Medical Center in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Flexible, year round

Description: Comprised of a hospital, microcredit agency, a human rights center, and an after-school program for young street children, this foundation is hoping to reach out to the community's poorest members. By providing affordable and high quality health care services at its small hospital, the doctors are able to receive many patients that would not be able to visit the larger, more expensive hospitals in the city. Offering 22 services from emergency room care to a maternity ward, the hospital is equipped to handle a large volume.

This volunteer project an incredible opportunity to get to know this amazing country and its people on a personal level, and contribute to programs that are making a real difference in the lives of poorest citizens. You will work side by side with Ecuadorians on this locally designed and run project. You will stay with a carefully screened and welcoming host family, giving you insight into daily life in Ecuador.

Our staff in the US are experienced volunteers themselves who are happy to share their experiences and expertise with prospective volunteers. Our partner staff in Ecuador are friendly, caring and dedicated to ensuring that all volunteers have a rewarding experience. You will be met upon arrival in Quito and will receive an orientation organized by CCI's Ecuadorian partners.

Highlights:
- Homestay with a carefully screened, welcoming host family in Quito
- Three meals daily
- Support of friendly, experienced staff in the US and in Ecuador
- Comprehensive accident and medical insurance
- 24 hour emergency support

Qualifications: Help is needed in all hospital departments. Depending upon the level of Spanish, previous experiences and interest of the volunteer, he or she could help with intake and general patient exams or assisting with minor surgeries and emergency room traumas. This placement is ideal for medical students. Previous education and/or experience in health care or medicine is preferred.

*Placements may be available in the center's affiliated programs: a microcredit agency, human rights center, or after-school program. Please check with CCI for details.

An intermediate level of Spanish is required. Spanish lessons are available prior to the volunteer project in Quito for an additional fee.

Cost in US$: Starts at $900

Experience Required: yes

Education and/or experience in medicine, health care preferred

Typical Volunteer: CCI volunteers are caring and flexible people interested in an authentic cultural experience.

Age Range: 18 and over

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Center for Cultural Interchange's Mission Statement: Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Based in Chicago, Illinois, CCI organizes cultural exchange programs for participants of all ages, including high school abroad, independent homestay, internship, language study, eco-tours and volunteer programs in over thirty countries around the world.

Year Founded: 1985