Volunteer Programs 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.

We have just had the most incredible experience volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary in Ecuador! Oyster Worldwide was endlessly helpful right from the get go with reassuring and consistent communication. We felt very looked after and in safe hands - thank you!

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

Had a great trip to Italy. I met a ton of people from all over the world and we worked together educating about issues around refugees. We worked during the day and had fun at night and on the weekends. I am still in touch with many of the people I volunteered with. Thanks

It was the best experience ever, the school was cozy and the children really friendly. From the very first day they approached me on their own and wanted to know more things about me and my country. They also wanted to present their country to me, which was a great introduction for me to get to know Ecuador and the local culture. The host family was also wonderful, I always trusted their recommendations and they genuinely care about the volunteers. I really enjoyed getting in contact with the locals and trying to speak their language. The Simon Bolivar team was also amazing, the activities they planned and the weekend trips were so exciting and well organized. They really helped me on my first days, so that I get adapted to the new place, but also later they were willing to explain about their culture, have conversations, hang out, book the weekend trips for me and help me improve my Spanish. Overall, the experience is great for someone who is looking for cultural immersion and loves the beautiful landscapes and I would definitely recommend it.

hey everyone my name is paula and by the age of 19 i did attend the teaching program in quito ecuador. i stayed at monica’s house- the loveliest ecuadorian mum on earth!! she provided a warm house always and the kitchen lady paulita cooked fresh meals every day :) i had the best time with monica and the other volunteers at the house! i loved the program:) also i improved my spanish a lottt during the stay my absolute highlight was the weekend trip to the amazonas jungle, that was truly the best thing i’ve ever done :) i will tell my grandkids about that weekend one day! overall i did feel safe in quito but especially for young woman travelling alone like me, i would recommmed going together with a friend or being very neatly with the safety rules of the programm!! book the trip now& please hug monica for me if you are there! lots of love paula

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

This trip was an unforgettable experience that thought me the foundation on how to travel solo, while still being supported and accompanied throughout the whole project by the staff of the organization. They were always available to answer my questions and to help me prepare the tours I wanted to do on the weekends. This allowed me to enjoy to the max my trip and visit as much places in Ecuador as I could. They also organized activities with all the volunteers like salsa and bachata classes which was very funny and it is a great way to meet new people! I lived in Monika’s home with her family and I couldn’t have asked for a better host. She was super welcoming and It felt like home immediately. The food was delicious and the rooms were super comfortable. It was truly an amazing experience and i wished i could have stayed longer !

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

My 17 year old son had an amazing time in Ecuador! I was very nervous about him traveling alone, but all the directions and correspondence was amazing from start to finish. He loved the experience and is thinking about doing it again. I felt he was well taken care of, the directions were great and Kate Tipler my contact at Oyster was always very responsive and top of it. The person who picked him up at the airport was wonderful about sending me pics of him which I didn't expect and loved. He loved the experience of being there and met wonderful friends from around the world. Highly recommend!

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