In this interview, you’ll hear from Evan Dribbon, a Peace Corps Health volunteer in Ecuador. Evan shares what daily life looks like, the work being done, and how service has shaped their personal and professional growth. You’ll learn about housing, cultural differences, project work, language learning, and what it’s like to live and work in a new country. This interview offers a real look into Peace Corps service and what future volunteers can expect.
Jump to:
- Volunteer Experience and Motivation
- Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
- Surprises and Challenges
- Advice and Support
- Practical Tips and Language Learning
- Social Identity
- Impact of Media and Final Thoughts
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
1. What do you do as a Peace Corps Health volunteer in Ecuador?
Background
As a Peace Corps Health Volunteer in Ecuador, my work focuses on promoting community health, nutrition, and well-being while building trust and strong relationships with the people I serve.
I arrived in Ecuador a year and five months ago. The first three months were spent in Quito for intensive training, daily Spanish classes, lessons on Ecuadorian culture, and preparation to represent the Peace Corps at my site.
After training, I was placed in Chordeleg as the only volunteer at my site. That came with its own set of challenges and opportunities, all of which I had to build a foundation from the ground up.
Early Days in the Community
In the first month at the site, I joined the local doctors in their outreach activities. I accompanied them as they tested children for anemia and went door-to-door educating families about rabies. Before long, I was even vaccinating dogs against rabies. I’ll be honest… I had never done anything like that before. I still remember when a doctor handed me a needle and said, “Go ahead, vaccinate the dog.” I had no idea what I was doing at first, but I learned quickly. That was the first of many “figure-it-out” moments as a PCV.
Over time, vaccinating dogs became a daily task that consumed most of my day. I started feeling that I could make a greater impact by focusing on the community’s health concerns and working towards identifying a potential area of focus.. I decided to talk to my counterpart about my concerns. I explained that I wanted to redirect my time toward identifying and addressing the community’s most pressing needs. She was incredibly understanding and supportive. This experience showed me how important it is to communicate clearly and advocate for myself, which I’ve also learned is essential to do as a PCV.
Listening First and Understanding Community Needs
From the start, I knew that listening had to come before action. During my first few months at the site, I focused on getting to know the community. I met with local doctors, the mayor, church leaders, business owners, and hundreds of community members. I also made sure to attend community events to build trust and relationships.
Through these conversations, I identified four major issues that community members were most concerned about: malnutrition, mental health, drug abuse and alcoholism, and teen pregnancies. I knew I couldn’t effectively tackle all four, so I decided to narrow my focus based on one or two that the community identifies as a priority.
Gathering Data to Set Priorities
To better understand these issues, I created and distributed a community survey, gathering responses from about 300 people. The results were clear: roughly 80% of respondents felt that malnutrition and mental health should be the main focus. I also learned that the malnutrition rate among children 0-2 years old was about 25% (5% higher than the national average). This was quite alarming and motivated me to figure out something to lower this percentage.
In the survey, I also asked people why they thought malnutrition was a problem. Most mention it’s mostly related to a lack of education and limited financial resources. Here are some quotes from the survey that stood out… – “I don’t have money,” “We need economic support,” “Many families go hungry because of a lack of money.” This feedback got me thinking about practical and sustainable solutions, and that’s when the idea for a community garden came to me.
Launching the Community Garden Project
Chordeleg has a lot of unused land, so I saw an opportunity. I envisioned a community garden that would do more than grow fruits and vegetables to give to families in need. It would also serve as a space to educate families about healthy eating, providing cooking demonstrations, and even showing them how to replicate gardens at home.
I presented my findings and proposal to the community council, which includes the mayor and his team, and about 20 other community leaders. I also presented the idea to mothers who have children with malnutrition/anemia. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone loved the idea and was excited to have the opportunity to work on a project that is the first of its kind in their town and could inspire other communities to follow..
Once I had the community’s support (most important), I formed a team that included the community council, a nutritionist, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Childhood Malnutrition, and other community leaders. Together, we designed the project.
