Help low-income communities live healthy lives through public health initiatives, outreach programmes and health centre support
The Challenge
In rural Guaranda, there is a pressing need for improved healthcare services. The local health center struggles to meet the demand of 5,300 people over 17 remote communities. Gastrointestinal and nutrition-related problems account for 25% of all cases, primarily due to poor hygiene practices and unsafe drinking water. This has led to high levels of malnutrition, particularly among children (48%). Additionally, the prevalence of teenage pregnancy, estimated at 50%, is largely attributed to a lack of education and awareness about contraception.
The Solution
Medical interns are welcomed at the health center to provide primary care services in the clinic and during community outreach programs. Medical professionals specializing in pediatrics, gynecology, geriatrics, physiotherapy, and psychology are particularly sought after. However, even if you don't have medical experience, your contribution can still have a significant impact. Preventative education initiatives focused on hygiene, mental well-being, and reproductive health can make a meaningful and lasting difference in the community.
Recommended by Previous Participants
¡Advance Your Career!
Gain more medical experience with the support of trained professionals to expand your knowledge and build your confidence.
Now more than ever, employers are looking for a resume with diverse experiences, certificates and strong references that an internship provides.
"In short, amazing experience, don't think twice!"
The internship here in Atandahua was amazing. I got to learn and improve my medical skills as a 4th year student and was immersed in a very different setting. The rural indigenous population has a very different relationship with healthcare which was very enriching and eye-opening.
I got to learn a lot from the other volunteers... which made me feel super integrated to the group very fast. I also improved my Spanish a lot and got to share the culture with locals firsthand in my host family. On the weekends you can go roaming around in Ecuador sightseeing and visiting places, both nature and cities. Ecuador is a very rich and diverse country so there is plenty to see!
Arthur from the Netherlands (Medicine & Public Health)
Results from Past Internships
Check out this final presentation from previous interns, to see what they've achieved during their time here
¿What's Included?
Free Discovery Call & Plan
Flexible Start Date & Duration
Educational Documentation Support
Pre-Arrival & Travel Support
Shared Accommodation with WiFi
(Family Homestay also Available)
Lunches Monday to Thursday
Weekly Professional Learning/Mentoring
In-Person Coordination
Cultural Immersion
Free-Time Recommendations
Certificate of Completion
Written Reference
Additional Services
Private Room within a Local Family Homestay
Spanish/Kichwa Classes (before or during visit)
Private Transfer from Airport
Additional Professional Mentoring Sessions
Application Process
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Fill out the online interest form
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Participate in your discovery call, free of charge
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Review your personalised internship plan, free of charge
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Place your deposit & confirm your place
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Complete any required documents for your education provider
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Join us for an unforgettable experience in the Ecuadorian Andes!
Gain Experience.
Make a Difference.
Travel the World.
Imagine waking up to the cockerels at dawn as the sun rises over the horizon as you take in Chimborazo volcano over your morning coffee. After breakfast, walk down for the morning check-in with other interns, stopping to say hello to the friendly neighbours in the community as they take their cows to pasture.
Then, jump in the back of a pick=up truck to the San Juan health centre to support them with the day's activities; perhaps working with primary care with drop-in patients, performing home visits to those in need or travelling with your colleagues to perform a community education or vaccination programme.
Get back in time for lunch, which you spend with the rest of the team and workers from the local community, sharing stories and learning about the local culture.
In the afternoon you might meet with your mentor to develop your learning, return to the health centre to continue some work or develop your independent study in your family homestay. Later on, join other interns and volunteers to go and watch the sunset, go out to a local bar/restaurant or simply spend the evening learning more from your host family.
Still not sure what a hands-on in the Ecuadorian Andes would look like? Speak to our team who will create you a personalised internship plan to give you a glimpse into the future, all free of charge.
