HLD...a truly lifechanging experience

I first went to Ecuador with HLD in 2008 and it was truly a life changing experience. The opportunity to fundraise money in my hometown of Vancouver and take every cent of that money down to Ecuador to allocate towards a building project is something I will never forget. The sense of pride that comes from accomplishing such a goal is second to none. The best part is, it’s your goals, HLD provides the tools and direction but it is really the students who take it on and accomplish it. And that definitely makes a difference when you are over in Ecuador, working side-by-side with the families that will be receiving the homes.

As amazing as the volunteering experience was, HLD is so much more than that. I went in the pre-medical program, which meant I got to shadow doctors through different wards of hospitals in Ecuador. Not only did this allow me to directly talk to doctors and ask them about their profession but it also gave me a taste of the lifestyle. This was vital to my decisions making process when considering med-school.

HLD is the perfect balance of volunteering, learning and fun. In the tour around Ecuador you travel from the rainforest to the jungle to the mountains to the coast. You stay in some amazing locations and get to try out so awesome adventure sports. I also added an extra week trip to the Galapagos…a place like nowhere else in the world…my favourite travel destination I have ever been to.

As you can tell I can’t speak highly enough of HLD. Juan and Jose, the owners, are truly passionate about making a difference and they are there to make sure you have the best time possible. I made so many lasting friendships and wish I could go back every summer!