Brittany's adventure continues!

I thought I was supposed to go from here to Santa Elena to start my placement tomorrow however we are staying the night in the host family’s house in Puerto Lopez and leaving for Santa Elena early in the morning. The food here has been good thus far, no seafood yet fingers crossed although I know I am going to have to choke some down sooner or later, ugh! The houses here are quite different, the roof is like sheet metal kind of and there’s a huge space between the roof and the wall (so reading between the lines there are a lot of bugs in the house!). I have a mosquito net over my bed that I sleep in but there are still these super tiny bugs everywhere I look! I am going to the hospital tomorrow to meet the doctor and staff and I am going to start Tuesday morning I guess. J I am very excited to start my placement!! There are 2 girls from the states that will be living with me in Santa Elena for the week then they are leaving Friday. I am glad because then I can get to know the buses to take or taxis etc. to the hospital. Today I talked a lot with the family, their 5 year old daughter Debora has not stopped following me around and I showed her pictures of my family and friends on facebook and she wants me to braid her hair in a bit haha! I went for a walk on the beach today with the host father, Miguel and there were so many fishermen and fish ewww! Coincidently on the beach I met 2 of the Canadians whom I went hiking with! All I heard was “Brittney”, in English and I was thinking who on earth could be calling me. I was very happy to see them and after supper I am going to meet up with them to hang out! It’s going to be an early night tonight for me, I am definitely overtired and very emotional today for some reason!

The hospital is soo different from Canada. The waiting rooms are outside and the treatment of patients is quite horrific. The first day we sat in on a few consultations then watched some surgeries. We did have to change our scrubs to watch but didn’t have to scrub in or anything. We watched a hernia surgery and a tubal ligation. The two girls from America (Stephanie and Margot) taught me some basic skills (they have completed their first year of podiatric medicine). This included an abdominal exam, breathing, pulse and manual blood pressure, which I still need to perfect. I had learned most of this from before (shadowing with Dr. Ferguson) but not the manual blood pressure. Today we watched surgeries all day. We got to see a ruptured Achilles tendon, which looked so different than I had pictured. We also saw pins put in a broken elbow and a woman who had a prolapsed uterus and who had a simultaneous hysterectomy (that was pretty intense!). I also watched an appendectomy (removal of the appendix). We also saw the very end of a C-section and I was disappointed we didn’t see the whole thing but I have a lot of time left and am determined to see a C-section and a natural birth. The surgeons let the 2 American girls scrub in one at a time for 2 of the surgeries today (I really wanted to but I let them since it’s their last day tomorrow). They got to hold the metal instruments to hold the skin open.

Brittany's time in Ecuador Continued!

Brittany relays to us the work she has been doing at a medical clinic in Santa Elena:

At work I usually go and see what surgeries are going on for the morning and stay and watch them. Then I eat lunch and go to Emergency for the afternoon. This week there was a hysterectomy and numerous hernia surgeries. There was also a surgery on a young boy and someone had their nose broken to fix it. That was surprisingly the grossest surgery because the cartilage snapped and blood and mucus were gushing everywhere. There was also a c-section which I almost missed. That was so amazing to watch and so quick! The baby was out before I even realized they had finished cutting the woman´s stomach! The baby was so small and precious and a girl :) I got to hold some tools for the hernia surgeries and I also got to clean 2 patients to prep them for the more sterile cleaning. In emergency I finally perfected my blood pressure taking skills, one of the interns told me you could also feel the pulse when it started because I was having a hard time hearing the systolic sometimes! ( That probably doesn´t make much sense sorry!). I have really become friends the interns there and they are so nice and willing to help me! I went to visit inpatients with one of the doctors this week, patients who are pregnant with infections, post-operation patients etc. Today was also pretty exciting I asked the nurses if I was allowed to give an injection, they said yes and I was pumped! A nurse had explained to me how to give one in the arm (although I have yet to try) but the ones today were in the butt. Luckily there were 2 this afternoon because I didn´t know how to give one there, so the nurse explained it t me and showed me then said next time I can do it myself. The second one she called me over and watched ( I made sure to double check I was putting it in the right place haha), so I got to clean the patient´s skin and give them a needle! I wasn´t even nervous at all which I was surprised at, I think I will be more nervous for the one in the arm. Tomorrow I have decided I am going to make sure there are no vaginal births (because that is top on my list of things to see) then I am staying in Emergency all day so I don´t miss a chance to give an injection in the arm! I also forgot to mention there was a patient with epilepsy who came in unable to breath and had a seizure.

