Description

Medical services in Ecuador are limited and don't always reach the entire population. One of the reasons is the incredibly low numbers of medical professionals in the country; in rural areas it is estimated that two doctors for every 1000 habitats work in medical centers and hospitals, the others are resident doctors and interns. Become a Red Cross volunteer through GeoVisions in Ecuador and work toward the improvement of the lives of local community members. Approximately 30% of the population does not have access to the public heath service, and private service is not affordable for them.

Institutions such as the Ecuadorian Red Cross work to give better health assistance to the Ecuadorian population. It offers health care service in different areas throughout the country. The Ecuadorian Red Cross also developed a mobile and dental clinic program in Quito with the purpose of giving proper health assistance to schools in rural communities. (Closed during summer vacations: June, July and August). Volunteers can assist local doctors during their visits to the communities twice or three times a week according to the needs of the communities. Participants can choose to volunteer with the medical center, the mobile clinic, or experience both.

Volunteer role:

The volunteers are expected to perform basic medical procedures at the beginning:
* Assisting with first aid procedures such as treating wounds and doing tests
* Helping with basic tasks in the emergency room
* Assisting in the laboratory
* Working in the pharmacy
* Doing simple administrative work
* Assisting with physical therapy
* Assisting with small surgeries
* Assisting in the blood testing laboratory
* Working in the rehabilitation clinic

Highlights

* Personalized Volunteer placement in Ecuador, based on your skills and interests, including all the coordination, in-person visits and communication necessary with the local organization.
* Orientation including a walking tour of Quito
* A comfortable, safe place to live in Quito area, the basic amenities, all of your meals except lunch, and transportation from the airport to your homestay.
* An experienced U.S. based GeoVisions Program Manager (and former volunteer with GeoVisions) who will serve as your coordinator and liaison with our in-country staff in Ecuador.
* In-country basic language assistance and (optional) language classes.
* Professional, locally-based staff to provide orientation, supervision and guidance throughout your stay.
* Extensive medical, accident and dental insurance along with emergency evacuation insurance, applicable to GeoVisions' participants worldwide.
* Important documents, including in-depth pre-departure packs, orientation information, and all in-country informational materials.
* Country-based airport transportation.
* A toll-free 24-hour emergency hotline in the U.S.
* Two-months membership at Pongo Resume to help volunteers get their experience recorded on their resume.
* The President's Volunteer Service Award including a lapel pen, signed letter from President Barack Obama and a certificate.

Qualifications

Volunteers should have some medical experience. (Nursing and medical students are welcome.) Knowledge of Spanish is needed.

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Please see website for current prices.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

GeoVisions programs include accommodation, most meals, airport pick-up, project training, in-country support, extensive medical and accident insurance, extensive pre-departure information and onsite project orientation.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Community Health
• Medicine
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

All volunteers must be 18 years old or older. Volunteers need to have a desire to learn about another culture and teach about theirs. All interested participants must complete a GeoVisions application.

Age Range

18 above

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

GeoVisions's Mission Statement

GeoVisions is committed to help individuals develop global skills to succeed in the twenty-first century. These skills will ultimately lead to greater cooperation and understanding among nations and peoples of the world. We are committed to treating every person on a GeoVisions program with respect, and devoting our energies to helping participants meet their individual and collective goals.

Year Founded

2001