1. Check out CFHI's 20+ CFHI Programs in 5 countries. Sign up for email updates about opportunities, scholarships, and news about CFHI projects.

2. Select your top choice program(s) and date(s) for application (Do not submit more than 1 application unless you intend to participate in more than 1 CFHI program). CFHI accepts applications on a rolling basis each week and recommends applying 3 months in advance of your program arrival date.  CFHI also is able to take last minute applicants (45 days or less before the program arrival date)  and works with applicants to arrange last-minute spots in our programs.

3. Contact 2 Professional and/or Academic references ahead of time to get their permission to include them on your application and to notify them to respond promptly to the reference request. Please have your references enter students@cfhi.org into their contact list or address book so the CFHI reference request goes to their Inbox and processes correctly. CFHI does not require separate letters of recommendation.

4. Create a CFHI Profile through the online application system.  Double check to be sure you enter in your correct date of birth, phone number, address, etc.

5. Submit your CFHI application online, saving your answers in a Word document as you go along in case of any technical difficulties.  Once submitted, you cannot make any changes to your CFHI application. Be sure to pay your $95 application fee as we cannot process your application without this.  APPLY NOW.

CFHI Application Items:

      Upon completion of your application, and after we hear back from your references and receive your $95 application fee, CFHI will review your application and notify you of your status. If your application indicates that you are likely to succeed in a global health immersion program, you will receive an email notifying you of your acceptance.

      You will hear back from CFHI within 2 weeks of your application submission.

7. Special Situations (For more Information see our Frequently Asked Questions page):

Applying To More Than One CFHI Program? Email students@cfhi.org for special instructions on how to submit your applications and bypass subsequent application fees.

Program Length- Applying to a Program and interested in participating longer than 4 but less than 8 weeks?  Select the 8-week option for the program when applying and include a line anywhere in your application indicating your correct program length (5,6,7 weeks, etc.) After you pay your $350 deposit, email CFHI notifying us of the payment - pspivak@cfhi.org and we’ll adjust your final payment fee to reflect the correct number of weeks.

Alternate Dates?  If you absolutely cannot participate within CFHI’s prescribed arrival and departure dates call our office at 415-957-9000 to inquire about alternate date options for specific programs. 

8. Financial planning- How to fund your program is important to think about. Read the “How to Fund your CFHI Program” (also found through our homepage) to begin planning fundraising activities