Designing a Sustainable Garden
I had no idea where to start when it came to designing the garden or figuring out the resources and materials needed to make it sustainable. To get guidance, I scheduled a meeting with an engineer who walked me through the entire process… from how much land we would need and what type of land would work best, to how many people would be required, what to grow, how to grow, estimated costs for everything, among other logistics. I learned a lot during these meetings, which helped me create a clear plan for the future.
One of the biggest challenges was finding a plot of land that had a clean, reliable, sustainable access to water. After visiting 5 different potential plots of land that we could use, we eventually identified the perfect plot of land, which is owned by the local government, that has a stream supplied with drinking water right next to it, for which we’ve been given approval to use. The garden is located just five minutes from the town center, in an area with one of the highest rates of childhood malnutrition, which makes it an ideal and meaningful place to focus our efforts.
Building for the Future
I then had the idea to form a garden committee to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the project. I presented the idea to a group of mothers in the community where the garden is located, and together we formed a team of seven members. Each person took on a specific role… the roles range from president to maintenance manager, outreach coordinator, etc. I wanted to do this so that everyone had a sense of ownership and responsibility in keeping the garden thriving.
The next step was fundraising. The community in total is contributing roughly $11,000, and I needed to raise an additional $6,000 to fully launch the project. I decided to apply for a Peace Corps grant and was very happy to receive the full amount within just a few months. With all the funding secured, we’re ready to begin, and I plan to start leveling the land and construction in about a week.
I’m now working with a team of engineers to finalize the design/blueprint. We are on target to start with the leveling of the land within a week or so.
2. Why did you decide to join the Peace Corps and serve in Ecuador?
A Lifelong Passion for Helping Others
Ever since I was 10, I’ve volunteered with programs centered on helping people. I started by teaching sports to children with special needs, which led to helping coach a Special Olympics team. These experiences taught me a lot about leadership, communication, and the importance of building relationships.
Growing Through Global Experiences
In college, I double-majored in Global Justice and Spanish and co-founded a peer-led mental health program. I was also selected for an international internship in Valencia, Spain, where I worked at a law firm. With no prior legal experience, I had to figure out solutions to problems on my own. I was also working in a language in which I was not yet fluent. These experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me solidify my passion for helping people and finding ways to make a meaningful impact in their lives, as well as to navigate difficult situations and work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Tackling Food Insecurity Through Service
After college, I served in AmeriCorps at my alma mater, where I was the first AmeriCorps volunteer focused on addressing food insecurity among low-income students. Coming into the role, I had no prior experience working with a community facing food insecurity, so I had to start by listening, observing, and learning about the real needs. Every day involved figuring out solutions, experimenting, and adapting (essentially learning on the fly while building relationships).
During my one-year term, I was able to increase food pantry usage by 10%, educate over 100 students and staff on programs like SNAP, build a coalition of 10 universities, and spearhead a food drive competition involving eight schools across the county, engaging over 10,000 participants and generating nearly $60,000. I also helped launch new programs like a meal swipe donation system and a new food pantry, expanding the university’s capacity to support students in need.
My experiences working in the unknown while learning, experimenting, and delivering results have directly prepared me for Peace Corps service, where every day of life has involved adapting to new challenges and figuring out how to make an impact.
Finding My Calling in the Peace Corps
I learned about the Peace Corps after a meeting with a mentor, a former U.S. ambassador, who mentioned the Peace Corps, and everything clicked. After the meeting, I felt so relieved knowing that I finally found my calling. I activated my network and, even though I knew that I wanted to serve, I wanted to find the country where I could add the most value. I narrowed my search to Spanish-speaking countries because of my language skills and passion for the language and health care.
Why I Think Ecuador Chose Me
After researching options on the Peace Corps website, Ecuador stood out for its beauty, diverse culture, and welcoming people. I connected with mentors who helped me identify people in their network with firsthand experience in Ecuador, including an Ecuadorian doctor living in Florida, a former U.S. ambassador who has lived there for 12 years, and someone from Canada who started a program in Ecuador that focuses on strengthening communities through improved education, water, health, food & opportunity. Speaking with all of them helped me understand Ecuador on a new level and confirmed that it was the right place for me to prepare for service.
