Education Volunteering in Quito, 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!

Definitely the Mobile Clinics have been a very nice experience, extremely rewarding. We have learned a lot together with other doctors in all stations. This has been a truly rewarding and beautiful experience. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0Uptc5tlaD/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=91c71cdd-e0bb-4f79-b3fc-32e9af8f7de3

Here we’ve learned a lot about different medical systems in Peru and how patients have different needs than the ones we were used to. I think gaining some more cultural competency is huge for our future career in medicine. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzwyWehhFa8/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=497e53fe-6189-46ca-a590-bfc1996988b6

The way of life of individuals is different in every country, so I already had some background knowledge of what an SLT is like, but every SLT is unique and special in its own way, offering new experiences and learning opportunities each time. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5RCpMvMN2V/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0095e7cf-600a-46b5-9ecf-222ce6488c26

Going on a MEDLIFE SLT is more than just like a talking point in an interview. I think it’s something that shows your true passion because you’ll find that here you’ll learn more than just how to do medical work and dental work, you’re also going to learn about the problems in a community and what true mission work is. https://youtu.be/3RMNIGO30so?si=W54Fy-ErQmjnJ5Kl

If you’re thinking that you want to go just do it! It’s easy to get caught in book work, textbooks and you’ll not get the same experience as you will just reading about the things that you can do than actually going out and doing them. Go out! Get those referrals, fundraise and then come and do the work. It’s an amazing experience. https://youtu.be/BHHzVKCcTC0?si=8hB7q1ZwPNMztlaT

Planting trees in a local school, we get to do something meaningful. And we played ball games with students, even if we don't speak the same language, but we played well. Also participate in birthday party for a lady, played bingo with local senior citizens. It was very warm and nice.<br>Aside from these, we have seen so many special animals, spectacular scenery.

I found it really incredible attending this Service Learning Trip. I really recommend it because it is a very eye opening experience. If you’re thinking of joining MEDLIFE and you’re afraid of coming here alone don’t worry, I made new friends and I’m sure we’ll stay great friends after the program. https://youtu.be/_CQsNngRmQc?si=hbsDOwuKOTCnEAuu

I think that being involved with MEDLIFE has given me so many amazing opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have had as a pre-health student. It has definitely confirmed my passion for medicine and strengthened my commitment to pursue a career in healthcare. https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy6WCteLZXH/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=630afaa2-8769-4715-b8b5-e46ad23b6264

I will be heading off to Med School in a couple years so not only will this provide job shadowing and volunteer hours but also better me as a person and prepare me for what’s ahead in my medical career to be the best person I can be for my patients and the people around me. https://youtu.be/ySXhbM48-TE?si=Fwe9w6Hjpd0wwPsO

I’m aspiring to be a PA and being on an SLT has allowed me to gain a lot of experience. The MEDLIFE movement aligns with a lot of my goals in healthcare caring for people especially in low-income communities and I think that just being a part of MEDLIFE really helps you to aspire to achieve all those goals and help people in an impactful and achievable way. https://youtu.be/4tU_H4nUrRI?si=E6AUJrST-KLfsFCF

Besides the really neat aspect of touching people’s lives and helping others, coming to an SLT is also really good for a president like myself in a leadership role. Med Schools love seeing that leadership or even just being a part of MEDLIFE shows leadership. It shows initiative and Med Schools really like that. https://youtu.be/h15_J-pGU00?si=RJt-QmwEuOiSnWgN

What I felt I gained from the experience was the ability to immerse into a next culture and to develop a teaching style best suited to the children. I would advise just throw yourself into it. It’s the most rewarding and life changing experience you could do.

I had the most lovely time in Ecuador! My host team was so welcoming and helpful. They went above and beyond to ensure that I had safe transportation to my add ons and they made sure I was happy with my placement. The volunteer house was a friendly environment and I had no complaints about my housing situation. My volunteer placement helped me give back to others while practicing my Spanish. I recommend this trip for solo travelers and students like me for anyone who wants to truly immerse themself in the South American culture!

Join the Sports Education project in Nairobi! It's a great atmosphere. The people are great and I had loads of fun playing football with the kids. They were so happy to have other children visit them as volunteers (they especially loved my Messi t-shirt). I loved their positivity and never giving up attitude.

IVHQ were great, the preparation they gave me was really helpful and the resources I received were amazing. The local team were the best if ever we needed anything they would be there to help. The impact the children and the school have had on me has been huge, the kids were always so happy despite their disadvantages and it has created a new sense of the world for me. My host Mum was amazing and the food was always amazing too. The house was always clean. I would suggest to anyone hesitant about joining a program to just go for it. I was also hesitant about joining and it was the best thing I've ever done. Everyone is in the same position as you and also there for the same experience.

As a volunteer teacher in Maasai, Kenya you will make bonds and memories and there's nothing better than putting yourself out there. The program will also give you joy as you will be making a difference.

I spent 6 weeks in Córdoba, Argentina as a sports volunteer. Even though school was not in session, I was able to attend 3 different sports camps and even volunteered at a soup kitchen. The experience was rewarding, allowed me to practice my imperfect Spanish and I met fellow volunteers from around the world. The local team opened their home and hearts to the volunteers and made us feel welcome, answered our multiple questions to the best of their ability and created a safe and fun environment for all. It was my first volunteer experience abroad and it won't be my last!