We offer a unique and transformative opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich biodiversity of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
This program is designed to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the importance of medicinal plants in traditional medicine and their role in addressing local epidemiological concerns. You will work alongside alternative healthcare providers, specialists, and local healers, learning about their customs and the significance of their work in the preservation of their culture.
During the program, you will learn about traditional medicinal plants used by the Kichwa people of Amazonian Ecuador and how these plants reflect local epidemiological concerns and pharmacopoeias. You will also explore the benefits of cultivating medicinal plants in home gardens and gain an understanding of the determinants of knowledge regarding their uses within the indigenous Shuar and mestizo communities.
As you develop your knowledge and skills, you will have the opportunity to contribute to projects that support local medicine men and healers in their efforts to disseminate information and maintain their cultural heritage. Your daily activities will involve working in agroforestry farms, cultivating medicinal plants, and participating in plant inventories, allowing you to build practical experience while making a meaningful impact on the community.
By living with local host families, you will fully immerse yourself in the culture and forge lasting connections with community members. This unique experience will not only broaden your understanding of traditional medicine and ethnobotany but also inspire personal growth and a newfound appreciation for the interconnection between culture, health, and the environment.
The Experience
As a traditional medicine and ethnobotany intern in Ecuador, you can expect a well‐rounded and immersive daily experience that allows you to delve deep into the world of Amazonian traditional medicine. Your day will be a blend of hands‐on activities, collaboration with local healers and medicine men, and opportunities for cultural exchange and personal growth.
A typical day begins with breakfast and a possible early‐morning ritual of sharing guayusa tea with your host family. You'll then spend your morning working at a local agroforestry farm, learning about medicinal plants and their uses. After lunch, you'll have time for independent research or engaging in activities with healers and medicine men, further deepening your knowledge and skills in ethnobotany and traditional medicine practices.
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