Health Internship in Quito for Children with Cancer

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: multiple start dates year round

Description: Be part of it with i-to-i!
Our goal is to achieve 400yrs of combined volunteering all over the world by the end of 2008.

So far we have achieved 325yrs which when broken down means we achieved the following:

- Over 5500 children cared for on our community projects around the world
- A minimum of 13,000 children and adults taught English in schools and community centres
- Hundreds of animals protected including Turtles, Pandas, Elephants, Monkeys and more
- At least 80 homes and structures built for families and communities in need
- More than 8000 trees planted which are enough trees to offset the CO2 emissions of over 2,000 cars

Do you want to see the world while boosting your CV?

Ecuador is on the defensive in almost all respects; its rainforests are under significant threat, the future of its diverse wildlife is uncertain and 45% of its population live under the poverty line. Hospital Baca Ortiz is the only public children's hospital in Quito and works with young children who have cancer. For anyone who doesn't believe that they can make a difference, the statistics are stark; 70% of children with cancer make a full recovery if they have access to modern medicine, but only 20% do. On this project previous medical experience is not necessary, but flexibility and compassion are. Both will be used in assisting the nurses with delivering treatment, playing with the children and helping to communicate with the parents.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights: What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

"The children were very sweet and curious. They really wanted to do well! When they were doing an eye test, if they couldn't read the eye chart with one eye covered, they would sneak a peek with the other eye so they could give the right answer!" (Emily Phillips)

This is an excellent opportunity for volunteers wishing to gain experience in health sciences, medicine, psychology, sociology, social work, or nursing.

Qualifications: If you have experience or training on medical jobs, that will be helpful, but not necessary. What we need is your creativity, flexibility, willingness to help and, of course, your time. A love for children is essential, as is patience and empathy to both the children's situation and the restrictions placed on the project's team, by way of limited resources.

Resume and intermediate Spanish required.

Cost in US$: $2060.00 for 6 weeks, $260.00 for every week thereafter

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instruction
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety & culture shock
- English teacher training course (TEFL)
- contact details to pass along to your family

When you arrive we provide:
- pick-up from the airport on the designated arrival date
- welcome orientation
- accommodation & food
- well-researched, quality placement
- support of in-country i-to-i team

You will always have:
- access to our emergency support team 24/7
- assistance of the global i-to-i staff
- guidance and advice from experienced i-to-i travelers

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European and South African Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 15,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 300 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994