Service
Through Mobile Clinics and Development Projects you help bring accessible medical care, health education and safer homes to the communities you visit.
Overview
Not charity — a service learning trip
Service Learning Trips are retreats where you disconnect from distraction, reconnect with purpose, and learn the mindset and skills required to serve ethically and sustainably. They are the beginning of a lifelong journey, not the end.
Environment
Service Learning Trips are created with sustainability in mind — in Tena you will learn how Indigenous communities live sustainably in the Amazon.
Education
Learn the historical, political and economic factors shaping families' realities, and deepen your global-health knowledge by shadowing professionals.
Life-changing
Eye-opening experiences and human connection renew your passion for a world free from the constraints of poverty.
Flip the switch — same week, two very different mindsets
VoluntourismMEDLIFE Service Learning
MEDLIFE Service Learning
Listening to community needs and acting responsibly to support sustainable, culturally sensitive and community-led change.
- Communities define the project; we follow their lead
- Students support licensed local professionals, never replace them
- Follow-up visits, patient records and long-term projects
Voices from students
What students say about their HS SLT
Hear from students, teacher and parents who have already been in the field with MEDLIFE.
“I learned a lot about communication, not necessarily with words, but mostly with hand gestures and just connecting with people. Our main goal for fundraising was to help out with the community — we brought three duffel bags of medical supplies, books, coloring and pencils to give out. Language was a big challenge since people here speak Spanish and Kichwa, but I'm grateful most doctors speak English and we have translators. I feel like this is a skill I can build in the future and it'll be really useful.”
Jackie
Student, Marianopoulos College
“I definitely think our participation in the SLT contributes to lasting changes in the communities we visit. We saw many different patients ranging from elderly to children, and helping with general medicine, dentistry, OB/GYN and the education aspect really helps inform these communities about persisting medical issues and ways to improve their health. To create sustainable global health, education is one of our most important tools — we really prioritize educating the communities so people can be informed and take proper precautions to take care of their health.”
Lauren
Student, MEDLIFE Marianopoulos chapter (Tena, Ecuador)
“What really motivated me is I came to Peru last year with MEDLIFE and seeing and experiencing all the clinics that needed so much support and supplies, it really made me want to make a difference. I started a page with Moving Mountains and sent it to friends and family with pictures of my trip explaining what I did and where their money would go — by giving my experience and showing pictures, it really helped motivate people to donate. My advice: create a Moving Mountains page so people have a real site to learn more and stay informed on what they're donating to.”
Sophia
Student, Marianopoulos MEDLIFE chapter (2 years with MEDLIFE)
Quick check 1 of 3
What are the three pillars of every MEDLIFE Service Learning Trip?
About Tena
Where you're going
Tena is an urban center in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. It serves as the primary economic and governmental hub for a network of surrounding Indigenous communities. Due to isolation and poor infrastructure, residents have limited access to healthcare and other basic services. The area also faces environmental problems caused by the large-scale industrial extraction of natural resources in the Amazon, which has resulted in serious health complications for its inhabitants, including higher rates of cancer and skin diseases.
Location
Napo Province, Ecuadorian Amazon · roughly 510 m (1,673 ft) above sea level · about a 5-hour bus ride east from Quito, the capital.
Ecuador population: 17.5 million · Tena city: ~35,000
Open larger mapCapital
Quito
You fly into Quito (UIO) before travelling to Tena.
Language
Spanish & Quechua
Many patients in the surrounding Indigenous communities speak Quechua (Kichwa).
Currency
US Dollar ($)
Ecuador uses the US dollar — carry small bills; cards are rare outside the city.
Altitude
~510 m / 1,673 ft
Low-altitude jungle — no altitude sickness, but humidity and heat are high.
Climate
Warm & humid · around 80ºF (26ºC)
Frequent afternoon rain showers. Boots and a rain jacket are highly recommended.
Context
Amazon hub for Indigenous communities
Isolation, poor infrastructure and resource extraction limit access to care.
