Medicine & Public Health Internship in Ecuador

My 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.

My 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.

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The 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!

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I 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