Volunteer Abroad in Ecuador - United Planet: 1-52 weeks

We spent a day at a clinic in the south of Quito and it was truly a life changing experience. This clinic has an adult day program, children physio, adult physio, rehab, doctors visits and more. The didn't have very much and made do with whatever recourses they had available. They were SO very appreciative of any and all donations. We could not speak any Spanish but they will welcomed us with opened arms! The adult day program was my favorite. The people that go there so not have a lot of money but with their happy spirts and warm hearts you would never be able to tell. Truly life changing and eye opening!

Traveling to Ecuador for this service trip was the first time I have traveled out of the country and I could not have been more happy with my experience. The people, the culture, and the general attitude of Ecuador was so welcoming and fun. I would definitely recommend this service trip to pretty much anyone who wants to serve while traveling! Also, if you are not fluent in Spanish, THAT IS OKAY! I knew very little Spanish and did not fell ashamed or unwelcome because of it!

Getting to see the healthcare system in another country and participate in providing care there was life changing. I have brought so many lessons back to Canada with me. I thought we were going to Ecuador to help the people there, but I feel like it was really the other way around. I also feel like my life priorities and future goals changed. I now want to do more, travel further, and try nursing across the globe. I've never thought seriously about adopting a child, but after visiting an orphanage in Quito, I've realized that doing so would fit me as a person more than I ever could have known.

I took this trip as a solo travel/volunteer trip to Ecuador. United Planet had a really great support system and was very organized throughout the application process. They were all prompt with responding and the in country staff was also prompt with travel accommodations to and from the airport..

I'm a PA, certified and all, so I was hoping for more experience and exposure to the under-served areas of Quito, where healthcare is not readily accessible and where I could be of more help. However, I was placed in a private clinic to observe, which I did appreciate observing how things are done differently vs in the US. The spanish classes were great, b/c I'm not very fluent in Spanish but with my broken/basic spanish, I was able to communicate with most ppl. Most of all, I really enjoyed having the complete independence after the first day, which meant I got to explore the city of beautiful Quito. It was so fun!

Quito is actually really safe, compared to even some cities in the US. Be smart about traveling at night. The most common crime is pocket thefts in crowded spaces like the bus/trains. I would highly recommend the trip to students, but as for professionals, I would inquire about what you'd be able to assist in b/c you might be observing more.