Where we work around Tena
We partner with Indigenous communities across Napo Province, bringing Mobile Clinics and Development Projects — safe homes, sanitation projects and renovations at disadvantaged schools — often in partnership with local government agencies.
- Archidona
- Tena
- Carlos Julio Arosemena Tola
- El Chaco
- Quijos
Common health issues we see
Parasites infect the gastrointestinal tract, living in the intestinal walls. Mostly affects children, commonly caused by drinking unclean water, fecal-oral transmission and skin absorption.
Poor diets in remote communities lead to nutritional deficiencies in children — a major contributor to infant mortality and developmental deficiencies like stunted growth.
Malaria and Dengue are present in some regions of Ecuador. Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites; Dengue is a viral infection causing a serious, flu-like illness.
An airborne disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that affects the lungs, transmitted by breathing droplets from a cough or sneeze.
Common in Tena because of the humidity, heat and abundance of insects in the Amazon jungle — rashes, sores and fungal infections.
Quick check 1 of 3
Where is Tena located?
Your week
What we'll do together
1Engaged Education Reality Tour
Learn directly from local leaders about the social, cultural and systemic factors shaping their communities.
2Mobile Clinics
Shadow licensed local professionals and gain real-world insight into community-centered healthcare.
3Development Project
Work alongside locals on a hands-on community project — installing fuel-efficient stoves, building safe homes, or renovations — then celebrate the results at an inauguration with the community.
4Building Bridges Across Cultures
Spend a day immersed in the local culture — share a meal, learn traditional customs, practice the local language, and build genuine connections with the community members you serve alongside.
5Reflect & Connect
Evening discussions that deepen understanding of global health, equity and ethical service.
6Cultural Excursion
Included full-day trip to Baños de Agua Santa — a Chiva ride along the Route of the Waterfalls and the Swing at the End of the World at Casa del Árbol. During the week your group also tours Quito's colonial center, the Basílica del Voto Nacional, Mitad del Mundo and the Papallacta hot springs.
Sample itinerary
This itinerary is a sample and may change based on community needs, weather, and logistics.
Day 1 · Saturday
Arrival to Quito
Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) between 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM. A MEDLIFE representative will be waiting for you in the International Arrivals area with a MEDLIFE sign. They will help you check in and answer any questions you may have about your upcoming week. Overnight at the Quito MEDLIFE Hostel.
- 5:00–11:00 PMAirport pick-up & transfer to Quito MEDLIFE Hostel
Day 2 · Sunday
Journey Through History
We start with a Welcome Meeting to see the week at a glance. Then we visit the Basílica del Voto Nacional — the largest neo-Gothic church in the Americas, with gargoyles carved as native Ecuadorian animals — followed by a chocolate experience with a guided workshop tour and tasting. Next, a walking tour of Quito's colonial center (the first city named a UNESCO World Heritage Site): Plaza de la Independencia, the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the San Francisco Monastery. In the afternoon we head to Mitad del Mundo to stand in two hemispheres at once and visit the Ethnographic or Intiñan Museum. Lunch is included; dinner is not — Trip Leaders and chaperones will pick a nearby restaurant together. Overnight at the Quito MEDLIFE Hostel.
- MorningWelcome Meeting, Basílica del Voto Nacional & chocolate experience
- MiddayColonial Quito walking tour (lunch included)
- AfternoonMitad del Mundo & Equator museum
Day 3 · Monday
Transfer to Tena
After breakfast we board the bus for Tena, with a scenic stop at the Papallacta hot springs — natural thermal baths nestled between Volcano Cayambe and Volcano Antisana. After arriving in Tena, we'll have lunch and time to relax and settle in at the hostel (you can even go for a dip in the pool!). The evening is dedicated to an orientation meeting covering what to expect for the week and safety precautions, followed by a short guided visit to Tena Pueblo. Overnight at the Tena MEDLIFE Hostel.
