Are you an Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy student looking to deepen your learning in diverse global healthcare settings? CFHI’s global health programs offer immersive experiences where you can observe and engage with local professionals, develop intercultural skills, and gain insight into PT/OT and rehabilitation practices around the world. Whether you’re exploring global approaches to therapy, deepening your understanding of community-based care, or preparing for your future career, CFHI programs provide a valuable opportunity to broaden your perspective and grow as an interculturally informed healthcare provider.
Why Choose CFHI?
CFHI programs allow OT and PT students to experience global approaches to their healthcare professions in hospitals, clinics, and community-based settings while learning from experienced professionals. PT/OT trainees gain key competencies that support both academic and professional growth:
- Immersive Clinical Observation – Observe practitioners in clinical and NGO settings (depending on the program) while developing a deeper understanding of culturally-informed approaches to patient care.
- OT/PT Roles in Global Health Systems – Develop a deep appreciation for the varied roles of OT/PT within different healthcare delivery models. Compare and contrast practices, scopes of work, and interprofessional collaboration in diverse global health settings.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Observe the roles of PT/OT, physicians, nurses, speech therapists, and others in patient care.
- Intercultural Skills Development – Understand how social and cultural factors influence rehabilitation and healthcare access in different countries and cultural realities.
- Ethical and Professional Growth – Develop a global perspective on healthcare delivery while learning to navigate ethical considerations in diverse settings.
Unique Global OT and PT Opportunities
Accra, Ghana
– Korle Bu Teaching Hospital & Community-Based Sites – Learn about rehabilitation services in a hospital setting, with a focus on both pediatric and adult patients.
– Shai Osuduku Community OT Unit – Observe therapy at a community rehabilitation center supporting individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions.
Cape Town, South Africa
– Victoria Hospital – Experience a rehabilitation environment that serves a socioeconomically diverse population, with opportunities to observe OT, PT, and speech therapy departments.
La Paz, Bolivia
– Non-Profit Special Education Center: The association supports hundreds of pediatric patients and their families. Guided by values of solidarity and dignity, the center is run by a multidisciplinary team spanning physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, speech therapy, psychology, occupational therapy, nutrition, social work, primary medical care, and dental care.
– Non-profit special education center that has been serving the city of El Alto for several years. It provides specialized care and technical education for individuals with physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities.
Oaxaca, Mexico
– Nonprofit Rehabilitation Center – Learn from professionals working in a center that provides therapy for children with disabilities, funded by Mexico’s largest telethon.
Delhi & Dehradun, India
– Nature Cure Hospital & Ayurveda Clinics – Explore integrative rehabilitation approaches that incorporate Ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy.
– Day Care Center for Children with Disabilities – Observe therapy sessions and learn about early childhood interventions in a community setting.
Cordoba, Argentina
– Public Pediatric Hospital – Gain experience alongside professionals at a rehabilitation center operating within a pediatric hospital, providing therapy for both children and adults. Intermediate level Spanish is required.
OT/PT trainees are welcome to join any CFHI program, even those without a specific PT/OT focus. With 30+ years of experience, CFHI offers rich, ethical global health opportunities. All programs provide valuable insight into healthcare systems and interdisciplinary care. See all programs here!
Start Your Global OT & PT Learning Journey Today
Take the next step in expanding your knowledge and understanding of rehabilitation by exploring CFHI’s global health programs for OT and PT students. Engage with diverse healthcare systems, learn from experienced professionals, and gain a global perspective that will enhance your future career in therapy.