Brittney's Travels in Ecuador

Below is Brittney's account of the beginning of her Internship Ecuador program. She started in Quito for 2 weeks before heading to the coast to work in a medical clinic.

I landed in Quito Friday night and a driver picked me up at the airport. He didn't speak any English and I didn't speak any Spanish so needless to say it was quite the ride to my house in Quito!

I didn't start my Spanish lessons until today which made for an awkward weekend lol. Luckily a girl from Sweden lives in the house also and speaks English. She was my translator basically all of Saturday. I did a lot of studying on my own over the weekend. I completed 3 lessons in my book on my own and used Freetranslation.com to develop some sort of vocabulary. I had my first Spanish lesson today. I am have a private teacher for 4 hours a day. She corrected the work I did and luckily there weren't many mistakes. The lesson went very well and my Spanish is coming along nicely. The woman who owns the house, Ana Lucia, said at supper tonight that by the end of 2 weeks I will be speaking excellent Spanish although I'm not sure I believe her!

This weekend I am going to Otavalo which is where the authentic Ecuadorian market is, I'm very excited to go there! I am also going paragliding in the mountains with a few girls, I guess Vanessa's uncle owns it so it won't be very expensive. Don't worry mom I asked and we're going with a guide :). The Saturday before I leave I plan on booking a tour of the volcano Cotopaxi. I can book an English tour guide and climb to the top of the snow covered mountains and see the volcano. Then I can take a mountain bike or horses down.

I am scheduled to leave Quito in a little under two weeks, next Saturday. I will take the night bus to Puerta Lopez and a taxi or something to Santa Elena where I will be doing my volunteer placement. I may have to stay here for 3 weeks if I don't know enough Spanish but I am studying a lot so I can go to the hospital as soon as possible. The house I am staying in is wonderful and I love Ana Lucia. There are a lot of other students who live in this house as well, Susanna from Sweden and about 6 others who stay here during the week to go to university, they are from other parts of Ecuador. I have my own bathroom here and I think I'm the only one who has that luxury!

Spend your summer in South Africa!

Check out Robert Tsai's visit to South Africa where he spent 6 weeks rehabilitation sea birds and then releasing them back into the wild!

Here is what Robert has to say about his adventure:

“Working with the penguins in Cape Town, South Africa was definitely exciting and equally bizarre. I learned so much about the different types of seabirds that live on the South African coast and how to treat injuries and illnesses. You don’t even have to have a background in zoology or biology to volunteer. I studied economics and was still able to learn everything a volunteer needed to know. When I wasn’t volunteering at SANCCOB, I was out with other international volunteers exploring all Cape Town had to offer. The amazing sights, food, and people made my trip one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. I recommend this project for anyone who wants to work with incredible animals in an extraordinary country.”

Feliz Cinco De Mayo!!

Feliz Cinco de Mayo a todos! Although this holiday is not celebrated throughout Latin America, it's a huge in the Mexican state of Puebla and throughout the USA. We here in Texas, like to celebrate with live donkeys, mariachi bands and margaritas of course! AIDE Abroad would like to wish you a happy Cinco De Mayo no matter where you are!

Semana Santa!

Easter week is celebrated in Spain with week long processions and manifestations of faith! Already known for its festivities and holidays, Spain's way to celebrate is particularly interesting. People dress up in costumes that are supposed to represent the Nazareth people. They wear hoods that are cone shaped and drape a cloth in front of their faces to keep anonymity. Different fellowships will have different colored cloth and varying details in their costumes.