- MorningBus to Tena via Papallacta hot springs
- AfternoonLunch, settle in & relax at the hostel
- EveningOrientation meeting & guided visit to Tena Pueblo
Day 4 · Tuesday
Engaged Education Reality Tour
Kick off the Reality Tour with a visit to the community of Ahuano, where you'll meet a local family, learn about the importance of traditional medicine and discuss the education system as we visit a school. After lunch, we stop by the Monkey Park, a local sanctuary where rescued monkeys roam freely. Then we head to the community of Shiripuno: a women's co-op, a traditional dance, chocolate-making from cacao, and more about the local culture and dress of the Amazonian rainforest. Overnight at the Tena MEDLIFE Hostel.
- MorningAhuano community visit: family, traditional medicine & school
- AfternoonMonkey Park sanctuary & Shiripuno cultural visit
Day 5 · Wednesday
Mobile Clinic #1
Mobile Clinics are held at a different community each day, between 30 minutes and 2 hours from the hostel. After unpacking supplies and a brief training from the health professionals, the clinic begins accepting patients between 8–9 AM. You'll rotate between stations — Triage, Education, General Medicine, OB/GYN (offered but not shadowed on High School SLTs) and Pharmacy — with lunch on the bus around 11:30 AM. Clinics close between 1–3 PM. In the evening, we meet at 5 PM for interactive Post-Clinic Activities before dinner. Overnight at the Tena MEDLIFE Hostel.
- MorningMobile Clinic volunteering & station rotations
- AfternoonReturn to the hostel
- 5:00 PMPost-Clinic Activity
Day 6 · Thursday
Mobile Clinic #2
A second day bringing free healthcare to a partner community outside Tena. You'll spend the morning shadowing medical professionals as they provide treatment and identify patients in need of follow-up care, then rotate to a new station in the afternoon. Evening Post-Clinic Activity at 5 PM before dinner. Overnight at the Tena MEDLIFE Hostel.
- MorningMobile Clinic volunteering & station rotations
- 5:00 PMPost-Clinic Activity
Day 7 · Friday
Development Project Day
Today you'll assist in the construction of a community Development Project such as wells, school renovations, or bathroom complexes — projects vary depending on community needs. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty! In the evening, we meet at 5 PM for our final Post-Clinic Activity before dinner. Overnight at the Tena MEDLIFE Hostel.
- MorningDevelopment project activities with the community
- 5:00 PMPost-Clinic Activity
Day 8 · Saturday
Baños & the Waterfall Route
An early three-hour bus ride to Baños de Agua Santa, a vibrant small city at the foot of the Tungurahua Volcano, where the Andes meet the Amazon. This morning you board a Chiva — a colorful, open-air bus — along La Ruta de las Cascadas, with spectacular views of volcanoes, valleys and rushing waterfalls. Then ride the famous Swing at the End of the World at Casa del Árbol, soaring over the cliff's edge. Lunch is included at a nice restaurant, and dinner will be ready for the group back at the hotel in Quito (included). Overnight in Quito.
- Early morningBus from Tena to Baños
- MorningChiva ride on the Route of the Waterfalls
- MiddaySwing at the End of the World & lunch (included)
- EveningReturn to Quito & dinner (included)
Day 9 · Sunday
Departure Day
On departure day, we will visit a local handcraft market where you can explore and purchase handmade items from local artisans. Afterward, we begin our journey back home, reflecting on the experiences and the impact made during the trip. We wish you safe and happy travels!
- MorningLocal handcraft market visit
- REVIEW THE TRANSFER TIMES BELOWTransfer out
Quick check 1 of 3
Which activity happens on Day 2, before the mobile clinics start?
Mobile clinic
Clinic stations
Stations may vary with community needs and group size. Patients return to Education between specialists, and Pharmacy is always last.
Tr
Triage
The first station patients visit. Here we collect contact information, basic medical history and vitals for the physicians to use during consultations.
What will I be doing?
- After the triage nurse does patient intake, take the patient history form and fill in the vitals section.
- Measure height (Talla/HT), weight (Peso/WT), blood pressure, heart rate (FC/HR) and temperature (TC/Temp). BMI is optional.
