Health in Ecuador: Humans, Animals, & Ecosystems

The future health of our world requires a generation of creative, motivated, strategic, and expansive thinkers prepared to collaborate across disciplines and sectors to proactively protect the health of human and animal populations and the environment in which they live. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) developed by the United Nations were created to help communities identify health priorities, and set obtainable strategies to meet the goals. Ecuador is an ideal location to incorporate historical and cultural contexts with an understanding of how the SDGs will help improve health for all. Ecuador is home to an amazing array of cultural, biological, and geographic diversity.

Historically, Ecuador was home to a wide range of Amerindian groups and the Inca Empire, later to be colonized by Spain and then becoming independent in 1830. During colonization, numerous new infectious diseases devastated parts of Ecuador and continues to have generational impacts on the health of some populations.

Course Description

During the first half of the spring semester at the University of Minnesota, you will learn about the challenges and opportunities of addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Ecuador while comparing and contrasting with the US and/or Minnesota, and gain a basic understanding of the health system in both countries.

You will work in teams that focus on a perspective of a Sustainable Development Goal throughout the semester. You will also learn very basic Spanish words and phrases in preparation for time in Ecuador. Through taking and learning about the Intercultural Development Inventory, as well as cultural development and reflection activities including Observe, Describe, Interpret, and Evaluate (ODIE), you will learn more about your own cultures while preparing to openly experience cultures in Ecuador.

You will live in shared rooms with fellow program participants. Breakfast and welcome and farewell meals are included in the program fee. We will take additional meals in the housing or at local restaurants and eateries.

Excursions may include:

Quito

• Private hospital
• Mitad del Mundo City and Museum
• Santo Domingo
• Pambilino

Tabacundo

• Rural health center and hospital
• Flower plantation
• CINCA Agroecological Center

Otavalo

• Hospital Western and Traditional
• Indigenous ceremony
• Paramo Cayambe Coca reserve
• Thermas Papallacta
• Santo Dominto de los Tsachilas
• Malaria Prevention Center

• Define culture and related concepts and practices that will promote awareness of personal and cultural identity
• Gain an understanding of how culture influences the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems
• Describe the One Health approach, including the health professional career path options of various health practitioners involved in this approach
• Give examples of connections between human, animal, and ecosystem health
• Describe competencies needed for effective interprofessional teamwork
• Compare and contrast the culture and health of humans, animals, and ecosystems in Ecuador and the US

This seminar is co-led by Pre-Health Student Resource Center staff members Tricia Todd (Director) and Scott Simpson (Career Counselor).

Important Note: This program departs for Ecuador on Friday, March 1. If you have any class on that date, you may need to miss them in order to travel.

Information Sessions

Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.

Tuesdays, 2:30–4:25 p.m., East Bank

Spring Break 2024 Cost of Participation forthcoming

The cost of participation includes educational costs, group flight airfare, program administration, housing, most meals, international health insurance, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, and local transportation. Generally, program fees range between $4,500–$5,500. You must also budget for visa, passport and passport photos, meals not included (most are included), spending money, and miscellaneous

Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.

COVID-19 Information

A COVID-19 vaccine & booster and negative COVID test before departure (own expense) may be required on arrival in country or at various venues in this location (based on current government and local policies). This may change before departure.

Participants are expected to follow local and governmental COVID-19 guidelines and requirements while abroad. Visit the CDC International Travel website and the LAC COVID Policies page for updated information.

US Consulate in Ecuador COVID-19 Information site (current updates on entry/exit and local requirements).

More information can be provided during advising sessions and pre-departure orientation with the program contact in the LAC.

Your participation on this program is secured by applying and confirming through the Learning Abroad Center application process.

You will also need to register for the on-campus course AHS 3004.

Note: Registering for the course, but not confirming through the Learning Abroad Center, will not hold your spot in the program.