Intensive Beginner Spanish & Global Health in Ecuador

In addition to global health exposure, my experience in Ecuador also involved a Spanish language component with Latino Schools, which offers one of the most effective ways to learn Spanish through a combination of classroom instruction and full cultural immersion. The teachers made the classroom experience enjoyable through fun and interactive activities. Students are placed with welcoming host families who invite them into their homes and make them feel like part of the family while encouraging them to practice speaking Spanish in everyday situations. By the end of the program, I was able to understand much more Spanish than before, and I plan to continue practicing with my friends and utilize my new language skills. Thank you, CFHI and Latino schools

Choosing to participate the CFHI global health program was one of the best decisions I made. Shadowing physicians in Ecuador gave me a deeper appreciation for their universal healthcare system, which utilizes three different models to deliver healthcare to its citizens. Seeing these intertwined systems helped me appreciate the strengths and challenges of each model and their role in creating accessible and sustainable healthcare for all communities. I learned from dedicated preceptors who emphasized compassion, patient education, and, in my case, great mentorship. They made sure to communicate effectively despite the language barrier and to explain their thought processes during patient encounters. I am grateful for CFHI, and I hope to collaborate with you all again in the future.

Visiting Quito changed me in ways I did not expect. As a new Spanish speaker, I experienced immense kindness, patience, and generosity from those around me as I navigated a new language and culture. Being in that vulnerable position helped me better understand what it feels like to acclimate to a foreign society and rely on the compassion of others. Through this experience, I truly learned what it means to let the world change you. The hospitality and grace I was shown opened my eyes to the importance of extending the same empathy and support to others who find themselves in unfamiliar environments. I am deeply grateful for the people who welcomed me so warmly, and I will carry those lessons with me and share that kindness with others for the rest of my life. Ecuador is a beautiful country and a paradise for nature lovers. During my visit, I had the incredible opportunity to hike my first active volcano. It was an unforgettable experience and just one example of the many adventures available for those who are open to trying new things. Ecuador offers endless opportunities to explore and step outside your comfort zone. Keep an open mind and you may discover something truly amazing. Thank you CFHI for this wonderful experience!

Videos

I participated in CHFI’s Intensive Beginner Spanish in Quito, Ecuador! I chose this location because I wanted exposure to South American culture and I also wanted to work on my Spanish. I went to Ghana during the summer between my first and second year of medical school and that trip was amazing. Studying abroad creates opportunities to challenge yourself on many levels and expand your world-view. I was truly blessed to have another opportunity to study aboard. The Ecuadorian landscape is truly amazing! Definitely beyond any of my expectations! In addition to Quito, we spent time in Otavalo, Mindo and Banos! The Spanish classes were helpful and I was able to use this Spanish while volunteering with the elementary school kids. The healthcare experience was also interesting. The attendings were eager to answer questions and discuss the local healthcare issues. Over all this trip was a great experience! I will be a family medicine resident in a couple months and I am grateful for the additional Spanish I learned and the opportunity to experience a culture different from my own. I've always been committed to helping underserved populations and expanding my worldview and through this program I was able to do both!

This April I went to Quito, Ecuador as part of CFHI's Intensive Spanish program. I had a lot of fun! I met some amazing people who I still keep in touch with and we had a great time. We have Spanish classes Monday through Thursday with Fridays usually free for weekend travel. You have the option to take a full week of all day Spanish classes your first week, which I definitely recommend if you speak very limited Spanish. My first 2 weeks I volunteered at a school for 3-5 year olds, which was super helpful to practice my Spanish. My second 2 weeks were spent shadowing in clinics. I spent one week in pediatrics and another week in a family medicine clinic. Both gave me opportunities to see how medicine is practiced in Ecuador. I wish my Spanish was a little stronger so that I could've understood more out of clinic. I definitely recommend studying before you come! The people in the program and I got to do a lot of weekend trips, which gave us a lot of opportunities to see other parts of Ecuador. I did give myself one weekend in Quito and my favorite part was our adventure out to Quito Zoo. While CFHI plans a lot of the touristy excursions around Quito that both show us the culture and let us practice our Spanish (which are a lot of fun!), some of my friends and I decided to spend one of our off weekends traveling to the zoo. While it took us 2 bus rides and a taxi to get there, it was a great way to practice our Spanish on our own in a familiar setting. We also got to see a lot of animals native to Ecuador, which was nice since trips to the Galapagos Islands are so expensive! All in all my experience in Ecuador was a lot of fun!