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Sustainable Healthcare Program

Our unique medical program offers medical students, doctors, nurses and those interested in the medical field a chance to experience health care in a developing country.

         
 

Program Description

The duration of the program is one month. During that month, the students will receive 40 hours of Spanish classes with a focus on medical terminology. Students will also have the opportunity to volunteer in one of many clinics that offer all types of medical specialties. Medical students that are currently studying or in their resident period, or those in the medical field that are already practicing and want to exchange their knowledge and experiences with doctors in Ecuador will also find this program educational. The program is available throughout the year and has no specific start dates.

Our program is partnered with experienced doctors (in both practice and working with international students) in various clinics and hospitals throughout Quito. All doctors have experience in teaching international students and love to share their knowledge. Depending on his/her experience, a student will be able to observe or gain hands on experience in healthcare clinics that offer the following services:

  • General medicine
  • Internal medicine
  • Emergency services
  • External consultations
  • Family medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Obstetrics
  • Surgery
  • Laboratory work
  • OBGYN

Palora and Intag Rual Healthcare Programs

We also offer students the opportunity to spend two weeks in Quito and two weeks in the rural Amazonian community of Palora, near the city of Puyo, or in the cloud forest region of Intag. Clinical placements are available in Palora and Intag and offer similar services to the surrounding rural communities.  This unique program offers volunteers the opportunity to see the difference between urban and rural healthcare in Ecuador.

Eligibility

We recommend this program for students who are more than 18 years old, have finished high-school, and have an interest in the medical field, however, exceptions can be made.  Those currently studying, in the resident phase, or practicing will find the Sustainable Healthcare Program an invaluable experience that will no doubt assist them in further career decisions.

Spanish Classes

Students receive 40 hours of total Spanish for the month, divided into 4 hours daily, 2 sessions per day, and five days a week.  Each session will have a different teacher.  The first 2 hours are will consist of medical specific grammar and the last 2 hours will involve conversation and practical exercises. There will be a 15 minute break in between classes. The classes will be in groups of 2-4 students.  Students will be required to take a placement exam in order to determine their Spanish ability. Each group will be made up of students with relatively the same level.

Homestay

As a student you will enjoy the comforts and advantage of living with an Ecuadorian family in one of South America’s most beautiful countries. Participating families are chosen for their friendliness and helpfulness. They all have experience with hosting foreign students, and live in a very safe residential neighbourhood in Quito.  Living with an Ecuadorian family helps the students learn about the culture, customs, and food of the country, while at the same giving them the opportunity to practice their Spanish. Each student will have their own private room, shared bathroom, 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner Monday to Saturday), and laundry service once a week. Students will be with the same family for the duration of the program.  All of the families have two or more students in the house. Generally, the students share the same interests and enjoy having someone to travel with, not only to different areas around Ecuador, but while in Quito as well.

Program Costs

The cost per month is $1,800.00 (USD) and includes the following:

Airport pick-up upon arrival.

Travel insurance for the duration of the program with StudentGuard Health Insurance

Coordination of the medical clinics and placements.

Weekly conferences on healthcare in Latin America and Ecuador.

Coordination of 40 hours of Spanish language classes.

Welcome dinner.

Orientation session that includes safety information, program information and a trip to the Mariscal tourist area that allows students to learn how to take the trolle and buses.

Weekly conferences on culture and history.

One day Quito tours can be arranged for free.

Organization of extra activities: salsa classes, tours, cultural activities and museum visits.

Organization of the homestay (private room), two meals per day (breakfast and dinner, Sunday to Friday) and weekly laundry services.

27/7 in country support and weekly meetings to discuss placements.

The cost does NOT include:

·Daily local transportation in Quito. Assistance will be provided to participants on how to use local transportation.

Air ticket to Quito, Ecuador (approximately 800 USD from Canada or the USA)

Any weekend trips will be at the student’s expense.

 Any personal expenses, such as drinks, luxury foods not provided by the family, international telephone calls, or any other costs which are not included above.

Airport drop at the end of the program
 
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