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

Public Health Care Assistant

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

Highlights

  • Immerse in the local culture to master Spanish, enhancing communication and understanding, unlocking doors to the soul of the community.
  • Showcase your dedication by supporting those in need, making a tangible impact that extends far beyond borders.
  • Supercharge your CV with international volunteer experience, proving your adaptability, empathy, and drive to create positive change.

Highlights

  • Immerse in the local culture to master Spanish, enhancing communication and understanding, unlocking doors to the soul of the community.
  • Showcase your dedication by supporting those in need, making a tangible impact that extends far beyond borders.
  • Supercharge your CV with international volunteer experience, proving your adaptability, empathy, and drive to create positive change.
  • Explore a nation renowned for its astonishing biodiversity and awe-inspiring landscapes, making each day a new adventure.
  • Embark on a life-changing journey where cultural exchange and personal growth pave the way for a brighter, more interconnected world.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join our vibrant project where aspiring medical students, dedicated nurses, and nursing interns come together to make a meaningful impact in the public hospital! 👩‍⚕️

    The Issue
    The health system in Ecuador is divided into private clinics and public hospitals. While most private clinics and medical practices are well staffed and equipped, public hospitals often lack the necessary free beds, enough specialist staff and financial resources to provide sufficient ...

    About the program

    The Issue
    The health system in Ecuador is divided into private clinics and public hospitals. While most private clinics and medical practices are well staffed and equipped, public hospitals often lack the necessary free beds, enough specialist staff and financial resources to provide sufficient medical aids. The result is long waiting times and poor quality care for the large sections of the population who depend on public hospitals.

    The Program
    In our volunteer project, volunteers, medical students, nurses or interns (nursing internship) are placed in public hospitals in Quito. Above all, people who cannot afford private health care are treated here. Even people who have no health insurance at all receive free medical care there. The volunteer placements are among the public hospitals in Quito that have the best technological equipment and cover almost all specialist areas. For this reason, they are also the most important teaching hospitals in the country. Medical students from Quito's universities do their internships here. And that's exactly what you can do as well. During a medical volunteer work or a medical shadowing in Ecuador, you have the chance to first look over the shoulder of experienced nurses at work and then help out with simple procedures yourself. This volunteer project is also suitable for high school graduates who have to complete a nursing internship or a medical shadowing program. In addition to the emergency department, there are, among others, the following departments:
    • Emergency
    • Pediatrics
    • Gynecology
    • Internal Medicine
    • Dentistry
    • Traumatology
    • General surgery
    • Neonatology
    • Dermatology
    • Endocrinology
    • Gastroenterology
    • Cardiology
    • Neurology
    • Psychology
    • Psychiatry
    • Orthopedics
    • ENT
    • Ophthalmology
    • Urology
    There are also in-house laboratories, a pathology department, as well as physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

    Important note: A donation of 180 USD is required to be paid directly to the project!

    The Location 
    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. 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!

    Typical day

    The first days of volunteering serve as orientation. You take a tour of the hospital to get to know different areas and the medical staff. You can then decide in which area you want to do your volunteer work (subject to availability). It is also possible to change areas every one or two weeks.

    You ...

    Typical day

    The first days of volunteering serve as orientation. You take a tour of the hospital to get to know different areas and the medical staff. You can then decide in which area you want to do your volunteer work (subject to availability). It is also possible to change areas every one or two weeks.

    You will start looking over the shoulder of a nurse. This will give you an insight into the various areas of responsibility. Later you can do simple tasks and assist with treatments and examinations. These tasks include e.g. measuring blood pressure, weighing patients, recording data, entering data into the system, etc.

    The work schedule is from Monday to Friday about 5 hours per day. Volunteers usually start working in the morning between 8 and 9 am and finish in the early afternoon.

    Please note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as the number of volunteers, time of year, current needs of the project and self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.

    Free-time activities

    In Quito, Ecuador, you can enjoy a diverse range of activities and experiences: 
    • Historic Quito: Explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its stunning colonial architecture, churches, and cobblestone streets. 
    • Mitad del Mundo: Stand on the equator at the Mitad del Mundo ...

    Free-time activities

    In Quito, Ecuador, you can enjoy a diverse range of activities and experiences: 
    • Historic Quito: Explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its stunning colonial architecture, churches, and cobblestone streets. 
    • Mitad del Mundo: Stand on the equator at the Mitad del Mundo monument and museum, where you can perform fascinating experiments to test the effects of the equator's location. 
    • Teleférico: Take a cable car ride up the Pichincha volcano for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Museums: Visit the various museums in Quito, such as the Museo Nacional or the Museo Guayasamín, to delve into Ecuador's rich history and culture. 
    • Outdoor Adventures: Explore the Andes Mountains through hiking, biking, or horseback riding. You can also take part in activities like paragliding, ziplining, and rock climbing. 
    • Local Markets: Experience the vibrant markets like Otavalo, known for its indigenous crafts, or Mercado Central for local foods and products. 
    • Culinary Delights: Savor traditional Ecuadorian dishes, including ceviche, llapingachos, and empanadas. Don't forget to try a cup of fresh, local coffee. 
    • Day Trips: Venture on day trips to nearby attractions like the Cotopaxi volcano, Quilotoa Crater Lake, or the Mindo Cloud Forest. 
    • Street Art: Appreciate Quito's colorful street art scene in neighborhoods like La Floresta. 
    • Nightlife: Experience Quito's nightlife by visiting bars, clubs, and venues with live music and dancing. 
    • Ecuadorian Culture: Attend cultural events, including festivals, concerts, and dance performances to immerse yourself in local traditions.
    • Language Learning: If you're interested in improving your Spanish, Quito offers language schools and opportunities for language exchange with locals. 
    Quito is a city that seamlessly blends history, nature, and vibrant culture, ensuring you have a diverse range of experiences to choose from.

    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.

    Other Skills

    Medical students, experience in health care. Also available for German students who need to do the mandatory "Pflegepraktikum" before entering university. Can also be used as Medical Shadowing.

    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 is 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 can upgrade to a single room for a surcharge of US$ 35 / week. 

    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 volunteer program is available year round with flexible start and end date.

    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
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    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
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    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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