Welcome to Child Family Health International

Let the world change you with global health opportunities

CFHI is a non-profit organization offering ethical, Fair-Trade global health opportunities to students and academic institutions including internships, electives, rotations, practicums, programs, and more.
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About CFHI

Child Family Health International offers transformative Global Health Education programs, research, and thought leadership to learners and faculty emphasizing community leadership, global citizenship, and ethical engagement.

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Alumni

What we do

CFHI offers individual trainees and academic partners opportunities to learn about global health for experts and practitioners while embedded in existing health systems. We are known for ethical best practices, Fair Trade Learning principles, and prioritizing participant health, safety, and wellness.

Programs

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Global Health in Uganda (Kabale)

East Africa’s Uganda is known for its stunning ecotourism opportunities, beautiful mountains, and tea and coffee production. Kabale is a town in the lush Western mountainous region of Uganda, where the local public health system and health workers strive to address challenges such as high maternal and infant mortality, HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, and limited access to nutritious food leading to malnutrition.

Country:

Uganda,

Language:

English,

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Global Health in Uganda (Kabale)

Global Health in India (Delhi)

New Delhi, India is the second most populous city in the world, featuring dazzling cities and stunning historical and architectural sites. Determinants of health in India include poverty, malnutrition and inadequate public healthcare. Despite these challenges, India offers a myriad of innovations in public health education and delivery. During this program, learn from various NGO’s, CBO’s and public sector agencies working to improve public health outcomes. Understand the lingering impacts of India’s caste system and...

Country:

India,

Language:

English,

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Global Health in India (Delhi)

Global Health in India (Dehradun & Rural Himalayas)

India is a culturally vibrant democracy of nearly 1.4 billion people, home to bustling cities, lush mountains and a diverse population. In this program, participants travel to Northern India to learn from healthcare workers in urban and rural settings, gaining insight into hospital medicine, primary care, integrative medicine, public health and health realities of rural and remote communities. Participants have a unique opportunity to encounter various health challenges in clinical settings that represent the rural...

Country:

India,

Language:

English,

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Global Health in India (Dehradun & Rural Himalayas)

Global Health in Uganda (Mukono)

Uganda is known for its breathtaking ecotourism opportunities, lush mountains and the bustling capital city of Kampala. To help address preventable health challenges such as high infant mortality rate, diarrheal diseases, and malaria, Uganda has created a "Village Health Team (VHT)" program through which transnational NGOs, including Omni Med (CFHI's partner in Mukono), train and support community health workers. VHT’s serve three primary roles within rural villages: to spread preventive health information, to refer sick...

Country:

Uganda,

Language:

English,

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Global Health in Uganda (Mukono)

Global Health in Ghana (Accra)

Ghana has a rich cultural history and is one of the most stable and democratic countries in Africa, with vibrant cities and friendly people. Despite its strong economic growth and sound political system, progress is still needed in the quality of healthcare. Ghana has worked tirelessly to improve its maternal and child health indices, including the population’s overall health. However, social and economic conditions have continued to impact people’s health, with the highest disease burden...

Country:

Ghana,

Language:

English,

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Global Health in Ghana (Accra)

Global Health in Ghana (Cape Coast)

Ghana's Cape Coast is a relaxed fishing port, home to Elmina and Cape Coast Castles, which are legacies of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and recognized UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from European colonization in the twentieth century. Today, many factors contribute to Ghana's socio-economic realities, including foreign debts, an overburdened National Health Insurance System, and the volatility of health and development projects. These factors impact...

Country:

Ghana,

Language:

English,

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Global Health in Ghana (Cape Coast)

Global Health in South Africa (Cape Town)

South Africa, often referred to as "The Rainbow Nation," is celebrated for its rich multiculturalism and multilingual diversity. This diversity has evolved from a tumultuous history marked by Apartheid, the formalized system of racial segregation. Since the dismantling of Apartheid in 1994, South Africa has made significant strides in enhancing its infrastructure, education, economic opportunities, and healthcare services for underserved populations. Before the end of Apartheid, the majority Black population in South Africa had limited...

Country:

South Africa,

Language:

English,

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Global Health in South Africa (Cape Town)

Global Health in South Africa (Durban)

Durban is the heart of the Kwa-Zulu Natal province in South Africa, and the heartland of Zulu culture. This dynamic city of over 3 million people is South Africa’s third most populous city, known for its warm subtropical weather and beautiful coastline.  Since Apartheid’s fall in 1994, South Africa has improved infrastructure, education, economic opportunity and healthcare services for the underserved. Kwa-Zulu Natal province was the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1990’s with...

