Description

Poor sanitation and lack of clean drinking water can lead to an infinite number of maladies some even life-threatening. Hospitals and clinics in Ecuador are for the most part concentrated in larger towns and healthcare facilities in general are overrun with patients in need of medical attention.

AMPED's healthcare/medical placements in Ecuador offer excellent opportunities for pre-med and medical students, and licensed healthcare professionals to gain exposure to what it is like to care for patients in developing countries.

Limited financial resources and insufficient staff, coupled with cultural perceptions allow project participants a unique opportunity to witness the effect these factors can have on an already challenged healthcare system and service delivery.

Areas of concentration include: emergency services, general medicine, maternal health, pediatrics, and public health.

Depending on skills and experience, volunteers may be assigned the following responsibilities:

* Assisting with the day-to- day management and operations of health care center;
* Conducting patient intake e.g. height, weight, blood pressure etc;
* Observing and assisting doctors and nurses; and
* Providing assistance with checkups and/or helping in the nursery.

More substantive responsibilities may be assigned by the project director at his or her discretion based on his or her assessment of each individual's knowledge, skill level, and demonstrated initiative.

Highlights

Authentic cultural immersion experience as participants reside with local host families in addition to having daily interaction with locals in the community and at their project assignment.

Participants volunteering/interning in Quito and Puerto Lopez receive 2 hours of free Spanish Monday-Friday for the duration of their stay, up to 120 hours.

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age. While it is not required, basic Spanish is recommended as it will increase the opportunity for participants to become more immersed in their assignment.

Healthcare/Medicine participants should be third year pre-med, medical students, or licensed and certified healthcare/medical professionals. Documentation of transcripts, resumes, licenses/certifications are required prior to in-country arrival.

Due to the nature of the healthcare/medical placements, participants responsibilities will vary according to their level of education and experience. Further, work responsibilities will be assigned at the project's director's discretion based on his or her observation of each individual's knowledge, skill level, and demonstrated initiative.

Intern Types

• Nursing
• Physical Therapy
• Psychology

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please visit our website for details

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Includes project set-up arrangements, three meals/day (except Sundays) airport pick-up, host family accommodations, laundry service, orientation, and 24/7 emergency in-country staff support. Spanish lessons are only available in Quito and Puerto Lopez. Participants will also receive information regarding their placement prior to their departure. Placement information, will include in-country contact information, alternative accommodations for delayed arrivals, currency exchange, phone and internet communication, laundry, etc.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

While participation is not limited to this demographic, the average age is 18-26. Participants that are flexible and open minded when it comes to cultural differences, ways of life, and work pace are those that tend to benefit most from their experience abroad, as do those that demonstrate initiative with regard to recommending and implementing changes to improve the project and to assist the staff.

Age Range

18 and over

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Transcript

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Year Founded

2008