More pictures from this internship can be found here.
Ecuador, nestled in the heart of South America, is rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, and offers a diverse tapestry of indigenous traditions, colonial architecture, and vibrant markets. Since 2008, Ecuador has recognized healthcare access as a fundamental constitutional right and has made significant advances in the pursuit of universal health coverage. CFHI offers various programs in Ecuador that showcase a holistic view of the healthcare system.
In the cultural capital of Quito, experience a range of clinical sites and health services, including private and public hospitals, community level clinics and local grassroots NGO’s. You will have the opportunity to learn about family medicine, maternal health, pediatrics, internal medicine, public health and more. Students based in Quito may also opt to spend one week living in Otavalo, visiting a clinic focused on providing care to the indigenous population.
Alternatively, experience the vibrant world of Indigenous medicine and health practices in Puyo, Ecuador, a gateway to the Amazon rainforest and home to Kichwa and Shuar communities. This immersive program allows students to learn how these communities approach health, illness, and healing, blending cultural beliefs, spiritual practices, and traditional remedies drawn from the Amazon’s rich biodiversity. Participants will shadow healthcare providers in rural clinics, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges of delivering primary care in remote, resource-limited settings. Through engagement in community outreach and public health initiatives, students explore the intersections of traditional and biomedical approaches to care while developing intercultural competence and a deeper understanding of how culture, environment, and health are interwoven in the Amazonian region.
In all Ecuador programs, you will take language classes to enhance your Spanish speaking skills and immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture through cultural activities and living with local families. Visit here to learn more about CFHI Ecuador internships.
Child Family Health International (CFHI) is a United Nations–recognized nonprofit that offers immersive, community-based Global Health Education Programs for students and emerging professionals. CFHI’s unique model emphasizes reciprocal partnerships with local health professionals and organizations, encouraging participants to grow in their understanding of health, culture, and global citizenship. Programs are currently offered in 10 countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, India, Mexico, South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, and the Philippines).
As a CFHI participant, you will observe local healthcare delivery, learn from experienced medical and public health professionals, and explore key global health topics through clinical shadowing and public health activities. CFHI programs help students explore health in diverse settings, build real-world skills like cultural humility and communication, and strengthen their foundation for future academic and professional success.
Intern responsibilities will include learning and completing all assignments given by the local team, completing pre-departure training so as to maximize competency development during the program, participating in engaged observation and shadowing in clinical settings, and professionally engaging in available projects and operations in any available NGO settings aligned with best practices for global health engagement.
CFHI's programs are rooted in strong ethical principles. The organization offers first and foremost a global learning opportunity, where interns learn by shadowing and engaging in clinical and public health rotations with local experts. In line with our commitment to best practices in global health, clinical rotations and public health activities in CFHI are strictly observational. Participants join the local team as learners and observers in Ecuador.
Budgeting Note: Estimated costs are based on typical internship-related costs and a modest standard of living. Each intern’s costs will vary based on lifestyle choices (eating out vs. cooking or eating provided meals, taking taxis vs. walking or taking the bus) and recreational spending (travelling on days off, expensive hobbies, etc.).
The Host Site Fees include:
CFHI program fees cover comprehensive pre-departure training and support, including access to interactive learning modules, cultural preparation tools, and virtual orientation led by CFHI’s team. On-site inclusions - are housing, two meals per day, clinical and public health placements with oversight and supervision by local professionals, Spanish classes (in Latin America), local transportation to program activities, 24/7 local support, and international emergency medical and evacuation insurance. Participants are responsible for round-trip airfare, a third daily meal, visa and vaccination fees (if applicable), and any personal or leisure activities outside of the program. Learn more about CFHI scholarship opportunities here.
*This amount includes CFHI partner discount for OSU students.
* No visa required for U.S. citizens
** Fees vary based on medical history and insurance coverage
*** Check with your university's Global Opportunities Office for their pricing
All housing is screened by CFHI Local Coordinators and follows CFHI’s health and safety guidelines. Participants in this program stay with carefully selected homestay families. Beds, bedding, and bathing towels are provided. Accommodation also includes 2 meals a day. In some cases, CFHI scholars share a house or a room in the same homestay with fellow program participants of the same gender.
All CFHI Latin America programs include Spanish language instruction as an integral part of the experience. Participants attend classes, practicing conversational and medical Spanish. These lessons support communication during the experience and deepen cultural understanding. For those looking to accelerate their language learning, an intensive Spanish option is available at most sites, offering additional hours of instruction.
