Volunteer Programs in Ambato, Ecuador

My experience in mental health support as a volunteer has been a transformative journey that has brought hope, healing, and positive change to individuals facing mental health challenges. Through my dedicated involvement in a volunteer program, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that compassionate support and advocacy can have on the lives of those struggling with mental health issues. As a volunteer, my focus was on providing emotional support, guidance, and a listening ear to individuals navigating their mental health journeys. I worked closely with mental health professionals and other volunteers to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals could express their thoughts, share their experiences, and receive the support they needed. Each interaction was an opportunity to offer empathy, understanding, and encouragement to those facing mental health challenges. I engaged in one-on-one conversations, support group sessions, and community outreach initiatives, all aimed at destigmatizing mental health, promoting self-care, and encouraging individuals to seek professional help when needed. The impact of my volunteer work extended far beyond the immediate moments of connection. Witnessing individuals find solace, experience breakthroughs, and regain a sense of hope and purpose was incredibly gratifying. Through consistent support, I observed individuals develop coping mechanisms, build resilience, and embark on their personal journeys towards healing and recovery. Moreover, my experience as a volunteer broadened my perspective on mental health. I deepened my understanding of different mental health conditions, their impact on individuals and communities, and the importance of holistic approaches to mental well-being. I actively sought out continuous learning opportunities, attended workshops, and engaged in discussions to enhance my knowledge and skills in mental health support. The cultural diversity within the volunteer program further enriched my experience. I had the opportunity to engage with individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. This diversity fostered a sense of inclusivity, allowing for the exchange of diverse perspectives and the discovery of common humanity. It reinforced the importance of cultural sensitivity and tailored approaches in mental health support. Now, I am passionate about spreading the word about the significance of mental health support and the power of volunteering in this field. By sharing my experiences, I aim to break down the barriers of stigma, raise awareness, and inspire others to become advocates for mental health. Together, we can create a society that prioritizes mental well-being, supports those in need, and fosters a compassionate and inclusive environment for everyone.

Working for a civil engineering and architecture firm in Ecuador was the best way I could have spend the summer before my senior year of college. The program staff did a great job of preparing me for what my experience was going to be like abroad. My time in Ecuador stated with two weeks of one-on-one Spanish classes which dramatically improved my ability to speak the language. I lived with an Ecuadorian family which also helped improved my Spanish skills. My host mom cooked incredible traditional food and informed me on the best places to visit throughout my time. During my internship, I learned specific vocabulary necessary for working in a construction field, learned the differences between construction and engineering requirements in Ecuador and in the States, and learned how to communicate professionally in Spanish. I spent all of my weekends exploring different cities and places in Ecuador and learning more about their culture. These two months were an incredible experience and I cannot wait to return to Latin America.

This was one of the best experiences of my life. The staff and drivers were amazing!! Due to covid we had fewer medical clinics which is out of our control but wish we had more community outreach activities

