Internships in Ecuador

Whenever I reminisce on my journey with Beyond Travels, my inner being lights up. I feel an overwhelming sense of warmth and gratitude. I spent several weeks in the Amazon as part of the Amazonian Indigenous Plant Medicine & Herbalism internship. From the moment I arrived, I felt safe, secure and genuinely cared for by the Beyond Travels team. Their knowledge, and thoughtful guidance sparked the confidence to fully immerse myself in the experience and embrace everything the Amazon had to offer. It was reassuring to have the team there to help translate and make sense of information along the way, as I would have felt quite lost trying to navigate alone. There was something almost ecstatic about being immersed in the aliveness of the Amazon. All of my senses were heightened. From the sound of thunder rolling through the rainforest with the torrential rain, to the incredible richness of lush green landscape, and the taste of forest foods: sweet cacao and guaba fruit, plantain, yuca, freshly caught wild fish, and much more. I often found myself thinking, Is this really my life right now!? One of the most impactful parts of my experience was staying with my host family — The team absolutely got the pairing right! I feel so honoured to have been welcomed into their home and community. They treated me as though I was a family member, showing me unconditional love and acceptance, despite the language barrier. Sharing in their everyday life deepened my connection to the jungle.. from hiking and working in their chakra (garden), to playing with the children in the river. The simpler rhythm of life, rooted me in presence. Spending time at Amupakin (midwifery health centre) with my host Mama, was incredibly special as I was surrounded by feminine energy, that felt truly nurturing. Taking part in ceremonies, limpias, and learning about their traditional medicine added another beautiful dimension to my experience, and opened my awareness to alternative ways of healing. I was particularly curious about Ayahuasca in which I was able to observe and participate in its preparation. It was mind expanding to learn about these traditions within their cultural context, and I was fascinated by how indigenous knowledge has been passed down through generations, and remains so woven into their everyday life. I was constantly confronted with the striking contrast to the ways we live in the West, and left me reflecting on just how disconnected we can sometimes be from the natural world and the knowledge held within it. I would recommend Beyond Travels over and over again. This was, without a doubt, one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It has left such a lasting impression on me that I feel called to return. See you soon, Amazon. Thank you Andy and your team for creating such a spectacular opportunity

I cannot recommend this internship highly enough. The host family I stayed with was so welcoming and really made me feel part of the family. Everyone in the community was so knowledgeable and open to teach me as much as possible, from local wildlife to the workings of their Chakras (permacultures). It really opened my eyes to new possibilities for sustainable agriculture, ethical tourism and safeguarding of biodiversity and local culture/knowledge. All the planned days were a lot of fun, from white water rafting to seeing an apiary with stingless bees and vanilla production. Tena is also one of the most special places I have been to, with great food, a fun nightlife, all while being in the Amazon rainforest, with Cafe Tortuga an amazing hub to get to know a vast array of amazing people. Really, this is an experience which is eye-opening, rewarding, and filled with unforgettable experiences.

The program I was enrolled in was unavailable to review on this platform, but I was more focused on learning amazonian arts from the Ecuadorian people. I learned a lot about how to derive materials from plants and the earth, including how to harvest and purify clay, how to make fibers from the pita leaf, and which plants or minerals could be used as natural pigments for dyeing or painting fabric, a painting surface, or skin. I also learned how to make many artesanias with the natural fibers, how to make glasses and bowls from various woods and fruits from the trees, and traditional pottery techniques. I also learned about the natural medicinal properties of many plants, and about more environmental topics. I painted a mural for my community's business and learned about the gastronomy of the area and how the farming influences it as well.

I spent eight unforgettable weeks living with the Yumbo family in the Sacha Waysa community near Cotundo, Ecuador. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms and gradually became part of the family. By the end of my stay, we also really became friends. The Yumbo family is part of the sacha waysa community, which is a community that works tirelessly to preserve its culture while sharing it with the world through ecotourism. During my time there, I focused on helping to attract more visitors interested in experiencing the kichua culture and daily life. I really enjoyed contributing to this project, it was meaningful to help support their efforts to sustain both their traditions and their livelihoods. Alongside this work, the Amazon Learning team organized weekly activities that allowed me and the other interns to explore different community-run projects. One of the most memorable experiences was visiting a group of midwives who assist women in giving natural births. They had an entire garden filled with medicinal plants, each with its own purpose and history. Learning about these plants and the traditional knowledge behind them was fascinating. Living and working with the Yumbo family gave me a rare opportunity to fully immerse myself in a different way of life. I gained a deep appreciation for their connection to nature, their strong sense of community, and their dedication to preserving their heritage. Being able to both learn from them and contribute where help was needed created the perfect balance between cultural immersion and meaningful participation.

