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  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Manta,  Portoviejo,  Ambato,  Otavalo,  Puyo,  Puerto Lopez

Term: Throughout the year 
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: Interns hoping to gain clinical experience can work at a clinic or hospital in Ecuador. ELI works with many charitable clinics and public hospitals to create opportunities for medical, nursing, physical therapy, dental, and pre-med students. Interns will shadow the staff at the clinic or hospital and do not have medical responsibilities. The program is designed to give participants to observe and learn from practices in Ecuador. Participants will also gain an understanding of some of the complicated issues the healthcare system in Ecuador is grappling with. Depending on the placement, participants may be able to assist the doctors and nursing staff. Please note that participants in this program must have a high intermediate to advanced level of Spanish proficiency, and knowledge of medical vocabulary will be very helpful.

Highlights: Experience the incredible beauty and culture of Ecuador while assisting local organizations and gaining a deep understanding of the people and culture. Volunteers and interns work in community run organizations, gaining firsthand knowledge of the complex development issues Ecuador is facing. Participants have plenty of time to explore the country during the weekends. Ecuador has four distinct regions with almost endless possibilities for adventure.

* The Ecuadorian Andes are some of the most dramatic mountains in the world dotted with small towns, clear lakes, and home to a vibrant and a wide array of microclimates ranging from semi arid highlands to cool, moist cloud forests.

* The Amazonian region is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet.

* The coast of Ecuador is one of the poorest regions but also home to pristine beaches and sleepy fishing villages.

* The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most exotic wildlife in the world and a stunning natural history lesson in action.

ELI volunteers are enthusiastically welcomed by the communities they work in and often form long lasting relationships with the people they meet in Ecuador. This is an excellent opportunity to gain clinical experience in a Spanish speaking environment. The staff at the clinics and hospitals give interns the opportunity to assist as appropriate. In the past, interns have had the opportunity to help with tasks such as taking vitals, organizing patient histories, and observing surgeries.

Qualifications / Skills Needed: Participants in the Ecuador programs must speak Spanish at an intermediate level or higher and be prepared to live and work in a Spanish speaking environment. ELI can arrange for language lessons to complement the program. Participants should also be flexible, adaptable, and open to experiencing a new culture. This program is designed for interns with a demonstrated interest in medicine such as coursework, certifications, or previous medical volunteer experience. Internships are also available for students studying nursing, physical therapy, and to become physician's assistants.

Intern Types: Admin (Health Services), Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, Kinesiology/Exercise Science, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmaceuticals, Physical Therapy and Social Work

Language: Spanish

Cost in US$: Costs vary. Please contact us for details

Cost Includes: Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers and interns to prepare for their travels. Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Quito and provided with transportation to their host family. In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Ecuador, city tours, help with transportation, and optional Spanish classes In-country Staff Support: ELI's Ecuador coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Ecuador. She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency. Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Ecuadorian life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants. Host families are eager to welcome volunteers and are a fantastic resource for learning about the local culture and sights.

Experience Required: yes

This program is designed for pre-medical students. Participants must have a demonstrated interest in medicine such as coursework, past volunteer experience, or certifications (i.e. EMT, RNA, CNA, First Aid, etc.). This program is also open to medical school students, nursing students, physical therapy students, and physician's assistant students.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. .

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001