- Blood pressure is NOT taken for children (any patient with a niño history form).
- Star the patient's information if diastolic pressure is above 90, or temperature is above 38°C (100°F).
- Guide patients to the waiting area at the Education Station and hand the form to the Education participant.
Recommendations
- Divide and conquer: one person on BP and heart rate, one on temperature, one on height and weight, one escorting patients.
- Spanish speakers can ask the triage nurse whether help with intake is needed.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure | Presión arterial |
| Arm | Brazo |
| Bag | Bolso |
| Hat | Sombrero |
| Shoes | Zapatos |
| Jacket | Chompa |
| Scale | Balanza |
| Tape measure | Cinta métrica |
| Thermometer | Termómetro |
| Alcohol | Alcohol |
| Cotton | Algodón |
| Medical record (adult / child / dental / OB) | Ficha médica de adulto / niño / dental / OB |
Ed
Education
A space for health education on oral health, and more. It also serves as the waiting room between stations.
What will I be doing?
- Stamp every history form with the education stamp — a form must be stamped before the patient is seen at a medical station.
- Keep patients and their forms in order of arrival, using the number written at the top of each form.
- Redirect patients returning from a specialty station who still have other consultations.
- Support the education nurse by recording laboratory test results when applicable.
Recommendations
- Patients with high blood pressure or fever from Triage are prioritized to see the doctor immediately.
- Never send a patient to Pharmacy until every consultation circled on their form is complete.
- Families are treated as a single unit — all members finish their consultations before Pharmacy.
- The nurse leads the actual education sessions; your main job is order and patient flow.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Educational brochures | Trípticos |
| Stamp | Sello |
| Urine test | Examen de orina |
| Blood test | Examen de sangre |
Dr
General Medicine
The major station where doctors address individual medical issues and identify patients who need follow-up care.
What will I be doing?
- Listen and observe the patient's needs; MEDLIFE staff circulate to translate diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Spanish speakers may be asked to assist with translation.
- Stay attentive to the education area where patients wait for an available doctor.
- Guide patients back to Education if they have other consultations, or to Pharmacy only when all consultations are complete.
Recommendations
- Wait until the consultation is finished before asking questions.
- Be cordial with every patient and avoid side conversations.
- These are private medical consultations — no photos allowed.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Tongue depressor | Bajalengua |
| Flashlight | Linterna |
| Stethoscope | Estetoscopio |
| Pharmacy receipt | Recetario |
| Medicines | Medicinas |
Dn
Dental
Offers fillings and extractions. Dental professionals will ask you to assist with a range of hands-on duties.
What will I be doing?
- Assist the dentist: organize instruments, hold the flashlight or suction tube, mix filling paste.
- Complete odontograms and patient paperwork following the dentist's instructions.
- Help prepare patients before their consultation.
Recommendations
- Take initiative — work quickly and communicate well with the dentist.
- If unsure of your task, simply ask the dentist what needs to be done.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Tooth / teeth | El diente / los dientes |
| Dentist | Dentista |
| To the left | A la izquierda |
| To the right | A la derecha |
| Flashlight | La linterna |
| To clean | Limpiar |
| Dental chair | Silla dental |
| Cavities | Caries |
| Fillings | Curaciones |
| Extraction | Extracción |
Ob
OB/GYN
Addresses gynecological issues including breast exams and cervical cancer screenings. Only female students over the age of 18 attending a Classic SLT may shadow this station. This is a service offered (but not shadowed) during High School SLTs.
What will I be doing?
- Help set up the consultation room, create a private space and sanitize the bed and area.
- Direct patients to the chair, protect their privacy and assist with changing into a gown.
- Observe the gynecologist during exams — students are not licensed and will NEVER perform Pap smears.
- When asked, hold the flashlight, hand over speculums, swab sticks and slides.
- Accompany patients to Education or Pharmacy afterwards, and alert Education when the room is free.
Recommendations
- Many women have never seen a gynecologist and may feel nervous or embarrassed — be polite and reassuring.