All of these experiences and influences in life have led me to serve in the Peace Corps. I can confidently say now that serving in the Peace Corps in Ecuador is where I am meant to be.
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. What is your housing like in Ecuador?
During Pre-Service Training
During the first three months of my service, I lived in a rural part of Quito, in a valley, with my first host family. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Ecuador. Their house was a traditional cement structure, built by the family themselves (not professional builders, just people who needed a home and figured out how to make it happen). It backed up to a park with a stunning view, and on a clear day, you could see up to five volcanoes.
My host family
There were usually eight people and three generations living under one roof, including me, spread across five bedrooms: my two host parents, their three kids, two grandchildren, and myself. The family was close-knit, and life felt very communal.
My host mom owned a restaurant that she eventually moved into. I deeply respect this about many people in Ecuador; again, they just make it work. She had to move the restaurant inside because of financial constraints, related to constant water shortages, among other things.. Anyways, they built a separate seating area outside, and transformed their house into their restaurant. I’ve never once heard any of them complain, which was humbling to witness. The household was always a joy to be around.
Meals and activities
Mornings were special. My host mom or host sister would make breakfast for me, sometimes empanadas de verde(empanadas made out of plantains), other days eggs on a roll with fresh avocado straight from the garden. The backyard was a little paradise, with a greenhouse and around 200 plants and fruit trees: guava, avocado, guanábana, passion fruit, coffee beans, limes, you name it. I loved picking fruit right off the trees and eating it fresh.
Evenings were spent playing fútbol or catching with the kids. I treasure that experience and am grateful I could share it with my own family when they visited, even learning to cook one of their traditional dishes, empanadas de verde. The house was always welcoming, witty, and full of life, and I always tried to visit them whenever I was in town.
At My Permanent Site
My current host family is a very different experience. I live with two retired individuals in their 70s who returned to Ecuador after 30 years in the U.S. Life here is more independent. I cook for myself, live on the third floor (essentially my own apartment) with a kitchen, terrace, and private bathroom. The view of the town center is amazing, and I have plenty of personal space. Interactions with my hosts are less frequent, but I still join family events, attend gatherings at relatives’ homes, and am always welcomed with plenty of food.
Despite the differences, there are similarities. Both families are hospitable, welcoming, and excellent cooks. Both homes are in rural areas with similar weather, and life is relaxed in each household. The main differences are in family dynamics, social class, independence, and freedom. With my first family, life was communal and hands-on. Now, I have more independence and flexibility, which has helped me develop my cooking skills and manage my own daily routines. Both experiences have been invaluable, teaching me about Ecuadorian culture, family, and hospitality in very different, yet equally meaningful ways.
4. What moments or interactions stand out during your service?
What stands out to me the most aren’t the big achievements or projects, it’s the small, everyday moments. Things like sharing meals with families, having genuine conversations with community members, or being invited into someone’s home for coffee or a meal, which happens quite frequently. Those moments really made me feel connected and truly a part of the community.
I think the most meaningful part has been realizing when people start to see me not just as a visitor, but as someone they trust and include in their everyday lives. It’s those small signs of connection that remind me why I joined the Peace Corps.
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about living or working in Ecuador?
Cultural attitudes toward time
I’m very time-oriented and value punctuality as a form of respect. I also like to plan my days in detail, from meetings and classes to vacations. In Ecuador, time is perceived differently… schedules are more relaxed, and planning is often minimal.
Example from travel: On a trip to the Amazon, I assumed there would be a basic plan for our two nights, hotels, route, and activities. There wasn’t. We didn’t know which hotel we’d stay at, and the driver even asked locals for directions along the way. A trip that should have taken five hours ended up taking nearly fourteen.
Example from meetings: Meetings often start late, sometimes by an hour, and people rarely acknowledge if they are late. At first, this was hard to accept, but I have since learned to accept it. There is actually a term used to describe how people are rarely on time – “hora ecuatoriana” which translates to Ecuadorian hour.
