Global Health: Ecuador

In partnership with Child and Family Health International (CFHI), students can elect a global health internship experience in Ecuador. The program is based in Quito, where students have the opportunity to live with a homestay family. The duration of the program is four weeks.

There are two options. Option 1 is for those who already have a foundation in Spanish. They will spend their time in hospitals and clinics and experience firsthand the health challenges in clinical settings that impact Ecuador's rural and urban populations. Students will become immersed in Ecuadorian culture and language while living with local families and will participate in Spanish language classes with an emphasis on medical Spanish.

Option 2 is for those who lack a foundation in Spanish. The first two weeks comprise intensive Spanish instruction and participation with a local NGO to learn the cultural and social context of Quito. For the next two weeks, students are placed in clinical rotations at hospitals or community-level clinics. Students gain confidence communicating in Spanish within social and professional settings and an understanding of healthcare systems and how Ecuadorians access these services. This program provides a unique combination of a homestay experience, participation in excellent Spanish language classes, and experiences interacting with locals and professionals. This combination will boost your ability to speak Spanish proficiently in lay and medical settings, your understanding of Ecuadorian culture, and your understanding of health care and global health.

On weekends, students can take optional excursion trips that have been previously approved by the Kennedy Center and arranged through our local partner (Latino Schools). You can learn more at www.byuglobalhealth.org and www.cfhi.org.

Click here to apply today!