The Most Memorable Trip

The EcuaExperience program has so much diversity incorporated into it. Not only are you able to spend time learning indoors during medical rotations, but you have an abundant amount of time learning outdoors in different environments! Help, Learn, Discover says it all!

The most rewarding part was working with the community members in Pujili. As volunteers, we have the ability to interact with the community, to get to know them, and work alongside them to build sustainable housing that includes access to better water and sanitation. Not only that, but I was able to see how the community served as a safety net for the families in it. I work with non-profit organizations within my community, but seeing our fundraised money gave us the ability to have direct knowledge of how it is spent. Oftentimes, we don't see this when we donate to NGOs but it was reassuring to know that it goes where it is necessary and that all information about the fundraised money was open to us all.

The tutors accompanying us during the medical rotations were knowledgeable and were able to explain procedures in detail. The rotations were very comprehensive in addition to the reading content given to us as the tutors would ask us questions. Students are able to experience firsthand the varieties of specializations in the medical field whether it is in the OR, ER, paediatrics, radiology, and sports medicine. Skills such as drawing blood, stitches, CPR, and physical examinations were practiced as well. I highly recommend this program for those interested in the medical field because you learn so much and are given the means to practice the skills taught to you!

I learned very quickly that Ecuador has so much to offer! We had the opportunity to travel to many different cities and explore them. Activities include hiking, canoeing, waterfall rappelling, tubing, surfing, and horseback riding - there was never a dull moment. You get to see the breathtaking views of the Cotopaxi mountains, get lost in the Canoa beach waves, and climb to the towers of a tall cathedral. Anybody who experiences Ecuador in this way will fall in love with the country and all that it has to offer - I know that I did!

Everyone is welcoming, energetic, and friendly! There is a quote in the kitchen area at the 593 Hostel Boutique that reads "Enter as strangers, leave as friends" and the EcuaExperience creates strong friendships in merely 28 days. I take back with me so many memories of the trip and you can't help but want to return to Ecuador again.