Ecuador - Los Chillos Program Location
Program DescriptionThe program takes place in the beautiful Valley of Los Chillos, a brief drive south down the highway from Quito.
Climate/Weather
On account of Ecuador's varied regions and because of its location directly atop the equator, it is an excellent travel destination year-round. Rather than rotating through four seasons, most of Ecuador experiences oscillating wet and dry periods. The Andean Highlands though on the equator, are generally cooler than most people would expect. The climate in the Andes varies according to the altitude and the time of the year. In Quito the temperature ranges from 7 degrees C (55F) at night, to 26 degrees C (78F) at noon, averaging 15 degrees C (64F). The highlands' dry season is June to August and the warmer, rainy season is from January to April.
Hospital and Clinic RotationsStudents participating in this program will be under the guardianship of Alcira Ludena (area coordinator) and Dr. Hugo Daza (medical/clinical preceptor). Mrs. Ludena will arrange for your transportation to and from the airport and make arrangements for your homestays.
This is a four-week program. Participants will usually rotate among hospitals, clinics and health centers in the morning. During the late afternoon and evenings community education and seminars can be conducted. Weekday and weekend schedules can be arranged upon arrival with your local area coordinator.
Rural Clinics and Health CentersRotation availability may vary depending on the time of year, the number of SIMS participants at one time, and local conditions. Restrictions may apply for pre-clinical, pre-med, and those students with minimal Spanish skills.
Homestay and Cultural ImmersionParticipants can help in small health centers and rural clinics. Health education is an essential component health care. Education in areas such as birth control, safe water, nutrition, ondontology and more is desired.
Training and OrientationParticipants will live with a local Seventh-day Adventist family to get first hand experience of life in Ecuador.
EligibilitySIMS and its Ecuadorian partners will provide a comprehensive orientation prior to and once the program begins. This will include pre-departure orientation to help prepare students for the four-week program. Upon arrival, participants will also receive an in-country orientation.
Program DatesThis program is open to all levels of health care students and professionals. Ability to speak Spanish is necessary.
Program CostsThe best time to participate in this program is October-July. August and September are not suitable months.
Pre-departure orientation materials and guidance, airport transportation upon arrival and departure, food and lodging with a local family, and all preceptor and hospital fees.
All rotations are subject to change depending on local availability. Local coordinators will try to make alternate arrangements if a particular activity or facility is not available during your program time.
Last Revised: Fri, Jun 02, 2006
