CFHI Alumni International Fellowship Program

Looking for ways to work abroad next summer?  CFHI is offering paid summer internships for our alumni.  All past participants of CFHI’s international programs are welcome and strongly encouraged to apply!

CFHI is accepting applications until January 15, 2009 for its 2009 Alumni Fellows Program. This position develops excellent leadership, interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills that can enhance a career in global health. This is a unique opportunity to return to your host country and  work with local doctors and coordinators.  Alumni Fellows assist local partners and prepare host communities for the arrival of CFHI students and aid in executing student programs between the end of May and early August.

The ideal Fellow must be able to work well independently as well as with groups of students with diverse ideas and backgrounds. Experience coordinating and working with international students is preferable. CFHI is committed to working globally and addressing inequities. In line with this global lens, it is the policy of CFHI to actively seek a diverse pool of candidates from a variety of backgrounds who are committed to the mission and vision of CFHI.

Location

There are a total of 6 Fellowships available in the following locations:

1. Quito, Ecuador (1) 
2. Dehradun, India  (1)
3. Mumbai, India (1)
   
4. Oaxaca, Mexico  (1)
5. Durban, South Africa (1)
6. La Paz, Bolivia (1)

Primary Responsibilities- Alumni Fellows support local CFHI coordinators in the following activities:

Administration - 50%

• Respond to the visiting students’ emotional, health and safety needs.
• Coordinate transportation to, between, and from clinical sites.
• Orient students to country’s culture/customs, safety tips, use of public transportation to clinical sites.
• Facilitate an outing within the 1^st 3 days of the program in order to welcome the students and encourage group cohesion.            
• Research and formulate suggestions for outings and weekend trips that students may be interested in: have this information ready to provide to students when they arrive.  Add to existing resources if available.
• Assist local coordinator in developing additional orientation materials for students if required.
• Send an introductory email to all summer students one week prior to arrival on site, describing your role as alumni fellow and adding information about yourself (interests and past program site attendance).
• Coordinate tours on public transportation to clinical sites.
• Notify clinics, clinical preceptors, students of changes in scheduling.

Program Development - 50%

•  Attend and assist with weekly student meetings for student feedback and program evaluation with attached weekly discussion points
• Assist with workshop on cultural expectations and culture shock management with CFHI students.
• Serve as liaison between students and clinic preceptors. Ensure consistent and regular contact with students, clinic preceptors, language school, and homestay families.
• Introduce and facilitate student and clinical preceptor interactions for enhanced learning experience and exchange of ideas.
• Ensure that Medical Education components (lectures, case study discussions, etc.) and Medical Spanish (where applicable) is being implemented.
• Evaluate clinical sites and clinical preceptors for appropriate matching of student educational and professional training, bilingual English and Spanish speaking ability, academic and professional interests, optimal learning environment.
• Assist with coordination of student clinical placements prior to arrival of students (July and August).
• Evaluate program for additional enhancement with current lectures and networking with local social service groups, traditional medicine
• Manage the medical supply donations at program sites. This involves collecting inventories and coordinating distribution.
• Explain the Recover program to students in first orientation meeting with them and create a project outline to involve students in inventory and distribution of supplies with Medical Director.
• Coordinate distribution of medical supplies with students and Medical Director.

• Cross-cultural understanding and sensitivity in communicating with staff and participants overseas
• Bilingual fluency in written and oral English and Spanish (Latin America only)
• FLEXIBILITY & PATIENCE
• Past CFHI rotation overseas within the last 3 years
• Willingness to assume a range of unanticipated assignments
• Prior experience in health field
• Strong professional, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Working knowledge of non-profits, specifically CFHI
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
• Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously
• Familiarity with computers, including skills in Microsoft Word, and e-mail applications

Orientation in San Francisco from May 27^th to 29^th. Depart for host country by May 30, 2009 for assistance with June, July, and 1st week of August, programs.  Return to US by the 9^th of August to debrief in SF local office with program committee until August 11^th. Please note that all Fellows must be able to arrive in San Francisco on May 26^th, and depart San Francisco on August 12^th. 

CFHI will provide:

• Round-trip airfare to host country from San Francisco.
• Stipend of $24 per day to cover cost of accommodation, local transportation and other expenses in the host country.
• General stipend of $300 paid on completion of all the reporting formalities at the end of the fellowship.
•  Hostel accommodation in San Francisco on a shared basis for the nights of May 26, 27, 28, 29 and August 9, 10, 11, 2009.

Applications and all supporting documents must be postmarked by January 15, 2009; CFHI will notify successful applicants on or before February 15^th 2009. Successful applicants are required to commit to fellowship by returning participation agreement by February 28^th 2009. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements defined above including interest level in global health and development issues with start date availability. Applicants who are unable to meet these requirements will not be considered.  A telephone interview will also be conducted before applicants can be accepted for the fellowship position.  Please send your completed application and documents to the CFHI office (address below).

Application Guidelines

All applications must be typed. Please do not submit applications in folders or binders. Each application package should include the following:

• The applicant's current contact information
• Resume (including detailed work experience and education/degrees)
• Email addresses and telephone numbers for two academic or professional references
• Application form/essay

All applications and supporting documents should be sent to:

CFHI
Attn: Alumni Fellowship
995 Market Street, Suite 1104
San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone: 415-957-9000, ext. 308
Toll free: 1-866-345-4674, ext. 308
Fax: 415-840-0486