Intensive Beginner Spanish & Global Health in Ecuador

Program overview

Experience the rich culture and history of Ecuador’s vibrant capital city, Quito, located in the Andes mountain range. This program is a perfect fit for those with little or no Spanish language skills and an interest in healthcare and global health. Gain practical experience and proficiency in this vital skill used everyday in today’s healthcare setting. Practice Spanish skills in local NGO’s, hospitals and clinics and learn about health care delivery in low-resource settings.

CFHI’s Intensive Beginner Spanish Programs are unique in that participants begin with service-learning placements rather than clinical rotations. In this program, receive increased Spanish language instruction in preparation for entering healthcare settings. Over the course of 4 weeks, take 30 hours of intensive beginner Spanish classes focusing on basic grammar and conversation. In the mornings, participate in a community engagement project and learn about the cultural and social context of Quito.

The last two weeks focus on practicing Spanish skills during clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities such as community level clinics on the outskirts of the city serving low-income populations, or government hospitals delivering free high-level diagnostic, specialized, and emergency care. Other rotations include a public maternity hospital where high-risk pregnancies are managed, an indigenous medicine clinic, and other hospitals and clinics. Participants will come away with more confidence communicating in Spanish within social and professional settings, as well as a holistic view of healthcare systems in Quito and how Ecuadorians access these services.

During the program, become immersed in Ecuadorian culture while living with local host families in Quito. CFHI participants may also organize weekend trips to destinations such as the town of Mindo, Cotopaxi volcano, and Otavalo market.

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General information

Country

Ecuador

Focus

Hospital & Inpatient Medicine Intensive Beginner Spanish Maternal & Reproductive Health Pediatrics & Child Health Primary health care Public Health Urban/Rural Comparative

Languages

Advanced Spanish Beginner Spanish Intermediate Spanish

Fees and Duration

4 Weeks - $3410 5 Weeks - $4115 6 Weeks - $4820 7 Weeks - $5525 8 Weeks - $6200 9 Weeks - $6905 10 Weeks - $7605

Start Dates

January 4th, 2025 February 1st, 2025 March 1st, 2025 April 5th, 2025 May 3rd, 2025 June 7th, 2025 July 5th, 2025 August 2nd, 2025 September 6th, 2025 October 4th, 2025 November 1st, 2025 January 3rd, 2026 February 7th, 2026 March 7th, 2026 April 4th, 2026

About this program

Quito is the capital of Ecuador, one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world. Founded in the 16^th century atop the ruins of an Incan city, today this modern metropolis boasts a diverse population of about two million people. As the capital and economic hub of the country, it attracts migrants from rural areas – mostly indigenous groups, as well as immigrants from neighboring countries.

Quito is nestled in a valley within the Andes Mountain Range, surrounded by volcanoes and impressive peaks. At an elevation of 9,000 feet above sea level, it is considered one of the highest capital cities in the world. Due to its close proximity to the equator, the climate is spring-like all year long, with warm days and cool nights. Quito’s historic center is one of the largest and least altered in the Americas and one of the first world cultural heritage sites declared by UNESCO in the 1970’s. As the nation’s capital, it is a lively urban center with dancing, dining, historical sites, shopping and museums.

Program participants will find their home away from home in carefully selected homestays, screened by CFHI Local Coordinators in Quito and following CFHI’s health and safety guidelines. Nestled within Northern Quito, these homestays offer the perfect blend of comfort and authenticity, situated in middle-class neighborhoods with excellent access to the language school, public transportation, shops, restaurants, and cafes. In some cases, CFHI scholars share a house or a room in the same homestay with fellow program participants.

Going beyond mere lodging, these homestays provide a unique opportunity to learn about the local culture and practice Spanish skills on a daily basis in an informal setting. Accommodations include two meals per day. At the welcome orientation, participants will be instructed on culture and work etiquette to have the best experience in both homestay and the health setting.

