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Brilliant 4.71rating (174)
  • Good Health And Well-Being

Psychologist Intern

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help people from disadvantaged communities
  • Show your commitment with people in need
  • Boost your CV with international volunteer experience

Highlights

  • Help people from disadvantaged communities
  • Show your commitment with people in need
  • Boost your CV with international volunteer experience
  • Explore a country that is famous for its rich biodiversity, amazing landscapes and interesting historic sights
  • Open your horizon while making a life changing experience
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Look outside the box, help disadvantaged people. This help is extremely important, especially in an environment of poverty, and often violence and addiction problems.

    While volunteering in this project you will definitively get out of your comfort zone. You will immerse yourself into another culture, into other realities. The volunteer work in Psychology takes takes place in Quito in a community of disadvantaged people. Volunteers support a non-profit ...

    About the program

    While volunteering in this project you will definitively get out of your comfort zone. You will immerse yourself into another culture, into other realities. The volunteer work in Psychology takes takes place in Quito in a community of disadvantaged people. Volunteers support a non-profit psychotherapeutic and psychiatric hospital. The staff takes care of people in a socially deprived area who are sorely in need of psychological attention but have no access to it - be it because there are no available offers or because the existing offers are to be paid for privately.

    This voluntary project offers you specialized knowledge in the fields of psychiatry and psychology. Interns who need to finish their medical internship can also apply for this volunteer role.

    The psychiatric hospital was established in 1970 in response to the demand for mental health services. The umbrella organization runs hospitals across several nations and is a part of a Catholic order. The clinic in Ecuador is housed in the former San Luis seminary, which is situated north of Quito.

    The efforts of this institution and the help of volunteers is extremely important, especially in an environment of poverty, a lack of prospects, a lack of education and often violence and addiction problems. 

    The hospital offers both inpatient and outpatient care. Certain patients require ongoing observation to guard against risky behavior and guarantee their security. About 200 beds total—80 for palliative care and 120 for psychiatric care—are available in the hospital for men, women, and children. There are about 500 employees working in different departments, including nurses, doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and housekeeping personnel. Every year, the hospital treats about 8,000 patients.

    Patients with pathologies like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are treated by the multidisciplinary team. The goal of the hospital is to ensure that each patient has complete well-being in their social, emotional, psychological, and individual environments.

    Typical day

    You can assist with different aspects of the daily operations of the hospital as a volunteer or intern. Individual qualifications are considered.
    Volunteers help with patient care, record-keeping, test-taking, report writing, material maintenance, patient waiting area supervision, appointment ...

    Typical day

    You can assist with different aspects of the daily operations of the hospital as a volunteer or intern. Individual qualifications are considered.
    Volunteers help with patient care, record-keeping, test-taking, report writing, material maintenance, patient waiting area supervision, appointment scheduling, and documentation. Additionally, volunteers are able to participate in therapy sessions with a licensed therapist present. Certain patients are unable to eat on their own. Along with helping with these duties, volunteers and interns also help with feeding, serving, watching over, and taking care of patients.

    After some time, volunteers with training or studies in psychology may also be able to work more independently, depending on their background and level of Spanish.

    Volunteers may work in different areas: 
    • Assisting during the treating
    • Writing reports and tests
    • Maintaining materials
    • Giving advice to patients in the waiting area
    • Making appointments
    • Completing documentation
    Maintaining a consistent workflow is crucial in hospitals. An orientation session is held for all volunteers and interns, during which the hospital's services, operations, policies, procedures, and protocols are described.

    The target audience for this volunteer opportunity includes psychology students, medical students, licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and individuals with therapeutic training, among others.

    The hours of operation for interns and volunteers are 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

    Free-time activities

    Quito is located in the Andean highlands at an altitude of around 2850 meters. Therefore, despite its proximity to the equator, it is moderately warm all year round with an average temperature of around 13 °C. During the day, temperatures reach between 20 and 25 °C. There are rainy seasons from ...

    Free-time activities

    Quito is located in the Andean highlands at an altitude of around 2850 meters. Therefore, despite its proximity to the equator, it is moderately warm all year round with an average temperature of around 13 °C. During the day, temperatures reach between 20 and 25 °C. There are rainy seasons from September to November and from January to April. It then usually rains around noon and then the sun is shining again.

    Quito not only has a great location, right under the Pichincha volcano and a pleasant climate, but also cultural treasures: Built in the 16th century on the ruins of an ancient Inca city, Quito has the best preserved historical center in all of Latin America.

    For this reason, Quito was the first city in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Quito also offers a lively nightlife, pretty markets, interesting museums and theaters as well as various kinds of festivals at certain times.

    Outdoor fans will also get their money's worth on day trips to the surrounding Andean landscapes!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level)

    Required Documents

    CV and Volunteer Questionnaire

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Twin room in a Homestay (surcharge for single room US$ 35 / week)
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    • Advice from our experienced staff
    • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
    • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
    • Your placement in the volunteer project
    • Pre-departure information
    • Packing list
    • Country handbook
    • Intercultural guide
    • Orientation upon arrival
    • On-site volunteer coordinator
    • 24/7 emergency number
    • Advice on travel insurance
    • Certificate of participation

    Accommodation

    An important part of our volunteer programs has always been to provide an intense glimpse into the culture of the host country. Therefore, our volunteers live in homestays. Living with a local hosts will allow you to experience the country in the most authentic way possible. You can immerse into local customs, taste typical meals, and experience the culture and traditions first-hand. You will quickly realize how much your Spanish skills improve each day. Our homestays are carefully screened and selected, and many hosts have years of experience with our international volunteers.

    You will be provided with a single room, while the bathroom can be private or shared. 

    Food & Beverages

    The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated but have to be informed to us in advance.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Ecuador you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ecuador. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The project is available year-round with flexible start and end dates.

    Note: A donation of 180 USD is required to be paid directly to the hospital.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $374 per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2024
    I had a really good arrival to Quito. I love my homestay, Monika is fantastic and food is delicious. We are a few volunteers in the house ...
    •
    2026
    Ich war zwei Wochen lang im Katze heim bei Xaviera und habe dort mitgeholfen. Am ersten Tag wurde mir alles super erklärt, Xavier spricht ...
    Fiona Schafferer

    Support a Cat Shelter

    •
    2025
    Mir geht es sehr gut. Der Naturpark ist wirklich atemberaubend. Ich habe mich schon gut eingewöhnen können. Alle sind unglaublich ...
    •
    2025
    Bin gut hier angekommen. Es ist sehr schön hier und alle Leute sind sehr nett. Es hat die letzten tage geregnet, deswegen konnten wir nicht ...
    Magdalena P.

    Nature Park Protector

    Location

    Americas > South America > Ecuador > Quito

    Meet your project coordinator

    Marion
    174
    reviews
    4.71
    Brilliant
    2003
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English, German
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Health Services  >  Medical Training in Ecuador
    Contact Marion
      Good response rate
    Spanish, English, German

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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