Program Overview

The South American nation of Ecuador offers the perfect environment to learn about transcultural nursing practices—across the spectrum of modern world approaches and centuries-old traditional techniques of indigenous peoples. HCC, in cooperation with Community Colleges for International Development, Inc. (CCID) is again offering two transcultural nursing programs in Ecuador in May and June 2013.

The time is split between the city of Quito and the rain forest. Both sites offer great academic and cultural learning opportunities. In Quito, you will visit tour hospitals and nursing homes and see their patients.  By contrast, you’ll also travel to the rainforest to examine indigenous health care practices, learn about medicinal plants, and visit a local Quichua community.  

The program is complemented by cultural activities including visits to famous landmarks such as the Equator, Presidential Palace and local markets.

Academic features of the trip include:  

• A tour of the National School of Nursing at the Central University of Ecuador, and the opportunity to meet and exchange views with Ecuadorian nursing students
• Learning about current nursing and health issues in Ecuador
• Visits to and comparative examination of government-run and private hospitals and other healthcare facilities
• Immersion in Andean culture and health practices via a trip to the rainforest

Program Brochure for May 20 - June 2, 2013 / Download  

Program Brochure for June 23 - July 7, 2013 / Download

Find out what students had to say about HCC’s Study Abroad trip to Ecuador:

"Our interaction at the hospitals, nursing homes, nursing schools, and with the traditional healers in the Orient and especially with the nursing school students of Quito and Tena were very rewarding, and I can’t imagine having a more diversified and satisfying transcultural experience packed into 14 days!"

"This trip was not only an incredible opportunity but also a chance to see if this is really something I might like to do more of in the future. It was also an opportunity to become better at working with people from other cultures. Being in an environment in which I could not speak the language very well and was not very familiar with the practices was scary; however, it was beneficial because I know it will help me to become a better and more confident nurse as I continue."

At a Glance

Scholarships of $1,500 are available!

Dates: May 20 - June 2, 2013 or June 23 - July 7, 2013 

Cost: Approximately $2,400 to 2,800 (depending on program dates)*

Course Credits: 2 or 3 credits  

Application Deadline: February 8, 2013

Questions about this program?

Kathryn Smith (Faculty Lead) ksmith@hccfl.edu, (813) 253-7227

*The fee includes round-trip airfare to Ecuador, all in-country transportation, lodging, meals, health insurance, and academic and cultural lectures and visits, admission fees at sites.

The fee does not include cost of college tuition at your home college, some meals and personal expenses such as passports and immunizations. All fees, costs and dates are subject to change.