What inspired you to travel abroad?
I have always had the desire to learn about cultures that are different from mine. I think that we can learn more about ourselves by being immersed in a completely different lifestyle. Also, as a fourth year medical student, I have seen diverse patient populations and understand the importance of cultural sensitivity in the patient-physician relationship. I wanted to do a medical rotation abroad for all these reasons!
Exploring a park near the language school
Why did you choose Child Family Health International?
I wanted to learn about reproductive medicine in a different culture. I was curious about access to healthcare, reproductive health resources, and how women are guided through pregnancy in a different country. CFHI had the perfect program where I could learn these things but also improve my Spanish at the same time.
What was your favorite part about Quito, Ecuador?
Quito is an amazing city with so much to do. I think one of my favorite parts was how welcoming all the people were. Even when asking for directions or going to a restaurant, everyone was so friendly.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The ability to work in a women's hospital and see patients with really great physician teachers. I was so appreciative of how welcoming the physicians were and how much they enjoyed teaching and having us foreign students be involved.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
They were great! I never felt like I didn't know where to be or who to turn to, and all the staff were very accessible.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I would have studied just a little more Spanish prior to arriving. While the Spanish classes were catered to your specific level, I think I could have learned more if I have prepared and reviewed some vocab in advance.
Learning about different birthing methods for vertical births
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I would wake up and eat breakfast with my host mom. Then I would get on the bus to go to the hospital, and spend the morning there. After that, I would head to lunch at a nearby restaurant and meet up with other students. Then, we would have Spanish class from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Between 4:00-7:00 p.m. (when I had dinner with my host mom) I would explore the city, go for a walk, or just relax. After dinner we occasionally went to salsa clubs, to breweries, or out for dessert. But other nights we stayed in and relaxed!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I really enjoyed exploring Quito and the surrounding cities. There is lots of hiking, breweries, restaurants, and museums to explore.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed with a host mom in her two bedroom apartment. It was great! Right across from the school and she was so welcoming.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
It can be really tiring to have to think and talk in Spanish all of the sudden. You're going to be really tired the first few days but after that it gets easier!
Would you recommend Child Family Health International to others? Why?
Yes, absolutely! It is a great combination of seeing healthcare in a different culture and country, and you have the opportunity to learn Spanish as well. That's a great combination!
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Learning about yourself through connecting with people from completely different parts of the world.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I feel prepared to communicate with my patients in Spanish if I need to! This is something that will be so valuable, especially as I start residency later this year.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means sustainable global health. It means not practicing outside your comfort zone just because you are in a different country. It means giving to the relationships that you are building, but not suppressing another person's culture. It means being open and flexible to experiences.
