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  • Ecuador: Medical Assistance - 11 Days 15

Costa Rica Medical Volunteer Program for Students

Learn what it takes to run a mobile clinic in the Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica on this medical Career Experience program for high school students. Under the guidance of MEDLIFE doctors and other medical professionals, you will help provide free healthcare to the community of Tamarindo, a beautiful and diverse coastal town. This combination Community Service/Career Experience summer program in Costa Rica is led by our amazing staff, who are there to support, guide and provide reflection on the impact of the work we do throughout the program and promote the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. Teens will walk away with hands-on medical support experience and a greater understanding of the complexities and challenges of public health in remote communities. In addition to your volunteer service, this teen program includes amazing adventures like learning to surf, zip-lining over the forest canopy, enjoying a catamaran snorkel cruise and more! It won’t be long until you will fall in love with all things Costa Rican and the Pura Vida lifestyle.

Program Highlights

  • Help set up and run a medical mobile clinic.

  • Rotate work stations (medical, public health, pharmacy, etc.).

  • Learn about the health challenges facing rural communities.

  • Zip-line over a lush forest canopy.

  • Learn to surf with professional instructors.

  • Take part in a MEDLIFE development project.

  • Enjoy the refreshing waters of Tamarindo beach.

  • Sail the coast aboard a catamaran snorkel cruise.

About MEDLIFE

Founded in 2004, MEDLIFE works in undeveloped communities in Latin America and Africa to provide medicine, education and other community needs. MEDLIFE establishes mobile clinics to bring free healthcare directly to communities in need. The clinics are staffed by local medical professionals and offer basic treatment and long-term preventative screenings.

Service Projects

MEDLIFE Mobile Clinics

You will shadow medical professionals, work directly with locals, and help implement health care programs to provide you with a greater understanding of public health initiatives. You will assist with the following tasks:

  • Baseline Vital Signs – shadow a doctor as you learn the professional manner to take a pulse, blood pressure and other vitals.
  • Health Education – witness how a physician educates patients on areas of health care and help provide information.
  • Pharmacy – learn about prescriptions and offer care to patients as you help to distribute medication.
  • General Practitioner – assist the health care practitioner as they conduct routine health exams.*

*Should a patient not feel comfortable with a student in the room, they may be asked to wait outside until the next patient’s turn.

Ecuador: Medical Assistance - 11 days 22

MEDLIFE Development Project

Take part in a development project that will directly benefit the community. Past MEDLIFE projects include installing modernized bathrooms, basic kitchen upgrades, and school renovations.

Infrastructure - Medlife - Ecuador Medical,18, 25

About This Program

  • What It's Like

    The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.

  • Cultural Sensitivity

    This program requires an open mind to experience a different culture, new foods and new surroundings.

  • 35 Service Hours

    A certificate of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the trip.

  • Recognition

    Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.

  • Local Guide

    A professional guide accompanies the group to assist, educate and immerse the students into the local culture.

  • Transportation

    Chartered, air conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.

  • Accommodations

    Basic hotels.

  • Meals

    Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

  • Activities

    Includes all recreation & activities listed.

  • Group Size

    Up to 24 participants.

  • Dietary Options

    We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.

More Details