Ecuador – Global Health Projects

Dental Quest

Recommended for volunteers that have a background in the dental field or who are studying dentistry. Volunteers will work in a hospital in Quito that provides dental services to adults, children, and the elderly. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to visit local day cares where they will provide dental services to the children. Tasks at the state hospital will vary depending on level of medical expertise and Spanish ability. Please note that the primary task for students is observation. 

Available Dates: Quests start every Sunday, year-round
Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
Requirements: At least 18 years old, intermediate Spanish

Education and Rehabilitation Quest

Recommended for physical therapy students. The aim of this project is to provide mentally disabled children and adolescents with the skills that will help them integrate into society. Volunteer work focuses on the running of the facility and supervising and caring for children. Possible tasks include working as a classroom or lunch service assistant, helping individuals with homework and class activities, and monitoring students during class, lunch, and recreation periods. Volunteers may also assist with speech therapy by walking students through computer programs designed to improve their pronunciation.

Available Dates: Quests start every Sunday, October – July
Minimum Stay: 4 weeks
Requirements: At least 18 years old, intermediate Spanish

Healthcare Quest

Recommended for volunteers that have a background in the healthcare field or who are studying medicine. Volunteer in a state-run hospital in Quito that provides both primary care services and emergency medicine to an impoverished community in Quito. Volunteers may take medically-focused Spanish classes and also have the opportunity to focus their work in the occupational therapy or elderly care departments of the clinic if desired. Volunteer tasks at the state hospital will vary depending on level of medical expertise and Spanish ability. Please note that the primary task for students is observation.

Available Dates: Quests start every Sunday, year-round
Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
Requirements: At least 18 years old, intermediate Spanish

Physical and Occupational Therapy Quest

Speech Therapy Quest

Work in a public institution that serves children who have hearing and visual disabilities. On this Quest, volunteers will assist the teachers with daily student activities and speech therapy. The organization also provides workshops in arts, crafts, and baking. Volunteers may be able to help students with homework, lead group activities, and learn some sign language and braille themselves. This institution is a beautiful place with lots of space and green areas for children to learn and play.

Available Dates: Quests start every Sunday, year-round
Minimum Stay: 1 week
Requirements: At least 18 years old, intermediate Spanish

• Lodging at a local homestay or onsite volunteer house (environmental projects)
• Two home-cooked meals per day
• 6 hours of private Spanish lessons
• Cultural activities and excursions
• Online pre-departure training with our Boston staff
• In-country airport transportation
• Emergency medical and travel insurance
• 24/7 in-country support and supervision
• A United Planet t-shirt

United Planet provides emergency travel and medical insurance for all volunteers. All Ecuador staff members participate in extensive health and safety training, and are available at all times by 24-hour phone line. Upon enrollment, you will receive a full emergency contact list. In addition, we register all of our volunteers with US Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). We recommend booking a doctor’s appointment or visiting a travel health clinic a few months out to update your vaccinations.  Read more about health and safety.

Due to varying airline prices, United Planet does not arrange or cover the cost of flights to and from Ecuador. However, we arrange all ground transportation to and from the airport in Ecuador and will ensure that you arrive safely at your host house. Public transportation to and from your project is cheap and easy with either of Quito’s two trolley lines or by bus. Daily commuting costs are covered by volunteers.