Sarah Beck and Ben O'Leary are living and working in Savai'i, Samoa with children Stella and Felix.
What inspired your move and how long have you been there?
We've been in Samoa for two months on a three month contract with the Samoan National Health Service. A friend from university mentioned Samoa was always short of doctors and we had recently finished up a job on Thursday Island in Far North Queensland, so a quick email set the ball rolling.
What do you do there?
We work in a small district hospital in Foailalo village on the largest island in Samoa, Savai'i. We cover the hospital for emergencies and obstetrics, do outpatient clinics during the day, and twice a week travel to three other small district hospitals on the island to do general outpatient clinics.
What are the greatest advantages?
We get to use our medical skills in a place that really needs them. We also have more time to spend with our children, and weekends off to explore the stunning beaches and waterfalls around Savai'i. Plus we have loved getting to know the locals! Samoans are amongst the friendliest and happiest people we have ever met.
Disadvantages?
We love to cook, but have no oven and limited choices for ingredients, so we've had to adapt our repertoire.
How expensive is it compared with NZ?
Local produce is much cheaper than the equivalent in NZ. Other groceries are imported, mainly from NZ, and are surprisingly affordable. NZ$15 at a local restaurant will get you a great seafood dinner.
How much is a beer?
At a restaurant NZ$2.50, but it's even cheaper from a local store.
What do you do in your spare time?
Take lots of photos, play volleyball after work with the nurses, and go swimming at the beach.
What's the local delicacy and would you recommend eating it?
Palusami is a delicious dish. It's made from a mixture of onions and coconut milk wrapped in steamed taro leaves and slow cooked in an umu.
Easiest way to get around?
We're lucky enough to have a work car. You can hire a car or catch a local bus, which is an experience in itself. Cycling around the island takes about five days and we've met heaps of Kiwis doing the circuit and loving it.
What's the shopping like?
You wouldn't travel to Samoa for the shopping. But if you're into climbing rainforest-covered volcanoes, surfing, diving, snorkelling, paddle boarding or lazing in the sun on a deserted beach, then it's definitely the place to be!
Best after dark activity?
Practising the ukulele and working on our travel blog, kiwidocsabroad.com.
Best time of year to visit?
Dry season is May to October, and it's a bit cooler during these months.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
Snorkelling the coral reef at Satuiatua beach, swimming in the spring-fed pools beneath a waterfall at Afu Aau falls, and sipping a coconut while watching the sun set into the ocean from the western coast.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
Coffee! Wholegrain bread. Hot showers. But not that much, really.
How easy is it for you to get back to NZ?
We'd drive an hour to the wharf, then an hour's ferry ride to Upolu, the main island, and a four-hour flight direct to Auckland.
For Kiwis looking to move there, which industries are seeking fresh talent?
Samoa is very short of doctors. There are only five doctors on Savai'i with a population of 45,000, and they will be down to three when we go. Samoa relies heavily on foreign aid and volunteers from other countries. We're already looking for replacements so if you are interested and have a few months to spare please contact us through kiwidocsabroad.com.