Life-Changing Experience

Help, Learn & Discover was an absolutely unforgettable experience! I took part in the pre-medical program, Galapagos and Machu Picchu extra week programs and each part of my trip was incredible! I learned so much about myself while falling in love with the culture and people of Latin America during my travels throughout Ecuador and Peru.

The Help component of the trip is the closest to my heart. When I left the volunteer site, some of the children were running behind our vehicle waving and blowing kisses back to me and I burst into tears. It was amazing how easily I connected with the children of Pujili without being able to speak Spanish very well. I widened my skill set during fundraising, but more importantly I have learned from the people of Pujili to be grateful and happy.

The Learn component of the program is eventful, informative, and diverse! I was able to watch multiple surgeries, natural and caesarean births, and emergency room entries. I learned the basics of first aid, suturing, and solving a medical case study. I truly believe I have more first hand experience than other students entering medical school in Canada because of the opportunities Help, Learn & Discover allowed me to have.

The Discover component is the part of the program that I believe takes people out of their comfort zone. I was able to snorkel with sea turtles and sea lions in the Galapagos Islands, hike the breath-taking Machu Picchu mountain, waterfall rappel in the cloud rainforest, tube in the Amazon River, and sun bathe on the beach in Canoa. I met so many incredible people from across North America, made lifelong friends, and tried things I would have been too timid to attempt before this trip.

In summary, Help, Learn & Discover is a program for well-rounded individuals who want to not only give back to the world but also have an incredible adventure in a foreign country. This program is the perfect mixture of volunteering, travelling, and learning about the field of medicine. I could never ask for a better experience from a tour company. The leaders, tour guides, and operations directors are all inspiring and amazing people who personally will do whatever it takes to give each and every student an incredible experience. The personal touches such as fireworks on the beach, snacks at the work site, and surprise birthday cakes for students on the trip are just a few examples of the care that these people show for their volunteers. The staff at HLD truly makes you feel like a part of their family. I will forever be grateful for the time I spent with Help, Learn & Discover.