We undertook a one-month placement abroad in Cambodia. It was a wonderful opportunity to explore the country, its culture and its traditions. The Cambodian people were very welcoming and supportive throughout our placement. We were based at Prey Veng Provincial Hospital. We were able to spend time in every department: A&E, general medicine, gynaecology, maternity and surgical. We rotated between departments every other week. From the moment we arrived, we were thrown straight into the work, supported by each ward’s nursing staff and the Cambodian students, who were incredibly kind and helpful throughout our placement. We had the opportunity to meet some French nursing students who had already started their placement a few weeks before we arrived. They helped us settle into the hospital and supported us throughout our time there. We gained a great deal of practical experience in patient care. We had to adapt to Cambodian practices, which differ from those in France due to a lack of equipment. However, we managed to adjust and develop a degree of independence and improve our organisational skills. In the surgical department, we observed various types of surgery in the operating theatre, including uterine fibroid removal, ovarian cyst excision and a caesarean section. We had the opportunity to work alongside the surgeon, who let us practise and assist him during procedures. The nursing procedures we were able to carry out – such as taking blood samples, inserting catheters, performing ECGs and administering various types of injections – were performed in accordance with hospital protocols, and we were able to learn new nursing techniques. The Cambodians gave us a wonderful welcome; their patience and kindness meant that we really felt part of their team. Lastly, we were able to visit the children at the orphanage to provide medical care. It was a truly touching experience, filled with shared moments, laughter and joy. We came away with only positive memories of our placement abroad. Adapting your way of working, dealing with language barriers and feeling helpless in certain situations can all be challenging. But this was a unique experience shared by the four of us. We were able to put the knowledge we had gained during our courses into practice and build mutually beneficial relationships with the Cambodian healthcare professionals.