Health & bacteria
I’ve been sick many times, usually due to food or water. When I do get sick, it’s mostly stomach-related and can be quite intense. Over the months at the site, I’ve learned what I should and shouldn’t eat, how to cook more carefully, and how to prevent illness. When I do get sick, Peace Corps doctors are always available to help, and most of the time, it’s a simple solution. You learn as you go.
Things take time
Life moves slowly here. There’s just a lack of urgency in many areas, which can be frustrating when I want to get things done quickly. I’ve learned to accept it as part of the culture and focus on being patient.
Drought
Ecuador experienced an extreme drought, and that year was one of the worst on record. The country relies on hydroelectric dams for electricity, so the lack of rain caused severe nationwide power shortages. The electricity cuts began about a month and a half into the drought and were expected to continue for several months, possibly until April.
The outages started at around eight hours per day but eventually expanded to 14 hours. Some days, we were without power from 5–9 AM, 11 AM–5 PM, and 8 PM–12 AM. At night, the town went almost completely dark, with only a few distant lights from neighboring towns visible.
These cuts had a significant impact on Ecuador’s economy. Restaurants and businesses struggled, particularly those that could not afford generators, which were expensive to run daily. Food in refrigerators often sat for hours without power, tourism slowed, and the overall situation affected the country’s image.
The drought also created challenges for work, especially at the health center. Staff were unable to enter patient information into the system, limiting services, and my own computer-based work was frequently disrupted. WiFi and mobile data were also almost always non-existent. This was one of the many situations I had to learn to adapt to.
6. What challenges have you faced in your Health work, and how did you respond?
Community surveys:
- Background: Distributed a 25-question anonymous survey to about 300 people at the health center, often while they were waiting for labs or to see doctors.
- Challenge: Many participants were sick and not particularly eager to fill out a long survey.
- Response: I introduced myself, explained the purpose of the survey, and made the process as simple and engaging as possible. The survey provided valuable data that helped guide my focus on malnutrition.
Teaching English:
- Background: Had never been a teacher, let alone a language teacher.
- Challenge: Teaching students of widely varying ages, from 5 to 75, while catering to what they wanted to learn.
- Response: I researched teaching strategies, sought advice from family members who are teachers, and adapted lessons based on student interests. Over time, I built a program that engaged all ages.
Adolescent club:
- Background: Conducted outreach to identify children to join a health club.
- Challenge: Finding teenagers to join the club. Initial outreach via schools and health center staff did not bring in participants.
- Response: Realized parent involvement was key. Next steps include contacting families, working with school directors, and advertising.
Learning to accept cultural differences:
- Challenge: Understanding that I am not in Ecuador to change people’s way of life, but to adapt to it and support the community within their context.
- Response: Focused on listening, adapting, and problem-solving. This approach helped me navigate complex situations with patience.
7. What secondary projects have you worked on during your service?
In addition to the community garden initiative, I’ve been involved in several other initiatives aimed at promoting health and well-being:
English Classes: From the very beginning, one of the most requested activities from the community has been English classes. In response, I started weekly lessons and, over the past year, have taught students ranging in age from 5 to 75.
Teen Club: I launched a teen club through the health center, which ran for about three months. Together with the local doctor, I taught about healthy lifestyles and also incorporated some English lessons for the teens.
Cooking tutorials: I’m developing simple recipe cards with QR codes that link to video tutorials. These will be shared during anemia screenings and at various health talks at the health center to help families learn practical ways to improve their nutrition.
Health Talks: I have a few talks scheduled for the next months with a lactation club run by the health center. The idea is to equip local pregnant women and mothers with important skills to care for their children during pregnancy and in the crucial first months of life, a period that has a huge impact on long-term health.
Music Lessons: I’m in the process of starting guitar lessons for kids in the community. I connected with a local leader who has access to 12 guitars that can be lent to children aged 10–15. I consider myself an intermediate guitar player and have never taught before, but this is just another one of those “figure it out as you go” opportunities.
Advice and Support
8. What advice would you give to future Health volunteers in Ecuador?
If I were giving advice to future Health volunteers in Ecuador, some things I would say are:
Acceptance is key
Spend time listening before acting. Never assume you know what’s best. ALWAYS take into account the perspectives of the community before making decisions. Be curious, humble, and open to learning from everyone. Approach your work as a partner, not just a volunteer, and focus on building trust first.