When I first arrived in tena, I immediately felt so welcomed by Megan, and the 1-1 induction helped me settle in and get familiar with the town, going to the markets and finding my way around which was super helpful! I stayed with Clemente and Alena, who were both so welcoming, and I settled into daily life quickly, helping them in the house, working in their chakra and then working in the nearby town. Their house is in a really beautiful area, when I first arrived I thought that their back garden was the chakra as there were so many beautiful trees and plants around- waking up to the sound of nature was amazing! Whilst I did miss home occasionally over the 7 weeks, the weekly activities with other interns and 1-1s with Megan were great to just have someone to chat with- I also feel like without Megan I wouldn't have got the most out of my stay, knowing what new foods to try, and places to go in my free time was invaluable! Getting to eat soo many new fruits, and things like chontacuro was great, I might not have had the guts to do it without her!! Overall it was a great experience, that weekly activities were fun and I learnt a lot, the family and where I stayed was amazing and I really felt like I was integrating into their life- not just someone on holiday. The people, views and experiences are something I will never forget, I already want to go back <3

Staying with Patricio and Sylvia and being in the Amazon jungle truly changed me. It was a very healing experience and I learned so much about plant medicine and more about what I want to do in life. I left feeling connected to the forest, and very in tune with myself. They have a beautiful mirador where you can see rare birds which was amazing. They are very accommodating, and social! It really felt like a nice family. The program is structure itself is really nice just be prepared to walk a lot and stay hydrated. Megan was great and Andy truly made me feel safe and supported every step of the way. I definitely will be coming back!

During my internship, I worked in the clinic and on a shaman project. I loved working in the clinic. I loved Carmen and Cris — they made my experience. What I'm most proud of is having acclimated to a completely different culture. The most impactful part was my host family. Being the only white person in an entire community was difficult at first — from it I learned that integrating yourself in a new situation just takes time. I think I could have spent more time in the community during the weekends. Looking back, I developed my Spanish speaking abilities, and the idea of adaptability will definitely help me in my future endeavors. Beyond that, I became more culturally aware. I am grateful for all of the wonderful relationships I made while in Ecuador and all of the amazing people I met. I think I am more confident in my abilities and just more outgoing now in general.

I honestly wouldn't know what to improve — I had the best time and would 100% recommend it to others. During my internship, it started with the Ministry of the Environment, which began great. However, at a certain moment I realized that it didn't work out for me personally. Luckily, I was able to shift my focus to the chakra systems and Guayusa! Andy and Mirka were both lovely and super helpful. What I'm most proud of is deepening my understanding of nature and its global, border-transcending impact. The most impactful part was my host family. It was hard to hear of and see so much environmental destruction and social inequalities — it is one thing to learn about it at University, but to witness it can be very hard to process and deal with. So I'd say I learned how to cope with that and channel it into something useful. I think I could have tried to learn Kichwa better, but speaking Spanish for most days was already challenging. Looking back, I improved my Spanish and learned a ton about the complex realities that people face in the region — it also got me to think about ways to alleviate some of the issues, and I was able to practically use the skills I learned at University. If it works out, this program might have given me the inspiration to start my own business! Beyond that, it changed my life and made me affirm the life choices that I have made and the ones that I am about to make. I am immensely grateful for my host family's hospitality and kindness — they took me in and made me feel welcome and happy. I would recommend this to anyone, outside or inside of a university program, who is open to getting to know a culture and themselves on a deeper level.

