Life Changing

I just returned from Canada after spending 28 days in Ecuador with the EcuaExperience Bio-Med program. I can not say enough good things about this trip. The trip was comprised of four main components which are medical rotations, volunteering, travel and finally a visit to the Galapagos islands.

The medical rotations were very well done. The tutors were very knowledgable and challenged students to think critically. We learned a tremendous about of valuable information about medical issues and shadowed physicians in specialities such as surgery, emergency and radiology. If you are aspiring to be a doctor, I would 100% recommend this program as it gives insight into the true lives of professionals in a hospital setting.

Our volunteer project was in a community in Pujili. With the money fundraised by the volunteers, it is estimated that 20 houses will be built for the community members by the end of the summer. The people of the community welcomed us with open arms and we were given the opportunity to work along side them at the construction site. Their work ethic was truly inspiring and their gratitude for this project was so obvious. The work was challenging but it was made easy knowing that we were improving the lives of so many people.

As for the travel portion, we travelled all over the country of Ecuador to different cities such as Mindo, Banos and Canoa. At each stop, we had many activities planned for us that were unique to Ecuador and helped immerse the volunteers in the culture. For example, we were given the opportunity to hike through the Amazon rainforest and learn to surf. Travel from location to location could be quite long (upwards of 12 hours) so I would definitely recommend bringing personal entertainment, however the bus is equipped with a TV so there is always movies to watch on the long drives.

We then took a plane to the Galapagos islands. It should be noted that the Galapagos is a national park with a delicate ecosystem and they are therefore very strict about the item that can enter the island. For example, I brought my same sneakers from the Ecuador portion of the trip and I was made to wash them before I could go through security. Once in the island, it was truly amazing. You are guaranteed to see so much wildlife. All of the naturalist guides who accompanied us on our day tours had extensive knowledge about the islands and the animals and plants that inhabited them. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen and if you are looking into EcuaExperience and are debating whether or not to go to the Galapagos, definitely GO.

Overall I would say that Help, Learn & Discover is a truly unique company. They take wonderful care of their students and ensure that we are always safe, happy and healthy. By the end of the 28 days, I felt like I was apart of a new little family!