The Healthcare Program
OPEN NOW!
Ecuador has reopened to international arrivals. See the 'Additional Info.' section for procedures in place during the pandemic.
This important project was created with the goal of assisting in the provision of essential medical treatment to vulnerable residents in Quito. In this program volunteers will be based in a large public hospital in Quito, providing free healthcare to local residents. Volunteers shadow and observe doctors and other medical staff to gain an understanding of the day to day practice of medicine in Ecuador.
This program allows volunteers to work on a weekly rotation through departments, thus experiencing the different and often challenging aspects of the medical field. The Medical Volunteering and Internship Program is ideal for med and pre-med students. Medical professionals are also welcome with the understanding that they will be limited in their capacity to physically contribute and in most cases will be primarily observing and shadowing.
Goals of this Project:
- Make a real difference to the people of Quito
- Provide healthcare to those who need it most
- Improve the health and long term wellbeing of the residents of Quito
- Offer a teaching experience for medical students while also supplying a much-needed volunteer labour force
How You Can Help
This volunteer program provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for medical students to monitor, observe and help where appropriate, gaining a great deal of experience and observation time. For experienced medical professionals the program offers the extremely rewarding opportunity to share their knowledge and skills to help those in need in a developing nation.
Volunteer placements are available across departments including emergency, paediatrics, gynaecology, physiotherapy, neonatal and more.
Volunteers contribute in a number of ways on the program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Work in healthcare facilities to supply medical assistance to those who need it most
- Network with local medical and local project staff
- Supply medical services to the people of Quito and the surrounding areas
- Help with medical care as appropriate to the volunteer’s skills and training
Requirements
This program offers an amazing opportunity for suitable applicants who are 18 years and over to work alongside qualified medical professionals and gain first-hand insight into the Ecuadorian healthcare system. It is open to those with experience and/or education in the field of medicine, as well as med-school and pre-med students. Volunteers on this project will need at least an intermediate understanding of Spanish in order to communicate effectively with patients and staff. Naturally, all applicants must also have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Participants on this program will also need to provide their own white scrubs and a passport photo for the hospital I.D. card.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Passport
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
This program is based in the beautiful city of Quito, where volunteers will find their help is invaluable and very much in need. Quito is a beautiful city filled with significant architecture, friendly people and fun places to visit – making it a fabulous city to volunteer in.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Quito, you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. On Monday morning, after making your way to the local project offices, you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have. You will then be taken to your assigned project site and introduced to the project team you will be working with. Easy!
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito, Ecuador (Code: UIO)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this project are accommodated in dedicated volunteer apartments centrally located in Quito, close to amenities and transport.
The apartments consist of 4 twin-share rooms, kitchen, 2 bathrooms and dining and communal areas. Hot showers, daily cleaning services and 24/7 security make for a very comfortable base from which to volunteer and enjoy the city!
The volunteer apartments are self-catered so volunteers have the option to purchase food to prepare in the well equipped kitchen and/or eat out at any of the many excellent eateries with easy reach of the apartments.
With its reputation for superb exotic fruits, unsurpassed fish and seafood, and not least the numerous varieties of Andean potatoes, Ecuador offers the taste buds a veritable feast.
Host Families
Volunteers can opt to enjoy the generous hospitality of local Ecuadorian families during their stay in Quito. Staying with one of our local host families is an excellent way to 'live like the locals' and get first hand experience of local culture and customs in a comfortable and supportive environment. Volunteers will be accommodated within easy walking or commute via public transport to their project. Three meals are provided daily and an additional charge of $9 per day covers this.
Prefer to arrange your own accommodation in Quito?
Volunteers wishing to provide their own accommodation are also welcome to do so. The program fee will be adjusted to $440 for stays of up to 4 weeks.
Staying additional nights?
Volunteers are welcome to arrive early or stay on at the apartments after their placement, availability permitting. Additional nights are just US$11 per person (US$20 with a host family).
Fees
That’s just USD 71 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Entry procedures in place in response to COVID-19:
- All travelers arriving in Ecuador should provide proof of a negative COVID RT-PCR test taken no more than ten (10) days before entering the country.
- Arrivals may also be given a rapid antigen test upon entry into Ecuador. If the test is negative no quarantine is required. If the test is positive a mandatory quarantine in a Ministry of Health designated shelter for 10 days is required.
- Please note procedures may change at any time. We recommend reaching out to the Ecuadorian embassy or consulate nearest you before traveling for the most updated information.
Participants on this program will also need to provide their own white scrubs and a passport photo for the hospital I.D. card.
Want to learn Spanish?
Why not use this opportunity to improve your knowledge of Spanish and really get immersed in the local culture during your volunteering placement? We can offer part time Spanish classes at very competitive rates for you, so simply let us know if you are interested!
Part-time Spanish Lessons (taken in conjunction with volunteer work):
- USD$10/hour
Fees for Spanish Classes must be paid directly to your volunteer coordinator on arrival in Ecuador.