Country:

South Africa,

Language:

English,

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Global Health in South Africa (Durban)

Global Health in the Philippines

Comprised of over 7,100 islands in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is an archipelago filled with natural beauty and rich culture. Along with its biodiversity, white sandy beaches, mountain ranges, and tropical rainforests, the country’s colorful history is filled with a unique blend of cultures. Known for their warm hospitality, contagious smiles and delicious food, Filipinos truly make the Philippines a very special country to visit. To begin the program, participants complete a 1-week introduction in...

Country:

Philippines,

Language:

English,

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Global Health in the Philippines

Global Health in Argentina (Córdoba)

Located in the center of the country, Córdoba is the second most populous city in Argentina and is known for its colonial architecture and exceptionally rich landscapes. Argentina has led a significant effort to provide universal health coverage through a decentralized network of primary, secondary, and tertiary clinics and hospitals. However, economic and social inequalities challenge the achievement of health for all. During this program, learn from local experts about accessible healthcare through rotations at...

Country:

Argentina,

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Global Health in Argentina (Córdoba)

Global Health in Bolivia (La Paz)

Sitting in a valley in the Andes Mountains 11,942 ft (3,640 m) above sea level, La Paz is truly a unique city, full of colorful markets and the rich living heritage of indigenous peoples. Bolivia is one of few countries globally to implement a universal health coverage model and recognize traditional medicine as an integral part of its National Health System. Yet access to healthcare is hindered by inequities between social classes and ethnic groups. During...

Country:

Bolivia,

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Global Health in Bolivia (La Paz)

Global Health in Bolivia (Tarija)

Tarija is a small and tranquil city in southern Bolivia, but full of charm. This picturesque region is known as the “Bolivian Andalucia” for its vineyards and Spanish cultural influence. Tarija offers universal health insurance, which can create high demand for services and strains on the system due to lack of personnel and equipment. During this program, participants come to understand the cultural and socioeconomic barriers patients face in accessing healthcare services and witness treatments...

Country:

Bolivia,

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Global Health in Bolivia (Tarija)

Global Health in Ecuador (Guayaquil & Puyo)

Experience Ecuador's diverse cultures and geography by visiting Guayaquil, a vibrant and modern tropical coastal city, and Puyo, a small town in the Amazon basin. This program offers a unique opportunity to explore community-based medicine in a variety of settings and contrast the urban clinics to healthcare delivery at the edge of the world's largest tropical rainforest.  Learn how communities in Guayaquil and Puyo are addressing their most pressing health challenges, including chronic, infectious, and...

Country:

Ecuador,

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Global Health in Ecuador (Guayaquil & Puyo)

Global Health in Ecuador (Quito)

Located in the Andes mountain range, Quito is the most populated city in the country. Ecuador's vibrant capital is known for its beautiful colonial center and was the first city to be declared World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. Quito is one of CFHI's longest-running programs. It offers participants the opportunity to immerse in a range of health services and experience a comprehensive view of the local healthcare system.  Since 2008, Ecuador has recognized healthcare...

Country:

Ecuador,

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Global Health in Ecuador (Quito)

Global Health in Mexico (Oaxaca)

The southern state of Oaxaca is the most ethnically and linguistically diverse state in Mexico. It is home to a vibrant craft and art scene, outstandingly colorful festivities amongst beautiful architecture and unique cuisine. Despite its cultural riches, Oaxaca ranks among the country's most impoverished states, lags in its health and economic indicators, and faces a complex social environment.  Through this program, join local healthcare professionals and learn firsthand about primary care, hospital care, and...

Country:

Mexico,

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Global Health in Mexico (Oaxaca)

Global Health in Mexico (Puerto Escondido)

Venture south to the coast of Mexico to immerse yourself in rich Oaxacan culture and language. Become acquainted with life in a small, tranquil coastal city nestled against the breathtaking Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range. Puerto Escondido, meaning hidden port and commonly known as Puerto, is an idyllic setting on the southern coast of Oaxaca, home to spectacular tropical beaches, coastal lagoons and vibrant nightlife. Yet despite the idyllic setting, Puerto faces a double...

Country:

Mexico,

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Global Health in Mexico (Puerto Escondido)

Explore Virtual Global Health Opportunities

Build your global health competencies online with CFHI

Featured Opportunities

Apply and Let the World Change You

Find the Global Health experience that's right for you! CFHI offers internships, practicums, electives, and programs that are online and in-person in 10 countries.
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What people are saying about CFHI

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about CFHI and our Global Health Education programs below.

What makes CFHI unique?

For over 30 years, CFHI’s work and award-winning programs have centered around offering safe, ethical, and sustainable global health education opportunities to trainees and academic partners. Program participants are embedded in existing health settings under appropriate supervision to learn about determinants of health, Burden of Disease, build deep cultural learning, and form lasting relationships. CFHI’s leadership model offers an alternative to problematic models that center leadership, finances, and decision-making power within High-Income Countries. Our Central Leadership Team and Global Team are located globally and are recruited for their outstanding leadership and expertise in their fields. Our work is rooted in best practices, Fair Trade Learning Principles, Asset Based approaches, and appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks.

