - Zhejiang University studying psychology.
- Bali Indonesia - Tabanan teaching English to Bali.
Travelling to China expanded my confidence and friendships. Queens offered us to study psychology at Zhejiang University and brought so much experiences I would have never experienced before. It was incredible. Teaching in Bali after China alone brought so much confidence in making new friends and teaching in front of classrooms and university lecture halls which I would have never got the opportunity to do at home. It will help me pursue my career in working with children.
The funding would help my flights as they were £980 and help with travel insurance £100 and a visa £60.
Through these trips my academic insights were increased by seeing how psychology is taught at different universities and attending a new university. I also got to see how children were taught in schools in Bali which was a once in a lifetime experience.
My time in China and Bali has profoundly enriched my overall student experience, both academically and personally. The opportunity to study psychology at Zhejiang University, facilitated by Queens, was an incredible experience. It expanded my confidence and allowed me to forge lasting friendships.
The subsequent teaching experience in Tabanan, Bali, further solidified my growth. Teaching English in front of classrooms and university lecture halls, a skill I wouldn't have developed at home, has been invaluable. This experience has increased my academic insights by exposing me to different teaching methodologies and cultural perspectives one education.
The financial support from the scholarship, which covered flights, travel insurance, and visa costs, was essential. This allowed me to focus on my studies and immerse myself fullyin these transformative experiences. These journeys have not only shaped my academic journey but have also significantly influenced my career aspirations, particularly inworking with children".
Testimonial #2
"As part of my midwifery degree I undertook a 2 week elective placement in Kathmandu, Nepal. I completed my first week in the labour ward and the second week in the birthing centre at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Birthing partners and family were not allowed onto the ward - only on occasion to attend to hygiene needs. Women labored in a shared bay without privacy curtains. Analgesia was unavailable simply because they could not afford it. Mobility was not encouraged during labour. All women received an episiotomy as routine practice and the nurses stated that "it is just how it has always been done”. On admission the women's family were given a long list of supplies to bring from pharmacy. There seemed to be a lacking in compassionate care and emotional support for these women.
I had the opportunity to observe cases including: women with Hepatitis E due to contaminated water sources particularly as this was quite common during monsoon season. In addition to this i also seen many babies with deformities such as club feet, cardiovascular problems such as fetal cyanotic heart disease, cleft lip and palates. This was due to lack of antenatal care such as scans as well as a lack of health promotion. I found this experience deeply moving. I felt continually frustrated and shocked by the lack of dignity, empathy and support that these women were receiving during such a vulnerable time. I witness births were women were in pain, scared and alone with no analgesia and no reassurance which was extremely heartbreaking. however, amongst these challenges I seen women who had immeasurable strength, determination and hope. Women who had nothing but would give you everything that they could. I had moments of unexpected connection. Learning that communication isn't just using words. A gentle touch, a small smile, holding hands and even just laughing through the language barrier could create bonds and convey empathy when words failed to. These small gestures made the biggest impact and allowed me to feel that I could offer a level of reassurance and compassion even when we were unable to speak the same language.
The staff encouraged me to make a difference, although I was there for observation they urged me to get involved and continue to care for these women the best way I could though support and compassion. I worked alongside their own students, talking with them about the importance of reassurance, positivity and encouragement in labour and birth and felt proud and emotional when I seen them trying to do the same: holding hands, rubbing backs, laughing and supporting the women they were caring for. Seeing women with their partners and families around them, making every use of the limited resources they had was a powerful reminder of what good midwifery practice and women centered care models look like".
Testimonial #3
"For my final year medical summer elective, I decided to undertake a placement in Oncology, and was drawn to Malta as the destination. Despite it being a country that I had never visited before, and truthfully knew very little about, I felt that in doing so, I would be able to immerse myself in a different culture and healthcare system, whilst also enhancing my clinical knowledge, practical and communication skills. My interest in Clinical Oncology began after I spent time with the Adult Oncology team at the Belfast City Hospital Cancer Centre, during years 3 and 4 of my degree. Connecting with patients going through some of the most challenging moments in their lives, left such a lasting impression on me, and it was an opportunity I did not take lightly, and felt incredibly honoured to be a part of. So, when I was offered the chance to delve into this field once again, in Malta this time thanks to the Sir Thomas Dixon Scholarship Fund, which helped to cover my flights and accommodation, I knew it was something I could not pass on.
The Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at the Mater Dei Hospital, was where I spent the majority of those two unforgettable weeks. Each day was a newopportunity to soak up knowledge from the team at SAMOC, and my insight into cancer care only deepened through attending new patient and reviewclinics, radiotherapy sessions, and chemotherapy day ward treatments. I gained exposure to a wide variety of presentations, management strategies,complications, and even advancements in clinical research making impacts to the quality of life for patients.
I am exceedingly grateful for all the help and guidance I received from each member of the multidisciplinary team, as from the doctors, to the nurses, pharmacists and healthcare assistants, I always felt included, and everyone was always ready to teach and translate for me! There was an amazing rapport within the team, and I witnessed firsthand how this played a significant role in lifting up morale amongst the patients. I was given the chance to join ward rounds in which I was encouraged to take patient histories, perform examinations, and even practice my cannulation skills!
The people of Malta were incredibly welcoming, always ready to give a warm smile, helpful travel tips, and great food spot recommendations. I also had the chance to take a short ferry ride to the nearby island of Gozo, a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the island. There, I uncovered hidden caves, paddled through crystal-clear waters, and explored the island whilst learning about its rich history. Every moment was a deeper step into Malta’s vibrant culture, and by the end of my trip, I had felt like I had truly immersed myself in it.
I am so grateful to the Academic Affairs Scholarship team for their consideration of me for the Sir Thomas Dixon Scholarship, as it's the only reason this was even possible. The experience has profoundly impacted my development as a medical student through enhancing my clinical competence and cultural awareness. This chapter of my training is one I will carry with me always, and I am certain that the lessons I've learned and the knowledge I've gained will continue to guide and shape me as I move forward into my future career in medicine".
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