Description

While considerable advances have been made concerning the treatment and awareness of HIV/AIDS, developing nations, like Ecuador, are just beginning to come to terms with this debilitating, life-threatening illness and its impact on the community and public resources. As of 1999, estimates indicated there were 20,000 people in Ecuador living with HIV/AIDS.

Prevailing wisdom says prevention is the key to stopping this deadly disease and its spread. For the community, that means increasing education and awareness about safe lifestyle choices and practices. For those already infected, it is a matter of accessing proper, affordable health-care and dealing with the shameful social stigma and other psychological effects of the disease as a positive HIV/AIDS diagnosis is often met with isolation and depression.

AMPED's HIV/AIDS project takes a holistic approach and confronts all the issues surrounding the virus and disease. Depending on their knowledge and skills, volunteers may contribute in the following ways:

- Developing public health education/prevention programs and awareness campaigns;
Assisting with medical and psychological treatment and the administering ant-retroviral therapy;
- Providing counseling and support to those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families; and
- Comforting hospice and other HIV/AIDS patients.

Highlights

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

Participants volunteering 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 a basic Spanish level is recommended as it will allow participants more opportunities to become immersed in their assignment.

Intern Types

• Counseling
• Marketing, Ad, PR
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Social Work

Languages

• Spanish

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