Public Health Care Assistant

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

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.


  • 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

    Services by South America Inside

    • 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

    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

    2 weeks (min. stay) 958€
    3 weeks 1,127€
    4 weeks 1,297€
    5 weeks 1,466€
    6 weeks 1,636€
    7 weeks 1,806€
    8 weeks 1,975€
    9 weeks 2,145€
    10 weeks 2,314€
    11 weeks 2,484€
    12 weeks 2,653€
    24 weeks (max. stay) 4,688€
    Average fees 336€/week

    Program fees

    336€ 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

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    South America Inside

    Perfect 4.6 rating (128 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2003

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Marion

    Spoken languages: English, German, Spanish

    About the project

    South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

    Meet your organization

    South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

    Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

    Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

    Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

    Volunteer Work

    Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

    With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

    The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

    Why with us

    There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

    Our Insider benefits at a glance:

      Regional Experience
    Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

      Multifaceted Offers
    Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

      Insider Advice
    Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

      Location
    It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

      Independence
    South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

    •  Multilingual Team

    Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

      Customer Service
    Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

      Gapless and Accurate Information flow
    With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

      Approved Program Places
    Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

    128 reviews · rating4.6

    *****English Translation below***** Hallo Melanie, ich bin super in Quito angekommen und das Freiwilligenprojekt im Krankenhaus macht echt super viel Spaß! Letzte Woche war ich beim Notfall eingeteilt und diese Woche darf ich mich um die Neugeborenen kümmern! Auch das Land gefällt mir super ...
    Regina N. rating5

    2024 at Help Stray Dogs

    Die Arbeit gefällt mir sehr gut! Ich bin super reingekommen und fühle mich sehr wohl 🙂 Die Menschen sind sehr offen und freundlich! Herzlichen Dank! ...
    Nathalie K. rating5

    2024 at Local Wildlife Helper

    Everything is alright. The family host in San José is very kind. I visited San José yesterday. This morning I arrived at the rescue center and it's amazing! It beautifull, the animals are so cute. And the volonteers are very friendly. Thanks for everything and have a good ...
    Alex S. rating5

    2024 at Help Stray Dogs

    Mir geht’s prima. War ein langer Tag, bin daher auch gut kaputt 🙂 Sowohl Spanischkurs als auch die Arbeit im Tierheim machen sehr viel Spaß! Ich muss zwar all das bisschen, was ich an Spanisch kann, zusammenkratzen, um durch den Tag zu kommen, aber das wird sicherlich besser mit der Zeit ...
    Stacey Garratt rating5

    2024 at Local Women Empowerment Supporter

    I have been travelling for 7 months in total and just had the most wonderful experience in Ecuador. I can confidently say in the last 6 weeks I have created my favourite memories of this journey in an all-encompassing way. Firstly, the program itself was incredible, I constantly felt supported, ...
    Mattia Malfanti rating5

    2024 at Countryside School Assistant

    Very good location and people. Really good organization and people are really hospitable. Peumal is a really good alternative school. I sincerely advice if you want help in an alternative school to go ...

    Location


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      Very high response rate
    English, German, Spanish

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