“Over the summer, I travelled to Palawan, a beautiful island in the Philippines, to take part in an international volunteering programme. As someone passionate about childcare and healthcare, I wanted to gain experience abroad that would challenge me both personally and professionally. Through IVHQ (International Volunteers Headquarters) and The Green Lion Organisation, I was able to volunteer in both a kindergarten and a health clinic within a local community.

The experience was truly eye-opening. While there were moments that tested me — from language barriers and cultural differences to working with limited resources — I learnt so much about adaptability, patience, and the importance of clear and compassionate communication.

During my time in Palawan, I took on a variety of roles. At the kindergarten, I was involved in planning and delivering lessons, managing the classroom, supporting activities, and encouraging children to participate. It was incredibly rewarding to see how much the children enjoyed the lessons we had prepared and how eager they were to learn.

In the health clinic, my responsibilities were just as hands-on. I helped set up and operate blood pressure machines, recorded readings, managed the baby weighing system, and assisted other healthcare professionals with vaccination programmes. I also helped measure babies’ height using an infantometer and supported a fellow nurse volunteer in delivering vital information to pregnant women and new mothers — including guidance on vaccinations, birthing plans, and signs to watch for during and after pregnancy. I even had the chance to assist with ultrasounds and speak with elderly individuals in the village, which was both humbling and inspiring.

Although I was there for just over a week, the trip left a lasting impact. My highlights included seeing the children’s smiles during lessons and connecting with the local people, whose warmth and kindness made every challenge worthwhile.

One of the most rewarding parts of the trip was meeting other volunteers from all over the world — including Italy, America, Japan, and France. We quickly formed strong friendships, and after our volunteering placement ended, we travelled together to another part of the island, where we stayed in a small beachside hostel. It was the perfect way to round off an unforgettable experience.

Of course, not everything went perfectly — the weather, for one, could have been better! We experienced several typhoons during our stay, which caused flooding, loss of signal, and even landslides while travelling. Despite these obstacles, the sense of teamwork and resilience among the volunteers made it all manageable.

This trip has reaffirmed my career aspirations. I’ve always been interested in midwifery and childcare, and this experience confirmed that I’m on the right path. It’s inspired me to continue exploring healthcare in different cultural settings, and I’ve already signed up for a similar programme in Nepal next year.

Before going, I was nervous about travelling to the village alone and meeting new volunteers, but those nerves quickly disappeared once I arrived. Everyone was in the same position — eager to learn, help and make a difference.

Having previously completed placements at Derriford Hospital and in nurseries across the UK, I was keen to see how practices differ in another part of the world. My experience in the Philippines gave me a deeper appreciation for global healthcare, cultural diversity, and the power of community — lessons I’ll carry with me throughout my future career.”