My project placement in Egypt helped me understand many things in different ways. It allowed me to learn outside the classroom and experience real-life situations that helped me grow both personally and academically.
One of the main skills I improved was communication. When I participated in the presentation and helped Gosia, I was very nervous at first. Speaking in front of others in a different country and environment felt overwhelming. However, pushing myself to take part helped me build confidence and I am thankful to Gosia for giving me that opportunity. Looking back, I feel proud that I stepped out of my comfort zone to stand there and help with the presentation. It showed me that sometimes growth comes from doing things that make you feel anxious.
Being involved in the presentation also helped me understand the importance of teamwork, preparation, and support. I also experienced a language barrier when speaking with the people with lived experience in Egypt. This taught me to be patient and to find other ways of communicating using simple words, gestures, and active listening. It helped me realise that communication is not only about speaking the same language, but also about trying to understand and be understood. These are very important skills for social work.
During the discussions and presentations about medical support and deciding who should receive hospital care and benefits, I developed stronger analytical skills. I had to think carefully about fairness and who has the greatest need. It made me realise that decisions are not always simple, especially when resources are limited. Listening to people with lived experience helped me understand how these decisions affect real lives, not just hypothetical situations. Despite the language barrier I still tried to interact with people and had a translator there to help me understand, feel more comfortable and communicate more.
Another important part of this experience was learning about the benefits and support that people with disabilities receive in Egypt. I learned about the types of financial support available, an estimate of how much people may receive, and how their families are also supported to help meet their needs. This gave me a better understanding of how important these services are in supporting daily life. Being around people with different kinds of disabilities increased my awareness and helped me understand the importance of inclusion, equality, and respect.
Overall, this experience helped me feel more connected to my peers and to my subject area. Sharing experiences, learning together, and being around people with lived experience made everything feel more meaningful and real. It reminded me that social work is about understanding real situations and supporting people in a respectful and practical way. I also really enjoyed the activities outside of the classroom. Seeing the history of Egypt first hand and then experiencing the breathtaking views of the whole country from a hot air balloon was an amazing and therapeutic experience. These moments not only provided a sense of wonder but also gave me space to reflect, recharge, and appreciate the richness of human culture and history.
Flavia Lacerda, social work student