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Medical Rehabilitation and Therapy Volunteer Program
Quito, Ecuador
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Volunteer Activities |
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Assist with language therapy for children and adults |
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Support doctors by completing patient forms and paperwork |
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Work in the prosthetic and orthopedic laboratory |
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Take part in special programs assigned by the doctors |
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Assist doctors in the rehabilitation area |
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| Volunteer Program at a Glance |
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Start Dates:
Any Monday of the year.
Program Length:
Minimum: 2 weeks |
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Program Cost:
2 Weeks:
US $1,500
3 Weeks:
US $1,770
4 Weeks:
US $2,040
Each Additional Week:
US $370 |
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Cost includes:
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Airport pick-up and drop-off |
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Accommodations with local host family |
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Intensive group Spanish lessons |
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Two meals per day |
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Orientation upon arrival |
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Full onsite support and assistance & 24-hour emergency number |
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Schedule:
Monday to Friday. You can work full or part-time. The work schedule on the program will be from 8:30am-1:00pm and/or from 1:30pm-5pm.
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Requirements:
There are no formal requirements, but we strongly recommend that you have some basic Spanish skills, and a strong interest in the medical field. |
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What Volunteers Can Do: |
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As a volunteer in our Ecuador Medical Rehabilitation and Therapy Program, you'll help provide treatment to handicapped patients at a medical center in Quito.You will assist health care professionals in delivering physical, linguistic, and occupational therapy to patients of different ages, disabilities, and backgrounds.
The volunteer program is held at the Casa Ecuador de Los Angeles, in northern Quito.Volunteer duties in this program include providing aid for full medical treatments and exams, assisting in the prosthetic and orthopedic laboratory, and working as a technical aid for physical, linguistic, and occupational therapy.Your contribution and hard work will make you an important part of a team of medical interns and professionals. |
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Why Volunteer in Ecuador? |
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Ecuador straddles the equator and is a popular tourist destination due to its biodiversity and natural beauty. Although Ecuador continues to develop and modernize, a substantial percentage of the population is still living below the poverty line and lacking access to quality healthcare.
The Casa Ecuador de Los Angeles was founded in 1984. Approximately 15 volunteer doctors and 10 local volunteers work at the center. This institution started as a facility for training Ecuadorian medical students and preparing future doctors. The center later opened its doors to foreign students and is very pleased to receive the help of international volunteers, particularly those with an interest in the medical practice. |
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Ecuador Medical Rehabilitation and Therapy Program Goals: |
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The Casa Ecuador de Los Angeles is dedicated to providing free medical and social services to disabled patients of different ages and backgrounds. Volunteers will work towards this goal by helping the center to provide routine patient services and therapy. Although no prior medical experience is required to volunteer, this program is recommended for volunteers who are interested in the medical field and health care.
Volunteers who are medical specialists will work with local doctors, while less experienced volunteers will provide assistance under the supervision of staff in various procedures. Your service will be greatly appreciated by the medical center team as well as its patients. Remember that any help is great help! |
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Airport Pickup and Orientation: |
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Volunteers arrive in Quito on Sunday and are picked up from the airport. On Monday morning there is a detailed orientation about the program after which volunteers have the rest of the day off to explore Quito. On Tuesday morning the volunteer coordinator will take volunteers to the program site. |
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Spanish Language Classes: |
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Volunteers enrolled in the complete package can take Spanish lessons in Quito prior to or during their volunteer program. The Spanish school is located two blocks away from the main office. Students are placed in groups of 12 or fewer students according to language level. |
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Transportation: |
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Airport pick-up in Quito and transportation to volunteer accommodations will be arranged. Transportation to the program site will take around 35 minutes, and volunteers will be expected to take care of this expense. |
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Accommodations: |
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Volunteers can choose to stay with a local Ecuadorian family or at a residence. Host families have been pre-selected through an application process and are located in safe and clean residential areas throughout the city of Quito. The residence is situated in great location just a few blocks from Quito's main transportation system and a short walk from the main tourist area. There is internet available at the residence. |
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Meals: |
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Breakfast and dinner are included with host families. Meals are not provided with the residence option. |
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In-Country Support: |
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Full onsite support and assistance will be provided as well as an on-site 24-hour emergency contact number. |
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Ecuador Excursions: |
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Ecuador is a fascinating travel destination due to its world-renowned biodiversity. Volunteers will have many opportunities to explore Quito and to visit nearby attractions. During free time, volunteers can take part in a variety of excursions at an additional cost. Potential excursions include:
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Historic and cultural visits: |
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Volunteers can visit the historic old town of colonial Quito to see colonial churches, government buildings, and historic squares. Quito is the least-altered historic center in Latin America, and has been named a first World Heritage city by UNESCO. |
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Mitad del Mundo: (half of the world) |
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Just outside of Quito you can stand in the middle of the earth at latitude 0-0'-0". |
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Teleférico (Gondola lift): |
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Visitors can take a scenic ride up Volcano Pichincha for a spectacular view. The gondola will take you up to almost 14,000 feet. |
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Insurance for Volunteers: |
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BridgeVolunteers provides emergency travel insurance for participants. For more information, please read our Insurance page. |
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