Celebrate small wins
be patient with setbacks, and remember that lasting impact comes from relationships and shared learning, not just projects or programs. Trust and relationships are truly the foundation for meaningful health work… Your initiatives will succeed when they are built together with the community, not for the community.
Adaptability is key
Things in Ecuador (and I’m sure other PC countries) rarely go exactly as planned. Schedules change frequently, meetings get postponed, and priorities shift. The most effective volunteers are the ones who can adapt quickly, find creative solutions, and keep moving forward with positivity, even when plans fall through.
Say yes!
Always put yourself in new situations, even if they feel uncomfortable or unexpected. If someone invites you to an event, a meeting, or even just to spend time with their family, say yes. Most of my best connections were made randomly, and I wouldn’t be where I am with my project if I hadn’t thrown myself into new experiences and built relationships that way.
9. How did Peace Corps training prepare you for service?
Peace Corps training prepared me really well for service. The staff and teachers were incredible. They all created an environment that was both supportive and challenging. The training was definitely intense at times, but in the best way. We were constantly pushed out of our comfort zones, which helped me build confidence in handling unfamiliar situations.
The language training was especially helpful. It wasn’t just about learning Spanish, but learning how to communicate effectively in real-life situations, like giving health talks, meeting with community leaders, or navigating everyday life. The technical sessions also gave me a strong foundation for my health work and an understanding of how to approach projects as well as assess community needs.
By the time training ended, I didn’t just feel ready to move to my site, I felt excited and ready.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
10. What would you tell future volunteers to pack—or leave behind?
Electronics & Accessories:
- A portable charger is essential. Prepare for power outages and long travel days happen often, so you’ll be grateful to have one.
- Extra charging cords (laptop, phone, or camera).
- Power strip
Clothing & Weather Gear:
Pack for all types of weather. At least in Ecuador, the climate can vary dramatically depending on the region and altitude. You might experience intense sun, sudden rain, or cool nights all in the same day
- Wide-brimmed hat / baseball hat for sun protection.
- A rain jacket even during the dry season, sudden showers are common.
- A light jacket or fleece for chilly evenings, especially in the Sierra region.
- A comfortable pair of sandals or slides for around the house and short errands.
- A few pairs of sturdy, comfortable shoes, one for daily wear, one for work or community events, and one for hiking or outdoor activities, also water shoes. Avoid overpacking shoes… they take up a lot of space, and you’ll quickly learn which ones you actually wear.
Everyday Items:
- A reusable water bottle staying hydrated is key, and many volunteers bring water filters but not necessary, as most boil water or buy big jugs.
- A small backpack or daypack for daily use, short trips, or carrying work materials.
- Printed photos of family and friends… Nice to show family your life in the states, and also comforting to have while away to keep family close.
- A notebook and pens for journaling, language notes, or project planning.
Overall, focus on packing light, practical items, and personal items that will make you feel comfortable while away.
11. How has language learning been for you in Ecuador?
I came to Ecuador with a background in Spanish from college. Most of my learning during college was online due to COVID, so I never had a fully immersive experience. Before coming to Ecuador, I had never spent an extended period in a Spanish-speaking country, so I hadn’t fully immersed myself in the language or culture. With that said, I felt semi-prepared coming from my background.
The Peace Corps prepared me far more than college ever did. There were language classes offered before departure, so I took advantage of that. The in-person training in Ecuador was very helpful as well. The Spanish training sessions in PST prepared me for life at my site and helped me build confidence to communicate from day one.
Differences in Spain and Latin American Spanish
One of the main challenges was adjusting to the specific Spanish dialect. In college, I learned Spanish like that spoken in Spain. For instance, Spain uses “vosotros” for the plural “you,” while Ecuador and other Latin American Countries use “ustedes” in all cases. The “z” and soft “c” in Spain are pronounced like a “th,” but in Ecuador and other LA countries, they’re pronounced like an “s.” Consonants are generally softer, and “ll” or “y” is often pronounced as a “y,” though some regions use a “zh” sound.