Participants should arrive in Quito, Ecuador on the program start date (a Saturday) and will be met and picked up from the airport by a CFHI representative and taken to their homestay. The medical orientation usually takes place on Sunday and the language school orientation on Monday. If you arrive on an alternate date, please consult with the local coordinator for your orientation schedule.

Visas are not required for U.S. citizens staying less than 3 months in Ecuador. More information on travel and logistics will be provided by CFHI after acceptance into the program.

What’s Included

CFHI Program fees include the majority of your on the ground costs. As a nonprofit, CFHI strives to keep fees low and offers fundraising opportunities, scholarships and discounts.

Pre-Departure Support

Program advising and support via email, phone, and web meeting from CFHI’s Central Leadership team
Detailed online Pre-Departure Training that includes modules on program logistics (flights, visas, immunizations, and more), intercultural learning, introduction to health realities at your program site, and much more

On-Site Services

Airport pick-up upon arrival and transportation with a local CFHI representative to your program lodging
Welcome orientation 1-2 days after arrival covering safety, transportation, and other logistics
Spanish Classes: 30 hours/month of Spanish classes, including medical Spanish instruction and cultural activities
CFHI Local Team that provides instruction, logistical support, and 24/7 emergency response
Meetings and lectures on local healthcare system, socio-economic determinants of health and current cultural/historical topics.
Placement and coordination of clinical and any public health activities (if relevant)
Accommodation and two meals per day
Local cell phone or support obtaining a local SIM card
International emergency medical and evacuation insurance (unless waived by your university or institution)

Post-Return Resources

Opportunities to engage as a CFHI Alumni Ambassador, reviewing scholarship applications, speaking on CFHI panels, and more
Access to CFHI alumni-only social media group/s featuring news and career opportunities related to Global Health
CFHI alumni newsletter highlighting events, professional development opportunities, resources, and ways to stay involved

Uniquely, 60% or more of CFHI student program fees go directly to the communities they will be visiting, benefiting the local economy at large and specifically underserved health systems.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FAIR-TRADE LEARNING MODEL

CFHI participants have free time during most evenings and weekends and may choose to organize weekend trips to nearby destinations and take part in cultural activities offered within Quito itself.

Within Quito, popular activities include visiting the “middle of the world” or the equatorial line, the famous Guayasamin art museum and home, and the historic city center. Quito is also served by various bus lines and is an ideal jumping off point to see the rest of the country. Travel to the Amazon to hike, nature watch, and visit jungle communities. Closer to Quito and ideal for a day or weekend trip is Otavalo, a primarily indigenous town that has maintained its traditional way of life and is renown for its weekly market.

A typical day in a CFHI program is a blend of immersive learning, cultural exploration, and personal reflection. Participants begin their mornings with breakfast at their homestay, followed by 4-6 hours of health-related activities. The health site assignments and schedule are shared by the local team upon arrival. In the afternoon, participants attend Spanish classes at the language school, with the hours and regularity varying based on the program. Weekends are free of program-planned activities.

Clinical Rotations & Public Health Placements

Overview

One of CFHI’s longest-running program sites, this program offers a comprehensive experience that showcases a holistic view of the healthcare systems in Quito as well as how Ecuadorians access healthcare services.

The following hospitals, clinics, and public health sites are a sample of possible rotations during this program. After acceptance, students can indicate any preferences on their application. The local team does their best to accommodate learners’ preferences, based on local availability and conditions.

Non-Clinical Sites (Initial Weeks)

CFHI partners with several non-profits and public health sites in Quito. Please keep in mind that availability depends on local conditions. Sites are subject to change depending on local availability and general local holidays.

Clinical Sites (Final Weeks): Primary Healthcare Centers

Located in every neighborhood, these clinics provide services including health education and promotion, diagnosis and treatment of disease, prenatal care and family planning, and primary care services including vaccinations and well-child checkups. Join physicians and nurses educating the local population about chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, and infectious diseases including dengue, malaria and tuberculosis. These facilities also offer pap smears and cancer screenings.