- Maximum 2 students in the room at a time; rotate if three are assigned.
- Exams can be graphic. Be mindful of your reactions.
- Always knock before entering and keep the door closed at all times.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Pap smear | Papanicolaou |
| Breast exam | Examen de mamas |
| Speculum | Espéculo |
| Spatula | Espátula |
| Specimen / sample | Muestra |
| Fungus | Hongos |
| Swab | Isopo |
Ph
Pharmacy
The final station, where prescriptions are filled. Data collected here helps MEDLIFE track medication and enroll patients in the Patient Follow-Up Program.
What will I be doing?
- Collect medical history forms in the order received and store them where the pharmacy nurse indicates.
- One person records EVERY medication dispensed so stock can be replenished for the next clinic.
- Read the doctor's receipt and fill prescriptions: each medication in its own labelled bag, all bags into one larger bag for the nurse to verify.
- Keep the line orderly so the nurse sees one patient at a time.
- Alert the nurse immediately if a prescribed dose differs from what is available.
- Make sure patients leave with the handwritten prescription and instructions.
Recommendations
- Read the data collection process as soon as you arrive at the station.
- Watch the medication form — some come as both pill and paste.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| One patient at a time | Un paciente a la vez |
| Please give me your prescription and registration form | Por favor, deme su receta médica y su ficha de registro |
| These are your medicines | Estas son tus medicinas |
| Thank you for coming! | ¡Gracias por venir! |
| Vitamins | Vitaminas |
| Prescription | Receta médica |
| Syrup | Jarabe |
| Pill | Pastilla |
| Paste / creme | Pasta / crema |
| Bottle | Botella |
Tb
Toothbrushing
Teaches children aged 3 and up about dental hygiene. Children need no history form, and this is the only station without a medical professional — be proactive.
What will I be doing?
- Set up a table and tent outside, away from the other stations, with toothbrushes, cups, toothpaste and fluoride.
- Keep an empty bucket for children to spit into and find a tap to fill your water bucket — never use the boxed drinking water.
- Register every child (name and age) on the registration sheet; exact spelling doesn't matter.
- Hand each child a toothbrush with paste and a cup, and demonstrate brushing with the giant mouth and toothbrush props.
- Offer fluoride: no food or drink for an hour and no milk for the rest of the day. Never apply fluoride to children under 3.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Toothbrush | Cepillo de dientes |
| Toothpaste | Pasta dental |
| Cup | Vaso |
| Water | Agua |
| Fluoride | Flúor |
| What is your name? | ¿Cómo te llamas? |
| How old are you? | ¿Cuántos años tienes? |
| Take a toothbrush and a cup | Toma un cepillo y un vaso |
| Brush your teeth in a circular form | Cepíllate los dientes en forma circular |
| Rinse your mouth | Enjuágate la boca |
| Don't drink the water | No tomes el agua |
| Spit out here / there | Escupe aquí / ahí |
| Wash your toothbrush | Lava tu cepillo |
| Now we will place fluoride on your teeth | Ahora pondremos flúor en tus dientes |
| Open your mouth wide | Abre la boca bien grande |
| Don't eat or drink anything for an hour | No comas ni tomes nada por una hora |
| Don't drink milk for a day | No tomar leche por un día |
Quick check 1 of 3
Where does a patient go first when they arrive at the mobile clinic?
Conduct & health
Rules and recommendations
Face masks
Beyond local laws and regulations, masks must be worn during Mobile Clinics.
Compulsory safety briefing
Upon arrival, all students attend an extensive safety briefing.
Illness during the trip
If you feel unwell or show symptoms of any illness, advise your Trip Leader immediately so you can get medical care.
Wash and sanitize hands
Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer are available at every Mobile Clinic.
Respectful behavior in communities
- No photos during medical care or inside the clinic — patients are receiving medical attention.
- Do not leave your station. Alert your Trip Leader if you need a break so your spot is covered.
- The Trip Leader announces lunch and station rotations. Lunch is approximately 20 minutes long.