Dialects very within Ecuador
Even within Ecuador, dialects vary. In the Sierra, people speak slowly and clearly, which makes comprehension easier. In Cuenca, close to where I currently live, people speak with a musical intonation with ups and downs in tone (it’s like they are singing when talking), which can be challenging at times. On the coast, they speak MUCH faster, often blending words together. I’ve found people on the coast the hardest to understand. There is also a lot of slang that originates from the Kichwa language, which is a commonly spoken indigenous language here. For example, they say “Achachay” when it is very cold, “Arraray” when it’s hot, and “atatay” when something hurts.
My Spanish has improved
Overall, my Spanish has improved far beyond what I could have achieved in a classroom. I rarely need clarification, and I feel confident giving presentations, understanding content, and interacting with people in daily life. I credit this to being fully immersed in the culture and speaking Spanish daily in real-life settings.
Social Identity
12. How has your personal identity shaped your service experience?
Perceptions of wealth
Many people assume that, because I’m from the U.S., I have a lot of money. This has taught me to approach interactions keeping in mind these assumptions. Most also assume I earn a U.S. salary here, when in reality I make the local minimum wage. These perceptions give me a chance to explain my position and emphasize that I’m here not for money, but for the once in a lifetime experience and to help.
Religion
I’m not particularly religious, but living in a country that is more than 80% Catholic has occasionally brought curiosity or judgment. People frequently ask about my beliefs, which is not common in the U.S. I approach these questions openly and respectfully, using them as opportunities to learn from others perspectives and deepen my understanding of local culture.
Language and accent
My accent immediately marks me as a foreigner, which has been a constant reminder to practice patience and humor. It’s also a chance to engage with people, learn local expressions, and improve my Spanish every day.
Family background
Coming from a larger family helps me connect with local family structures, understand dynamics, and relate to the ways families interact in the community.
13. Did your identity lead to specific challenges or situations?
My identity has sometimes led to specific challenges, such as being perceived as wealthy or as an outsider because I’m a foreigner, or being asked about my religion in a predominantly Catholic community.
I’ve learned that the best way to handle these situations is with humility, curiosity, and open communication. By listening first, clarifying my intentions, and ALWAYS showing respect for local knowledge and customs, I’ve been able to build trust and strong relationships.
For future volunteers, I would advise expecting assumptions and questions about who you are, and approaching them as opportunities to connect, learn, and engage respectfully. While these moments can feel uncomfortable at first, they often become the foundation for meaningful relationships and lasting impact. Also, it will get easier with time as you’ll be more equipped to deal with these situations.
14. What advice do you have for volunteers who share your identity?
For volunteers who share my identity, my advice is to be aware of the assumptions people might make about you, whether it’s about your background, wealth, or beliefs, and approach them as opportunities to first listen, then learn, and if appropriate, share. Always stay humble and curious, and remember that your role is to be a part of the community, not to lead or impose. Embrace it all.
Impact of Media and Final Thoughts
15. If you share content online, how has that shaped your service?
I will be making a social media account for the community garden project to document/promote it.
16. What final advice or thoughts would you share with future volunteers?
If I could give one piece of advice to future volunteers, I would say to always show up fully present and let the people you serve teach you. The best lessons don’t come from programs or plans; they come from shared meals, casual conversations, and the small, everyday moments where trust is built.
Be curious and ask questions, and listen, try to get out of your comfort zone as much as you can. Embrace the discomfort, the mistakes, and the surprises. Those are the moments that shape you.
At the end of the day, your impact isn’t measured by what you complete on a checklist, but by the relationships you leave behind, and the ways you grow alongside the community. Peace Corps service is, of course, about serving and supporting the community you’re in, but it’s also about personal growth and learning. You’ll come back to the U.S. with a completely different perspective. Take every opportunity, go into every situation with open ears, and remember that simply being here and engaging is already making a difference.
Are you thinking about joining the Peace Corps? If you’re curious about service and ready for something new, apply today. Like Evan, you can live abroad, work with communities, and grow in ways you didn’t expect. Apply to the Peace Corps and take the next step.
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or Ecuador Government.
