EcuaExperience: Pre-Medical and Volunteer Programs

This trip was an experience of a lifetime. I got to learn about the life of a doctor, meet new people, help people and adventure. In this program I got to do actual medical rotations and deal with real doctors, students and patients which was amazing and really showed me that med school is a great option for my future. During volunteering I got to learn about another culture and learn about their customs and lives and work along side them in order to give them more than they have ever had. I also got to meet new people and I made life long friendships here that will never fade. Beyond this I got to do things I never thought I would do like waterfall rappelling, paragliding and snorkelling in the Galapagos. This trip pushed me to face my fears if nothing else and it was all based on safety and encouragement from our leaders and the owners. What's also amazing is that you get to have freedom to do what you want and spend free time how you want. And I cannot express how impressed I was that the owners of this company come with you to destinations and actually get to know you and become your friends.

My main reason for coming on this trip? Medical rotations and volunteering.
I was in the pre-medical program and for the week of medical rotations, I met the most incredible people. Not only were the tutors nice, encouraging, funny and intelligent, they were caring. They cared about whether we, as the students and participants, were safe, enjoying our experiences and having all of our questions answered while at the hospital. We were given opportunities to watch surgeries, understand how hospital equipment is used, learn about taking vital signs of a patient and patient interaction, and see doctors rescue someone´s life. 11/10 would be the rating I give for the tutors and medical rotations week. Aside from the medical rotations week, the week we spent building homes in Pujili was amazing. We all poured our sweat and tears (tears of joy from having fun with the children in the community!) into these homes and when it was finally time to officially give them away, that´s when it really hit me. I did it. WE did it. We made an impact on a hundred people, helping to make their lives easier. We saw their smiles and tears and children running to their new homes. Shortly after giving away the homes, we went to see their current homes and that´s when it hit me again. In comparison to their current homes, the homes we gave them were like mansions. It felt wonderful to be able to help a community this way, and I´ve never been more proud of myself that I participated in such a meaningful action as this.
Finally, the cherry on top. We went from city to city; Banos, Mindo, Canoa and Quito only to name a few. We hiked to waterfalls, repelled down waterfalls, shopped for hours at markets, galloped on horses at Cotopaxi, sang songs on the bus, swang off a cliff, took a cable car across a waterfall, laughed too long at inside jokes and surfed in the ocean. Everything we saw was like a scene out of a postcard. (And I´m not exaggerating because Cotopaxi looks even more incredible than the post cards.)

And last but not least, this program had the best owners: Juan and Jose. One word to describe these two people: Incredible

Whether you are thinking about medicine or not, HLD has you covered. This program allows you to make an impact on a community in Ecuador, make amazing friends, and see some incredible things along the way. If you are interested in medicine, the premed and biomed program gives you an opportunity to do things you simply wouldn´t get a chance to do in Canada or the United States. I saw some incredible surgeries and was able to solidify my desire to go into the field of medicine.

This past month has been so much fun and such a great experience. The time went by so quick because we did so many different things and were always kept busy. It was awesome to be able to meet so many people and make so many new friends. Volunteering in Pujili was so rewarding and we were working with the community to build the homes so we were able to build relationships with the families (especially the kids) who were receiving the homes. I was in the pre-medical program and it was such a great opportunity to get to watch surgeries and shadow doctors in the hospital in Quito because I would never get to do this at home. All of the hostels we stayed at were really nice and the food was always good. It was also nice to have everything planned out for you so there was nothing to worry about as everything was very organized. Juan, Jose, and the leaders were also great. They were super friendly and always kept things exciting. Overall this trip was more than worth it and I would love to do it again!

This trip has been beyond my expectations from the day we arrived in Quito.

Hostels/Resorts- I was preparing myself for the typical hostels you see on TV but every place we stayed at was beyond my expectations. Clean rooms, attentive hostel staff, house keeping, warm showers, and endless activities. The resort in Canoa was hands down my favourite with the beautiful view of the ocean, pool front room, best food all trip, and amazing hotel staff.

Food- The variety of food that was offered was surprising. From rice and chicken, to burgers, to steak or seafood, there was always something on the menu for everyone! We even got to go to a fine dining restaurant a couple times which was a really nice change to the typical casual dining on the trip. Juan and Jose were extremely attentive of my dietary restrictions as well which was helpful because of the language barrier.

Activites- The amount of activites and sites seen on this trip is incredible. Together they make the trip 100 percent worth the price. You can literally experience everything that Ecuador has to offer. Tubing was my favourite activity. It was also really nice that everything was optional. If there was something you didnt want to participate in, there was no questions about it and they often suggested something you could do that day like go into town!

