Level II Fieldwork Education
CRECER students enjoy a unique cross-cultural experience with our organization in Ibarra, Ecuador, challenging them to think on their feet and learn how to work within another culture.
Since 2011, we've helped MOT, OTA, and OTD students meet their Level II program requirements, while also giving our students the one-of-a-kind chance to be immersed in Ecuadorian culture.
Students are required to be flexible, take initiative, and be able to use a discovery approach to learning.
Spanish is not required, but a willingness to learn Spanish is.
My experiences have developed into skills—how I handle day-to-day situations at work, leadership capabilities, and how thankful I am for what resources I do have.
How It Works
CRECER hosts between one and four long-term, Level II fieldwork students at any given time. Time is split between our outpatient center, with a mixed caseload, and partner facilities in the community. Students informally assess needs at the outpatient center and in the community and work to address the identified needs in addition to their daily caseload. In their off-time, students are encouraged to travel and explore Ecuador.
Learn Spanish
Spanish language courses may be combined with fieldwork experiences (at an extra cost) for those who would like to increase their proficiency in the Spanish language. Spanish is increasingly common in the United States and a health care worker who can converse with Spanish-speaking clients is an asset to any health care setting.
Right: Students visiting Las Siete Cascadas (The 7 Waterfalls) near Ibarra
Bottom Left: Students learn how to make yuca bread in Cuyabeno, located the rainforest
Bottom Right: A student holds a falcon in El Parque Córdor, near Otavalo
Life In Ibarra
Living in Ecuador gives our students the chance to enjoy a multitude of cultural experiences, in addition to their fieldwork. Our students visit places such as Baños de Agua Santa, the Amazon rainforest, Quilotoa, and the coast throughout their stay. Ecuador boasts a wide array of outdoor activities: hiking, zip lining, paragliding and more are all within reach, in addition to festivals, impressive architecture, excellent shopping, and the chance to meet local Ecuadorians. Everyday life in Ecuador is also highly affordable; meals cost between $2.25 and $5, local buses cost $0.30, and you can get your hair cut for $4. The combination of opportunity and affordability of travel means our students enjoy a high standard of living during their fieldwork.