Clinical Sites (Final Weeks): Government Hospital

This teaching hospital, located in the northern part of the city, receives funding from the government and civil organizations. It provides primary, secondary and tertiary care at low cost. Rotate alongside medical students and residents in ob/gyn, pediatrics, surgery, and emergency wards. Shadow physicians in morning rounds, general consults, and follow-up treatment.

Meet the Local Team

Dr. Susana Alvear

CFHI Medical Director in Quito

Dr. Susana Alvear - CFHI Medical Director in Quito

The local Medical Director oversees and arranges all clinical and public health-related activities and is also responsible for coordinating healthcare and emergency services for participants as needed. They coordinate a cadre of preceptors who mentor and supervise program participants at both clinical and public/community health sites. Dr. Alvear is the expert on socioeconomic determinants of health in the region and healthcare delivery strategies in low-resource settings.

Dr. Alvear has served CFHI since 1996. She is an accomplished family physician who obtained her MD and specialty certificates in Ecuador. She then completed clinical education courses at the University of New Mexico and workshops at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Dr. Alvear teaches at Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, where she manages their residency program. Dr. Alvear has participated in several international trips providing healthcare services to countries after natural disasters stricken areas such as Pakistan and Ghana.

Elvira Hinojosa

Assistant to the Medical Director

Elvira Hinojosa - Assistant to the Medical Director

Elvira schedules your medical rotations, introduces you to your preceptors and is always happy to help you with any questions or challenges you may face in your medical program.

Patty Ribadaneira

CFHI Local Coordinator

Patty Ribadaneira - Local Coordinator

The CFHI Local Coordinators manage the logistics of housing, transportation, and cultural immersion throughout the program. They are a valuable resource for any questions related to navigating the program locale, cultural norms, and tips on planning weekend travel.

The Local Coordinator in Quito is a leader of the Academia Latinoamericana de Español, Quito, the language school where students take Spanish classes. Patty Ribadaneira has been supporting visiting students in Quito since 1989. She studied in the U.S. and is aware of the specific needs that students have. Patty is a collaborative, motivational and inspirational leader; she instills confidence in others.

Eligibility

This CFHI program is ideal for participants who are 19 years of age or older with Novice Spanish or above, who have an interest in fields related to intensive beginner Spanish, primary care and urban/rural comparison. You do not need to be a student to be eligible for this program; mid-career professionals, GAP year learners, and others are also welcome. This program will provide an in-depth overview of intensive beginner Spanish, primary care and urban/rural comparison in Latin America through visits and experiences within hospitals and clinics in Quito. To confirm your eligibility, please read CFHI’s general eligibility requirements.

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global roadmap set forth by the United Nations General Assembly to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure the well-being of all individuals by the year 2030. This program highlights the following SDGs:

Scholarships

FAQ

What alumni say about this program

Pierre S. University of Minnesota, Pre-Health Undergraduate Student

“I now know that I am on the right track pursuing a primary care occupation. I also now have a much broader world perspective and understand that there are many more ways to regard life than the way we do in America. Ecuadorians had a way of embracing life that was thrilling and refreshing.”

Megan B.

“Initially the biggest difference between this hospital and those in the US was that there were so many patients in one room, all of them laboring together. One morning I counted 13 patients packed into the main room! The patients would stay in this room until just before they were ready to deliver, and then…” read more on Megan’s blog.

CFHI alumni Western University of Health Sciences

“Participating in an international health rotation, such as the Intensive Beginner Spanish course in Quito, Ecuador, has been a goal for many years. I am drawn to underserved populations, both in the US and abroad, and felt that this one-month immersion program in South America would be perfect. As a future Internal Medicine resident at the University of New Mexico, I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to study Spanish and immerse myself in the local culture.”

How to Apply

Create profile

Submit application

Hear back from CFHI team

Complete pre-departure training and requirements

Intensive Beginner Spanish & Global Health in Ecuador

Program overview

About this program