Night Life- Fun, SAFE, and optional! Occasionally we had the option of going to a club or karaoke bar. Jose was always with us so he could help us order drinks in spanish which was very helpful! It was nice to just have fun with everyone even if you didnt drink. Everyone was really respectful of peoples beliefs and ensured to include everyone in all activities.

Volunteer- The volunteer portion was amazing! I personally wish there would have been a few more days but with the amount of activites they want us to experience in the month its understandable. The community was extremely helpful and grateful for what we were doing. The children were playful but always wanted to lend a hand as well. The inaugeration party was a highlight of the trip. The community prepared lunch and dinner for us and threw us a big party! Lots of locals, friends, and family came and together we danced all night!

Med Rotations- This was an extremely knowledge filled week. Being a commerce student I wasnt sure how I would enjoy this portion of the trip but was looking forward to shadowing doctors and experiencing something so unique. It was a lot of information being someone that has never taken a science class but being so hands on made it worth it! We learnt how to do stitches and CPR as well which is important for anyone to know! The case studies were interesting but nothing too hard. Presenting them was fun and gave everyone a good laugh!

Juan, Jose, and Leaders- These people made the trip as amazing as it was. The fact that they were SO attentive and always ensured we were 100 percent satisfied is unlike any trip I have been on. Everyday they greeted us individually and asked how our day has been so far. They reminded us that if we were unhappy to please tell them and they will do whatever they can to flip that around. Having them there also made the trip customizable. Their personalities, dancing, singing, and jokes kept us entertained all week! The student leaders were great too. They blended right in with us and joined us in all we did but were also great for support on any topics.

Overall- Best trip I have ever been on! I look forward to returning home having met so many people and created so many memories. I would highly reccomend this trip for anyone interested in travel, volunteer, or medicine.

When I first arrived, I was not sure what to expect. I soon learned that the unknown is part of the experience. Living in the moment, experiencing every day without concern of what was coming next is what this trip is all about. Every student has the opportunity to discover themselves and their limits in a very safe environment provided by Juan and Jose. Going from the beautiful highlands in Quito and Cotopaxi, to the jungles in Misahualli and Mindo all the way to the coastal lands of Canoa and the Galapagos are beauties not seen anywhere else. Ecuador is such an incredible and vibrant country with so much to offer. Although it can be overwhelming at times, there is not a part of the trip I would consider cutting out. It truly is a fulfilling experience!
Concerning the medical rotations, I was shocked how indepth they were. You were able to be up close and personal with many different types of surgeries and patients. It truly allows insight into what the medical field has to offer. The tutors were very knowledgeable and helpful, always patiently answering each student's questions. It was evident they are passionate about what they do, and they impart that on the students. I was shocked how much we covered in such a short period of time. I was very grateful for this opportunity.
The volunteer site was also a unique experience. It was a bonding experience within the students as well as with the families in the community. My only regret was not being able to spend more time there. The people of the community opened their hearts to us, and I was very touched with the time I spent with them. They brought us to their old homes and cooked us a delicious meal.
Finally, the owners and the staff of HLD were the most accomodating, welcoming, and wonderful people! From Juan's hilarious quips and dance moves to Jose's protective, charming nature I have really come to love the whole staff. Everyone at hostel 593 are so sweet and has every student's best interests at heart. I will really miss the entire HLD family.
I would recommend this program to people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience.

I have only good things to say about this program! Every day is planned out well and filled with activities which make it wonderful. I was a Bio premed student and I think it may be the one program where you get the greatest value for your dollar... Volunteering is amazing but my favorite part had to be the galapagos! There was so many opportunities to try so many different activities throughout the trip. I will be recomending this trip to all my friends.

This August I was a part of the volunteer program offered by Help, Learn & Discover. My time in Ecuador was absolutely amazing and I will definitely be back in the future! Everyday was filled with excitement, each day was filled with great activities, food and great company by the students as well as the leaders. During my time in Ecuador we did so many great activites, some of these include: hiking, snorkelling, tubing, waterfall repelling and various tours. This program is great for anyone who wants to make a difference in others lives while also getting the opportunity to travel around the beautiful country of Ecuador. It was really special to work on the houses with the people of the community who will be living in them and knowing that without us none of this would be possible. I was also lucky enough to travel to Peru before the start of my time in Ecuador as well as the Galapagos Islands for the last week of my trip. I would highly recommend both of these extra weeks!