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Child Family Health International

9.6 (197)Verified30 Programs

Why choose Child Family Health International?

Child Family Health International (CFHI), founded in 1992 is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization, based in the United States that collaborates with universities and individuals to provide community-based global health education programs. CFHI positions its participants at the frontline of global health alongside healthcare professionals, patients, and community leaders. The organization ...

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Child Family Health International Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.6

Total Reviews

197
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A Month of Medicine, Culture, and Connection - BEAUTY OF OAXACA !

March 17, 2025by: Natalie Toro - United StatesProgram: Global Health in Oaxaca, Mexico
10

Spending a month in Oaxaca was more than just a medical experience—it was an immersion into a healthcare system deeply intertwined with culture, resourcefulness, and community. Shadowing physicians in clinics and hospitals, I saw firsthand how providers balanced modern medicine with traditional healing, where resources were scarce but compassion was abundant. I witnessed systemic health challenges firsthand—patients traveling hours for medical attention, hospitals working with limited supplies, and families playing a crucial role in their loved ones’ care. This experience taught me that medicine is not just about treating illness but about understanding the patient’s beliefs, environment, and access to care. Outside of the clinical setting, Oaxaca’s rich culture embraced me—dancing in the streets during festivals, tasting mole in a bustling mercado, and connecting with local healthcare teams who welcomed me as one of their own. This experience reinforced that medicine is universal, but healing is deeply personal, shaped by history, tradition, and human connection.

Durban has my heart!

March 14, 2025by: Samida Ntoko - United StatesProgram: Global Health in Durban, South Africa
10

My time with CHFI was unforgettable and enriching. Over the course of 4 weeks, I had their opportunity to rotate through the surgery unit, pediatric wards, malukazi clinic and Hillcrest aids center. It was great clinical exposure. Seeing firsthand how healthcare providers navigate challenges with limited resources while delivering compassionate care gave me a whole new perspective on medicine. I had so much mentorship and support from the physicians, interns, students and other medical students who came from medical schools in the U.S. They took their time to explain pretty much everything to me. Beyond that, Durban is such a beautiful place. There was always something to do, beautiful beaches and nice sunny weather!

me at UKZN medical school where there is a teaching hospital.

My Unforgettable CFHI Experience in Cape Town

February 09, 2025by: Natan Hekmatjah - United StatesProgram: Global Health in Cape Town, South Africa
10

Wow! Before embarking on my CFHI trip to Cape Town, South Africa, I truly didn’t know what to expect. Looking back, I can confidently say that it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life! From the clinical learning at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital to the warm hospitality of my homestay family, the breathtaking beauty of Cape Town, and the support of the CFHI team—every aspect of the trip exceeded my expectations. One of the highlights was staying with a local host family. The families who opened their homes to us were incredibly kind, welcoming, and accommodating. They made us feel at home from day one, offering not only a place to stay but also cultural insights, home-cooked meals, and a sense of community. It was an amazing way to truly immerse ourselves in the local way of life. The CFHI coordinators were phenomenal. Whether it was helping us navigate transportation, answering our questions, or ensuring we had everything we needed, they were always available and ready to assist. Their dedication made the experience seamless and stress-free. The hospital experience was equally eye-opening. Being part of the pediatric surgery team at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital gave me an invaluable perspective on how medicine is practiced in a resource-limited setting. I witnessed diseases and conditions I had only read about in textbooks and saw firsthand how doctors rely heavily on clinical skills and creativity to provide care when diagnostic resources are limited. The physicians and healthcare workers were not only skilled but also incredibly compassionate and dedicated, which was truly inspiring. And then there’s Cape Town itself—absolutely breathtaking! It felt like something out of a dream. From the stunning coastline and rugged mountains to the unreal sunsets and rich cultural history, every moment spent exploring the city was unforgettable. Whether hiking up Table Mountain, visiting the Cape of Good Hope, or simply taking in the ocean views, there was always something incredible to see and do. I wholeheartedly recommend CFHI to anyone considering an international medical rotation. More importantly, I cannot recommend the Cape Town program enough! It was a life-changing experience that deepened my appreciation for global health, expanded my clinical knowledge, and left me with memories that I will cherish forever.

Table Mountain!

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Hema Pandey

Interviewed in 2018

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

What inspired you to join the Child Family Health International (CFHI) team in India?

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Jackie Powell

Participated in 2019

Alumni

I have always had the desire to learn about cultures that are different from mine. I think that we can learn more about ourselves by being immersed in a completely different lifestyle. Also, as a fourth year medical student, I have seen diverse patient populations and understand the importance of cultural sensitivity in the patient-physician relationship. I wanted to do a medical rotation abroad for all these reasons!

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Robin Young

Interviewed in 2019

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

Aside from CFHI's focus on ethical, fair trade engagement with our global partners (which was a huge motivation and inspiration for me to join the team!), I think what I love about CFHI is that we are especially responsive about working with participants in the pre-departure stages of their trip to ensure that their questions are answered and they feel comfortable with their program.

Show Full Interview
Child Family Health International

Child Family Health International

9.6Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Child Family Health International (CFHI), founded in 1992 is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization, based in the United States that collaborates with universities and individuals to provide community-based global health education programs. CFHI positions its participants at the frontline of global health alongside healthcare professionals, patients, and community leaders. The organization places a high priority on assisting them with learning about context and health determinants in order to provide a thorough understanding of the interactions between disease processes, social circumstances, poverty, resiliency, geopolitical realities, historical contexts, and the complexities of health and wellness. This UN-recognized organization utilizes an asset-based community engagement m...

Awards

Check out awards and recognitions Child Family Health International has received

GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Intern Abroad ProgramGreatNonprofits 2022 Top-Rated AwardInnovative New Program – Intern Abroad Finalist 2022Top Rated Organization 2021 - Internships AbroadGreat Nonprofits 2021 Top-Rated List