Who can participate in CFHI Programs?

CFHI programs are inter-professional and available for undergraduate, graduate, professional and post-graduate students.  Clinical and public health education is tailored to participants based on their educational level, language skills, and professional objectives. Participants must be 19 years of age or older. Our programs are educational and interdisciplinary, meaning we encourage students from different majors, levels of education, fields, and areas of expertise to work together while learning from CFHI’s Global Team and host communities.  CFHI programs are professionally enriching, ethically and legally appropriate for level of training, and developed to prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of all involved. CFHI participants include medical students, residents, public health students, nursing students, social science majors, social work students, pre-health students, dental students, allied health students, and more. Participants join CFHI programs as individuals or as part of an academic partnership with their institution.

Can I participate on a CFHI program if I don't have US Passport?

CFHI welcomes participants of all nationalities. Due to frequently changing regulations, we strongly recommend consulting with your home institution, your embassy/consulate, as well as third parties such as the American Civil Liberties Union, if you are traveling without a passport or with a green card. If you believe you may be affected by travel bans or other regulations, or have questions about how your nationality or legal status may affect your ability to participate in a CFHI program, Please contact us: students@cfhi.org. CFHI’s wide portfolio of virtual internships, practicums, electives, and self-paced courses are also a great option.

How do CFHI Programs differ from other experiences abroad?

CFHI was established 1992 and is considered the gold standard in the field of global health experiential education. Known for our approach that focuses on ethical best practices, Asset Based Community Development, and Fair Trade Learning practices, CFHI partners and collaborates with individuals and over 70 US based universities and academic institutions to offer quality programming for learners. We prioritize quality learning experiences led by global health experts in 10 countries and online, supporting the health, safety, and wellbeing of our learners, global team, and host communities. CFHI is also an official partner of AMSA (American Medical Student Association), has been recognized year over year as a Top Rated nonprofit by GreatNonprofits, and is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, and is proud to be part of a small number of nonprofits serving in Special Consultative Status with the ECOSOC of the United Nations. As a UN-recognized nonprofit, CFHI programs uphold the highest ethical standards with over 60% of student fees reinvested in underserved communities.

How do I participate CFHI Global Health Education Program?

To participate in a CFHI Global Health Education Program:

– Use the filters to help you select the CFHI program that interests you
– Choose from a variety of available start dates or contact CFHI at students@cfhi.org to request an alternate start date
– Fill out a quick application including short answer questions and 1 reference
– Set-up your crowdfunding page to raise funds for your program fees
– Check out our Scholarships page for support to fund your program

How do I participate CFHI Global Health Education Program?

To participate in a CFHI Global Health Education Program:

– Use the filters to help you select the CFHI program that interests you
– Choose from a variety of available start dates or contact CFHI at students@cfhi.org to request an alternate start date
– Fill out a quick application including short answer questions and 1 reference
– Set-up your crowdfunding page to raise funds for your program fees
– Check out our Scholarships page for support to fund your program

Can I get academic credit for CFHI programs?

Over 60% of CFHI participants get academic credit from their school for CFHI programs. A great way to receive academic credit for a CFHI program is to inquire with your study abroad office or academic advisor to see if your institution partners with CFHI and offers credit for our programs. If a agreement or partnership is not in place, CFHI is happy to assist with program enrollment, confirmation letters, evaluations, and other documentation you may need to seek credit through your home institution. Questions about getting academic credit? Email students@cfhi.org.

Does CFHI have programs for universities, schools and faculty?

Along with providing programs directly to students, CFHI offers academic partnerships for schools and departments to scale up global health offerings and international engagement. CFHI academic partnerships include a range of options such as custom faculty-led and non-faculty-led programs to meet speific learning objectives. Some academic partnership offer semi-custom or even non-custom programs by place CFHI on a preferred provider list to make it easier for students to select a quality program.

How can I help support CFHI’s efforts and innovative work?

CFHI is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that prioritizing sending over 60%  of every dollar directly to our global leadership to support their work and educational programs. Donating to CFHI enables us to keep program fees low, provides scholarships for students with economic need, and supports global community efforts to address health and social issues through Community Health Projects. Consider a donation today!

How does CFHI help ensure safety for program participants?

For 30+ years, we have hosted over 15,000 participants in more than 30 programs around the world. Our first priority is student safety.  Visit our Health & Safety page to learn more about the various strategies CFHI uses to minimize risks on-site risks and prioritize participant safety.

How do I learn more about CFHI?

Contact students@cfhi.org for more information.