During my internship, I conducted a study for the GIZ to determine social impacts and barriers for chakra farmers. I am very proud of my final product for the GIZ — getting to do the interviews and having such a hands-on role in the whole project was amazing! The most impactful part was all of the above. The home stay was challenging because I often didn't feel like my family was very welcoming or wanted a volunteer in their household. I think I did learn resiliency from this relationship, as well as gain a better understanding of the struggles my host family was going through. The relationships I made were still ultimately very meaningful to me. I wish that I had taken more advantage of opportunities available and been more assertive, because I do feel like I lost some time my first few weeks. Looking back, I feel more liberated to pursue what I truly want from life and I am also putting less pressure on myself to find a single path to success — there are so many ways to be successful! I believe the program helped me determine what's important to me in my future career, such as having work that I am passionate about but also a work environment that I enjoy. I feel more passionate about food justice and public health for the future. I gained more confidence in my day-to-day life. I'm super grateful for this experience, the connections and friendships I made, and the growth I experienced as a result of pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. I would recommend Amazon Learning to anyone who wants to participate in a unique program with true cultural immersion.

During my internship, I conducted masters research on female corporality and its relation to environment, talking with family, a variety of shamans, Amupakin mamas and more contacts. I also learned procedural skills and taught dance. My host family was absolutely incredible — I 1000000000% recommend them. Always felt safe, was well taken care of, learnt a lot, and lots of fun. Very responsible, incredible food. Timing is not always on the side of an academic who has a time limit — that can pose problems which usually wouldn't be a problem, and it's something I'd plan ahead for next time. The check-ins had good structure, though they could be timed better. What was most impactful was interacting with locals. What I learned from the challenge of timing in the Amazon is that it's not what they verbally say — plan ahead and keep open timing. Beyond that, I developed artesanias, cooking, plant knowledge, survival skills, natural world knowledge, and spiritual and energy level skills. I will carry this experience for my life, both as an academic enhancement and to show the ability to work in different contexts. I felt very comfortable and was inspired every day — I see myself coming back. There's lots of projects happening. It's a great way to get access, be safe, have information and a security net for personal work. I would recommend for students!

During my internship, I worked in the Red Cross lab, worked as an assistant to the paramedics, and worked with Sumak Kawsay Wasi with the physical therapists going out into communities to help the disabled people who cannot travel to Tena. The 1:1 check-ins were one of my favorite parts of the program — when I was having a hard time with something, the check-ins always made me feel better and gave me a better attitude for moving forward. I was living with the Andy Grefa family in Muyuna. Overall, I wouldn't have traded my host family for another experience because we got really close and they think of me as another daughter and I think of them as a family in Ecuador. I really liked how orientation was intimate and very informative — it made me think deep and I learned a lot before starting the actual internship. What I'm most proud of is using my communication skills to become part of the community and make friends here. I didn't come with a friend — I made all these connections on my own, and I'm proud of myself to think that wherever I go in the world, I can use these skills to integrate into the community. The most impactful part was all of the above. Being the first intern with my host family, I learned that communication is key — after really convincing myself that the only way to feel better was to communicate with them, things started to change for the better and I felt more at ease. During this experience I learned a lot about the importance of needs assessment and first studying a place and the people before trying to get involved — being more educated before diving into a project will only help eliminate obstacles and problems before they happen. My experience with Amazon Learning sparked an interest to work with communities in a healthcare capacity, and although I'm still unsure of how, it made me want to continue to travel and work in the healthcare field. I am grateful for the opportunity I was given to see a part of the world much different than what I have seen before and to have spent four months challenging myself and growing as a result of my efforts and the efforts of others. I learned what is important to me in life — experiences and getting to learn from others is more important to me than material things. I think Amazon Learning facilitates an experience that will change someone's perspective on life and will teach them something about themselves and about other people.