During these processions, statues or floats are carried and on the day of Easter Sunday, bells are heard throughout the cities in Spain. Spaniards celebrate Easter as a religious holiday. However,once again, it's a great time to be visiting Spain, to experience first-hand their traditions and festivals. Celebrating in Spain is unlike celebrating anywhere else in the world!

$300 Off Your Volunteer Program

Get involved! As you know, April is national volunteer month, and in celebration, AIDE Abroad is offering $300 off any of our volunteer programs! Sign up by Friday, May 13th and you will receive this special offer!

Why are we doing this? We want as many people as possible to have access to our international volunteer opportunities! We want you to join the cause and be able to travel abroad this summer and volunteer in a community in South America or South Africa!

Don't miss your opportunity to work with children and teach them English or art! Or work with endangered sea turtles in a small surf town in Costa Rica. Whatever you choose to do, you can know that you are volunteering for the greater good and at the same time have an adventure of a lifetime!

April is National Volunteer Month

So how are you planning on giving back? No ideas yet, AIDE Abroad is offering specials all month on our international volunteer programs. You can travel to Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Costa Rica, South Africa or many more to work with a local community and truly make a difference! Sign up this month for our volunteer program and then travel this summer so you can spend 2 or 3 weeks, or maybe even a few months! Check out some exciting opportunities on how you can help:

1. Work with teen mothers and their children in a local center in Costa Rica
2. Help rescue and rehabilitate wild animals who are living in shelters in Costa Rica
3. Educate the local community in Ecuador on the risk of HIV/AIDS
4. Assist in rainforest conservation in a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest national park in Peru

There are many opportunities to give back based on what your skills and interests are. If you are still wondering why you should give back this summer and participate in April's national volunteer month let me give you a few more reasons: You can build your resume through service learning and utilize the skills you've learned in college or university AND you can interact with locals on a day-to-day basis impacting not only their lives but your own as you will broaden your view of the world and learn about the culture of others.

Let us help you figure out the best program for you! We are passionate about service learning and traveling abroad and we feel that you should be too! Get involved today!

What it's like to Work in a Medical Clinic in Peru!

We recently sent two girls, Kelly and Kari, to Cusco, Peru, to intern in a medical clinic. The girls were both hoping to learn Spanish, gain some medical skills and learn more about the healthcare system in Peru.

Kelly Field described her experience by saying: "This is how I felt on the entire trip! Free, happy, and ready to start my new career as Physician Assistant. Machu Picchu was amazing!"

Kari also describer what she loved most about the program: "I really enjoyed working in the clinic and interacting with patients from the rural Peruvian villages. I loved getting to hear them speak their native language and feeling that my presence made a difference in their medical treatment."

Check back later for more photos from their internship in the medical clinic!

$100 off featured programs in March!

We just sent out our March news letter with $100 off our Internship Spain, Teach Germany, Volunteer Guatemala and Work Outback programs! Check it
out!
http://mim.io/8d1de

Get a jump start on your foreign language!

We all know the best way to learn another language is to immerse yourself in the country that speaks that language! AIDE can arrange opportunities for you to travel abroad and take 1 week to a few months of language classes, to truly become fluent. Not only will you learn the colloquialisms of the country you are in, but you will learn vocabulary that isn't taught in a textbook.

Are you excited yet? Ready to start practicing?

There is an excellent tool that help you prepare for your trip by starting to train you ear to the accent of the specific country you choose. (Remember, the accent in Argentina is very different than Mexico or Spain)!

Check out glovico.org for more details. Basically you have live lessons over skype with a native speaker of the country of your choice! Through these conversations you can get a jump start on your foreign language skills.

As always, you can write to us with any questions you may have!

Volunteer Abroad

http://gotvolunteer.blogspot.com/p/check-out-these-organizations.html

Get in the spiriit of volunteering! AIDE had meaningful programs that transform the lives of volunteers and local communities worldwide! Contact reinventyourself@aideabroad.org for more information!

Shanghai Summer Internship!

Want to spend the summer in the incredible city of Shanghai? We have an internship opportunity in Business Development and Online Marketing for a great consulting organization that places students and graduates in internships across China to boost their resumes in this competitive market!

