The Healthcare Program
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:
- Provide real-world experience in patient care
- Offer a teaching experience for medical students through supervised interactions.
- Apply shared medical knowledge, contributing to improved patient outcomes for the residents of Quito
- Provide exposure to diverse cases and support a commitment to training and learning.
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
Participants on this program need to provide white scrubs and shoes (or purchase them on arrival) and a passport photo for the hospital I.D.
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 need to provide white scrubs and shoes (or purchase them on arrival for US$50) and a passport photo for the hospital I.D.
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 8 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
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 have the unique opportunity to experience 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. A home away from home!
Rooms may be shared depending on volunteer numbers and homes are well equipped with all the comforts and facilities required for an enjoyable stay.
Volunteers will be accommodated near to their project site; either walking distance or an easy commute via public transport.
Volunteers can opt to have breakfast and dinner provided by the host family for $10 per day or can use the kitchen to prepare their own meals or eat out at any of the wonderful local eateries.
Photos are indicative only as host families vary.
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.
Prefer to arrange your own accommodation? No problem! The program fee is adjusted to $440 for any duration.
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 COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days prior to entry OR
- a negative COVID RT-PCR test taken no more than three (3) days before entering the country.
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 & white shoes (which can be purchased in-country for US$50) 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.