- Report missing utensils or materials from your station to the Trip Leader.
- Do not pet or feed animals — we cannot know if they carry disease or have a poor temperament.
General recommendations
- Do not drink tap water — it can make you sick.
- Be cautious with street food, especially meat; make sure it is boiled or cooked. Avoid street-sold juices, the water is not safe.
- Throw toilet paper in the trashcan provided. Local plumbing cannot handle paper and will clog and flood.
Chaperone Accompaniment Policy
Students participating in a High School SLT are required to remain with their assigned chaperone or Trip Leader at all times throughout the program. This applies to all circumstances, including leaving the hotel or separating from the group during fieldwork, regardless of the reason.
This policy exists to ensure student safety and reflects the expectations agreed upon with parents/guardians prior to departure.
Non-compliance with this policy may result in modified participation in program activities, as determined necessary to protect the safety and wellbeing of the student and the broader group.
Quick check 1 of 3
Before taking a photo of a patient or community member, you should:
Chaperones
Chaperone guide
A quick reference for the adults who travel with our student groups. Tap any card to expand the details. Please refer to your MEDLIFE HQ Rep for a detailed version of the ‘Revised HS Chaperone Summary of Requirements & Participation Agreement 2026-2027.
Joining a Service Learning Trip with MEDLIFE is both an educational and rewarding experience. As a Chaperone, you support both MEDLIFE and the student experience while on the trip. Chaperones act as a familiar face to students as they explore a new country and culture — your presence provides support and reassurance during international travel. For every 6 students, one Chaperone's Service Learning Trip donation goal is free (additional/optional tour activities not included). One Chaperone may be responsible for up to 10 students. All chaperones are determined well in advance of the trip. Please note there is a required application, interview, criminal record background check, and approval by MEDLIFE HQ prior to proceeding with involvement in Chaperone meetings, assigned responsibilities, and discount codes provided. Adult trip participants choosing to travel alongside their children - and not having competed the process above - are welcome to enjoy the trip, but must be noted as “Parent Participants” or “Teacher Participants” and are not referred to as official chaperones of the trip. In this case, the adult participant is required to reach the full donation goal to attend the trip, and a room upgrade is mandatory.
Flight reimbursement: Teacher Chaperones may also be reimbursed for their flight cost up to $1000 USD. Any fees associated with receiving the PayPal reimbursement for flights will be deducted from the amount being reimbursed.
Good to know: We may require Chaperones of a certain gender, depending on the makeup of the SLT (for example, an all-female student trip would require a female chaperone and vice versa). If you are bringing a smaller group of students, MEDLIFE may require your support to add students from other schools to your chaperone-group that may be travelling to destination on their own.
Preparing
Get ready for Tena
A short checklist so you arrive confident, covered and connected before the clinic doors open.
Documents, visas & vaccinations
- Passport requirements
- Passport must be valid for at least 7 months after your arrival date (some destinations require this for entry)
- Visa requirements
- If you are not traveling with a U.S. or Canadian passport, you may need a visa to enter certain countries. It is your responsibility to determine whether a visa is required and make the appropriate arrangements before traveling.
- Vaccinations
- MEDLIFE follows CDC recommendations. No specific vaccinations are required, but you should follow all CDC guidance and consult your doctor. View CDC travel recommendations
Be sure to confirm any required visas or fees involved in your flight layover based on airport as well.
Flight information and timeframes
The attendees of the SLT are responsible for buying their own airfare. However, our team can help you in this process by providing a flight quote for your group. You can request a flight quote by emailing info@medlifemovement.org. Once your flight is booked, please make sure to add your arrival and departure information to your booking.
Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), Quito
Quito, Ecuador — recommended timeframes
Arrival: Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm (Mariscal Sucre International Airport, UIO).
Departure: anytime from 10:00 pm Saturday to 12:00 pm Sunday.