“When I arrived in Ecuador, I was welcomed with warmth and hospitality. My host family made me feel at home, introducing me to local traditions, delicious food, and the fascinating world of vector control. Mornings began with fresh fruit and eggs, followed by hands-on learning about malaria and dengue prevention, including local remedies like Palo Santo and vitamin B for mosquito deterrence.
Most of my time in Ecuador was in Puyo. Here, life moved at a slower pace with mornings marked by the sound of chickens and steady jungle rain. I worked with the Vector Control team, gaining firsthand knowledge of mosquito species, insecticides, and field techniques. Visiting communities with standing water and high mosquito activity was eye-opening, showing me the direct impact of public health efforts. The generosity of the locals was striking; I was welcomed into homes, offered food, and even had the chance to taste fresh guava straight from the tree. One of the most fascinating parts of my journey was discovering Ecuador’s rich natural medicine. At an ethnobotanical park, I learned about plants used for everything from wound healing to pain relief. A unique (and unexpected) experience was trying a traditional remedy for back pain: Ortiga. These stinging nettles were surprisingly effective. At a local hospital, I observed a wide range of medical cases, from parasitic infections to chronic illnesses. My supervising physician was excellent—he took his time, listened deeply, and connected with patients on a level that went beyond medicine. His ability to integrate cultural and spiritual aspects into care left a lasting impression and reinforced my own passion for patient-centered medicine. Another highlight was spending time in a remote Kichwa community. With no WiFi or modern distractions, life revolved around nature, family, and tradition. The children were eager to learn, and teaching them English became one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. I fully embraced the experience—bathing in the river, fishing with a machete, painting my face with natural dyes, and learning about traditional healing methods. Meals were fresh and simple, made from ingredients grown right in the backyard. In my final days, I worked at a rural clinic and helped conduct medical visits in an isolated Shuar village. It was a humbling experience, reinforcing the importance of accessible healthcare in underserved areas. This journey wasn’t just about medical training—it was about cultural immersion, learning a new language, personal growth, and human connection. For anyone seeking an authentic and transformative experience, I can’t recommend this opportunity enough!” Stephen G., 2025
“As an incoming medical student, I applied to CFHI because of its commitment to ethical, community-based global health experiences—and I can honestly say the month I spent in Quito exceeded every expectation. From day one, CFHI set the tone for a supportive, meaningful experience. The team connected us with a CFHI alum even before we arrived, who graciously met with us over Zoom and offered her number for any questions we might have. It created a sense of comfort and camaraderie early on, laying the foundation for friendships I now can’t imagine my experience without. Our clinical rotations offered a dynamic mix of settings: public hospitals, private hospitals, community clinics, and even a space where we could observe traditional Ecuadorian healing practices. We rotated through various departments, such as family medicine, OBGYN, internal medicine, pediatrics, and general surgery, with some flexibility to tailor the experience based on our interests. Each day offered something new, and I learned not just by observing medicine, but by witnessing how care is shaped by culture, tradition, and resourcefulness. The local CFHI team was outstanding: true educators and even better human beings. They led thoughtful orientations, checked in regularly, and eagerly organized weekend trips to help us explore more of Ecuador. When I fell sick, they personally reached out to make sure I had everything I might need. I was pushed out of my comfort zone more than once, yet I never felt alone. I knew I had a team, both local and international, looking out for me every step of the way. One of the most grounding parts of my experience was my host family. My host mother welcomed not only me but also three other students into her home. Every evening, after a full day at the hospital or clinic, I came home to the comfort of a warm, traditional Ecuadorian meal, shared laughter, and a sense of belonging that made Quito feel like a second home. I am deeply grateful to have received a scholarship from CFHI. This gift allowed me, and other recipients, to say yes to something that would’ve otherwise been out of reach. I carried that gratitude with me every day I was in Quito, and I will continue to let that sense of gratitude shape the way I hope to serve others. Thank you to CFHI, the local team, my host family, and everyone who played a role in this journey. Importantly, I want to thank the patients, families, and community members who welcomed me into their homeland and lives. It was an incredible privilege to learn from each and every one of their stories. I have left Ecuador with a fuller heart, new friends, and a deeper sense of the kind of physician—and person—I want to become.” Elizabeth D., 2025
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 15
Spring: November 15
Summer:
- See Qualifications/Requirements section