The training days, for me, were essential. It was my very first trip alone, so I really appreciated the orientation days in Tena. During my internship, I visited Viktor from Wayta Chocolate, Patricio Andy and his Casa Ingaru, the Ikiam University, Ali Mamallacta and his Chakra, and Amupakin and Pakarina's chakra. I also learned a lot about the cooperation between the University and Indigenous communities and families. Every project was incredibly interesting and unique in its own way — with everybody I learned something different and got another point of view on the things around us. The main project basically was the life at Clemente's and Elena's, where I learned something new every day. I just loved the place and like Clemente's family so much. They really inspired me and I learned more than a lot from them and their way of life. Hopefully I get the chance to visit them soon again. The check-ins were super exciting and a great opportunity to get to the city — they were the guarantee that everything was in order, and on top of that, they were super interesting. So thank you very much for that. What I'm most proud of is clearing a whole area in the Chakra with Clemente one day and producing a ton of wine to sell at the market in Archidona — it was a great day. In the beginning it was some of the foods they eat there, but I realised that almost everything was really good. You have to accept that the time in your family and community will change you as a person, and be ready for this as a process — this really is important for the best time you can have there. If you haven't changed at all, you should rather consider whether you've done everything right. I could have learned even more Spanish and Kichwa and worked a little harder. Next time I would also reduce the contact to Germany a lot more. Looking back, I developed Spanish, working in the field with a machete, cooking, talking to strangers, and many more small things. This experience is definitely going to be part of my bachelors exam — I am also more open to traditional knowledge and have perfected my methods for writing fieldnotes. The things I learned can be used at my home as well, and I also made the decision to come again, even though this was not my idea before I went to Tena and San Luis. I will certainly never forget this time — and I'm sure it won't be my last visit to the Amazon. So thank you very much for everything, and hopefully see you in the future.

During my internship, the main project was just living daily life, getting to know the culture and general way of practicing medicine! I also created a study abroad course for traditional medicine, put together an orientation for new volunteers at Amupakin, and created a Go Get Funding page for Amupakin. I appreciated the check-ins — I feel like they always came at the right time when I needed them the most to stay on track. What I learned most was to adapt to the culture and go with the flow! The most impactful part was all of the above. Having to wait around for buses all the time was a challenge, but I chose to use that lag time to practice reading out loud in Spanish from my book — this ended up being one of my most valuable Spanish-learning tools. Having more confidence that I could indeed do more than I thought is something I wish I had leaned into earlier. Looking back, I developed knowledge of traditional medicine, an understanding of global midwifery practices, the ability to maintain a conversation in Spanish, and an understanding of the dynamic of indigenous cultures and Westernization. I feel extremely benefited by my enhanced perspective of medical practices worldwide, along with the interplay of traditional forms of medicine and biomedicine. The experience definitely made me realize how much I love more traditional, organic forms of practicing medicine, and I don't think I fit into more stressful, systematic medical environments. The Amupakin mamas showed me how valuable and honorable it is to be a mother and raise a family — it was encouraging to see that role truly respected. I have learned a lot about balancing an activity-based mindset with a socially based mindset, and also understanding that as long as one maintains the proper focus, whatever work that needs to be completed will be completed. Tranquila. I'm just super grateful to Amazon Learning for helping me to fulfill my longstanding dream of immersion in another culture, learning indigenous medicine! Thank you for connecting me with the Kichwa people and giving me the chance to learn from people full of knowledge to share!

This program allowed me to grow as an ethical leader in my community, a leader who leads by example. My experiences at Coast General will forever shape my perspective on health care and scarce resources in healthcare settings. While in Kenya, I received constant support from the IMA staff. One specific example that stands out to me was when I was left in the lab by one of the CCC doctors. I called Hilda for support, and even though she was not working that day, she immediately sent Dr. Shaziim to support me. In the residences, the mentors would always be looking out for me, making sure I was healthy and happy as I completed the program. One specific moment in Internal Medicine that stood out to me was when I did rounds in the women's ward with Dr. Shaziim and the gastroenterologist. Dr. Shaziim incorporated my previous knowledge of HIV from the CCC into explanations to help me learn and build upon my knowledge. Thanks to their efforts to involve me in their diagnosis process, I now want to pursue gastroenterology.