If attendees arrive outside of the set time frames, they will be responsible for covering the cost of transportation to their site. If your flight arrives outside the timeframes listed please email info@medlifemovement.org. Remember that any additional nights and transfers that are added before/after your trip because of early or late arrival are not included in the Service Learning Trip donation goal, and will be at the cost of the student.
We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will allow you to cancel for any reason. You can contact info@medlifemovement.org for more information about our insurance options.
Note that this type of insurance must be purchased within a short number of days of your initial registration, and cannot be added in the days leading up to your departure — reach out as soon as possible to access this opportunity.
Accommodation
A MEDLIFE Representative stays at your hotel for the duration of the trip. Accommodation details are shared with your group in the WhatsApp group before departure.
What's included
- Materials & ResourcesFor the Mobile Clinic & Project.
- Accommodation8-nights dorm room accommodation for 6 to 9 people, exclusively with MEDLIFE participants.
- Meals3 meals a day are provided Monday–Friday, along with breakfast provided on the weekends.
- TransportationTo and from the airport (within the established schedule), and to SLT activities.
- English-speaking Leader
- Safety equipment
- Travel health insuranceThe insurance requires a $250 payment as a deductible for coverage.
What's not included
- Flights
- Tips
- Pre-Post accommodation
- Any excursions not listed on the High School SLT itinerary for your location
- Weekend meals
- Cancellation insurance
- Room upgrades for anyone that is not an official MEDLIFE-Approved Volunteer Chaperone having completed the interview, background check, application process, and onboarding
- Transportation outside provided timeframes
What to pack
Tena is one of the more moderate jungle cities in the Amazon, hovering around 80ºF (26ºC) with frequent afternoon rain showers — boots and a rain jacket are highly recommended. Ecuador lies on the Equator and the sun is extremely strong even when cloudy, so sunscreen and sunglasses are a must. Mosquito borne diseases are a concern at low altitude: consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis, use bug spray with DEET and wear long sleeves and pants. The CDC recommends vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Yellow Fever before traveling to Ecuador.
- Clothing
- Layers for cold mornings & warm days — jacket, fleece, breathable shirts, long pants, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Modest clothing for community visits.
- Clinic wear
- Closed-toe shoes (required for clinic stations), a lanyard for your badge, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
- Altitude & health
- Coca tea or altitude-sickness medication if advised by your doctor, reusable water bottle, sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, and basic personal medications.
- Documents & money
- Passport (7+ months validity), travel insurance info, $250 USD cash for the deductible, a credit card, and copies of key documents.
- Extras
- Power adapter (Peru uses Type A/B), portable charger, headlamp for early clinic days, a towel, and a small backpack.
What to donate
Many families travel hours to reach our clinics. Donations are handed directly to community members and stations — bring what you can, packed in your checked luggage.
- Vitamins and nutritional supplements for children and adults — new, unopened, and within their expiration date.
- Dental supplies: floss, fluoride, and child-sized toothbrushes for the Toothbrushing station.
- Hygiene kits: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products.
- Over-the-counter medicines (in original, sealed packaging): pain relievers, antacids, and oral rehydration salts.
- If you’re unsure what to bring or have items you’d like to donate that aren’t listed, please email info@medlifemovement.org and we’ll be happy to help.
Join the WhatsApp group
About 3–4 weeks before your trip, MEDLIFE adds you to a WhatsApp group with your Trip Leader and fellow students. It's where we share daily logistics, meeting points, weather notes, and reminders.
If you have not received a WhatsApp invitation at least 2 weeks before your departure, email info@medlifemovement.org with your name and trip dates so we can add you right away.
info@medlifemovement.orgWatch the summary video
A short message from the MEDLIFE team to wrap up your pre-departure training.
Quick check 1 of 3
You haven't received your trip WhatsApp group invite two weeks before departure. What do you do?
Optional extras
Explore immersion add-ons
Extend your trip before or after your SLT with your friends, chapter, or family, or add a SUNDAY experience on DAY 9, in the event of Sunday night flight departures. These trips are offered through Good Life Expeditions, a MEDLIFE partner travel agency whose profits support MEDLIFE projects in the communities we work alongside.
