Medicine & Public Health Internship in Rural Ecuador

Help low-income communities live healthy lives through public health initiatives, outreach programmes and health centre support.

Design & deliver a hands-on, personalised Internship in Medicine & Public Health to develop your CV and gain real-world experience, while making a real difference to rural communities in the majestic Ecuadorian Andes.

Benefits

Design and deliver a unique internship based on your career aspirations and local needs, supported by an experienced international team.

Advance your career, develop your skills, and improve your résumé through a hands-on project with 1:1 mentoring from a professional in the field.

Make a meaningful difference to low-income populations who lack the education, support, and resources to make the changes themselves.

Immerse yourself in another culture and experience a different way of life through family homestays, cultural activities, and life in a small rural community.

Set off on adventures and make lifetime memories with other interns and volunteers – climb mountains, hike through the jungle, and explore indigenous communities.

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.

What's Included

Free Discovery Call & Plan
Flexible Start Date & Duration
Educational Documentation Support
Pre-Arrival & Travel Support
Shared Accommodation with WiFi
Lunches Monday to Thursday
Weekly Professional Learning/Mentoring
In-Person Coordination
Materials Budget
Cultural Immersion
Free-Time Recommendations
Certificate of Completion
Written Reference

Optional Extras

Private Room within a Local Family Homestay
Spanish/Kichwa Classes (before or during visit)
Private Transfer from Airport
Additional Professional Mentoring Sessions

What's Not Included

Flights, visas, vaccines, or any other expenses to reach us
Travel, health, and work insurance
Other meals
Leisure time activities & Spending money

Feedback

"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, 2023)

Ready to Begin Planning Your Adventure?

Schedule your free discovery call and begin co-creating your personalised internship in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Start Dates

Flexible - all year round.

Fee

$145 per week (when booked before January 2024)

We are a small independent organisation and receive no external funds for our programme and therefore there is a cost to the programme, which is used to exclusively to deliver you the best internship programme possible!