University News Last updated 27 January 2014
Staff and students from Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Health braved a gruelling 14 day trek through Nepal last October, as part of a 25 day study programme.
The group of seven students and three members of staff made the 62 kilometre trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp. The team walked between four and twelve hours each day, tackling difficult terrain and the effects of altitude sickness, in sometimes sub-zero temperatures.
As well as offering an insight into a different culture, the trip provided students with the opportunity to learn about health provisions in another country and to experience the effects of altitude on the human body and the ability to apply this in the context of nursing.
Military student, Andrea Snape said: “The trip has taught me a lot about myself and what I am capable of, even when under pressure in extreme conditions. I have learnt a lot about different cultures and the differences even within the country from living at high altitude to lower altitudes. From a clinical perspective and visiting the different health posts and hospitals I gained insight into the health systems out in Nepal and how they differ to that in the UK.”
Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing and Critical care, and trip organiser, Ann-Marie Dodson said: “It has been one of the special highlights in my career to work with a variety of health professionals, whilst being mentored by an adventure guide, to prepare a group of student nurses for such a challenge; with the aim of developing their leadership and employability skills and share my love of the Everest region and the Sherpa people.
“The students were excellent ambassadors for the University and Faculty. Everyone took a great interest in them and their adventures, and commended them for their preparedness, maturity, caring natures and achievements, and the University and Faculty for facilitating such a learning exercise”.