Canadian residents pay in Canadian funds at the current exchange rate of 1.30
Ecuador: Medical Assistance 11 Days
Although this program is not operating this summer, you can still add it to your favorites and consider it for summer 2022.
Learn what it takes to run a mobile clinic in the Andean Highlands of Ecuador on this medical service trip for high school students. Under the guidance of MEDLIFE doctors and other medical professionals, you will help provide free healthcare to indigenous locals near Cebadas. This summer community service program in Ecuador 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 not only with hands-on medical support experience but also with a greater understanding of the complexities of public health and a greater appreciation for cultures not like their own. Outside of your volunteer service, this teen program explores Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Then you will settle in the city of Riobamba, which offers stunning views of the Chimborazo Mountain, while performing your service. Cap off your stay with a canopy zip-line in the Mindo Cloud Forest and sightseeing to end your South American experience with memories of a lifetime!
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
This program requires an open mind to experience a different culture, new foods and comfortable hotels.
A certificate of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the trip.
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
A professional guide accompanies the group to assist, educate and immerse the students into the local culture.
Basic hotels.
Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Chartered, air conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.
Up to 24 participants.
You will shadow medical professionals, work directly with mostly indigenous 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:
*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.
About MEDLIFE
Founded in 2005, MEDLIFE works in undeveloped communities in Latin American 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.
Take part in a development project that will directly benefit the community. Past MEDLIFE projects include installing modernized bathrooms, basic kitchen upgrades, and putting in fencing to separate farm animals from living quarters.
From your hotel in the lively Mariscal District, visit the beautiful colonial area, zero latitude at La Mitad del Mundo (Center of the World) and ascend to 12,150’ aboard the TelefériQo gondola lift offering unrivaled views of the city and Pichincha Volcano.
Sleep comfortably in this beautiful Andes town with the snow-peaked Chimborazo Mountain in the backdrop. At an altitude of 9,035 feet, enjoy a cool and comfortable climate in this gorgeous mountainous region of Ecuador.
Get set for the extreme adrenaline rush of zip-lining 11,975’ over 12 cables above the cloud forest canopy. Hold on to your tube while riding the rapids of the Mindo River.
Quito, Ecuador
The Hotel Embassy is strategically located in the lively Mariscal District, an exclusive area of the city near museums, galleries, theaters, historic city center and other tourist attractions. Each room features Wi-Fi, a phone and a safe.
Riobamba, Ecuador
For our stay in the Andes, we will be staying at this centrally located Spanish Colonial style Hotel Santa Isabella. Each room has wi-fi, phone and a safe.
Flight To Quito, Ecuador
Participants on this program have the option of joining us on a chaperoned flight from our departing USA city (Fort Lauderdale or Miami to be finalized in the spring) directly to Quito. We strongly recommend this travel option to Quito. Our staff will be with you from the time you check-in onward. We arrange flights from other cities to connect into the departing city. From New York, we typically have 1 leader flying with participants from the area to the departing city depending on how many are from New York. Check with us on your departure date. If you decide to meet us in Quito, we will help you coordinate your flight and times and greet you as you proceed through immigration and customs.
Return Flight Home from Quito, Ecuador
For your return from Quito, we offer a chaperoned flight back to the USA. You may choose to join that flight and arrange transfers (if required) at suitable times after the group has cleared customs and immigration in the USA; or you may fly from Quito to your home city and our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed.
Where We Stay
We carefully select clean and comfortable accommodations with the needs of our students in mind. While our volunteer programs do not stay at luxury resorts, we do know that a good night’s rest, in your own bed, is key to performing your service hours well and having enough energy to enjoy the day’s activities. For this reason, and also to maintain the close group bond and to uphold the quality of this program, we do not offer any homestays.
Meals & New Cuisines
Eating well while away from home is an important part of a summer’s success. Part of your travel experience will be immersing yourself in the local cuisine and culture so please bring with you an open mind and a willingness to try new things. For example, in Ecuador the food will be a mix of “typical food” including chicken, beef, potatoes and of course ceviche, and other great local options. They also have North American style options on the menu.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, anaphylactic food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Drinking Water
On this program we will have large containers of clean water for you to fill up your own water bottles as needed.
Vaccinations
We recommend you follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and consult with your physician for current immunizations and medication required for travelers to Ecuador. These recommendations may change from time to time. We will send you detailed information in March (or upon enrollment if later) regarding the current recommendations for this itinerary.
Altitude Adjustment
This program travels to high altitudes when in Quito (9,350’) and Riobamba (9,000’). Travel to high altitudes can pose a serious risk of illness, particularly if you have a condition that affects circulation or breathing. All travelers, even if very healthy, will feel symptoms of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) upon arrival at high-altitude. That is normal. Adjustments to high altitude may not even correlate with how great shape you are in – a marathoner may suffer while a “couch potato” is fine. Most participants will have increased respiration and increased heart rate and need time to adjust. Our schedule considers the change in altitude and allows participants to acclimate before beginning any strenuous activity. If concerned, please call us to review your circumstances and we strongly recommend that you discuss this with your doctor prior to departure as they may recommend the use of a medication that assists with altitude adjustment.
Laundry
You will only need one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. You will have the opportunity to do laundry at your convenience by dropping off your laundry at a local wash and fold service and then pick it up clean, folded and ready to go.
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program and personal spending money for snacks, souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Westcoast Connection uses Cookies to enhance your online experience. By browsing our website, you accept the use of these Cookies as explained in our Privacy Policy.