When I boarded the plane to Kenya to begin my internship with International Medical Aid, I was filled with excitement, curiosity, and a desire to serve. I have long aspired to become a physician assistant, but I also wanted to ensure that this goal was driven by genuine passion rather than simple interest. I had always hoped to participate in global health efforts and provide care to populations with limited access to healthcare. I wanted to understand patient care outside the modern diagnostic tools, fast-paced hospital systems, and technological resources that shape much of medicine in the United States. During my time at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa, I discovered far more than I anticipated: a deeper understanding of healthcare disparities, a profound respect for resilience and community, and a renewed commitment to pursue my career with purpose. When I landed in Mombasa, I felt a mix of familiarity and astonishment. Palm trees swayed over busy streets, and the air carried a warmth that extended beyond the weather. Cars moved in a chaotic harmony, with drivers honking and weaving through traffic while somehow avoiding collisions. Tuk-tuks sped between cars and motorcycles, while pedestrians crossed roads amid the flow of traffic. Vendors lined the roadside selling everything from fresh fruit to clothing, their voices full of energy and persistence. As a Somali born and raised in the United States, these sights felt both foreign and strangely comforting. They reminded me of the stories my family shared about home, full of movement, community, and constant hustle. For the first time, I felt connected to a place I had never lived, yet somehow carried within me. The warmth I received from the IMA staff, doctors, nurses, and local community helped me transition from feeling like an outsider to feeling accepted. Coming from the United States, I have grown up in a healthcare system that, despite its high cost, is equipped with advanced technology and support systems for many patients through insurance programs and government assistance. In the United States, individuals facing financial barriers often still have access to emergency care, routine screenings, and early diagnosis. In Kenya, I learned that healthcare accessibility is shaped not only by cost, but also by location, transportation, and the uneven distribution of medical resources. Many patients travel long distances to reach facilities like Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, a public hospital that serves a large population with limited supplies and staffing. Unlike private hospitals, public hospitals operate with restricted funding, yet they remain the primary option for most families. Witnessing doctors and nurses provide care despite shortages in equipment, staff, and funding reshaped my understanding of healthcare. I realized that medical systems are defined not only by their resources, but also by the resilience of the people working within them and the accessibility they provide to those who need care most. My first week was spent shadowing in the pediatric ward at Coast General. There, I learned that caring for a child involves far more than treatment and diagnosis. A child’s well-being is also deeply influenced by the social, political, and economic circumstances surrounding them. The ward was filled with young patients, each with conditions shaped by a different combination of medical and social determinants. Many children were battling illnesses such as malaria, pneumonia, and tuberculosis, conditions that are often preventable or treatable when identified early. However, because of delayed diagnosis and limited access to healthcare, relatively manageable illnesses often developed into serious complications. It became clear that a child’s health in Kenya is influenced not only by biology, but also by access, opportunity, and affordability. One of the most valuable lessons I took away was observing how healthcare providers approached diagnosis through close observation, critical thinking, and thorough physical examination. Dr. Ken, whom I shadowed throughout the week, emphasized that medicine begins with asking the right questions, listening carefully to caregivers, and using physical examination as a primary diagnostic tool rather than relying immediately on testing. For example, a nine-month-old baby who was struggling to breathe needed to be evaluated for either pneumonia or asthma. The physician assistant used chest auscultation, history-taking, and observation to guide treatment. This demonstrated a high level of clinical judgment and confidence. It showed me that good medicine does not always require advanced technology, but it always requires close attention. Another case that deepened my understanding of pediatric care involved a twelve-year-old child suspected of having leukemia with a critically low platelet count of 7. A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter. The providers were not yet certain whether the child had cancer, and additional testing was needed before a definitive treatment plan