Ecuador
Program Dates: December 4-11, 2026
About / Important Dates / Courses / Program Costs / Itinerary / Apply Now
This program provides an immersive, service-learning experience that integrates applied clinical practice with intercultural engagement, allowing Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students to apply classroom knowledge in diverse healthcare settings while building clinical reasoning, cultural competence, and adaptability. Through hands-on work in Cayambe and thoughtfully integrated cultural and leisure activities, students deepen their understanding of global health disparities and return with strengthened skills, broadened perspectives, and a greater appreciation for global collaboration in physical therapy.
Program Eligibility: This program is for DPT students who will have completed all pre-req courses. AU PT is a lockstep program (to be enrolled in the next set of courses, the student must successfully complete all coursework from previous semester).
International Travel & Health Information
Important Dates
$200 Initial Program Fee & Application Deadline
- June 3, 2026
2nd Payment Deadline
- July 15, 2026
Final Payment Deadline
- August 14, 2026
Purchase Flight (must attend SAO workshop first)
- August 14, 2026
SAO Orientation (mandatory)
- October 30, 2026
Contact Us
Study Abroad Office
Summerville Campus
Suite 251
Course Offered
PTHP 9110: Elective (1 credit hour)
Prerequisites: All previous DPT courses
Program Leaders: Dr. Carly Ritter, Dr. Megan Mobley, Dr. Ashley Fox
Program Cost
Initial Program Fee: $200
Deadline: 6/6/2026
Program Fee: Approx. $1,766 (includes accommodations, all meals, all excursions) *Airfare, Tuition & Fees separate.
Final Payment Deadline: 8/14/2026
Tuition & Fees: based on number of credit hours enrolled
4
DecDay One
Arrive late evening in Quito and transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay.5
DecDay Two
Travel to Papallacta for lunch and relaxation in the natural hot springs. Return to Quito for dinner and overnight stay.6
DecDay Three
Visit the Equator Museum (Intiñan), enjoy lunch at Puerto Lago, explore Otavalo and Cayambe, and participate in a Santiago Partnership tour. Evening preparation for service week.7
DecDay Four
Teams begin rotations at the Emanuel Clinic, Gerontological Center, and local school. Afternoon return to hotel and evening reflection.8
DecDay Five
Teams travel to Quito to work with local partner organizations focused on healthcare and women’s advocacy. Evening reflection and preparation.9
DecDay Six
Teams rotate to new service sites including the clinic, gerontological center, and school. Evening group time.10
DecDay Seven
Morning rotations conclude. Group lunch and program reflection. Visit Casa Hogar foster home for activities with children followed by a farewell dinner.11
DecDay Eight
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for return flight home.Experience education in Ecuador
APPLICATION OPENING SOON