Pre/Post SLT bundle4 days / 3 nights
Capital Charms: Quito, Mitad del Mundo & More
Begin in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site with charming colonial architecture. Experience the Otavalo artisan market, marvel at Mindo Cloud Forest's biodiversity, and witness the grandeur of Cotopaxi National Park's volcano.
Pre/Post SLT bundle5 days / 4 nights
Galápagos Discovery Voyage — Island Hopping Experience
Discover the Galápagos Islands, the inspiration for Darwin's evolution theory. This UNESCO-protected archipelago boasts unparalleled biodiversity — from giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies, with expert guides throughout.
Interested? Email info@medlifemovement.org or meet with a Good Life Expeditions advisor to add one of these to your trip.
High school students, families:
Book a meetingOUR PROTOCOLS
In case of emergencies
Save these numbers before you fly. If MEDLIFE staff aren't nearby, call or WhatsApp the Ecuador emergency line.
In destination or in transit
+593 99 565 6237
Ecuador Emergency Phone · WhatsApp, call or SMS
Calling from North America
1-844-633-5433
MEDLIFE HQ Phone
What to do, step by step, if something goes wrong
- Contact your local emergency authorities.
- For non-urgent matters contact your Chapter, MEDLIFE HQ, or info@medlifemovement.org.
- Contact the Ecuador Emergency Phone.
- Find your Trip Leader or the MEDLIFE Representative at your hotel.
- Speak to reception.
- Contact the Ecuador Emergency Phone.
- Find your Trip Leader.
- Clinic nurses and doctors are available to attend to you.
- Find your Trip Leader.
- Contact the Ecuador Emergency Phone.
National emergency numbers
Clinics & police
Clínica Galenus (Tena)
Avenida 15 de Noviembre, between Riobamba and Cuenca
062 846 173Police Station UPC de Tena
Parque lineal, Tena
911Hospital Metropolitano (Quito)
Av. Mariana de Jesús s/n, Quito 170521
+593 2 399 8000Tourist Police — La Mariscal District (Quito)
Roca y Reina Victoria, Edif. Relaciones Exteriores
+593 2 2543 983Trawick International (insurance)
Inside USA: 833-425-5101 · MEDLIFE staff can assist with claims in-destination
+1 603 952 2686
Nearest embassies
Embassy of the United States (Quito)
Av. Avigiras, Av. Eloy Alfaro E12-170, Quito 170124
+593 2 398 5000Canadian Embassy (Quito)
Av. Río Amazonas, Quito 170135
+593 2 245 5499British Embassy (Quito)
Av. de las Naciones Unidas, 14th Floor, Quito 17-17 830
+593 2 397 2200
Insurance & cash
Emergency medical and evacuation insurance up to $250,000 USD with a $250 USD deductible once on a trip.
A doctor's visit to your hotel can be arranged if you feel unwell — typically $50–$100 USD, usually less than the $250 deductible. Staff or hotel reception can coordinate.
Bring $250 USD in cash beyond your spending money to cover the deductible, plus a credit card for emergencies if you have one.
Trawick International · 833-425-5101 (inside USA) · 603-952-2686 (outside USA)
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In an emergency during the trip, who do you contact first?
After your trip
Keep the momentum going
Take your experiences from the field and put them into action at home through MEDLIFE activities all year round.
Moving Mountains
Our fundraising campaign supporting day-to-day work in medicine, education and development. MEDLIFErs run Power Hours inviting contacts to donate — often with wild fundraising challenges.
Grow the Movement
Refer friends at other schools to start a MEDLIFE Chapter, encourage others to travel on a Service Learning Trip, and recruit new members for your Chapter.
Leadership activities
Volunteer locally with your Chapter, run for an E-Board position, or become a MEDLIFE Ambassador or Active Member to unlock discounts on your next trip.
Keep in touch
Follow us on social media and the blog, send photos and stories to media@medlifemovement.org, and tag us when you share what you saw.
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