Claire Russell went to Costa Rica

"It is definitely the best way to make the most of your work based learning. Costa Rica is a beautiful country with lots to offer. I would never have thought to go somewhere like Costa Rica off my own back, so it was a once in a lifetime trip, which I got to pass off as work! Obviously there is an element of work involved, particularly at the Turtle Reserve and Habitat for Humanity, but it is really satisfying at the same time. There was also plenty of time to travel round the country and neighbouring countries. At the end of the stay we had an amazing weekend in Panama snorkelling, watching wild dolphins and beach hopping. We were lucky to have such a great group in 2002 and everyone got on well, so I made a few new friends around college too"

Beckie Murphy went to Costa Rica

It was by far the best part of my degree! The people and the place are so beautiful and friendly! A very welcoming country. I don't understand why anybody would choose to do anything else!

"I wanted to travel and experience a new culture. Africa was somewhere I had always dreamed of going but never thought possible. When I arrived in Uganda the landscape was fantastic the people were friendly and the climate hot but bearable. I had the chance to experience both urban and rural life have learnt many things from my time in Uganda especially the importance of community spirit and facing up to your problems. I felt very safe and at ease in the country and would love to return there one day.

My work-based learning trip to Kenya and Uganda has been an experience that has been challenging, rewarding and enjoyable. Through the experiences I have learnt a lot about myself, the people around me and the realities of the huge variations that exist throughout the world today, correcting some of the misconceptions I have formed in the past. As well as becoming more accepting over time of the differences I encountered, I think I was also surprised by some of the similarities that I found. Ultimately people are just people, wherever they are I have become less scared of the unknown, and so I think, more confident in handling myself in different situations. I hope that my increased understanding and confidence will help me in being a more open person and to achieve more in the future.