Quito, Ecuador

Why I chose to go to Ecuador: I had never been to South America, and I wanted to see the diversity of landscapes, wildlife and peoples in Ecuador.

What I identified as the greatest challenges facing me as I began my study abroad program: Leaving my home, my family, my friends and my pets.

My ICRP: Internship with El Centro de Estudios E investigación sobre la Salud y Nutrición (Center for the Study of Health and Nutrition) in Quito, Ecuador

CEISAN is a non-profit organization whose mission is to conduct research and to educate new mothers and school age children about health and nutrition. In the 200 + hours I spent working for this organization, I was able to get hands-on experience in every aspect of the CEISAN’s work. I worked in the headquarters, but I also worked in the Field, instructing teachers at schools about parasites and the flu, supervising in the schools, and going to some of the poorer sectors of Quito to observe the program there. I worked with all the CEISAN employees and I visited certain project sites around the country with the Assistant Director.

While I was attending the university, I only interacted with the elite class (since the university is very costly). While working at CEISAN, I was able to work with and learn from the lower classes in Ecuadorian society. We worked only with children and adults from marginal districts and I got to see first-hand what their lives are like. I was able to ask questions and see how strong-willed and courageous these people are.

I have discovered some new career options, and have found a new interest – education and aid in developing countries.

See contact page to arrange a speaking engagement.

Read excerpts from my letters home.