Volunteer Programs in Quito, Ecuador

As parents of a 17 year old, encouraging our son to go on a volunteering trip to Ecuador was a big decision, however, thanks to the professionalism and support of Oyster Worldwide it was a positive experience from start to finish. Kate was fantastic- always responsive, informative and reassuring, her support made the whole experience as stress free as it could be for us as parents. The project was everything we could have asked for and was a springboard for our son to go off alone to do some solo travelling. We can’t recommend Oyster worldwide highly enough - especially for parents who might feel wary about sending a teenager abroad.

As an incoming medical student, I applied to CFHI because of its commitment to ethical, community-based global health experiences—and I can honestly say the month I spent in Quito exceeded every expectation. From day one, CFHI set the tone for a supportive, meaningful experience. The team connected us with a CFHI alum even before we arrived, who graciously met with us over Zoom and offered her number for any questions we might have. It created a sense of comfort and camaraderie early on, laying the foundation for friendships I now can’t imagine my experience without. Our clinical rotations offered a dynamic mix of settings: public hospitals, private hospitals, community clinics, and even a space where we could observe traditional Ecuadorian healing practices. We rotated through various departments, such as family medicine, OBGYN, internal medicine, pediatrics, and general surgery, with some flexibility to tailor the experience based on our interests. Each day offered something new, and I learned not just by observing medicine, but by witnessing how care is shaped by culture, tradition, and resourcefulness. The local CFHI team was outstanding: true educators and even better human beings. They led thoughtful orientations, checked in regularly, and eagerly organized weekend trips to help us explore more of Ecuador. When I fell sick, they personally reached out to make sure I had everything I might need. I was pushed out of my comfort zone more than once, yet I never felt alone. I knew I had a team, both local and international, looking out for me every step of the way. One of the most grounding parts of my experience was my host family. My host mother welcomed not only me but also three other students into her home. Every evening, after a full day at the hospital or clinic, I came home to the comfort of a warm, traditional Ecuadorian meal, shared laughter, and a sense of belonging that made Quito feel like a second home. I am deeply grateful to have received a scholarship from CFHI. This gift allowed me, and other recipients, to say yes to something that would’ve otherwise been out of reach. I carried that gratitude with me every day I was in Quito, and I will continue to let that sense of gratitude shape the way I hope to serve others. Thank you to CFHI, the local team, my host family, and everyone who played a role in this journey. Importantly, I want to thank the patients, families, and community members who welcomed me into their homeland and lives. It was an incredible privilege to learn from each and every one of their stories. I have left Ecuador with a fuller heart, new friends, and a deeper sense of the kind of physician—and person—I want to become.