NO ELECTRICITY, internet or running water is a far cry from Beverly Angrove's usual cosy life in Oxford - but it's what she experienced this summer during her 10-week trip to Sierra Leone.

Miss Angrove, 24, who is studying for her Masters in Architecture at Oxford Brookes, went to Africa this summer as part of the International Citizen Service Programme (ICS), that was championed by former-Witney MP and Prime Minister David Cameron.

Now she's back home, the Postgraduate student, originally from London, wants to raise awareness of 'Neglected Tropical Diseases' in Oxford.

Miss Angrove travelled to Sierra Leone with international development organisation Y-Care International as part of the ICS Programme.

While there, she lived with a local family and worked alongside Sierra Leonean volunteers on a project to support young women effected by Ebola.

She helped women who had the virus or had lost viruses to start or develop their own businesses.

Miss Angrove described her experience as 'incredible' and added that she 'met some amazing people'.

She said: "Working with those who were personally effected by Ebola but continue with their lives to provide for their families was inspirational. My best experience was installing solar panels and lights in two schools which provided lighting in communities that have limited or no access to electricity.

"It is great to think that this will provide an opportunity for students to continue studying even after dark."

Felicity Morgan, Director of ICS, said Miss Angrove's work was 'fantastic'.

She said: “We’re incredibly proud that UK aid is supporting young Brits bring about positive change in some of the world’s poorest communities"

Since returning home three weeks ago, the student said she is experiencing a 'reverse culture shock.' She told the Oxford Mail: "Brits are so kept to themselves and quiet. It's very different to Sierra Leone.

"It was amazing to help women start businesses, most of them have no education, they can't even read and write. By hosting workshops to teach key skills they are now running businesses."

She added: "Now I'm in my final year of my masters, I want to raise awareness of ICS and tropical diseases. Being out there with no electricity or water and only having access to the internet once a week at a cafe is very different to constantly being on my phone back home."