APPLIED IMMERSION INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS

A Truly Unique Experience in Ecuador
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Go Beyond the Norm. Develop Unique Skills. Learn Through Collaboration.

Duration: 2, 4, or 8 Weeks
Setting: Virtual, In-Ecuador, or Hybrid
Dates: Programs Begin June 1, 2024
Time Commitment: Around 30 hours/week

This is a hybrid in-country and virtual experience for summer 2024. We will be combining a variety of multimedia approaches to accomplish our program work in a virtual setting and participants will have the option to attend an 8 week, 4 week or 2 week experience in Ecuador, or a completely online experience. 

Go beyond the books.  Gain invaluable experience as you support the physical, environmental, and social well-being of Ecuadorian families through delivering primary and specialized health and entrepreneurial assistance.

Recent Immersions

Over an eight-week period, interns from universities like Princeton, Harvard, Quinnipiac, Western, Loyola, and George Washington participated in an intensive virtual and in-person immersion program where they learned about the work of PACH and FIBUSPAM, and develop projects and research to support the communities we serve.

Highlights

1. Inclusive and Transdisciplinary

This program is created for medical and pre-med students, public health, health care management, sustainable development, business students and anybody interested in the very important theme of  health care viability in rural communities.

2. Cultural Immersion

Participants will be able to immerse themselves in Ecuadorian culture and gain in-person and/or virtual experience in understanding the state of health and development in rural Andean communities in and around the Chimborazo province, the conditions that threaten these communities, and the opportunities that could lead to advancement.

3. Skill Development

Participants will enhance language learning skills, cultural competency, as well as gain a unique perspective on the social, environmental, health, and entrepreneurial situations of a developing country.

Our Programs

Each intern will be participating in a variety of undertakings that are individually and cumulatively intended to provide benefit to the communities of Ecuador.  Each participant will be designated a development project (or several if desired) that is based on the theme of the Immersion Program. Interns have 2 themes to choose from.

Each intern can choose one or a combination of the themes for a personalized experience.

Medical Assistance & Innovation

Interns work alongside PACH’s medical professional staff at the local hospital. The position is primarily hospital-based with opportunities to accompany our team to perform rural community outreach. Our community campaigns allow our team to perform basic medical attention services in the communities of the Chimborazo province. Interns will have the opportunity to shadow health professionals in department(s) based on student’s academic and pre-professional interests. Departments include: family medicine, Andean traditional medicine, dentistry, ophthalmology and optometry, pharmacy and lab, chiropractic, physical therapy, and other rotating specialties.

Sustainable Development in Community Health

Interns will work dynamically to contribute to community-based efforts to create solutions for water sanitation, hygiene, indigenous agriculture, nutrition, agritourism, and food systems. These projects will focus on the improvement of indigenous community health with PACH and its partners in the provinces of Chimborazo, Azuay, Santa Elena, Loja, and Morona Santiago. You will be working alongside a team of transdisciplinary international sustainable development professionals that specialize in community development, indigenous culture, agriculture, agroecology, and biological sciences.

Skill Development

These experiences and skills are highly valued in today’s professional environment. In addition, participants will:

  • Gain insight into the opportunities, inherent risks, and limitations in healthcare in the developing world
  • Have ample opportunities to significantly increase Spanish and Kichwa language proficiency
  • Observe, and learn in a diverse cultural setting
  • Have the opportunity to collaborate with development and relief organizations

What are your thoughts on our work?

Noah – 2019 Intern

Medical Campaigns

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Also know as “Caravanas”, these are opportunities to accompany the international FIBUSPAM medical outreach team when they visit communities.  This experience will allow participants ample ability to contribute directly to the well-being of communities that are desperately in need of support.

Eco-Tourism

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGAGEMENT

Interns will have the opportunity to visit several parts of the Andes and Amazon to experience what local communities are doing to sustainably improve their environment.

Group Dynamics

INNOVATION IN ACTION

Participants will interact with international medical professionals, NGO’s, governmental entities, and indigenous professionals, making a profound community impact while also gaining in-depth knowledge of the factors of sustainable development in Ecuador.

Why Participate with Us?

Acquire a Unique Cultural Perspective

The cultural and ecological diversity of Ecuador will provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the world from a new, virtual perspective.

Increase Your Career Opportunities

Organizations both by choice and by demand, are prioritizing corporate social responsibility efforts and discovering that by creating a focus on a triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit, their ventures are yielding better results.

Be the Change

Every participant is provided the opportunity to make an impact on the lives of others, not only through collaboration with Ecuadorian counterparts, but also with their international team members.

Network with Changemakers

Our program participants and leaders have a variety of specialties and experiences to share.  You will also have the opportunity to network with a variety of governmental and non-governmental entities.

Travel The World With Confidence

Whether this is your first trip abroad, or your latest venture, you will gain unforgettable insight that will challenge and reward you.

Become a Better Learner

Non-traditional settings will allow participants to break free of normal educational paradigms and realize their true capabilities.

What Will The Experience Be Like?

“Innovaquipos”

These groups work as short-term “innovative teams” (Spanish: Innovar = Innovate and Equipo = Team).  Each Innovaquipo will be participating in a variety of undertakings that are individually and cumulatively intended to provide benefit to the communities of Ecuador.  Each Innovaquipo will be designated a development project that is based on the theme of the Applied Immersion Program. Details on each development project as well as overall program goals and experiences will be discussed in weeks 3 & 4 of the experience

The program is divided into four segments:

  1. Orientation
  2. Foundation Building in Global Public Health and Sustainable Development
  3. Field Study Intensive and Project Development
  4. Conclusion and Presentation

PROGRAM COSTS:

 

  • Contact us about customizing an experience for you that accommodates your schedule and needs.
  • $5,500 per intern for the full, 8-week experience in Riobamba, Ecuador – does not include airfare and personal entertainment. (Limit 5 interns)
  • $3,250 per intern for the hybrid experience, which includes 4 weeks in Riobamba, Ecuador – does not include airfare and personal entertainment.
  • $2,000 per intern for a completely virtual/remote 8-week experience.

Questions?

Send us a message and our team will get back to you.

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