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Medicine & Public Health Internship in Ecuador
by: El Terreno
Dive into this hands-on, personalized internship and gain experience while helping low-income, indigenous communities live healthier lives through education and medical interventions. The challenge: Rural Guaranda faces numerous health challenges, including malnutrition (48%) caused by poor diet and contaminated drinking water, and a lack of knowledge increases issues, such as teenage pregnancy (26%). A small health center serves 17 communities and 5,300 people, mostly from more than an hour away on dirt roads. It also lacks various medicines needed to care for the population, as 40% suffer from poverty and cannot afford private treatment. The solution: The understaffed center is looking for help from those working or training to work in healthcare to meet the needs of these disadvantaged communities. You will support their services and visit remote communities so everyone can access free healthcare services and education. Work alongside professionals and develop your skills while making a meaningful difference in rural communities in the Ecuadorian Andes. Particular specialists requested: Pediatrician Gynecologist Geriatrician Physiotherapist Psychologist
Dive into this hands-on, personalized internship and gain experience while helping low-income, indigenous communities live healthier lives through education and medical interventions. The challenge: Rural Guaranda faces numerous health challenges, including malnutrition (48%) caused by poor diet and contaminated drinking water, and a lack of knowledge increases issues, such as teenage pregnancy (26%). A small health center serves 17 communities and 5,300 people, mostly from more than an hour away on dirt roads. It also lacks various medicines needed to care for the population, as 40% suffer from poverty and cannot afford private treatment. The solution: The understaffed center is looking for help from those working or training to work in healthcare to meet the needs of these disadvantaged communities. You will support their services and visit remote communities so everyone can access free healthcare services and education. Work alongside professionals and develop your skills while making a meaningful difference in rural communities in the Ecuadorian Andes. Particular specialists requested: Pediatrician Gynecologist Geriatrician Physiotherapist Psychologist
Program Highlights
Design and deliver a unique internship based on your career aspirations and local needs, supported by an experienced international team.
Advance your career, develop your skills, and improve your résumé through a hands-on project with 1:1 mentoring from a professional in the field.
Make a meaningful difference to low-income populations who lack the education, support, and resources to make the changes themselves.
Immerse yourself in another culture and experience a different way of life through family homestays, cultural activities, and life in a small rural community.
Set off on adventures and make once-in-a-lifetime memories with other interns or volunteers – climb mountains, hike through the jungle, and explore indigenous communities.
Quick Details
- Guaranda, Ecuador
- 5-8 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Alternative Spring Break
- Winter
- Dentistry
- Development
- Education
- Food Science & Nutrition
- Health Administration
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Psychology
- Sustainable Development
- Medicine
- All Nationalities
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Physio in Healtcenter
June 25, 2026by: Noah Attmanspacher - GermanyMy experience at El Terreno was truly recommendable. During my time there, I had the opportunity to participate in physiotherapy projects and work closely with the community, which allowed me to apply my knowledge while learning from the people around me. This experience gave me a better understanding of the importance of accessible healthcare, human connection, and community-based support. I appreciated the welcoming environment, the cultural exchange, and the opportunity to contribute through my field of study. It was a valuable experience both professionally and personally, and I would highly recommend El Terreno to anyone looking for a meaningful learning journey.
Inspiring
March 26, 2026by: Halle Wimette - United StatesMy overall review of this experience is 10/10. The things that were different, or frustrating I learned to accept as part of the experience, seeing it as another thing to overcome. I met amazing people, experienced a beautiful culture, and learned alot about maternal health in indigenous communities. The personal and professional development I underwent will show up in other settings, and will help me adapt, accept, and communicate better- and push myself further.
In short, amazing experience, don't think twice!
August 19, 2023by: Arthur van der Schot - NetherlandsThe internship here in Atandahua was amazing. I got to learn and improve my medical skills as a 4th year student and was immersed in a very different setting. The rural indigenous population has a very different relationship with healthcare which was very enriching and eye-opening. Next to the medical part, I got to learn a lot from the other volunteers in construction work and agriculture and could lend a hand in the afternoon, which made me feel super integrated to the group very fast. I also improved my Spanish a lot and got to share the culture with locals firsthand in my host family. In the weekends you can go roaming around in Ecuador sightseeing and visiting places, both nature and cities. Ecuador is a very rich and diverse country with 4 major biomes so there is plenty to see!
Amazing!!
March 08, 2023by: julia spiegel - United StatesI have nothing negative to say about my experience at El Terreno. The medicine and public health internship allowed me to get a close up look at how a healthcare system runs in rural Ecuador and I was able to make meaningful connections with the community members we served
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Guaranda, Ecuador
Types and Subjects
- Fields
- Dentistry
- Development
- Education
- Food Science & Nutrition
- Health Administration
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Psychology
- Sustainable Development
- Causes
- Medicine
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 5-8 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Alternative Spring Break
- Winter
- Summer
- Winter
- Short Term
- Spring
- 1-3 Months
- 3-6 Months
- Fall
Age Requirement
18+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Some Program Activity Costs
- Wifi Costs
- Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
- Group Meals
- Some Equipment
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- In-Country Orientation
- Training
- Academic Advising
- Academic Credit
- Letter of Recommendation
- Certificate of Completion
- Emergency Support
- Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
- Internship Placement
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Home-stays
Qualifications & Experience
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Online Application
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does this internship program cost?
The Medicine & Public Health internship costs $250 per week.
What is the duration of the Medicine & Public Health Internship?
The Medicine & Public Health internship lasts a minimum of 4 weeks.
Where will the Internship take place?
The Medicine & Public Health Internship will be based in Atandahua, Guaranda, Ecuador.
Who can apply for the internship?
Open to both interns and volunteers, the Medicine & Public Health placement is welcomes university students, recent graduates, and professionals from around the world.
What are the application requirements?
To enroll in the internship, applicants must:
• be passionate about sustainable development
• show cultural sensitivity
• possess teamwork, adaptability, strong communication, and problem-solving skills
• have physical resilience and the willingness to learn
• practice personal hygiene
A related academic background is beneficial but not mandatory. A Spanish B1 level is preferred.
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