Child Family Health International: Quito, Ecuador Shalini Vaid Class of 2014

Quito, Ecuador

Program: Child Family Health International- Andean Health  4 Weeks long  I went July 2 nd -August 1 st, Program runs year round so you can go any month.  Home stay with Ecuadorian family  Provide breakfast and dinner  Mostly medical students who just finished 1 st year and pre-medical undergraduate students who participate. Upper level medical students and residents may also attend this program.

Medical Rotations  4 one week-long rotations  Can choose from a variety of specialties  I did:  Obstetrics  Pediatrics  Gynecology  Internal Medicine

Medical Rotations  Mostly shadowing  Physical examinations  All patient interviews are done in Spanish so this is a great way to learn medical Spanish!

Spanish Classes  35 hours of classes in two weeks  At the Amazing Andes Language School  Can take private or group classes for $8- 9/hour during the remaining two weeks

Sightseeing  Weekend trips to various places in Ecuador  Banos: white water rafting, horseback riding, hot springs, repelling down waterfalls  Otovalo: huge market for souvenir shopping  Mitad del Mundo: The Equator!  Puerto Lopez and Isla de la Plata: the beach and a nearby island full of wildlife, whale watching, snorkeling  Mindo: Ziplining

Expenses  Program cost: $2350  Included homestay, breakfast and dinner, Spanish classes, cell phone  Airfare: $1000  Vaccines: $400, received $200 insurance reimbursement  Food and Travel Expenses: $600  Special Equipment for Trip: $75- Guide Book, Medical Spanish Dictionary, sunscreen, scrubs, gloves, surgical masks