I knew completing an overseas placement was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a placement in a hospital halfway across the world. I love to discover new cultures, and I knew I would learn a lot wherever I went.

My first impression of my placement hospital in Hue was that it was very different from back home. You can see constant development with the practices and equipment, which is very positive.

I developed a range of my clinical skills and knowledge during my placement, from observing a spinal cord injury assessment to building on my problem-solving and non-verbal communication skills.

Complete spinal cord injury was one of the most memorable cases I was involved in. It was very upsetting to see such a big level of disability in such a young person. He struggled to even prop himself up onto his elbows because he didn’t have any lower arm or tricep function.

The hospital is much more crowded, and in contrast to the UK, the patients never complain.

We made the most of our evenings and weekends outside of placement, with day trips to Bach Ma National Park, Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge. We also spent weekends away exploring Hoi An and Phong Nha.

To other students who may be considering undertaking their placement overseas, I’d say to charge up your social battery! Come and have fun, you’ll be tired most days, but it’ll be the good kind of tiredness!