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Global Health in Quito, Ecuador

by: Child Family Health International

9.4 (5)Verified

Experience the rich culture and history of Ecuador's vibrant capital city while learning about the healthcare challenges facing the region. One of Child Family Health International's longest-running programs, the Andean Health program offers a comprehensive learning experience that encompasses both unique cultural opportunities and the chance to work at a variety of clinical sites. This program...

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Program Highlights

Experience firsthand the state of healthcare in Quito through clinical rotations.

Take on exciting and interesting rotations, with the range of clinical sites available—from general primary care to specialized clinics.

Join medical and conversational Spanish classes at a local language school.

Continue your cultural education outside the classroom through homestay experience and interaction with medical staff during clinical rotations.

Enjoy sightseeing opportunities in the evenings and eye-opening weekend trips, visiting museums, historical sites, and other attractions around the lively city of Quito.

Quick Details

Locations
  • Quito, Ecuador
Availability
Year(s) OfferedYear RoundDuration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
Cost Per Week$900-1250
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects:
  • Health
  • Health Care
  • Health Education
  • Hospital
  • Medicine
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • American
  • Asian
  • Australian
  • Canadian
  • European
See all program details

Awards

GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Intern Abroad ProgramGreatNonprofits 2022 Top-Rated AwardInnovative New Program – Intern Abroad Finalist 2022Top Rated Organization 2021 - Internships AbroadGreat Nonprofits 2021 Top-Rated List

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.4

Total Reviews

5

Wonderful Opportunity for Health Students!

by: Destiny Daniel - United StatesProgram: Global Health in Quito, Ecuador
7

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.

Clinics 7:30-12 and Spanish Class 2-4 pm

Global Health in Quito, Ecuador. Highly recommend!

by: Trevor Hoffman - United StatesProgram: Global Health in Quito, Ecuador
10

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!

Una experiencia de la vida!

by: Gloria Essien - United StatesProgram: Global Health in Quito, Ecuador
10

My internship experience with CFHI was one that has found a permanent home in my heart. I have nothing to share but endless praises! From weeks before my departure until the moment I landed back home, my experience with the program and staff left me feeling safe and prepared for the entire duration of my journey. Pre-departure, the staff remained kind, accommodating, and responsive. I had the pleasure of corresponding with Madelene for most of my pre-departure experience, and she was so kind and responsive! Even to the point of helping me navigate scholarship options (and I am grateful to call myself a recipient of the CFHI AMSA Scholarship, which helped me fund this experience). My stay was very smooth: transportation was well-organized, regarding a secure pick-up to and from the airport as well as safe transportation to and from our clinical sites. My homestay experience was a blessing, and was incredibly immersive. Mama María (my host mom) only spoke Spanish, which added so much to my growth during my stay. She was loving and accommodating, and I felt that I found a real temporary home while I was there. My experience with my clinical rotations was unforgettable. I indicated interest in OB/GYN, Family Medicine, and Traditional Medicine, and was able to experience each of those so beautifully. With OB, I was able to learn from not only my preceptor, but also from the nurses, anesthesiologists, and other medical students on his team. I spent a lot of time in the operation room (my first time in an OR ever!), and was able to observe hysterectomies, laparoscopic surgeries, births, and so much more! With Family Medicine, because I am a medical student I was able to practice taking vitals (which the doctor triaged beforehand), listen to lung and heart sounds, and witness how Ecuadorian physicians apply different skills that I have been gently exposed to through my clinical studies. My preceptor was patient, and such an excellent teacher. My traditional medicine rotation was life-changing. I accompanied a doctor to home visits, and observed curanderas and parteras as they conducted limpiezas con huevos and other treatments with pregnant patients. It was beautiful to see how integrated and respected traditional medicine is within the Ecuadorian healthcare system. The learning curve with my conversational and medical Spanish during my rotations was very steep, and I was both impressed and humbled to see how much my listening and comprehension improved over the course of the four weeks. My Spanish classes with LatinoSchools were a good balance of pushing us out of our comfort zone to speak and practice, while maintaining an atmosphere comfortable enough for us to want to challenge ourselves. Sra. Antonella will always have a place in my heart! Te amo mucho! The weekends were ours to enjoy, so I had the opportunity to explore so much more than I anticipated throughout Ecuador. I hiked volcanos, visited waterfalls and thermal baths, went tubing and ziplining in the rainforest – the school helped us navigate how to book our transportation and adventures securely. I am still in awe! Everything about my CFHI experience in Ecuador was such a beautiful teacher. I will carry so much of this with me as a medical student and aspiring physician. I am eternally grateful for the experience, and for the scholarship that allowed me the opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, CFHI!

Gloria Essien video

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Quito, Ecuador

Types and Subjects

  • Fields
  • Health Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Nursing

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
Intern Duration:

    Age Requirement

    Age Requirement Varies

    Guidelines

    • American
    • Asian
    • Australian
    • Canadian

    Cost per week

    $900-1250

    Program Cost Includes

    • Tuition & Fees
    • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
    • Some Program Activity Costs
    • Travel Insurance

    Accommodation Options

    • Home-stays

    Qualifications & Experience

      Language Skills Required

    • Spanish

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application

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