To say my experience in Kenya was amazing would be an understatement. My experience in Kenya with IMA was truly life changing. It opened my eyes to many things including the differences in health care delivery, culture, politics, disease burden and much more. My first day in Kenya I was welcomed at the airport by IMA staff, they immediately made me feel welcome and safe. All Kenyans truly made me feel welcome and safe. There smile, spirit, and culture was immediately evident and welcoming. As we drove to the residence IMA staff gave me a brief education on the areas we were passing by. They pointed out coast general from the road so I could see just how large the public hospital was from a distance, soon where I’d be interning. They pointed out the different shops (how most make a living in Kenya) and the differences in driving from what I am accustomed to in the United States. Upon arrival to the residence they helped me get my bags and introduced me to the house keeping staff as well as the chef who would be taking care of me the next couple weeks. I was then shown were I would be staying and given a tour of the residence. The residence made me feel safe and secure. I had a few concerns arise that were immediately addressed by in country support and my program mentor. It made me feel even more welcome knowing that I had the support if I needed it. The IMA staff became like my new family. Over the next couple weeks I spent time at the hospital following the clinical officer, interviewing patients, and taking care of there needs. I was also able to observe many emergencies in the emergency room. Following the clinical officer really allowed me to see first hand the diseases affecting Kenya and how treatments performed are much different of that than the United States. I seen first hand how malaria affects the country and why malaria can be serious, I seen how Dengue fever also effects the region, this another mosquito borne illness. I seen how respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, rhinovirus, and adenovirus impact the children of Kenya as well as non respiratory illness like H. Pylori impact the children. I became aware of how lucky we are in America to have access to clean food, air, and drinking water. We did a hygiene education session at the local school, a subject very much taboo in Kenya. We taught young girls about menstrual health and proper hygiene. At first I was very nervous and I thought I wouldn’t enjoy teaching young girls about menstrual health. It was very out of my comfort zone and I wasn’t sure what to share. However, I reminded myself why I came on this journey in the first place, it was to push myself out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in another cultures healthcare system. I embraced teaching the young girls, the girls asked us many questions about our own experiences and we were able to share our own experiences with them. It wasn’t until after we were done that I realized how big of an impact I had and how big of an impact the menstrual hygiene clinics IMA does have on the communities of Kenya. As I have returned home from Kenya I have taken everything I learned home with me. It’s important that we continue to advocate for change in Kenya. Kenya needs access to clean water for cooking, hygiene, and drinking. Kenya needs access to a better healthcare system. Currently in Kenya access to healthcare is a privilege not a right. Payment is due at the time of service, if you cannot pay service is not rendered and this is not fair to the Kenya communities. The money America sends over seas helps fight HIV in Kenya. Women are able to receive free medication to manage their HIV due to support from the United States. This is amazing and I am so glad I learned this during my medical internship. I would highly recommend a medical internship with International Medical Aide. It will challenge you to grow mentally, physically and emotionally. It will challenge you to fight for change in other countries and it will challenge you to advocate for better healthcare for all. Thank you to all of the IMA staff for making this experience possible.

The experience I had with IMA was entirely different than any health care or outreach experience I have had previously. Outside of hospital placements, it was wonderful getting to know the other participants on the program while learning about the culture of Mombasa, Kenya. The program mentors were phenomenal- extremely supportive and accommodated to my exact interests. They went out of their way to ensure I was having a good experience and had the opportunity to do everything I wanted to. The accommodations were very nice and in a very safe neighbourhood and we had incredible meals prepared by the resident chef. Regarding hospital placements, the experience is what you make of it. You need to be ready to dive in, be proactive, and build relationships. I underestimated how challenging the hospital placement would be, in terms of how mentally and emotionally draining it was. There are things I saw and experienced in the hospital that have made a permanent mark in my mind. I gained valuable insight into how cultural differences impact health care, being aware of the way things are done differently due to either cultural differences or systemic differences. In many ways my mind grew, my heart expanded, and my heart broke. I am incredibly grateful to have had this experience, and I know it will stay with me. I am confident that this experience will forever change the person that I am and the nurse that I am. I valued having a combination of time in the hospital with time in the community. My favorite days were when we would visit schools and have hygiene clinics and medical clinics. I went on the Masai Mara Safari and it was incredible. It was definitely worth the cost to do it. If you are going to Africa, it is something you need to do while you are there. My group had an amazing driver who educated us on all the animals we saw. We got right up close to so many different animals. The accommodations we stayed in were also extremely nice!

My experience in Kenya was indescribable. From a medical standpoint, I was able to learn, experience and contribute in such a meaningful manner that these memories will remain with me for the rest of my life and professional career. My mentor was a great source of comfort for me while in Kenya. He was always checking in on me and ensuring my safety, comfort and well being and assisting wherever necessary in helping me to become accustomed to life in Kenya. IMA's cook was a dear friend and a phenomenal chef preparing courses that could have easily been offered in a 5 star restaurant on a daily basis. The accommodations were safe and comfortable. I was in walking distance to the beach and any resource I might have required. I have made dear friends from my experience in Kenya that I will keep in close touch with. I look forward to completing another trip with International Medical Aid and will recommend this agency to any of my contacts in the medical community who are interested in contributing abroad in a meaningful way.