could be made. In the meantime, the child was closely monitored and treated as necessary, highlighting how medical teams must make critical decisions even when full information is not immediately available. Witnessing this balance of caution, urgency, and hope was both shocking and eye-opening. I realized how fragile a child’s health can be, and how every clinical decision carries immense weight. The patient who affected me most was a child admitted with aspiration pneumonia, a bacterial lung infection caused by inhaling substances other than air, such as vomit, saliva, or liquids. His bones were fragile, his legs were extremely thin, and swallowing placed him at constant risk of aspiration. The recommended treatment was a PEG tube to provide nutrition, but the procedure had been delayed because of his mother’s financial hardship. It was heartbreaking to watch her sit beside him each day waiting for a solution. Another intern and I spoke with her, and with her permission, we organized a GoFundMe fundraiser. Within a few days, we raised enough money to cover the PEG tube and his hospital bills. For the first time, I truly understood the role of advocacy in patient care. This experience taught me that healing can depend not only on medical expertise, but also on community action and compassion. By the end of the week, I saw pediatrics differently. It was not just a place where children received treatment, but a setting that reflected larger public health challenges such as malnutrition, sanitation, infectious disease, and socioeconomic inequality. I learned that healthcare professionals in Kenya practice medicine with deep dedication, knowledge, and resourcefulness. Their work reinforced my belief that becoming a physician assistant means not only treating illness, but also understanding the realities that shape health. Pediatric care reminded me that every child is more than a diagnosis; each is a life shaped by family, environment, and access to opportunity. My second week was spent in the maternity ward, where I witnessed joy, strength, and hardship. Unlike pediatrics, where children often arrived after days or weeks of illness, maternity care centered on the very beginning of life. Most of the births I observed were cesarean sections, and seeing the surgery in person was very different from reading about it in a textbook. I was struck by how quickly and confidently the surgical team delivered each baby. What impressed me even more was the precision required afterward. While the actual delivery took only a few minutes, closing the uterus and carefully suturing the abdominal wall required patience, skill, and focus. Observing a C-section up close felt surreal. Witnessing a stillbirth was one of the most emotionally difficult experiences I had during my time at Coast General. I had read about fetal mortality rates and the impact of inadequate prenatal care and delayed access to hospitals, but no statistic could capture the silence in the room or the quiet empathy of the nurses, who understood exactly how to offer comfort without words. In that moment, I realized that healthcare providers must possess not only medical knowledge, but also emotional strength. The ability to support patients and families in their worst moments is just as important as providing skilled care during successful ones. As a future physician assistant, I will need to approach moments of loss with the same clarity, compassion, and devotion I bring to moments of healing. This experience taught me that clinical success does not always mean a positive outcome, but compassion is always part of the responsibility. My time in maternity showed me that medicine is not only about welcoming new life, but also about honoring lives that do not begin as hoped. One of the clearest takeaways from my internship was the contrast between healthcare delivery in Kenya and in the United States. In Kenya, medical care is often provided with limited resources and equipment that would be considered standard elsewhere. Yet the system compensates for these limitations through resilience, teamwork, and creativity. Doctors and nurses consistently made the most of what they had. For example, I observed nurses using part of a surgical glove as a tourniquet when drawing blood. These realities reflect a broader systemic difference in healthcare spending and infrastructure. Recognizing that disparity helped me understand why the two systems function under such different conditions. My internship with International Medical Aid changed how I see healthcare, the world, and myself. I learned that medicine involves far more than treatment plans and clinical skills. It also requires advocacy, cultural humility, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. I encountered illnesses that are uncommon in the United States but prevalent in Kenya. More importantly, Kenya will remain part of my story, not simply as a place I visited, but as the place that reshaped my understanding of medicine, taught me the power of empathy and resilience, and showed me what it truly means to care for others.

