Medical Spanish Program

By Robin Fillner – SALUD Program Guest blogger traveling in Quito.
Well, today is my last day because I'm leaving for the jungle in an hour. The real last day is tomorrow. I thought this would be a good time to sum up my experience of the last 6 weeks, 4 of which were with the program SALUD.
I am so glad that I came for two weeks prior to the start of the program. I really didn't know hardly any Spanish. My first class, during the first week was a total disaster, well actually getting to Ecuador was a disaster in itself with all the missed connections. But, because I came late, I was placed in a class that had extra room that turns out was way above my head. I didn't understand the instruction for what to do… But, even that has a good ending because I had a lot of notes on Spanish above my head that really helped me out in the next three weeks. Plus, I met some incredible folks that I got to hang out with the next two weekends.
Once the program started we were full on into medical Spanish and our guided trips. I haven't ever been one to go for guided tours but it was so much fun. We didn't have to worry about our stuff getting stolen since we were on our own busses, or which bus to catch, or where to get off. It was extra time to hang out without being a little stressed. Plus, we always had guides that spoke to us in Spanish and forced us to return the favor. Our classes were hard and mind boggling.
Then we started the volunteering. In the hospital I was a little disappointed at not being able to help out more than I did. Probably, this was my own fault because I didn't try to do more. But, I got to a point where I just felt weird being there. There were so many med students that there really wasn't any necessity for me. And my Spanish isn't up to any level where I can understand what they want, or what they were saying to me anyway. I was put with a nurse Susanna to follow around the first day, but she was busy stocking drawers. So, I just tried to wander around and meet people to hang out with. I did end up meeting some very nice doctors that took time out to painfully talk with me. I even attended rounds almost every day, that at least gave me something to do for an hour at a time. And my eyes had an infection that they helped me out with. But, as the week went on, it just seemed kind of pointless. I really went xxx toward the end. Yesterday, I had a horrible reaction to my yellow fever vaccine, so only stayed at the hospital for about a total of five minutes. And today, I didn't go because I had to study for my comprehensive exam, that they told me today in class, that I don't have to take until I get back from the jungle on Wednesday.
But, it's been my life's dream to work in a hospital in a third world country and I think this was a good start. I'd be sad if I never tried again. And hey, for never learning Spanish before now, I think I did pretty good. Today, we had a little pizza party for everyone (I'm pretty sure they did it for me because I had to leave early).
It was really nice and Patti, the head administrator gave us a great speech about helping people and learning Spanish. I will really miss her and Kati, and Santiago, and Andreas, and all my teachers. We even got certificates. Mine says that I am now officially a high intermediate! Wow, who would've known.
My family was especially sweet. I really love them and will miss them so much. They even gave me going away presents! These words aren't doing them justice because they were so helpful and hospitable and shared themselves fully with me. I really felt a part of the family and have definitely taken a part of them with me as well as left a part of myself with them.
All in all, this will definitely be a memorable experience for the rest of my life and if you're interested I highly recommend this trip to you! Good luck! And it's time to catch the 12 hour jungle bus! (I hope my yellow fever diarrhea doesn't pop out on the bus – yuck!)