Global Health in Quito, Ecuador

As an incoming medical student, I applied to CFHI because of its commitment to ethical, community-based global health experiences—and I can honestly say the month I spent in Quito exceeded every expectation. From day one, CFHI set the tone for a supportive, meaningful experience. The team connected us with a CFHI alum even before we arrived, who graciously met with us over Zoom and offered her number for any questions we might have. It created a sense of comfort and camaraderie early on, laying the foundation for friendships I now can’t imagine my experience without. Our clinical rotations offered a dynamic mix of settings: public hospitals, private hospitals, community clinics, and even a space where we could observe traditional Ecuadorian healing practices. We rotated through various departments, such as family medicine, OBGYN, internal medicine, pediatrics, and general surgery, with some flexibility to tailor the experience based on our interests. Each day offered something new, and I learned not just by observing medicine, but by witnessing how care is shaped by culture, tradition, and resourcefulness. The local CFHI team was outstanding: true educators and even better human beings. They led thoughtful orientations, checked in regularly, and eagerly organized weekend trips to help us explore more of Ecuador. When I fell sick, they personally reached out to make sure I had everything I might need. I was pushed out of my comfort zone more than once, yet I never felt alone. I knew I had a team, both local and international, looking out for me every step of the way. One of the most grounding parts of my experience was my host family. My host mother welcomed not only me but also three other students into her home. Every evening, after a full day at the hospital or clinic, I came home to the comfort of a warm, traditional Ecuadorian meal, shared laughter, and a sense of belonging that made Quito feel like a second home. I am deeply grateful to have received a scholarship from CFHI. This gift allowed me, and other recipients, to say yes to something that would’ve otherwise been out of reach. I carried that gratitude with me every day I was in Quito, and I will continue to let that sense of gratitude shape the way I hope to serve others. Thank you to CFHI, the local team, my host family, and everyone who played a role in this journey. Importantly, I want to thank the patients, families, and community members who welcomed me into their homeland and lives. It was an incredible privilege to learn from each and every one of their stories. I have left Ecuador with a fuller heart, new friends, and a deeper sense of the kind of physician—and person—I want to become.

My experience with the global health program in Quito, Ecuador, was wonderful. Exploring maternal health and gender disparities in a foreign country was both challenging and rewarding. The program provided me with the unique opportunity to observe numerous births and C-sections, which significantly deepened my understanding of clinical practices and public health in a different cultural context. One of the highlights was the chance to explore these critical issues independently while having a small, supportive team to lean on (asking my homestay, cfhi team, and spanish teacher questions). This balance allowed me to gain valuable insights into the local health landscape while also feeling supported in my journey. My Spanish improved tremendously throughout the program (from knowing just a few greetings to knowing how to function alone in a market), which enhanced my ability to connect with patients and local healthcare professionals. However, there were a few challenges. The weekend excursions werent built into the program and time was limited, also leaving little time for personal exploration during the week due to clinic and spanish class. Additionally, while the CFHI team did an excellent job vetting the homestay, my actual living situation was somewhat chaotic (randomly chaotic though it isn't common in CFHI), and the unreliable WiFi made it difficult to stay connected. Despite these challenges, I am incredibly thankful for the experience. For anyone seeking serious clinical experience in a supportive and affordable setting, I highly recommend the CFHI program. It offers an invaluable opportunity for hands-on learning at a better price point than many other study abroad programs.

I’m a fourth-year medical student who participated in the Global Health in Quito, Ecuador program through CFHI. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in learning more about the unique Ecuadorian healthcare system, practicing Spanish with host families, patients, and other healthcare workers, and exploring Quito, surrounding cities, and the Galapagos! I spent three weeks in Quito and 1 week in Otavalo at many different clinical sites including OBGYN clinic and wards, the OR, the pediatric ED, and primary care clinics. I spent many hours practicing speaking with Spanish and building my physical exam skills. I was able to really explore what makes the Ecuadorian healthcare system so unique and get an understanding of how it operates. Throughout my month, I participated in many home visits for patients that couldn’t make it to the clinic, which allowed me to see more of the country and the people of Ecuador. My host family was amazing. They made me feel very welcomed and treated me as a part of their family. We only spoke in Spanish so that I could be fully immersed and continue to improve my Spanish. They made sure I had everything I needed and gave me wonderful advice on fun things to do in the city and surrounding areas on my free afternoons and weekends. My daily Spanish classes were very helpful and focused on getting a solid foundation in medical Spanish to make my time in clinic easier. The afternoon excursions through the school allowed me even more time to learn about Ecuadorian history and culture and practice Spanish in a real-life setting. After my program ended, I went to the Galapagos Islands where I saw thousands of animals and saw firsthand many of the things I had learned as an undergraduate Biology major – including visiting museums focused on the discoveries of Charles Darwin!