During my internship, I worked in a health clinic assisting staff, mostly nurses, as well as doing medical brigades and vaccination campaigns — really good experience and I would recommend it to anyone else who is pursuing a health career. The communication was very open and I knew I could ask for help whenever I needed it. I was impressed with how nice of a house I was placed in. What I'm most proud of is being able to handle prepping patients by myself on one of the busiest days. The most impactful part was all of the above. Learning Spanish taught me not to be afraid of making mistakes and giving it my all. Looking back, I wish I had spent more time with my family. Beyond that, I gained confidence in all aspects of my life that will help me to pursue my career more head strong. This experience also helped me realize what values I hold and how much they really mean to me — these values will help guide me through my next chapter in my life. This is the first time I've truly felt confident and proud of myself and it has made me less afraid of the future. I'm just so thankful for all the inspiring people I met throughout this experience.

During my internship, my main project was teaching English in 5 de Octubre — three hour-long classes twice a week for about six weeks. In my community, I spent a lot of time taking care of the big vegetable garden, and I also helped out with the tourism business in my community, whether that was cooking, translating, or helping them with money stuff. I really liked the 1:1s I had with Mika — I always left our conversations feeling good about what I had done and inspired for the future. Once we started, I could see a change in the way I approached my internship — with more focus, purpose, and confidence! I loved every single minute I spent in 9 de Junio and would not have changed anything about my time there. The people are so kind and friendly and welcoming. What I'm most proud of is the relationships that I built with everyone in my community — it was one of my goals to get to know everyone in 9 de Junio and I feel like I both met and exceeded that goal. I was proud of how openly I trusted and shared about myself in order to build trust, and then how people reciprocated that by telling me about their lives, inviting me to come live with them or go visit their family. When I left, I truly felt like I was leaving a second family. The most impactful part was my host family. While living with a host family, I found the lack of personal space challenging at times — I learned to keep my things very tidy and to take intentional time out of my day or week to be by myself to recharge and then return home at my best energy. I was really proud of how my Spanish improved, and I also think I practiced and learned a lot about self-accountability and taking initiative. From my experience in my Kichwa community, I learned a lot of spiritual practices about the earth, the jungle and our world that I want to take with me into my personal life. I am most grateful for having gotten to know my community — I am so grateful for the way they opened their homes and their arms to me, and for all the laughter and fun times we shared, but also for the way they opened up to me about their lives and their challenges. I had a lot of personal transformations about the way I view the world and my place and responsibility in it. I think this is a super program, especially for gap year students — it was the perfect combination between support and freedom, and I think the freedom also pushed me to grow more than I would have in a structured program, all while knowing that if I ever needed anything, you both were right there to help me.

During my internship, I did translation of documents, marketing, and web design. When I did check in with Mika they were always awesome — I didn't do it near enough as I was so busy, but it was great to get reconnected when I did. I loved my family and am still in contact with them to this day. What I'm most proud of is being grateful to have helped Winak with their website and Guayusa manual. The most impactful part was my host family. The drunk community members were really difficult at first, but I learned so much about how to handle it and remain safe. Looking back, I developed Spanish and critical thinking skills. I am now thinking of how to create a business to employ Kichwa women for an artisan social enterprise of my own. Beyond that, it literally changed how I live, what I eat, how I think. I am so grateful for my host family that supported me and cared for me so well. I developed a love for Spanish, indigenous people, and social enterprise. I would recommend anyone to Amazon Learning in a heartbeat. Love Ecuador and can not wait to come back.

During my internship, I worked with women's health, pre/postnatals, birth attendance, working in the chacra, and community visits. The rhythm, the connection, the care was so loving and welcoming with open arms — I loved it so much. The weekend activities, Amupakin, the culture, the connections — all of it felt so tailored to me and I am so grateful. Megan was awesome — attentive, available, reliable with responses and check-ins. What I'm most proud of is that I gave myself to the people, the land, the experiences. Part of my intention for coming was to give back to those holding and sharing knowledge and be in service — I now see it as the attunement, attention, excitement to learn and fall in love with their visions, gifts and culture, along with creating meaningful connections without words or conversation requiring other ways. Physical discomfort — the heat, the bug bites, not feeling 100% great all the time — was the challenge. I learned to surrender to it and allow it to exist alongside everything instead of becoming a focal point. I learned Spanish before coming — that's what I could have done better! Looking back, I deepened my trust in plant medicine and in my own intuition. Not speaking the language offered a very cool opportunity to learn a different way outside the mind — I found a pathway of observation, intuition, and employing other less-used senses, and allowed answers to find me. These skills may be more important in this type of work. This experience anchored things for me — my love and service to plants and women. It brought to life things I have learned and been taught through theory and has inspired more expression from a place of deeper relationship with birth, plants, the land, and the teachers. It helped me define a clearer sense of my gifts, passions, and what is just creating distractions. Beyond that, I now have an embodied sense and knowing of matriarchal and women-led community — and this experience developed a stronger sense of self-trust and confidence. The relationships that have been developed, nurtured, and cared for — that allow for such an expansive and rich experience — are what I am most grateful for. And sooooo grateful to have been able to go to Momma Adela's home to hug her goodbye. It would have felt incomplete without that. Life changing if one lets it.

During my internship, I worked on a nutrition plan with Nick — we were putting together a packet on information about fruits from the Amazon. Stephanie is the reason I survived. She is strong and kind and empathetic and always willing to listen and help in any way she can. What I'm most proud of is going out of my comfort zone. Communicating was a challenge, and I learned that if you're nice and you try, most people respond well. I wish I had studied more Spanish. Looking back, I developed Spanish and patience. The experience and patience I gained will help me in leadership roles and in the medical field in the future. Beyond that, it showed me a lot of things that I don't want to do with my future, which is helpful. I am grateful for all the other interns who made the experience so amazing. I would recommend it — just make sure people know that things change so rapidly that you don't really know what you're going to get.