Requirements
* University student with background in business or tourism
* Keen on meeting new people and learning about new cultures

IT Internship Opportunity in Singapore!

We have an amazing IT Internship Opportunity in the beautiful country of Singapore!

Interns should have the following skills: Information technology educational background and programming skills with experience in perl, javascript, ajax, html5 and mysql.

Duration is from 6 months to 1 year

Deadline to receive applicaitons is March 4, 2011.

Email reinventyourself@aideabroad.org for more information.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

Best Experience Ever - A Giant Step! by Monica Nava

Below is Monica Nava's brief description of how traveling abroad effected her life tremendously and how her path in life was ultimately changed for best!

"On December 2009 I was on holidays in Australia, immediately I fell in love with the people, landscapes and lifestyles. After that I decided to make an internship, I wanted to be part of this life, learn more about their culture and people and having the opportunity to work in a different continent in my field of study. I also wanted to have the opportunity to be more independent and do things on my own.

So, on April 2010 I was able to come to Sydney and start my 6 month internship in The Defectors, a small marketing agency. Being a Graphic Designer working on a Marketing Agency is one of the best options as they work with many different clients with different wants and needs. Since the beginning my boss and co-workers were really nice to me and were eager to help me learn as much as I could, and they were also really interested in learning from my past working experience in Mexico.

It´s really easy to love life in Sydney, people are really nice and welcoming. It is a multicultural country, I have met people from all around the world, and learn about their cultures and traditions. When we are far from home, as we don´t have our families near, friends become an essential part of life, and I can honestly say that I have met really good friends in this time. People love to hang out, go to pubs, have BBQs, going to the beach and having outdoor activities.

Landscapes are amazing, beaches are beautiful, I enjoy simple things in here, taking the ferry to Manly beach, walking on the Botanic Gardens or Centennial Park, having coffee in front of the Opera House and Harbour bridge, etc.

In Australia people love cultural and outdoor activities, so summer is the best time to be here! I had the opportunity to be at the Sydney Festival, where music, dance, family, theatre, talks, films and visual arts get together, it was awesome!

While I was in my last months of the internship, I was offered a sponsorship by The Defectors, so, after the 6 month internship my working visa was approved for me to stay 4 more years!

The internship was definitely the best experience ever, it was a giant step to get me closer to reaching my dreams."

Off the Beaten Track with Internship Vejer

AIDE participant, Patrick McGurrin, recently returned from his internship in Vejer, Spain. Patrick decided he wanted a more authentic experience by immersing himself in small town culture in Spain. Read his review below for a glimpse into his trip: 

The opportunity to immerse myself in a culture entirely unlike my own was unreal. Spain offered an escape from the American customs that I have always known and introduced me to the heart of Spanish culture. Vejer led me off the map into a small coastal town. The people were more than eager to help me better my Spanish skills, and wanted nothing more than a friendly chat in return.  In no time I felt like a local.

                My internship landed me working for a small company working with the handicapped children of Vejer. My co-workers welcomed me from day one. Within the workplace, they allowed me to do as much as my comfort level and language ability would allow. I tutored math and grammar, played games, and helped with physical therapy sessions.

My co-workers became more than workmates, they became close and long-lasting friends. Anxious to show me the town and the surrounding sites, excited to help me experience all the highlights of a true Spanish lifestyle. This included everything from bars, beaches, and music, to religion, sports, and food. They introduced me to the best local spots around town.

I have to be honest, the change to Spanish style food was easy, and it was the readjustment to American food that gave me the trouble. Venturing out for dinner at 10 or 11 was one of my favorite changes. Food often was served as small portions, tapas, which offered the opportunity to enjoy a nice variety of the Spanish food. Vejer, being so close to the coast, had the perk of cheap (and delicious!) seafood.

Vejer was a trip of a lifetime and I am hopeful for an opportunity to return. In the meantime, I continue to chat with many of the friends I came to know, keeping in touch quite often. As far as I’m concerned I left Spain with the heart of a true Spanish local, and that being said I don’t think I could have asked for anything more.